Alcaraz gives back, teaches underprivileged adults to play pickleball
“Some of these people have gone their entire lives without a third-shot drop.”
Carlos Alcaraz has launched a new outreach program teaching underprivileged adults to play pickleball after witnessing what he described as “conditions no human being should have to endure” during an open-play session.
“One man was holding the paddle like a frying pan,” Alcaraz said. “Another thought the kitchen was where they sold sandwiches. You see these things on television, but until you’re standing right there, you don’t understand.”
The initiative pairs Alcaraz with adults who have reached middle age without access to a dependable backhand, proper court positioning, or anyone willing to tell them their serve is embarrassing.
“Some of these people have gone their entire lives without a third-shot drop,” he said. “Entire lives.”
During the first clinic, Alcaraz gently guided one participant through a forehand before stepping back, folding his arms, and telling reporters that progress would take generations.
“He made contact,” Alcaraz said. “Today, that is enough.”
The participant appeared less certain about the program’s classification.
“I have a job and a house,” he explained. “I just asked Carlos if he wanted to hit for a few minutes. Now there’s a woman taking pictures of me receiving shoes.”
Alcaraz’s team stressed that disadvantage can take many forms.
“This gentleman has never had a private coach, has no recovery team, and drove himself here,” a spokesperson said. “We’re trying not to overwhelm him.”
Each participant receives a paddle, a bottle of water, and a reassuring conversation with Carlos about how none of this is their fault. Those able to sustain a three-shot rally will be invited to an advanced program called A Future Worth Dinking About.
The clinic briefly stalled when Alcaraz celebrated a successful practice point by screaming “VAMOS” directly into a recipient’s face. His foundation described the incident as “an excess of hope.”
Asked whether the program would eventually help participants compete against him, Alcaraz smiled.
“Of course not,” he said. “We are giving them opportunity. Let’s not give them false information.”
At press time, Alcaraz had agreed to sponsor the man in the photograph for $19 a month until he learned to bend his knees.
