The Premier Pickleball League returns this weekend – and James Lofthouse of the Pure Pickleball Pythons is ready to bring the fun.
Described by team co-owner Chris Beaumont as an “absolute showman”, James reckons that’s pretty accurate.
“Showman is what I aim to be,” he tells Pickleball 52. “I want this sport to be seen as fun and exciting and not just the same shots all the time. I try and produce moments of magic and wizardry to light up the court and also bring positive energy throughout!”
James – from Harrow, north-west London – began playing pickleball less than two years ago, and loves the sense of accessibility and community throughout the sport, including at the PPL, which got off to an incredible start in July in Corby.
And he is looking forward to reuniting with his team and getting back on court – after some recent time out due to an arm injury.
“The first PPL weekend was an amazing experience. The whole atmosphere set by our team was electric and we thrived off it.
“We want to produce our best all the time in these situations and provide excitement to all watching.”
And the Pythons want to make their team look so fun that everyone wants to join.
“The best way to describe what we want our team to be is the one where people watching see us and think if they were on any team it would be ours because of our team spirit and cohesion and by how much fun we are having and playing so free!”
And the casual onlooker should be able to recognise the Pure Pythons straight away, James thinks: “Our team is full of positive energy and excitement throughout – some probably describe us as loud but we are just such a supportive and passionate group who express themselves on and off the court!”
