After Matthew Perry's tragic passing, people learned just how much he had embraced pickleball. It wasn't just a passing interest for him—it was something he truly loved and connected with deeply. His custom pickleball paddle became a symbol of his commitment to the game and his personal journey of recovery, showing that pickleball was part of his effort to stay positive and active in his later years.
In short, this part highlights that his involvement with pickleball wasn’t just about playing a sport, but also about how it helped him overcome personal challenges and maintain an energetic, vibrant attitude toward life in his final years.
The Day of Matthew Perry’s Final Pickleball Match
(Perry’s death was announced in the early hours of Sunday morning (Picture: PA))
(The actor was best known for playing Chandler Bing in hit sitcom Friends (Picture: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images))
Just hours before Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54, he was still following his regular pickleball routine. His playing partner noticed that Perry looked more tired than normal that day and even over the past week, but despite feeling tired, Perry still spent an hour playing the sport he loved before he went home.
A Daily Dedication
Matt Manasse, who was Matthew Perry’s pickleball coach, shared some touching memories about how Perry connected with pickleball. Manasse said that Perry's story with pickleball was truly inspiring. He would often spend hours practicing and improving his skills with his pickleball paddle. Sometimes, he would even play twice a day.
Because Perry had a background as a talented tennis player, he was able to quickly learn the skills needed to play pickleball, mastering the way to use the paddle with great precision and style.
Sharing His Passion
In doing this, he created a supportive community where people could come together, play, and heal through the game. This selfless act of using pickleball to connect with and support others in recovery became an important part of his legacy—showing that his passion for the sport was not just about personal enjoyment but also about making a positive impact on others.
Understanding the Sport and the Role of a Pickleball Paddle
If you were inspired by Matthew Perry’s love for pickleball, it’s a sport that combines parts of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game is played with a special paddle on a court that’s the same size as a badminton court, and the net is set up like a tennis net. Whether you're a beginner with your first paddle or an experienced player, pickleball is a game that everyone can enjoy.
Here are some basic rules of pickleball:
- You must serve the ball either underhand or backhand.
- The ball has to bounce once on each side of the net before players can hit it in the air (called a volley).
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games go to 11 points, with a two-point lead needed to win..
- There’s a “kitchen” area near the net where players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) unless the ball has bounced first.
A Lasting Impact
(Perry’s pickleball coach Mat Manasse opened up about his friendship with the star (Picture: Instagram/Matt Manasse))
Even though people around the world are sad about losing Matthew Perry, his connection to pickleball is something that will be remembered. His story shows that something as simple as playing a sport with a paddle can help people heal and build connections. Even though his time playing pickleball was cut short, it still inspires others to find their own way to feel better and enjoy life through the sport.
Perry’s love for pickleball and the community he built around it remind us that finding something you're passionate about can truly change your life. For those who knew him in his final years, the memory of him on the pickleball court, holding his paddle and ready to play, will always be special.
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