The Future of Pickleball

The Villages Pickleball Club, in The Villages, Florida, held a Pro Exhibition Weekend on March 19-21, 2016. Five of the top men’s Pickleball players in the world: (L-R) Wesley Gabrielsen, Phil Bagley, Kyle Yates, Rafael Siebenschein & Brian Ashworth) were asked, “What is the Future of Pickleball?" Without hesitation fingers were pointed at Kyle Yates. Why? Because he is young, fast, quick, athletic and smart. The youngsters are bringing a boat load of creativity and energy to the game. New strategies, ball placements, spins and styles of play have been added to the speed and quickness of youth. Older players are slowly relinquishing their national titles to this new wave of pickleball warriors. No worries for the older champions as there is the senior circuit and age brackets for championship pickleball that will see them well into their later years.