Pickleball and the Practice of Being Human

 by Bobby Riley (Author)

What if the path to peace, connection, and personal growth began with a paddle and a plastic ball?

Pickleball and the Practice of Being Human is a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply insightful exploration of how one of the world’s fastest-growing sports can teach us to live more fully, love more openly, and lead with compassion.

In this soulful debut, educator and restorative leader Bobby Riley draws unexpected parallels between the game of pickleball and the game of life. With warmth and wit, he offers reflections on patience, humility, boundaries, presence, forgiveness, and belonging — all through the lens of the court. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning what a dink is, this book invites you to pause, breathe, and engage with others (and yourself) a little more gently.

Each chapter blends personal touch, technical strategy, and profound life lessons, making this a guide not just for better pickleball, but for a better way of being human.

This is more than a sports book. It’s a rally cry for kindness, a paddle-sized manifesto on mindful living, and a love letter to the communities that keep us in the game long after the score stops mattering.

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