The rapid ascent of pickleball as America's fastest-growing sport has not come without a racket of discontent echoing from court to court. Characterized by the distinctive 'pop' sound of paddle striking ball, pickleball's ubiquity is now at the center of heated legal tussles and concerns over property devaluation. While the sport has brought communities together and served as a low-impact, accessible exercise for millions, its darker implications are now the subject of public scrutiny. High-profile cases, like the petition to shut down courts by San Francisco socialite Holly Peterson, highlight a growing trend where the noise and activity associated with pickleball are being called out as threats to the tranquility and economic health of neighborhoods.

The Bay Area unveils a new chapter in its sporting landscape as a pickleball complex springs to life in a rather nostalgic setting - the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Station. This historic hub, once bustling with World War II aircraft, now resonates with the rhythmic clink of pickleball paddles. The transformed air station, now known as the Hub, launched its new identity with eight indoor pickleball courts, juxtaposing the sport's modern charm with the locale's historic essence. Nestled among old runways and hangars, the Hub pays homage to the past while serving up a trendy space for one of America's fastest-growing sports

Pickleball's player rating systems serve as a gauge to measure a player's skill level, ensuring a fair and competitive play across the board. Among these, the USA Pickleball Association’s (USAPA) rating and the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system are prominent. While USAPA allows players to self-rate based on their skills, experiences, and past performances, the DUPR system relies on a more statistical approach, analyzing players’ performance data over time. These ratings are pivotal in tournament setups, letting players compete against others of comparable skill levels, hence enhancing the competitive spirit and learning curve of the sport.

Northside Lexington YMCA is set to welcome 10 new outdoor pickleball courts courtesy of a generous $200,000 donation from an anonymous enthusiast of the sport. This timely donation is a big score for pickleball aficionados, especially on the north side of Lexington where outdoor playing options are sparse. The new courts, replacing two seldom-used outdoor basketball courts, are expected to open early this month for pickup play, catering not only to the retiree regulars but also opening up opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage in this fast-growing sport.

The debate around introducing rally scoring in Pickleball is gaining momentum. Unlike the traditional "side out scoring" where points are scored only by the serving side, "rally scoring" awards a point on every rally, regardless of who serves. Advocates argue that rally scoring can make games faster, more exciting, and easier for newcomers to understand, besides being a better fit for broadcasting and gambling purposes. On the flip side, critics believe it might alter the game’s essence, confuse players, favor underdogs, and dampen strategic play.

A home pickleball court can be a game-changer for enthusiasts of this rapidly growing sport. Having a personal court not only offers a convenient space for practice and play but also adds a fun and interactive element to your property. However, it's not a venture to be taken lightly. Here’s a rundown of the pros, cons, considerations, and cost of building a pickleball court at home.

Seattle’s Lincoln Park is at the heart of a heated debate as a proposal by Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to convert six aging tennis courts into pickleball courts has been met with significant pushback from a faction of the local community. The outlined project seeks to repurpose a former tennis court area, which has been a storage area for over a decade, into new pickleball courts​​. While the conversion is aimed at rejuvenating the dilapidated courts, a segment of the community sees this move as a disturbance to the local ambiance and a detriment to the existing biodiversity of the park​​.

In a unique twist of repurposing vacant spaces, Dallas entrepreneur Dan Jenkins is bringing the Chandler, Arizona-based franchise, Pickleball Kingdom, to various locales across North Texas including Plano, Keller, Grapevine, Prosper, and Flower Mound. With plans to establish some of the largest pickleball facilities in the nation, Jenkins eyes the transformation of a former Albertsons grocery store into a bustling arena for pickleball enthusiasts. The Plano facility, set to open in January 2024, is envisioned to feature 15 pickleball courts within a sprawling 40,000 square foot space, boasting not just sporting arenas but also a food and beverage cafe, an internet cafe, and spaces for hosting pickleball classes and corporate events.

Hello Pickleball enthusiasts! We at Crenshaw Pickleball Club are launching a fun series on our Instagram page. We'll be sharing some quirky and provocative pickleball-related images and we invite you to come up with humorous or thought-provoking captions for them. It's a chance to blend your love for the game with a dash of humor or insight. Head over to our Instagram, follow us, and join in the fun by sharing your clever captions. Let’s celebrate the lighter side of Pickleball together!

In a tale of entrepreneurial resilience, Jon Neeter, the co-owner of a once struggling tennis center in Santa Monica, managed to not only stay afloat amidst the adversities of a global pandemic but soared to seven-figure sales in 2023, thanks to a well-timed pivot to the burgeoning sport of pickleball. This remarkable journey began in 2010, when Neeter, alongside his business partner, took a chance on a modest tennis facility, which despite its initial lean operations, posed as a fertile ground for innovation. Amidst changing tides, it was the shift from tennis to pickleball that catapulted their business into a realm of remarkable revenue growth, making the Santa Monica Pickleball Center a thriving hub for racket sports enthusiasts.

CRBN's journey began with a focus on delivering quality paddles to the pickleball community. The brand quickly garnered endorsements and rose to popularity, earning a solid reputation among pickleball enthusiasts. The consistent quality of the paddles, combined with the brand's ability to innovate with each new release, has contributed to CRBN's respected standing in the industry.

Pickleball, often dubbed as “tennis for old people” due to its slower pace and smaller court size, has seen its popularity skyrocket among seniors. However, it's a game that promises a good workout for individuals of all ages. A recent study conducted by Apple and Brigham and Women's Hospital presented intriguing statistics contrasting the health metrics of pickleball and tennis players, shedding light on the health benefits inherent to each sport.

Hand signals in pickleball are a nuanced way of communication primarily seen in doubles matches. They serve as a silent dialogue between partners, intending to improve gameplay strategy, leverage individual strengths, and add a surprise element to counter opponents' moves. Especially when "stacking" is involved, these gestures help dictate who positions where on the court post serve, aligning with the objective of exploiting opponents' weaknesses or optimizing forehand plays.

Aboard the Holland America Nieuw Statendam cruise ship, setting sail from Copenhagen to Rome, the classic game of shuffleboard is making way for the burgeoning popularity of Pickleball. Mike and Marga Kidd, seasoned Pickleball players from Canyon Lake, California, effortlessly sweep a match against the author and his wife, Kerry, initiating them into the competitive yet exhilarating realm of Pickleball on the high seas. Though novice players from Kelowna, B.C., the couple quickly falls in love with the sport, finding themselves amidst daily tournaments and tutorials, making the most of sea days and onshore excursions.

Meta Quest is set to launch the multiplayer VR fitness game, Pickleball One, on October 19, developed by Playin Games. This game brings the Pickleball court to players’ homes, allowing them to engage in singles or doubles matches in real time. Raghu Bathina, the CEO of Playin Games, touts Pickleball One as a revolutionary step in virtual sports, capturing the essence of Pickleball both as a game and a social experience. The game, akin to iRacing and Gran Turismo, is not merely about virtual competition but aims to help players enhance their Pickleball skills through digital practice. It incorporates a variety of drills and rhythm-based exercises, alongside tracking players' progress and gamifying the experience through achievements.

At Room & Board, a Minneapolis-based furniture retailer, the sport of Pickleball has become a part of the work culture, offering employees like Liz Martin a much-anticipated break from the routine. The company, which boasts an indoor pickleball court, allows its employees to challenge their colleagues to friendly matches, turning every other Tuesday at noon into an hour of active engagement. The initiative, which began in 2013, has seen a surge in popularity over the last two years, aligning well with the broader rise of Pickleball amid the pandemic. The sport, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has become a favorite, with at least 50 of the 350 employees at the headquarters engaging in the game weekly.

Line calls in Pickleball often pose a challenge, stirring discussions, and sometimes frustrations among players. A crucial part of mastering the game lies in understanding how the lines work and making accurate line calls. In essence, if the ball touches the paint that constitutes the line, it's considered 'in.' However, if it lands outside without touching the paint, it's 'out.' Much like the outfield warning track in baseball signifies the end of the field, lines in Pickleball denote the end of a court or zone. They serve as a visual guide to players, ensuring the game's fair play and maintaining its competitive spirit.

Customizing your pickleball paddle using lead tape is a game of nuances that can significantly influence your gameplay. The practice brings in a host of advantages like improved balance, enhanced sweet spot, and personalized weight distribution, which are pivotal for better control and power on the court. However, it's not devoid of downsides; incorrect tape placement can lead to unwarranted changes in paddle behavior. The essence of lead tape usage lies in its placement and the amount used, as they dictate how the paddle responds to every stroke, making the realm of taping a blend of science and personal preference in pursuing pickleball perfection.

The USA Pickleball Rules Committee annually reviews and updates the sport's rules based on suggestions from players nationwide. For 2023, several significant rule changes have been introduced, including the elimination of the spin serve, modifications to score correction protocols, and adjustments to serve legality and equipment timeouts.

In the fast-paced game of pickleball, mastering the skill of letting out balls go can be a game-changer. While players often focus on quick reflexes and precision, understanding when to refrain from hitting certain shots can be equally crucial. By allowing certain balls to pass, players can not only earn free points but also strategically influence their opponent's gameplay decisions.