Across the Acadian Peninsula, he is known simply as Mr. Pickleball. Jean-Yves Duguay is more than a fan of this sport which continues to gain popularity. He is almost single-handedly responsible for the exceptional growth of pickleball throughout the region.
In addition to playing regularly and competing in tournaments, the retired physical education teacher offers clinics to hundreds of young people who want to discover a new sport.
His passion was born about a dozen years ago.
“I discovered sport through the University of the Third Age in Shippagan. I’ve been playing pickleball for 11 years now,” says the man who still substitutes in the three comprehensive schools on the Acadian Peninsula.
“For me it was like the instant sting. I really fell in love at first sight. I had played tennis and badminton before, but I left that aside to concentrate solely on pickleball,” he emphasizes.
“I’ve played a lot of sports in my life, but I’ve never found one that I’m as passionate about as this one. I’m in it 100%. I hadn’t been hitting balls for 10 minutes and I was already hooked.”
Besides the social aspect of the sport, Mr. Pickleball really enjoys the strategic and technical aspect of the game.
“I’m getting back what I loved about badminton and tennis, because pickleball is a bit of a mix of the two.”
Jean-Guy Duguay practices his favorite sport with his partner Johanne Dugas.
“It’s a bit of what makes us happy because we are as passionate as each other. We play tournaments together and we give clinics together. We never thought we would spend time in Florida during the winter, but here we are going there for three months for pickleball.
From training to young people
For several years, he has shared his passion with many young people across the province.
Over the past four years, he has taught more than 450 young people through more than 40 clinics.
The one who obtained his level 2 of the National Coaching Certification Program says he is surprised by the response from young people.
“We were pleasantly surprised when we first arrived. Usually, when you bring them something new, it’s all new, all beautiful. But it usually doesn’t last.”
Except that the number has continued to increase.
“The enthusiasm is there. We see it every week. We find young people who would not necessarily have practiced other sports. We have them of all skill levels. What we especially want is for them to have fun playing,” he explains.
“It’s a sport that is relatively easy to learn. Hitting this ball that doesn’t travel that fast and that you can control is a big advantage. Young people are successful right away. The pleasure is immediate. To compare with tennis, before you can control the ball, it takes time.”
And contrary to what cynics may think, pickleball is not an old man’s sport, says Jean-Guy Duguay.
He cites in particular the numerous professional leagues that exist around the world.
“The best player in the world is only 17 (Anna Leigh Waters). The number one among men is 28 years old (Frederico Staksrud).
“It’s a sport that is getting faster and faster and more and more competitive. The sport and equipment, like snowshoes, are evolving rapidly. Performance increases accordingly.”
The retired teacher says he is proud of his legacy.
“I dare to believe that I had a good influence. It’s always nice to share a passion.”
He will no longer be alone since the city of Shippagan has built six pickleball courts on Loudun Avenue.
The approximately half-million-dollar project will be ready at the end of June.
2024-06-03 22:31:45
#Meet #Pickleball
