Let’s talk pickleball with Durango’s Laura Lynne
DURANGO, Colo. — Let’s talk pickleball! The fastest-growing sport in America is paddle sports, which blend elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a small court with a perforated plastic ball and paddles, it’s accessible to all ages and skill levels. Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. Key features include a lower net and the “kitchen,” a non-volley zone near the net.
Laura Lynne Ehlers started playing tennis in Ohio at age 8; she loved it and continued to play in United States Tennis Association (USTA) leagues and tournaments. In 2009, she moved to Durango with her family and taught tennis at Durango Parks and Recreation. She also coached two seasons of tennis with Durango High School.
In 2017, she began playing and teaching pickleball. As a certified instructor through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) and a coach at Dalton Ranch Golf Club, she plays an integral role in promoting the sport within her community.
What Laura loves most about pickleball is its inclusivity and social aspect. “It’s very social, and all levels can play,” she says, “Pickleball is not just a sport but a vibrant social activity that fosters connections and camaraderie among players of all ages and skill levels.”
Laura’s personal goals within pickleball reflect her commitment to continuous improvement. She aims to refine her strategies and minimize unforced errors, a common challenge in the sport. “Pickleball can be very mental,” she notes. “Relaxing and trying your hardest are key to overcoming these challenges.”
The best advice Laura has received is simple yet profound: practice and be ready to adjust your game. Pickleball offers health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness and improved coordination, and has gained popularity due to its simplicity, social nature, and inclusivity. Before getting out on the court, one should get a good night’s sleep, stretch, and hydrate—essential for peak performance.
Laura lives in downtown Durango with her partner, Kirk, and their pup, the General, Ike. She loves spending time with their adult children and 6-year-old grandson. She teaches pickleball at Dalton Ranch, where non-members can participate. In the winter months, she teaches at Lake Havasu City in Arizona.
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