How Old Is Dave Weinbach Pickleball?

ByKevin K. Shaw Updated on

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, with millions of enthusiasts embracing this fun paddle sport. But how old is one of the pickleball greats, Dave “The Badger” Weinbach? Let’s take a closer look at this pickleball icon’s background and age.

A Quick Primer on Pickleball

For those new to pickleball, here is a quick overview. Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, composite paddles, and a plastic poly ball with holes. Games are usually doubles and scoring is similar to tennis.

The sport was invented in 1965 by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – near Seattle, Washington. They designed pickleball for their families as an easy and fun activity.

Pickleball got its funny name from the Pritchards’ dog Pickles who would chase stray balls. It evolved from a backyard pastime into a competitive sport by the 1970s and 80s, especially in retirement communities.

Now, pickleball is played by millions across North America. Competitive tournaments are held by the USA Pickleball Association and there is even professional players competing for prize money.

The Rise of Dave “The Badger” Weinbach

One of the top names in competitive pickleball today is Dave Weinbach. With his aggressive style of play and championship wins, “The Badger” has become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

Dave Weinbach, also known as “The Badger,” is a professional pickleball player who is based in Madison, Wisconsin. According to search results, he is 52 years old as of November 2021.

Dave grew up playing racquet sports like tennis and badminton. He discovered pickleball later in the 1990s and was instantly drawn to its competitive nature. The Wisconsin native worked his way up through local and regional tournaments.

With a fierce two-handed backhand and quick reflexes at the net, Dave Weinbach excelled at doubles play. He went on to win numerous pro championships, especially on the senior circuit with partners like Scott Moore.

Some major wins for The Badger duo:

Dave Weinbach also won the gold medal in mixed doubles at the prestigious Huntsman World Senior Games in 2012 and 2016. His title wins and high tournament rankings earned him sponsorship deals with gear companies like Pickleball Central.

The Badger relishes competing against younger pros too. He made a splash by qualifying for main draw events on the professional Pickleball Association Tour. This cemented Dave Weinbach’s status as an elite crossover player.

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The Badger’s Lasting Legacy in Pickleball

Even though Dave Weinbach is now in his 50s, he continues to be a fierce force on the pickleball court. His background as an innovator in the sport is also noteworthy.

In the 1990s, Dave experimented with revolutionary pickleball paddles he dubbed “The Claw” and “The Fang.” He patented key innovations like vertical handles and textured paddle faces that enhanced spin and control. These designs paved the way for modern pickleball paddles used by pros today.

The Badger has long been a mentor for up-and-coming players too. He shares pickleball tips and critiques strokes at his training facility Coach Dave’s Academy in Madison, WI. Dave Weinbach also partners with brands like Gamma Sports and writes instructional articles online to grow the sport.

Thanks to pickleball ambassadors like Dave Weinbach, The Badger, growth in this sport continues to explode. As more new players discover the joy of pickleball for decades to come, they will surely hear about this Wisconsin legend who helped shape pickleball history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Weinbach and Pickleball

Here are answers to some common questions fans have about The Badger and the sport of pickleball:

How old was Dave Weinbach when he started playing pickleball?

Dave first discovered pickleball in the mid 1990s, so he was likely around 30 years old at that time.

What is Dave Weinbach’s nickname and why is he called “The Badger”?

His nickname is The Badger in reference to his fierce style of play and also being from Wisconsin – the Badger State.

Which pro tournaments has Dave Weinbach won?

Some of his major title wins include the Huntsman World Senior Games (mixed doubles), National Senior Games (doubles), and many top finishes at the Copa Del Mar, Leisure World, and other regional events.

Who are some of Dave Weinbach’s frequent doubles partners?

He has won many titles paired with players like Scott Moore, Drew Wathey, and Great Waters. Dave also sometimes partners with his brother Danny Weinbach.

Where is Dave Weinbach originally from?

Dave Weinbach was born in Madison, Wisconsin where he currently resides. He is a proud Wisconsin native.

How has Dave Weinbach impacted pickleball paddle innovations?

In the 1990s, Dave patented groundbreaking pickleball paddle designs including vertical handles and textured paddle faces. These enhanced control and spin.

Does Dave Weinbach give Pickleball lessons or coaching?

Yes, The Badger provides instruction at his own pickleball academy facility in Madison called Coach Dave’s Academy. He mentors competitive players.

What is Dave Weinbach’s playing style and strengths?

He is known for his aggressive two-handed backhand shot, quick reflexes at the net, and using spin on returns. Dave excels in doubles play.

How long does Dave Weinbach plan to keep competing?

Even in his 50s, Dave continues to play and win on both the senior and professional tours. He is still improving his game and has not set a retirement timeline.

Conclusion

Dave Weinbach’s decorated career shows how pickleball can be a lifelong sport. The Badger helped shape many technical innovations in pickleball equipment and training methods that benefit players today. Even into his 50s, Weinbach remains a top competitor with his athleticism, strategic mind, and spirit for the sport shining through.

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Kevin K. Shaw is the founder and editor of pickleballpretties.com, which covers everything pickleball. He is one of the most prolific writers in the sport and has been featured on Sports Illustrated, CNNMoney, Forbes, and CBS News. Shaw also currently writes for The Pickleball Spots.