As you step foot onto a pickleball court, you hear the dinks of the pickleball, the shuffle of quick feet, and the celebration of teams as they win the point. This scene is becoming more common as pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports across the United States, gaining much popularity among all generations and skill levels.

Pickleball is a great way to get outdoors with family and friends. Whether it’s just a fun recreational game or a competitive tournament, there are lots of opportunities to play. For the Robinson family, it has become a key aspect of their lives.

Sophomore Zane Robinson and his father, Zack, have become kings of the court with their success.

Before picking up pickleball, Robinson was an avid tennis player. One day, his tennis coach introduced him to the sport. Now, he and his dad practice almost every day around town, including courts at Miracle Hills, Oak Hills, or wherever a court is available.

“Almost every day after school and practice, we go out. We go to the gym a little just for conditioning and then go to the courts, try to get as many hours in as we can,” Robinson said.

With all of this practice and training, this preparation gets them ready to play in the five or six tournaments they play in a month, including tournaments all around the country.

“I’ve been to New York, Houston, Minneapolis, and Kansas City,” Robinson said.

The Robinsons play in one of the many professional pickleball leagues called the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Starting in February of 2020, the league has been showcasing pickleball, some of the best athletes in the world, such as Ben Johns, and inspiring the next generation of fans and players. Tournaments are run all over the country and throughout the entire year. These tournaments are offered for all ages and levels of players with brackets broken down by age group and skill.

According to the PPA, Robinson is a ranked player in the Junior PPA tour placing at 278 out of 335 in Boys Singles. In addition to playing in PPA tournaments, Robinson has had the opportunity to meet several professional players.

“I met Jack Sock, Zane Navratil, and a YouTuber who plays pickleball as well. I got to meet all of them and talk to them about their experience playing,” Robinson said.

Robinson and his dad make a lot of memories together playing pickleball, one of them being their first time playing together in Kansas City. They were down a game but then were able to push through and come back to win.

“It was really cool because we had never truly played in a tournament. When we got there, it was confusing, but we figured it out and won. It was really fun,” Robinson said.

Being on the court, Robinson has had the opportunity to learn more about and deepen his understanding of pickleball as well as gain exposure to the professional environment.

“I met some great people, got some awesome experience playing against new opponents, and learned a ton watching the pros up close,” Robinson said.

Robinson enjoys these new experiences with pickleball, but the most meaningful part is that he can do it with his dad. Playing pickleball not only enhances his skills but also strengthens their bond, making each game something they both look forward to.

“My favorite part is getting to spend time with him and hang out. It’s something we both love to do,” Robinson said.

As the Robinsons play their way through tournaments, they continue to make more exciting memories and cherish the time on the court they have together.