I'm a professional pickleball player. Here's what new players need to consider before hitting the court.

• Lucy Kovalova is on the Pro Tour of Pickleball.
• She says the sport is accessible and community-focused.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lucy Kovalova. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up in Slovakia playing tennis. But after coming to the US to play in college, I knew I didn't have the skills to pursue a professional career. My friends and I kept busy after graduation playing a made-up sort of paddleball, but when we discovered pickleball the next year, we were completely hooked.

I got into the game at just the right time. In 2016, I participated in the first US Open Pickleball Championship. At the time, there was no prize money and few crowds — we played for the love of the game. That was enough for me.

Since then, pickleball has exploded. Now, we have sponsorships and prize money, and I'm living the professional sports career that I thought was out of reach.

Even on the professional level, pickleball is unique. It's not cut-throat the way professional tennis is. Although we're all very competitive on the court, we're family and friends off the court. That's an awesome feeling.

I adore pickleball, and I don't think you have to play like a pro to get the benefits of this sport. Here's what everyone should know before they step onto the court.

Pickleball is an easy sport to pick up

To be successful in tennis, you need to start young, investing in lots of expensive coaching and lessons. You have to refine your technique. But pickleball is easy to pick up, even if you're in your 30s, 40s, or 50s.

So, don't be intimidated. If you've been wondering what the craze is about, buy some paddles and give it a try with your family. Drop into a beginners' club class, hire a coach, or watch YouTube videos about techniques. Pickleball is a great way to do something healthy for your body while still having lots of fun along the way.

It's accessible to lots of people

Pickleball can be very physically demanding. As someone who plays five days a week or more, I can attest to that. But it's also accessible to people who aren't at their physical peak. You can still have fun playing pickleball at a slower pace that's fit for grandparents or people recovering from an injury. Or, you can turn up the intensity and have a sweaty, intense competition.

The social aspect is key

Most pickleball players will tell you the social aspect is just as important to them as the game itself. Pickleball is a great sport because everyone can play together. Kids can hit with their parents and grandparents. Guys and girls can play with each other. It doesn't have to be as formal as tennis — you can just have fun along the way.

Build your partner up

Playing doubles with a partner is a great way to increase the social aspect of the game. Today, I play double with my boyfriend, but we were pickleball partners before we were ever romantically involved. I make an effort always to remember that we're on the same team. It's easy to get frustrated with your partner sometimes, but if they miss a shot, they're already feeling down. So, be encouraging rather than harsh.

Don't overlook warmups and cool-downs

Because pickleball is so accessible, you might think that you can skip the warmups or cool-downs. That's definitely not the case. Unfortunately, I've read that doctors are treating a lot more pickleball-related injuries as more and more people try the sport. To keep yourself healthy, warming up and cooling down before and after matches are key. Even spending 5-10 minutes stretching and walking can make a big difference.

Prioritize your recovery

Whether you're playing at a professional level or just getting started with a new pickleball routine, you're asking a lot from your body. In return, you have to give it time to recover. I love Hyperice products for my recovery, whether it's loosening sore muscles with a massage gun or applying heat to an injury. The key is finding a routine that works for your body and sticking with it.

Be patient with yourself

It's true that pickleball is easier than other sports to pick up. But it's always challenging to try something new. So, be patient with yourself. Don't expect to nail pickleball your first time on the court—or even your tenth. Instead, focus on having fun and building your community and skills. By doing that, you'll discover a sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime.