Is Singles Pickleball Mini-Tennis❔| Pickleball Connection Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Pickleball Connection podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of eye protection in pickleball. They explore the benefits of wearing protective glasses, especially after experiencing close calls or injuries, while also addressing the discomfort some players feel when wearing glasses. Frameless glasses are highlighted as a popular choice for those seeking protection without compromising vision, though the design is debated. The hosts share their personal experiences, with a mix of cautious and hesitant perspectives, encouraging listeners to share their thoughts on whether eye protection should be mandatory in the sport.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eye protection is crucial in pickleball as getting hit in the eye can end a player's career or lead to serious injury.
• 😀 Wearing eye protection boosts a player's confidence on the court, especially if they have been injured before.
• 😀 Many professional players avoid eye protection due to concerns about impaired vision and reduced clarity.
• 😀 Frameless glasses are becoming a popular option for eye protection, offering safety without compromising visibility.
• 😀 Frameless glasses, while functional, may look odd to some, resembling 3D movie glasses.
• 😀 Some frameless glasses don't provide adequate protection on the bottom part of the eye socket, which can be problematic during a ball hit.
• 😀 One host has had multiple close calls with eye injuries but has not yet experienced a serious incident.
• 😀 There’s a debate on whether eye protection should be mandatory in pickleball, with players who have had eye injuries leaning towards it being required.
• 😀 Even though helmets are often mandatory when renting bikes, one host admits to rarely wearing a helmet, mirroring their reluctance to wear eye protection.
• 😀 The conversation ends with a reminder to take safety seriously, urging listeners to wear eye protection in pickleball just like wearing a helmet when biking.

Q & A

Why does the speaker feel more confident when wearing eye protection in pickleball?

The speaker feels more confident when wearing eye protection because it provides a sense of safety, especially after having been hit in the eye multiple times. This sense of security boosts their overall confidence while playing.

What is the issue that some professionals face when wearing eye protection?

Some professionals feel that eye protection, particularly glasses, obstructs their vision, making it harder to see clearly and perform at their best. This is often described as a lack of 'crispness' in their vision while playing.

What type of eye protection is becoming more popular in pickleball?

Frameless glasses are becoming more popular in pickleball because they allow for better visibility without the obstruction of traditional frames, yet still provide some protection in case of impact.

Why might frameless glasses not provide as much protection as traditional glasses?

Frameless glasses do not offer as much protection because they lack a bottom frame, which leaves the cheekbone area vulnerable. Traditional glasses with a full frame provide more coverage and safety against ball impacts.

What is the personal preference of the speaker when it comes to eye protection?

The speaker prefers to wear sunglasses during outdoor play, but refrains from wearing eye protection during indoor play or at night. They are open to trying new types of eye protection, especially after experiencing multiple eye injuries.

Why do frameless glasses seem 'weird' to the speaker?

The speaker finds frameless glasses odd because they remind them of the 3D glasses given at movie theaters, and the glasses appear to sit too low on the face, extending down onto the cheekbones.

What is the reason some people are against wearing eye protection in pickleball?

Some people are against wearing eye protection because they feel it interferes with their vision or affects their performance, making it difficult to see clearly and play at their best.

Do the hosts think eye protection should be mandatory in pickleball?

While the hosts acknowledge the importance of eye protection, they are unsure if it will ever be made mandatory. They recognize that many people who have experienced eye injuries would likely support making it a requirement.

What humorous comparison is made about wearing helmets?

The hosts humorously compare wearing eye protection to wearing helmets when renting bikes. They mention how, even though wearing a helmet is mandatory, they themselves don't always follow the rule, but still acknowledge the importance of safety.

What does the speaker say about getting hit in the eye in pickleball?

The speaker shares that they have been hit in the eye many times, and while they haven’t had a major injury yet, the experience is still quite scary. This has prompted them to reconsider wearing eye protection during play.