The Illegal Pickleball Move That Took Me Out [pt. 2]
Three weeks later, a smaller shoe, smarter recovery, and one overdue return to the court.
This is Part 2 of the story that started with a ballerina-style spin and ended with me hobbling out of league night. (CLICK HERE for Part 1)
Three weeks. That’s how long I was off the court. Sounds short, unless you’re addicted to pickleball.
Day one after urgent care, I stared at my stiff flat shoe like it was a punishment. I was fitted with a post-op shoe and told to order an ankle orthotic stabilizer. I couldn’t drive with the boot, which meant no “quick dinks” or league-side hangs. Mentally, that was the hardest part.
But I didn’t just sit around.
I started walking a few miles per day. Light lifting. And I reevaluated everything, from my shoes to my foot mechanics. I realized my size 12’s were too loose for lateral play. I dropped to 11.5, and suddenly I had the stability I didn’t even know I was missing.
On top of that, I added a metatarsal sleeve, an ankle stabilizer that straps under my foot, and kept a close eye on recovery tools I’d ignored before.
I’ve got reviews and opinions coming, everything from foot soaks to insoles to compression gear.
There’s a reason some of this gear is overpriced, and there’s a reason I’m still using it anyway.
But this story wasn’t just about gear. It was about missing something I loved, and what that time off taught me.
I missed the rhythm. The community. The mental switch that flips every time you step on the court.
I missed that version of me that only shows up paddle in hand.
And yeah, I was also missing court time I’d scheduled for my one-on-one coaching with Blair and Morn. Those were supposed to be my breakthrough sessions, and I had to cancel them…for now.
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So when it was finally time to come back, I didn’t go full send. I eased in. I showed up taped, sleeved, braced, and grateful.
Was I ready? Not fully.
But I was better. More aware. And a little more humble.
That pirouette was the dumbest move I’ve ever made on a court.
But it gave me a smarter game.
And now I’m back, still a little sore, still slightly ridiculous, and somehow… even more committed.
And yeah, the video of “the move” exists. I haven’t posted it yet…but you’ll see it soon.
This is The Dyl Pickle Drop. And this is what recovery looks like when you’re serious about the game, and the long haul.