Pickleball is supposed to be low-impact.That is the first lie.Slightly Below Average at Pickleball is the story of a reasonable, middle-aged man who wanders into a community center "just to try it once" and accidentally joins a world of plastic paddles, fluorescent lighting, mysterious rules, and adults who care very deeply about whether your foot was in the kitchen.This is not a how-to guide.There are no drills, diagrams, or promises of athletic transformation.Instead, you'll meet: Doris "The Wall," who never misses and judges quietlyVirgil "Pickles," an evangelist for the game and its chief recruiterEarl "Statue," who barely moves and still winsLinda "Lines," guardian of the rules and all boundaries, visible and invisibleThrough league nights, open play politics, gear obsession, domestic negotiations over paddle budgets, and the slow realization that "slightly below average" may be a permanent condition, the author documents what pickleball really is: a social ecosystem disguised as a sport.Whether you've never played pickleball, just bought your first paddle, or already own several you've described as "investments," this book captures the humor, confusion, and quiet joy of discovering a hobby that makes absolutely no sense-and sticking with it anyway.Because sometimes the goal isn't excellence.Sometimes it's showing up again, arguing about the score, and playing one more game on Court Three.