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 — both in electronic and paperback format. There’s even an English version, to entertain and engage friends overseas.