What does a 50-year-old sport that originated off the coast of Washington in the United States have to do with an Australian-based funds management company? Plenty, we think.

That’s why here, we outline seven ways that pickleball is like investing.

1. Anyone can do it

Firstly, anyone can do it.

For many pickleball enthusiasts, making a start was probably the most complicated part of the journey! Is this really for me? What equipment do I need? Should I join a club and if so, which one? Most players would agree that once the first step is taken – the rest is relatively easy.

The smaller court and lower net game, compared to tennis, requires less running and stress on joints, making it more accessible for a broader age, skill and ability demographic. The light ball and paddle facilitate a game pace that is also accessible for an expansive range of people, with games often won through clever strategy and skill, rather than pure strength or speed.

Similarly, taking the first step to investment is often the most daunting, but once you get started – the journey can be very straightforward. Usually, that first step is determining your goals and needs. Is capital growth or capital preservation more important? Do you need a higher yield to deliver you with an acceptable income? Is tax effectiveness more important than yield? What are your financial goals for the next year, five years, ten years or beyond?

It pays to speak with a financial adviser about these matters – but understanding your needs and goals will point you towards appropriate strategies and products.

Trilogy Funds offers resources for people at every stage of their investment journey – whether they are a seasoned investor or looking to make a start.

Speaking of strategies…

2. Different strategies suit different people

Do you dink or do you bang? The answer varies from player to player because, much like in investing, different strategies suit different people.

Shot selection, positioning and anticipating opponent moves are all important considerations. If you’re a dinker, it shows your tolerance to risk is lower, employing strategy to seek consistency to minimise unforced errors. If you’re a banger, your tolerance to risk is higher, aggressively trying to win points, but heightening the possibility of wayward shots and errors.

Similarly, investors have different financial goals and attitude towards risk, and they might view the market differently. These factors are some of the ways that drive different investment philosophy from person to person.

An investor may employ a higher risk strategy to chase higher returns. Alternatively, an investor might have a lower tolerance to risk, instead searching for capital security.

3. Picklers and investors are constantly on the hunt for consistent returns

Next, consistent returns are key to achieving long-term success and stability. When it comes to pickleball, there is little doubt that consistent returns lead to fewer errors, while also putting the pressure on opponents.

At Trilogy Funds, we know how important consistent returns are to our investors. Building wealth together means we choose reliable investment strategies, manage risks and stay informed of market trends, helping us to deliver monthly returns¹.

4. Diversification is important

Diversification is a vital consideration for both pickleball players and investors alike.

Pickleball was created in a backyard off the coast of Washington State on Bainbridge Island in 1965 utilising elements and equipment from other sports. Without this mixture of sports, pickleball could not and would not exist.

Even when playing the game, diversification is vital. Exclusively hitting forehand or backhand shots would invite an opponent to target the weak side. Showing a clear preference to drop shots over aiming behind, or vice-versa, would make a player very predictable, and open to devastating retaliation from an opponent. That’s why it’s important for players to diversify shot selection and other strategies. It keeps opponents guessing, and if one method isn’t working, a diversified strategy will still provide every opportunity to succeed.

The same goes for investing. Asset classes, sectors, strategies, industries, even locations all have different characteristics and merits. Diversification helps leverage the benefits of multiple portfolio building blocks, and also helps to mitigate risk and improve the likelihood of consistent, sustainable returns.

5. It can help in navigating retirement

Did you know that the average age of a pickleball player in Australia is 58? At the 2024 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships, more than 750 of the 1,200 competitors were over the age of 50.

The ease, inclusivity, social aspects and relatively low barriers to entry are rapidly driving the sport across all age groups, but especially those nearing or currently in retirement. Studies have shown that in retirement, having a hobby is associated with fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-reported health, happiness and life satisfaction. Pickleball could help you navigate retirement and is also scientifically proven to lead to a longer, healthier life!

Just like pickleball can help individuals navigate retirement, so too can investing. Investing over the long term may provide financial security and income throughout retirement, helping individuals maintain their desired lifestyle.

6. Patience is a virtue

Patience is vital in both pickleball and investing, and is a trait that can lead to enhanced performance and outcomes.

In pickleball, patience allows a player to construct points carefully and choose the right moment to make a winning shot. This is particularly relevant due to the mental fortitude required to play, given how long rallies can be.

While pickleball is typically straightforward to pick up and be competitive at, practice and patience is required over the long term to master it. This statement can also apply to investing.

Patience is essential for long-term investing, allowing portfolios to grow and compound over time, without reacting impulsively to market volatility and fluctuations, instead relying on informed decisions.

7. The ability to adapt is key

In pickleball, players must adapt to different opponents (or even partners!), playing conditions and game dynamics to stay competitive over both the short and long term. Successful players also learn from past performances to inform tactics in future matches.

This is also true for investing, in that investors must adapt to changing market conditions, economic and cultural shifts and evolving information to make informed decisions and protect their investments.

The rise of pickleball

From its casual backyard beginnings, pickleball has seen exceptional growth across its short existence. It has taken the mantle of Australia’s fastest growing sport, having exploded onto the scene in the land down under. The Pickleball Australia Association launched in 2020 and has already surpassed 220 clubs and 13,200 members, with an estimated 25,000 people playing casually nationally.

It even has former Olympians picking up the paddle, with Trilogy Funds’ Property Analyst and Asset Manager, Mitch Larkin, recently outlining his experience with the sport.

Trilogy Funds was the proud presenting partner of the 2024 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships, and will be again in 2025.

 ¹ Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

This article is issued by Trilogy Funds Management Limited ABN 59 080 383 679 AFSL 261425 (Trilogy Funds) and does not take into account your objectives, personal circumstances or needs, nor is it an offer of securities. Investments in Trilogy Funds’ products are only available through the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and by considering the Target Market Determination (TMD) issued by Trilogy Funds and available at www.trilogyfunds.com.au. All investments, including those with Trilogy Funds, involve risk which can lead to no or lower than expected returns, or a loss of part or all of your capital. See PDS and TMD for details. Investments with Trilogy Funds are not bank deposits and are not government guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.