Pickleball and the Science Behind Relationships: A Couple's Guide to Connection and Communication
By: Bill Yaich
What if your relationship could grow stronger—right on the pickleball court?
Blending the fun of America's fastest-growing sport with the timeless insights of relationship psychology, Pickleball Meets Relationship Science offers couples a playful and powerful way to deepen connection, communication, and trust.
Whether you're seasoned players or brand-new to the game, this interactive guide draws from Drs. John and Julie Gottman's research—including the Sound Relationship House, bids for connection, the 5:1 positivity ratio, and the Four Horsemen of conflict—to help you build a thriving partnership both on and off the court.
Each chapter pairs relationship principles with practical pickleball activities, shared goals, and thoughtful conversation prompts designed to:
Strengthen emotional intimacy through teamwork
Handle conflict with skill and empathy
Rekindle passion and shared purpose
Create rituals of play, appreciation, and growth
Part relationship workbook, part pickleball playbook, this guide is perfect for date nights, couple's retreats, small groups, or everyday connection.
Game on—your relationship is worth playing for.