Digital Book Nook recently caught up with Bob Savar, author of “Pickleball for Seniors.” We are excited to share this insightful interview with our readers today.  

What inspired you to author this book?
When asked about the inspiration behind writing “Pickleball for Seniors,” my passion for both pickleball and empowering seniors to lead fulfilling lives comes to the forefront. The idea was born out of a personal journey and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of fellow seniors.

Having discovered the exhilarating sport of pickleball myself, I experienced firsthand the physical and mental benefits it brings. It not only provided me with a fun and engaging way to stay active but also introduced me to a welcoming community of like-minded individuals. Witnessing the joy and camaraderie that pickleball brought to my life, I felt a strong urge to share this wonderful experience with others, especially seniors who may be seeking new opportunities for active living.

As a seasoned pickleball player and instructor, and a firm believer in lifelong learning, I realized that seniors often face unique challenges when it comes to starting a new sport or staying active. I wanted to create a comprehensive resource that would address these specific needs and provide a clear roadmap for seniors to embark on their pickleball journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

I am also deeply passionate about promoting the idea that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s interests and goals. Through “Pickleball for Seniors,” I sought to challenge societal misconceptions about aging and inspire fellow seniors to embrace their potential, on and off the court.

This book is the culmination of my expertise as a pickleball instructor and my commitment to empowering seniors to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives. I poured my heart into crafting a guide that not only imparts essential pickleball techniques and strategies but also fosters a sense of community and well-being among its readers.

Ultimately, the inspiration behind “Pickleball for Seniors” is to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of my fellow seniors, encouraging them to stay active, engaged, and full of life through the incredible world of pickleball. I am truly excited to see how this book will inspire others to discover the joy of pickleball and embrace the boundless possibilities that await them on the court and beyond.

What were the struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

As the author of “Pickleball for Seniors,” I faced several significant struggles and obstacles while writing the book. Here are some elaborations on the challenges you encountered:

1. Time Management: Balancing my time between teaching pickleball clinics, giving private lessons, and writing blog and social media posts about pickleball was undoubtedly a considerable challenge. Finding dedicated time to focus on writing the book amidst my busy schedule required careful planning and prioritization.
2. Writing vs. Coaching: Juggling between writing and coaching demanded a delicate balance. Coaching responsibilities can be physically and mentally demanding, leaving limited energy and time for creative writing. Transitioning from the hands-on, dynamic world of coaching to the introspective and focused writing process required mental agility and discipline.
3. Identifying Seniors’ Unique Struggles: Writing a book specifically tailored to seniors meant understanding and addressing their unique challenges, aspirations, and needs. This required in-depth research, interviews, and empathy to grasp the physical limitations, concerns, and desires of senior players. Isolating and articulating these issues in a way that resonated with seniors called for a thorough understanding of their perspective.
4. Tailoring Content for Senior Audience: Crafting content that was engaging, relatable, and helpful for seniors was a constant consideration. Striking the right tone and presenting information in a manner accessible to a senior audience required sensitivity and the ability to simplify complex concepts without condescension.
5. Overcoming Writer’s Block: Like any writer, I encountered moments of writer’s block and self-doubt during the creative process. Conveying my expertise and passion for pickleball in a comprehensive yet engaging way demanded perseverance and confidence in my ability to deliver valuable content.
6. Research and Validation: Ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the information provided in the book was essential. Conducting thorough research and validating facts, tips, and strategies demanded time and effort, as I wanted to offer seniors reliable guidance they could trust and use.
7. Managing Expectations: Striving to create a book that meets or exceeds readers’ expectations is always challenging. Recognizing that each senior reader might have diverse preferences and needs required careful consideration of my target audience’s interests and desires.

Despite these obstacles, my dedication and passion for sharing the joy of pickleball with seniors prevailed. Overcoming these challenges not only enriched the content of “Pickleball for Seniors” but also reinforced my commitment to empowering seniors to lead active, fulfilling lives through the sport I love. The hurdles I faced in writing the book are a testament to my resilience and determination as an author and a pickleball enthusiast dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors.

Tell our readers about your book: Version I

The purpose of “Pickleball for Seniors” is to offer seniors and caregivers a comprehensive guide to pickleball, a fun and accessible sport that emphasizes coordination, social interaction, and fitness. This book serves as an essential tool for seniors who are interested in engaging in a physically stimulating activity that is adaptable to various fitness levels.

With an aging population, the need for suitable recreational activities that promote physical health and social engagement is more crucial than ever. Many seniors are unaware of or do not have access to sports that are tailored to their abilities and interests. Traditional sports may be too taxing or fail to offer the community aspect that can significantly enrich the lives of older adults.

“Pickleball for Seniors” addresses this gap by introducing readers to the exciting world of pickleball. The book includes easy-to-follow instructions, safety precautions, strategies, and techniques tailored to senior players. Furthermore, it explores the benefits of pickleball on mental well-being, offering personal stories and insights from seniors who have embraced the sport. By focusing on a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity and is known for its friendly and inclusive community, the book aims to encourage more seniors to take part.

“Pickleball for Seniors” provides a step-by-step guide that includes:

• Introduction to Pickleball: Covering the history, equipment, and basic rule
• Techniques and Strategies: Outlining methods suitable for seniors, including posture, swing, scoring, and positioning.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Emphasizing proper warm-ups, stretches, and precautions specifically for older players.
• Community Building: Advice on finding local pickleball communities, creating social connections, and fostering a supportive environment.
• Resources: A directory of clubs, associations, and online resources for continued support and learning.

“Pickleball for Seniors” offers a practical and engaging roadmap for seniors looking to enrich their lives through a sport that is both accessible and enjoyable.

Can you tell us about your motivation for writing a book specifically tailored to seniors interested in pickleball?

When asked about the inspiration behind writing “Pickleball for Seniors,” my passion for both pickleball and empowering seniors to lead fulfilling lives comes to the forefront. The idea was born out of a personal journey and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of fellow seniors.

Having discovered the exhilarating sport of pickleball myself, I experienced firsthand the physical and mental benefits it brings. It not only provided me with a fun and engaging way to stay active but also introduced me to a welcoming community of like-minded individuals. Witnessing the joy and camaraderie that pickleball brought to my life, I felt a strong urge to share this wonderful experience with others, especially seniors who may be seeking new opportunities for active living.

As a seasoned pickleball player and instructor, and a firm believer in lifelong learning, I realized that seniors often face unique challenges when it comes to starting a new sport or staying active. I wanted to create a comprehensive resource that would address these specific needs and provide a clear roadmap for seniors to embark on their pickleball journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

I am also deeply passionate about promoting the idea that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s interests and goals. Through “Pickleball for Seniors,” I sought to challenge societal misconceptions about aging and inspire fellow seniors to embrace their potential, on and off the court.

This book is the culmination of my expertise as a pickleball instructor and my commitment to empowering seniors to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives. I poured my heart into crafting a guide that not only imparts essential pickleball techniques and strategies but also fosters a sense of community and well-being among its readers.

Ultimately, the inspiration behind “Pickleball for Seniors” is to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of my fellow seniors, encouraging them to stay active, engaged, and full of life through the incredible world of pickleball. I am truly excited to see how this book will inspire others to discover the joy of pickleball and embrace the boundless possibilities that await them on the court and beyond.

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

There are many excellent books written by sports coaches that offer valuable insights into coaching, leadership, and the psychology of sports. There are two books in this genre that had the most influence on me.

One is “Leading with the Heart” by Mike Krzyzewski, also known as Coach K, This is a compelling and insightful book that delves into the principles and strategies behind his extraordinary success as a basketball coach at Duke University. In this book, Coach K goes beyond the basketball court, sharing his leadership philosophy and demonstrating how the principles that drive success in sports can be applied to various aspects of life, including business and personal relationships.

At its core, the book’s theme revolves around the power of leadership driven by compassion, integrity and a genuine concern for the people you lead. Coach K emphasizes the importance of building strong and authentic relationships with players, colleagues, and employees, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and mutual understanding. He believes that by leading with the heart, leaders can inspire greatness in others, ignite a sense of purpose, and create an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

Coach K emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning. He believes that successful leaders never stop growing and evolving, and they should be open to feedback and new ideas. By acknowledging their own vulnerabilities and limitations, leaders can connect on a deeper level with their team and encourage a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.

“Leading with the Heart” serves as a roadmap for aspiring leaders, no matter the sport, and individuals seeking to make a positive impact on others. Coach K’s wisdom transcends the world of sports, as he reminds us that authentic leadership is not just about achieving victories on the scoreboard but also about building a legacy of inspiration and empowering others to achieve greatness both on and off the court of life.

Another book that had a profound influence on me is “The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership” by Bill Walsh, the legendary NFL coach. The book imparts valuable lessons on coaching and leadership and offers profound insights into Walsh’s successful coaching career, particularly during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, where he transformed the team into a dominant force and led them to multiple Super Bowl victories.

Some key takeaways about coaching from “The Score Takes Care of Itself” include:

1. Attention to Detail: Walsh emphasizes the significance of paying attention to even the smallest details. He believed that excellence is achieved through meticulous planning, preparation, and execution. Coaches must have a keen eye for identifying weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities for improvement, both in themselves and their players.
2. Standards of Excellence: Walsh was an advocate for setting high standards and expectations for everyone involved in the team. He believed that mediocrity should not be tolerated, and every individual should strive for excellence in their roles. 
3. Adaptability and Innovation: Walsh valued innovation and adaptability in coaching strategies. He was known for introducing new offensive systems and concepts that revolutionized the game of football. Coaches must be open to change, willing to embrace new ideas, and continuously evolve their approaches to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
4. Leadership by Example: As a leader, Walsh believed in demonstrating the behaviors and qualities he expected from his players and staff. He led by example, and his actions spoke louder than words. Coaches must embody the values they seek to instill in their students or team, earning respect and trust through their integrity and work ethic.
5. Building Relationships: Walsh emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with players and staff. By understanding players’ motivations, aspirations, and challenges, coaches can tailor their approach to bring out the best in their players.
6. Emotional Intelligence: Walsh recognized the significance of emotional intelligence in coaching. Understanding and managing emotions, both of oneself and others, are crucial for creating a positive and supportive team culture. 
7. Focus on Continuous Improvement: Walsh believed in constant learning and growth. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of effective coaching, as it allows for ongoing development and adaptation to changing circumstances.

“The Score Takes Care of Itself” is not only a valuable resource for coaches in the world of football but also for leaders in any field. Walsh’s coaching philosophy transcends sports, offering timeless principles of leadership, discipline, and vision that can inspire and guide individuals in their pursuit of excellence and success.

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About the Author:

Bob Savar is a PPR-Certified Professional Pickleball Instructor and has been teaching pickleball since 2018 in Palm Beach County, Florida. His background includes teaching varsity tennis at the high school level, playing (and winning championships) in the Palm Beach County Senior Pickleball League, and winning a gold medal in mixed doubles at the Delray Beach Pickleball Classic in 2019.

Presently Savar is teaching clinics and private lessons and has a meetup group (https://www.meetup.com/palm-beach-county-pickleball-meetup-group/) of over 1,300 members. His specialty is teaching newbies,  beginners, and intermediates, as well as children, and he also coaches doubles teams that participate in various local leagues.

The author has taught hundreds of people how to play pickleball over the past several years, and has three books that bring together the vast amount of knowledge and experience he has gained as a teacher of the sport.

He wrote his first book, “Pickleball for Beginners,” an Amazon bestseller, in 2020. Then in 2022, wrote an expanded and revised edition, which he renamed “How to Get Started Playing Pickleball.” Besides adding more videos and commentary, he also added QR codes to the paperback version so readers could watch the videos on their handheld devices or computers while reading the book.

In the same year, 2022, Savar wrote a second book, “How to Improve from a Beginner to an Intermediate in Pickleball,” and in August of 2023, he published his third book, “Pickleball for Seniors,” a comprehensive guide crafted to make the pickleball experience for seniors enjoyable and fulfilling. Later this year the author hopes to publish a fourth book, which he is currently writing, called “Pickleball for Non-Athletes.”

Savar is also well-known in the national pickleball scene. In 2018, he started a website called Pickleball Teachers Network (which he later sold) and attended tournaments to meet and interview professional pickleball players. You can hear these conversations on his YouTube channel at (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpRRZvyQfCd7y2QKKUb2qBQ/videos) and read more about them on his website (https://bobsavarpickleball.com/). 

Besides teaching pickleball clinics and private lessons, and writing books, Savar finds time to work out in the gym, walk and run on trails, take hiking trips out west with his children and grandchildren, and play recreational pickleball and tennis with his friends. At age 76, having retired from business in 2017, he has reinvented himself into a life that he thoroughly enjoys and hopes to continue for years to come.

Follow the author: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn |YouTube | Amazon

Pickleball for Seniors is available at Amazon.