How Beverly and Earl Schalin share their love of Pickleball everywhere they go

Beverly and Earl Schalin, both in their 90s, are passionate about teaching others how to play pickleball, a sport they fell in love with after retiring and moving to Sun Lakes, Arizona. Despite having won several tournaments and been featured in news stories, the Schalins derive the most joy from putting paddles in the hands of newcomers and getting them on the court. They estimate that they have taught over 400 people to play pickleball.

According to Earl, many of the people they teach have a tennis background, but pickleball is easier to learn and become competitive in. The game can be taught within 15 to 20 minutes, and those who have played ping-pong are able to keep the ball in play for several hits.

The Schalins' passion for pickleball led them to lobby the mayor of Chandler to install pickleball lines on local tennis courts. They also volunteered to host introductory clinics and have taught the sport to residents of the retirement community in San Diego where they now live.

The Schalins have modified the rules of the game they play to make it safer for older individuals. They no longer run up to the net and do not allow lobbing, as it carries too much of a fall risk. Despite this, they continue to play and mosey around the court.

The Schalins believe that pickleball is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. They encourage those who may not think they can play due to knee replacements or other issues to come and watch to see if it might be a possibility. They have witnessed friends with knee replacements enjoy the game and have fun when they didn't think they could.

https://usapickleball.org/news/beverly-and-earl-schalin-find-themselves-teaching-pickleball-everywhere-they-go/