#172: Pickleball’s Playbook: Why “Everyone” Is the Target Market

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Patricio Misitrano, a racquet-sports strategist and consultant, to unpack the cultural boom of pickleball and the fast-rising padel movement and what it means for players, investors, and operators.

Patricio explains why pickleball exploded (hint: everyone is the target market), how short games and easy onboarding supercharge engagement, and what separates thriving facilities from failing ones. Whether you’re a curious player, a gym owner exploring new revenue, or an investor eyeing a space, this episode breaks down the economics, operations, and community dynamics behind modern racquet sports.

In addition, they talk about:

✅ Why pickleball went mainstream: universal target market, near-zero learning curve, short game loops, and high social proximity

✅ Injury reality check: common risks (wrist/ankle/knee), why “deconditioned returners” get hurt, and how risk compares to other sports

✅ Coaching & performance: why even elite athletes hire tough coaches and how the right fit accelerates results

…and much more.

BIOS:

Patricio Misitrano is a racquet-sports consultant and club operator with 20+ years across tennis, pickleball, and padel. He advises entrepreneurs and investors on site selection, build-outs, programming, pricing, software, staffing, and launch strategy, and has been involved end-to-end in facility development and operations. Patricio is a former tennis pro, lifelong multi-sport athlete, and marathoner who brings a coach’s mindset and an operator’s rigor to growing this category.

Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using strategic storytelling to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.