Can George Wall Save Pickleball: In pickleball, George Wall, a professional player, has emerged as a compelling advocate for limiting paddle power. As the sport experiences a surge in popularity, capturing the hearts of millions globally, he believes that addressing the issue of powerful paddles is crucial to maintaining the game’s appeal for new players.
While pickleball has created a community where players of all ages can come together, concerns arise regarding how the increasing power of paddles might disrupt the sport’s essence. George Wall argues that without intervention, this trend could hinder pickleball’s growth and attractiveness.
A Call for Change
In an exclusive interview with Times Now, George Wall shared his thoughts on the matter.
“Pickleball is a very easy game to pick up and just have fun with. Just do it right away, and you will learn very quickly. It has a unique sort of addictiveness that I haven’t seen in any other game. People of any age can pick up and get moving.” – (George Wall)
George Wall emphasized that the conversation surrounding paddle power is vital.
“The big topic of conversation is paddles and their power. Pickleball needs to be unique and not become too similar to other racquet sports. Limiting the power of these paddles would go a long way in keeping the sport interesting for new eyes. It is a winning formula right now. You want to keep the game largely the way it is. There is an old saying—don’t change what’s working.” – (George Wall)
Personal Preferences
When discussing his own paddle choices, George Wall noted,
“I am currently using an engaged paddle. It is 14 mm thick. I get a good amount of power from that one, and it allows me to be consistent on the kitchen line and also responds well when I go for the attack. I have been using it for 3-4 months now and am enjoying it.” – (George Wall)
His enthusiasm for his equipment reflects his commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity.
The Addictive Nature of Pickleball
George Wall’s experiences on the pickleball court raise the question: what makes pickleball so addictive?
“There is, but I haven’t been able to articulate it very well. When I started playing in Brisbane, they started at 7 AM and by 11 AM in the morning, I was still playing. Interestingly, I am the youngest there, and the average is above 60. Despite it being hot, no one wants to get off the court. Never really seen anything like that. I think there is something really satisfying about hitting a ball with a paddle, and the fact that it is so easy to pick up for people of all ages is what hooks people.” – (George Wall)
Anticipation for the India Masters
As George Wall prepares for the upcoming India Masters, he expresses excitement about the pickleball tournament’s significance for the sport in India.
“It will be the first time in India, and the setup in Delhi will have video replay, which is a first in the southern hemisphere for Pickleball, which is incredible. I am also preparing for the right by keeping my body right and working on my game with some innovations. So super excited for it. I am excited to see the depth of Indian Pickleball and the talent that will be on display. The players I have met so far are all great, pretty tricky, and have some unique variations to their game. So excited to take them on.” – (George Wall)
View this post on Instagram
Strategies for Success
When it comes to intense matches, George Wall acknowledges the importance of strategy.
“Yeah. I can’t give a plan, but you know, I think the situation, when you get close, you really have to rely on the things that really work for you, and Pickleball can be one of the games where it can be over very, very quickly, but it can last a while too. So I think you need to go with a clear plan ‘A’ and a clear plan ‘B’, if the Plan ‘A’ is not just working out. So I think in the clutch moment in the big matches, it’s really about focusing on what I do well or my team or my partnership is doing well, playing with strength and then really in those big moments, keeping it away from where we think the opponents are dangerous, your opponents won’t be comfortable in those big moments.” – (George Wall)
View this post on Instagram
The Influence of Tennis
George Wall also reflected on his favorite pickleball shot and how his background in tennis has shaped his pickleball journey.
“I like my forehand speed-up. It is difficult to read and different from a tennis forehand. You can disguise it a few different ways, and it is a cool one to use—because when it comes off the wrong foot a person, it can be very encouraging.” – (George Wall)
“The court movement has come very naturally. Fast hands are another thing that tennis players come with. In my college days, I developed good volleys, and that has been very handy. The other thing is that tennis is a game of patience, and in Pickleball, as you go up the ladder, it can also be seen as a game of patience. So bringing a lot of that patience is also very helpful.” he concluded, representing the blend of skills that make him a formidable pickleball player on the court.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Can George Wall Save Pickleball
Professional pickleball player George Wall demands limiting pickleball paddle power to maintain the sport’s appeal. He emphasizes that powerful pickleball paddles could deter new players and disrupt pickleball’s unique charm.
George Wall reflects on the addictive nature of the game, sharing his experiences and expressing excitement for the upcoming India Masters tournament, where innovative features like video replay will be introduced. His insights highlight the importance of pickleball strategy and patience in gameplay, drawing from his tennis background.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Noise Debate in East Petersburg: Council Caught Between Players and Residents
