Erik Korem Discloses Pickleball’s Demands: Dr. Erik Korem discloses that the world of pickleball has been nothing short of eye-opening. Thanks to Megan and Ryler Deheart, Korem experienced the sport at its highest level, and his reflections on the journey reveal just how demanding pickleball can be. “This (sport) is a grinder!”
Korem, who has a background in coaching at Florida State, was introduced to pickleball through the Dehearts—Megan, an elite player, and Ryler, a former professional tennis player. The Dehearts’ lifestyle is as unique as their game: they live in an RV with their children, traveling across the country without a permanent home.
A Week with the Dehearts
Invited by the Dehearts to join them at the US Open, Korem’s immersion into the pickleball scene was intense. He stayed at a local’s house, while the Dehearts camped in their RV, parked in the back of the property. The hosts, a generous couple, had an indoor pickleball court in their backyard, known as Pickle on Third, in Naples, Florida. Korem describes the experience as a blend of hospitality and hard work.
“Everyone knows what I’m talking about,” Korem says, referring to the rigorous demands of the sport. His role extended beyond casual observation. He was up at 6:00 a.m. daily, assisting Ryler at the facility and supporting Megan with warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery throughout the week. Korem’s commitment was evident, as he was actively involved every day except for the final championship day, which he had to miss due to prior commitments.
Understanding the Grind
The firsthand exposure to the Dehearts’ regimen gave Korem a profound appreciation for the sport’s physical demands. Watching the intensity with which they approached each day, he came to understand the true nature of pickleball. It’s not just a game; it’s a rigorous test of endurance and skill. As Korem puts it succinctly, “This (sport) is a grinder!”
The experience showed the dedication required to excel in pickleball and highlighted the unique and demanding nature of the sport. For Korem, the entry into pickleball was a vivid display of the grind that top players endure, shedding light on the intense commitment needed to compete at the highest levels.
News in Brief: Erik Korem Discloses Pickleball’s Demands
Dr. Erik Korem’s recent dive into pickleball, facilitated by Megan and Ryler Deheart, revealed the sport’s demanding nature. Korem, a former Florida State coach, was immersed in the sport during a week at the US Open. Staying with local hosts and observing the Dehearts’ lifestyle in their RV, Korem experienced pickleball’s rigorous demands firsthand.
His daily involvement included assisting with warm-ups and recovery, highlighting the intense grind of the sport. Korem’s experience showed pickleball as a rigorous test of endurance and skill, affirming that the sport is far more demanding than it might appear. His reflections reveal the high level of commitment required to compete at top levels in pickleball.
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