Healthy Aging

Rick Clendenen, 72: The Joy of Pickleball

By Rick Clendenen Wednesday, March 8, 2023 20 Comments Share This:

Meet Rick Clendenen. He’s one of the 2023 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes, and he’ll be sharing updates on his health and wellness journey through the rest of this year. Rick, age 72, has always been an active athlete. After a knee issue took him off the volleyball court, Rick discovered the pickleball court and quickly became not only a fan, but a skilled player and advocate for other older adults to get involved with one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

Hello Senior Planet! I’m Rick Clendenen and I will be hosting informational sessions and writing about pickleball this year as a Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete. I’m 72 and I grew up in the Midwest, born in Ft. Wayne, IN. I have stayed active in many sports throughout my life — basketball (I am from Indiana!), racquetball, table tennis, and lots of volleyball. I have enjoyed playing in many national volleyball tournaments including the Huntsman World Senior Games.

About two years ago, when a knee issue became a serious detriment to playing volleyball competitively, I needed to reconsider my focus. My wife and I live on Camano Island, Washington, which is one hour north of Seattle. I noticed a two-line ad to “Learn Pickleball” in a small local paper. I tried it, and liked it…a lot!

Camaraderie and Competition

“There is a strong communal aspect to pickleball, as many people play mainly for fun and friendship — while getting good exercise too!”

I really enjoy pickleball because it is very social, and it can be competitive too. There is a great club here on the island, and there are always many opportunities to work on improving. There is a strong communal aspect to pickleball, as many people play mainly for fun and friendship — while getting good exercise too!

Pickleball is played with a paddle and what is basically a “Wiffle ball,” on a fairly small court with a net. There’s not too much running, and there is a wide range of people that enjoy playing. For those that like being competitive, you can take it up many levels both locally and nationally.

I am a member of the Camano Stanwood Pickleball Association, which has grown to 350 members. I manage and teach in the club’s mentoring program, and I lead the Tournament Committee. I am also proud to have been elected to the Board of Directors. The club hosts six main events for both fun and competition each year.

Your Chance to Learn

I hope you’ll join me on Zoom next Wednesday, March 15 at 1:30pm EST for the first of a two-part presentation all about pickleball. I hope to cover the following questions and topics related to the basics of the game:

How do you find and get involved in pickleball?
What is needed to participate?
What are the court lines and rules?
Suggestions for warm-up and strength
Playing the game with varied participants
Good technique for serves and returns
Keeping score

In part 2, we’ll summarize the basics, and then go into further development of skills. Stay tuned for more details… I truly look forward to sharing the “joy of pickleball” with the Senior Planet network this year!

In need of a little motivation to get moving? Join our daily health and wellness programs, stay tuned to the latest news and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You might just find a new love for fitness along the way!

COMMENTS

20 responses to “Rick Clendenen, 72: The Joy of Pickleball”

Andy:

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 7:13pm

“It’s important to age gracefully. I have discovered a great book: Aging Gracefully: Secrets to Lifelong Health and Vitality for Kindle.”

Reply to Andy
gayle:

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 10:07am

would love to get back in to pickleball again could you tell me where is takingn place and how i can get in

Reply to gayle
1. Virge:
  
  Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 8:58am
  
  try Googling “pickleball near me” and add your zip code or city.
  
  Reply to Virge
2. Senior Planet:
  
  Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 9:05am
  
  Try Googling “Pickleball near me” and enter your city or zip code.
  
  Reply to Senior Planet
Sally Saenger:

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:18pm

Great personal story! I couldn’t attend the presentation so I look forward to seeing it on video. Thanks for sharing your love of Pickleball. I want to play it just because I like the name “Pickleball”.

Reply to Sally Saenger
Julie Stephens:

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 3:08pm

I missed this presentation! Will there be a recording available? Also, when is Part Two?
Thanks!

Reply to Julie Stephens
1. Sean Cruse:
  
  Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 9:52am
  
  Hi Julie, we will be posting a video recording of Rick’s presentation in the coming weeks. You’ll be able to find the video on the Senior Planet YouTube channel, and at seniorplanet.org/athletes. Part 2 will take place on March 29 at 1:30pm EDT. We will be posting the event link soon to our fitness & wellness class calendar!
  
  Reply to Sean Cruse
  1. Julie Stephens:
    
    Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11:37am
    
    Thank you!
  2. Blaze:
    
    Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 3:46pm
    
    Where is Part 1?
  3. Sean Cruse:
    
    Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 5:13pm
    
    Part 1 is now available to watch here on the Senior Planet YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@seniorplanet
Tonton:

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:29am

I’d like to join up with a league / find local games Bethesda area 20814. Tks.
Tonton M
Parlove4me@msn. Com

Reply to Tonton
1. Senior Planet:
  
  Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:50am
  
  Some info should pop if you Google “pickleball leagues” and your zip code.
  
  Reply to Senior Planet
2. Rick Clendenen:
  
  Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 3:07pm
  
  You might try the website: playtimescheduler.com
  
  This site is free and will show you pickleball courts and sign up opportunities near you.
  
  Reply to Rick Clendenen
3. Joe:
  
  Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 12:32pm
  
  There’s an app called “Places2Play”. It will show you where you can find a pickleball court in the area you’re located at any time. Good luck and have fun.
  
  Reply to Joe
Alice Palach-Spera:

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 12:36am

Unfortunately due to a doctor’s appointment, I am going to have to miss your presentation. Would it be possible to record it to view at another time?

Reply to Alice Palach-Spera
1. Sean Cruse:
  
  Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 9:50am
  
  Hi Alice, we will be posting a video recording of Rick’s presentation in the coming weeks. You’ll be able to find the video on the Senior Planet YouTube channel, and at seniorplanet.org/athletes.
  
  Reply to Sean Cruse
Joyce A Stevens:

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 4:41pm

I love Pickleball and have been playing since 2019. Recently though, players have gotten very competitve and just slam the ball. Those players truly take the joy out of just playing a good game following the rules.
It is growing so fast here in Baltimore County, MD (especially at the Senior Centers) that we now need more courts to play on.

Reply to Joyce A Stevens
Kathy Molloy:

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 6:59am

Awesome! Looking forward to Wednesday

Reply to Kathy Molloy
1. JoAnn Harris:
  
  Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 7:25pm
  
  Are these sessions recorded?
  
  Reply to JoAnn Harris
  1. Sean Cruse:
    
    Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 9:52am
    
    Hi JoAnn, we will be posting a video recording of Rick’s presentation in the coming weeks. You’ll be able to find the video on the Senior Planet YouTube channel, and at seniorplanet.org/athletes.