I have had a racket or paddle in my hand since grade school. Played and taught tennis at our private country club for over 20 years. I was playing tennis approx 4x a week and platform tennis 2x a week UNTIL I found pickleball about 10 years ago. Luvluvluv the game. I have upped my level in the last year after winning quite a few 4.0 tournaments. I have been playing 4.5 level and actually medaled in a few. I also love promoting and teaching the basics of the game. I consider myself a power player; however, I am working everyday on the dink! The Joola paddle has been very instrumental in helping me to achieve that aspect.