The Rise of Pickleball Popularity Sparks a Televised Comedic Turf War

Pickleball, a blend of tennis made easier for all ages to embrace, has surged in popularity over the past ten years. This trend inspired comedy writer Sean Clements to create "The Dink", a new Apple TV+ original movie. The storyline revolves around a local dispute over this low-impact sport's expansion in a tennis center.

The film, premiering this Friday, features "New Girl" alum Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd, an aging tennis professional urged into playing pickleball following an injury. Initially skeptical, he soon finds acceptance from the pickleball community, including a kind-hearted woman played by Mary Steenburgen. His father, depicted by Ed Harris, is resistant to the sport's intrusion on his tennis club.

Clements was inspired by his own experiences returning to tennis in his 30s, he faced challenges and learned that pickleball was easier on his body. Initially reluctant, he soon grew to love the sport, entering a world where he became valued by a group of older female players for his agility. This fostered a sense of community and a story he felt was ripe for comedic exploration.

"The Dink" manifests as a PG-13 comedy reminiscent of the Frat Pack era, but also reflects an interesting change in Clements' role, considering his established career as a TV writer with contributions to hits like "Workaholics", "Ash vs Evil Dead", and "Severance".

Delivering a relatable, entertaining piece for a broad audience was Clements’ mission. He achieved this by adapting the initial draft through collaborative processes, redrafts, and even adjusting language to extend its potential audience reach.

Another key goal was capturing the warmth of the pickleball community he had become part of. He was urged by director Josh Greenbaum to channel sincerity into the storyline.

Subtle modifications to predictable moments in any sports film, as per Clements, were central to creating surprising, comedic moments. Clements currently works on a pilot for Hulu called “Lex”. However, intriguing ideas for a sequel set in the "Dink"-universe are already floating in his mind, fueled by tales of pickleball’s overall rise and its displacement of other sports in local facilities.