Today, we're diving into the five significant changes that have transformed pickleball over the years. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, these updates are essential to keep up with the evolving sport.

For those who are passionate about pickleball, the hunt for the best gear is constant. Thankfully, Amazon Prime Day is emerging as one of the top opportunities of the year to score great deals on pickleball equipment. Our team has already spotted discounts of up to 50% on top brands like Joola, Onix, and Franklin Sports, with the promise of even better deals on July 16 and 17.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed his concerns about the future of tennis following his Centre Court win at Wimbledon 2024 on Saturday, July 6. Djokovic, 37, warned that “tennis is endangered” and highlighted the rapid growth of paddle sports like pickleball as a significant threat. He urged for collective action to prevent tennis clubs from being converted into pickleball and paddle courts. Djokovic emphasized the need for improvements in tennis to attract a larger audience, drawing comparisons to the successful marketing strategies of Formula 1.

Today, we're going to talk about the strategic placement of your third shot drop in pickleball. When you don't know your opponents well, it's essential to communicate with your partner. Start by dropping to their forehand first, then switch to their backhand. Observe which shot they handle better. Once you identify their weaker side, consistently aim your third shot drop there to get to the kitchen more effectively.

One of the most important aspects of pickleball is making the right decision between hitting the ball hard and hitting it soft. Understanding when to counterattack and when to reset is crucial for elevating your game to a professional level.

In Pacific Palisades, pickleball may have gained momentum, but bocce is the kingpin of community sports. More than 900 people have joined the Palisades Bocce Club since it started in June 2021. Prizing community over competition, the league brings neighbors of all generations together for outdoor fun. On a recent chilly morning, commissioner Jimmy Dunne offered strategic tips before the games began, emphasizing the club's focus on camaraderie rather than winning.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) returned to the picturesque Life Time Rancho San Clemente in California for the 4th annual Orange County Cup, delivering thrilling matches and significant upsets. As a "Cup" level event, the stakes were high with a larger draw and day-by-day progression, attracting 1300+ players and fans. The tournament saw major changes at the top of the rankings, with standout performances and dramatic comebacks making it one of the most exciting PPA events to date.

Happy Fourth of July to all our fellow pickleball enthusiasts! Today, we celebrate the birth of our great nation and the freedoms that allow us to gather on the court and enjoy this wonderful game. As we come together with family and friends for barbecues, fireworks, and festive pickleball matches, let's take a moment to appreciate the liberty that makes it all possible. Here's to a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and plenty of pickleball fun. Wishing you all a safe and fantastic Independence Day!

This weekend, the streets of downtown Louisville were transformed into pickleball courts for the first-ever Downtown Pickleball Street Fest. Held on W Jefferson Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, the event attracted players from across the region. Organized by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and Goodbounce Pickleball Yard, the fest featured a lively atmosphere with an artisan marketplace, food trucks, and a DJ to keep the energy high.

Pickleball has transitioned from a quirky tennis knockoff to the fastest-growing sport in America, boasting 36.5 million annual participants, professional leagues, and themed restaurants. “It’s the perfect resort vacation sport,” says Scott Colebourne, CEO of Picklestars, highlighting its multi-generational appeal and the spectacular settings for the courts. Colebourne emphasizes that the best resorts go beyond just providing courts; they offer breathtaking views, excellent programming, and professional assistance to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players.

Understanding these three fundamental rules of good pickleball strategy can significantly enhance your game. The first rule focuses on keeping your opponents back when your team is up at the net. The key is to hit shots that make it difficult for them to advance. This involves aiming for the depth of their feet and using a mix of power and spin to maintain control. By doing so, you prevent them from moving forward and taking control of the point.

A Charlotte-based pickleball organization is transforming how Black communities view this increasingly popular sport. Founded by Kayla Brooks in 2023, Black Pickleball & Co. aims to enhance socioeconomic mobility by involving Black professionals in pickleball, fostering networking opportunities and community engagement. Brooks' efforts have led to regular events at venues like Rally and Lab City in Charlotte, where a previously overlooked demographic is now finding a welcoming space to connect and play.

With pickleball surging in popularity, Staten Island players are facing a shortage of courts, leading to conflicts with law enforcement. On June 11, NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol officers issued a $50 summons to a pickleball player who took over tennis courts at Fairview Park in Charleston for pickleball use. This incident highlights the growing tension between pickleball enthusiasts and local regulations as the sport's demand outpaces available facilities.

Anguilla, a hidden gem in the Caribbean, is becoming a haven for both luxury seekers and pickleball enthusiasts. Known for its pristine beaches and upscale resorts, the island is now attracting middle-class visitors who come to play pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in North America. The sport's rise in popularity has led to the development of new pickleball courts, making Anguilla a top destination for fans of the game.

When starting to learn pickleball, the most important skills to focus on are the serve and the return. These are the only two shots that occur in every rally, making their consistency crucial. Many beginners struggle with serving due to overthinking, leading to mistakes. The key is to simplify your motion and aim for the middle of the court to maximize your margin for error. This approach helps build confidence and consistency, which translates to other aspects of your game.

Backhands are among the hardest shots to master in pickleball, but with the right techniques and consistent practice, you can turn this potential weakness into a strength. Most players struggle with their backhand because they lack proper form, making improvement nearly impossible. This guide will walk you through various types of backhands, including the drive, slice, drop, and two-handed backhand, along with the common mistakes players make and effective drills for practice.

Twelve new pickleball courts are set to open under the Brooklyn Bridge, marking the first time in 15 years that this area will be accessible to the public. CityPickle, the company behind numerous New York pickleball courts, won the proposal to transform Anchorage Plaza into a vibrant recreational hub. In addition to the courts, the plan includes a dog run, food trucks, a tree nursery, art installations, beach chairs, restrooms, and more. The project, approved by the NYC Parks Department, is scheduled to start construction soon, with a targeted opening in spring 2025.

In a delightful twist to the growing popularity of pickleball, two curious black bear cubs in Tahoe City, California, were caught on camera helping themselves to pickleball paddles outside a cabin. The video, captured by KCRA 3 viewer Josh Klekowski, shows the cubs rummaging through a wagon filled with recreational items while their mother watched from a distance. The adorable sight highlights that the love for pickleball is not limited to humans.

Pickleball, America's fastest-growing sport, has recently declared its official fruit: the blueberry. In a unique partnership between Major League Pickleball and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), this initiative aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of blueberries among pickleball enthusiasts. The collaboration encourages players to incorporate more blueberries into their diets for a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity, attracting players of all ages with its unique blend of elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. As more people discover the joy of this fast-paced game, the desire to have a personal pickleball court has surged. If you’re a homeowner with some extra space, you might be wondering: can you build a pickleball court in your driveway? The answer is yes! Whether you want a simple setup or a professional-grade court, this guide will walk you through the key considerations and steps involved.