The Love of the Game! Thanks Paul.

The Battle at the Beach

That's what some might have called it. There was 15 year old wunderkind Paul Najjar from Marina Del Rey, protégé of Scott Freedman, playing his heart out, hitting crazy cross court volleys and hammered forehands right down the sidelines to pass someone over 20 years his senior. At the end of their set, Paul narrowly lost in a tie-breaker 7-5. But, at the end of the set, anyone watching (which included Paul's teacher Scott Freedman, his mom, sister and many other spectators along the Venice Beach boardwalk) knew there wasn't a loser among the competitors. Paddle Tennis was the winner.

Paddle Tennis... What other sport would bring together a 15 year old, fairly new to the game, but with enthusiasm, spirit, instincts and shots that you can't teach with a 35 year old bank executive so obsessed with paddle tennis he plays game incessantly and all but quit golf because he's smitten by the siren song of this sport? If you've played, you understand.

Paul represents the possibility of a sport like Paddle Tennis and the main reason it should grow to its fullest potential. Really you have meet him to understand. He's a great kid. Whether it's Paul Najjar or Althea Gibson, you never know how Paddle Tennis will shape their future. In Althea's case, she did all right. Paul's on his way. Low barriers to entry. Just bring your paddle, your enthusiasm and some physical ability and you can play. Especially a game like doubles. Here you have the unique opportunity to mix the best player ever and his 15 year old student with two above average players and have a competitive game. (OK, the 15 year old and the pro pretty much cleaned up...)  In golf or tennis, it wouldn't be fun for any of the four. In Paddle Tennis, it's competition from the first serve.

Thanks Paul. You make us all realize we should play the game like we're 15.

Just for the fun of it!