--- title: "Andrea Bianchi: interview" url: https://pickleball-milano.com/andrea-bianchi-interview/ date: 2025-08-05 modified: 2025-08-06 author: "maxreve" description: "[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\"\"]An Unusual Interview for Pickleball Milano: The Author of a Novel: \"A Foot Over The Line\". But Andrea is also an avid pickleball player. And perhaps for that reason,..." image: https://pickleball-milano.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/intervista-pickleball-ad-Andrea-Bianchi.avif word_count: 824 --- # Andrea Bianchi: interview [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""][![A_foot_over_the _line_cover](https://pickleball-milano.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/interview-to-Andrea-Bianchi-pickleball-300x300.avif)](https://pickleball-milano.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/interview-to-Andrea-Bianchi-pickleball.avif)An Unusual Interview for Pickleball Milano: The Author of a Novel: "A Foot Over The Line". But Andrea is also an avid pickleball player. And perhaps for that reason, pickleball plays a key role in his mystery novel. **Andrea, how did the idea come about to write this humorous mystery set in the world of pickleball?****** Stories have always been driven by people, and I’ve always loved observing behaviors, dynamics, and relationships. The more I played — in matches, open plays, and tournaments — the more a colorful cast of “interesting” characters and situations began to emerge. I thought: “There’s enough material here for a great story!” Pickleball is still relatively new, still innocent, and everyone more or less knows each other. The perfect environment for an adventure full of twists and surprises, right? **“A Foot Over the Line” seems to be much more than a sports book…****** Exactly! It’s definitely not a manual or technical book — anyone looking for pickleball rules will be disappointed. Though the humorous glossary at the end helps a bit! It’s a fun and intriguing story set in the world of pickleball. The sport is just the backdrop — the real stars are the characters and their outrageous adventures. **So “A Foot Over the Line” is also meant for people who don’t know anything about pickleball?****** Absolutely! I wrote the book so even people like my mother and my father-in-law could enjoy it. They struggled with the name itself. But thanks to a compelling plot, likeable characters, and twists and turns, they understood it without even realizing it. Sure, they still can’t pronounce the name properly, but when my wife and I say we’re off to play pickleball, at least they don’t worry anymore… And the greatest satisfaction? Hearing all kinds of people say they started playing after reading the book. **The Heavy Dinkers seem like a very realistic team. Were they inspired by real people?****** Let’s just say: anyone who’s played in tournaments will recognize some “types.” There’s always the rules-obsessed techie, the couple who argue on court, the player who blames everything except himself, the one who sneakily steals points… My characters are a mix of dozens of people I’ve met on the courts. Many will recognize themselves or someone else — I just hope no one takes offense! **The book really captures the atmosphere of tournaments. How much time did you spend on the courts to research it?****** Too much! My wife says I used research as an excuse to play more. But seriously, I attended tournaments in Italy and abroad, open plays, I talked to players of every level and made genuine, beautiful friendships. I wanted readers to feel the sound of the ball, the tension before a match point, but also the friendly vibe and the charm of fair play. But above all, I wanted non-players to understand why this sport is so addictive and brings people together. **Is there a scene or a character you’re particularly fond of?****** I couldn’t pick a favorite — every time I reread it, I fall in love with a different one. Morgana is brilliant and irresistibly fascinating, Gerry is sharp and intriguing, Francesco is hilarious, Jack is a phenomenon. They’re all unique. If I had to choose, the thing I’m most proud of is giving each character a distinctive and recognizable voice. **How do you see the future of pickleball in Italy? Do you think it could really compete with more traditional racket sports?****** Pickleball has a unique advantage: it’s the only truly social and inclusive racket sport. Tennis is beautiful but solitary — one bad match and you’re out, back home early. Padel has become hyper-competitive and — let’s be honest — bad for your health. Around the courts, people joke that orthopedists, physios, and osteopaths should toast the person who invented it! Pickleball, on the other hand, is perfect: you can play with your 12-year-old son or your 80-year-old grandfather, matches are just the right length, and you don’t wear yourself out — but you have fun. It’s competitive enough to be exciting, but it always remains a game. In the US, they’ve figured it out — it’s the fastest-growing sport. In Italy, we’re just getting started, but once people realize they can play, have fun, and not wreck their body, pickleball will explode. **And this book could help raise awareness and appreciation for the sport?****** That’s my hope. Unfortunately, there are still few facilities to play in, but it’s like soccer — when you’ve got passion, all you need is a ball and a street. In pickleball, many of us keep a portable net in the car. A parking lot or any little court is enough for a great match. **Where can the book be purchased?****** For now, it’s available only on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHLYRHCP) — both in electronic and paperback format. There’s even an English version, to entertain and engage friends overseas. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]