Pickleball Turned Me Into That Guy Who Cancels Parties & I’m Not Sorry

How Pickleball Hijacks Your Calendar

Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s a lifestyle hijacker. One casual “come try this” session can spiral into hours of rallies, late-night games, and a social life that revolves entirely around the court. Birthdays? Late dinners? Random hangouts? They quietly fall by the wayside and somehow, everyone accepts it.

The court gives something parties never could: intensity, focus, and a strange kind of joy that sticks. Lights hum above the net, balls echo rhythmically, and players run, lunge, and dink like their lives depend on it. Phones tucked away, social media paused the only notifications are cheers, groans, and the banter bouncing across the floor.

The Addictive Joy of Late-Night Rallies

For many, this becomes addictive. Not in the destructive way, but a healthy obsession. Every rally teaches presence. Every missed shot teaches patience. Every victory feels earned in a way a casual night out never could. Friends jokingly call pickleball a “cult” but it’s a cult that strengthens bodies, minds, and social bonds

Social Life, Pickleball Style

Pickleball is surprisingly social. Inside jokes form mid-rally. Teammates and opponents share knowing smiles. Social currency is effort and focus, not small talk. Players bond over the grind, laugh at mistakes, and celebrate improbable wins. Over time, the court becomes a different kind of social hub messy, honest, and human.

Why Players Choose Courts Over Parties

Newcomers often ask, “Why skip events for a game?” By the tenth rally, they understand: it’s not avoidance, it’s choice. Court time is real, immersive, and communal. Players emerge sweaty, tired, and exhilarated ready to cancel plans again, unapologetically.

This article is an excerpt from our interview with Prem Shanker. Watch the full video here.

Photos via Instagram.