Donald Young, a former tennis prodigy turned professional pickleball player, made a surprising return to tennis during the 2024 US Open in the mixed doubles category. Partnering with Taylor Townsend, they advanced to the semifinals after several electrifying matches. This comeback highlighted Young’s last moment in competitive tennis, as he’s now focused on pickleball. Despite their efforts, the duo fell short in the finals, marking the end of Young’s tennis career, but reminding fans of his enduring athletic prowess.

The Ed Brown Center is making another bid to bring pickleball courts to Rancho Bernardo Community Park, proposing a plan to construct 16 courts on a site previously used for lawn bowling. Despite initial opposition and a plan for a multi-recreational grass field, the center's board is determined to try again, fueled by community support and a petition boasting over 1,500 signatures. With funding fully pledged and an estimated 90-day construction timeline for phase one, advocates hope this time their vision for a pickleball haven will be realized.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Bainbridge Island, Washington, lies a special place that every pickleball enthusiast dreams of visiting—the birthplace of the sport itself. On any given day, regardless of the weather, the Founders Courts are abuzz with players from all walks of life, from seasoned athletes to college students enjoying their break. This isn’t just a place to play pickleball; it’s a community built on the legacy of the game’s origin. Whether you’re here to pay homage to the original court or to soak in the rich history displayed at the Founders Courts, Bainbridge Island offers a unique pilgrimage experience for all who have fallen in love with pickleball.

As the 2024 US Open Tennis Championship takes center stage in Flushing Meadows, Hamptonites are embracing their own racquet sport frenzy at a new wave of exclusive clubs that blend high-end wellness with top-notch sports facilities. These aren’t your grandfather’s country clubs; they’re chic, social hubs where members are treated to more than just beautifully maintained courts—they’re indulged with stunning views, luxurious spas, personal trainers, and Michelin-starred dining experiences. NAOA in East Hampton, a prime example, offers an elite experience where $30,000 initiation fees and $12,000 annual dues grant access to ten tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a full suite of wellness amenities.

The Arizona Pickleball League has taken center stage in a new docuseries, “Breaking Pickleball,” now streaming on Amazon Prime. This six-episode series offers an in-depth look at the Scottsdale-based league’s inaugural Spring 2023 season, following five competitive teams: The Scottsdale Scorchers, Gilbert Gladiators, Peoria Pythons, Tempe Tornadoes, and Surprise Stinger. The series captures the intense journey of each team as they battle through the regular season and playoffs, culminating in the Orchard Championship Cup. “Breaking Pickleball” is not just a documentary about the sport but a heartfelt exploration of the determination and passion driving these players to be the best.

This Labor Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate the sweat, grit, and unyielding spirit that builds our communities, one hard day’s work at a time. Whether you’re swinging a paddle on the pickleball court or just swinging by the BBQ, remember that every job—big or small—adds a stitch to the fabric of our shared lives. So, here’s to the dreamers, the doers, and everyone in between! May your day be filled with laughter, good company, and a well-deserved break. Happy Labor Day from the Crenshaw Pickleball Club—where hard work and fun always meet in the middle!

We recently had the opportunity to play the Genesis by Redeemed Pickleball. The Genesis is a Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Thermoformed Pickleball Paddle designed for intermediate to professional play. The genesis is a 16mm paddle which comes in ranging from 7.4 to 8.1 oz and a 4.25” grip.

Our play testers, including myself, loved the Genesis. At first glance we assumed the Genesis would be all power, with its gritty raw carbon surface and aerodynamic design, but were pleasantly surprised with its agility. The Genesis has plenty of pop and spin when you need it, but has excellent control on dinks and drops.

A Massachusetts couple’s attempt to sell their million-dollar Cape Cod home has turned into a legal dispute due to the continuous noise from neighboring pickleball courts. Despite their property’s ideal location near Sagamore Beach, Judith Comeau and her husband couldn’t find a buyer after eight months on the market, with potential buyers being deterred by the constant sound of pickleball. After slashing the price from $1.3 million to $995,000, they ultimately delisted the home. The couple claims that the noise from the four nearby private pickleball courts, built by the Sagamore Beach Colony Club, has rendered their property unsellable, leading them to consider legal action against the club.

Pickleball serves are often underestimated, but they are one of the most crucial shots in the game, and mastering them can significantly elevate your performance. Drawing inspiration from professional players, this guide breaks down 20 advanced serving strategies that range from generating more power to precise ball placement. By incorporating these tips, you'll not only enhance the speed and accuracy of your serves but also use mind games to outsmart your opponents, setting up your points for success right from the start.

The difference between a 4.0 and a 5.0 pickleball player is significant, and understanding these key distinctions can elevate your game. A 5.0 player doesn't just rely on consistent third-shot drops; they mix in drives, lobs, and use advanced decision-making to adapt to each situation. Their anticipation of opponents' shots allows them to exploit gaps and counter effectively. Additionally, 5.0 players are masters of spin, choosing the right type for each situation rather than just what's comfortable, and their positioning and movement on the court are always purposeful and strategic.

Pickle on Penn, a new pickleball country club, has officially opened its doors in Carmel, featuring a state-of-the-art 23,500-square-foot facility. This exclusive club offers eight indoor courts, posh locker rooms, and a professional staff dedicated to the sport. In addition to its focus on pickleball, the club aims to be a culinary destination with its upcoming restaurant, The Kitchen, led by executive chef Carlesa Smith. Scheduled to open in September, the restaurant will provide a mix of casual and upscale dining options, with many dishes inspired by pickleball. With memberships catering to all skill levels, Pickle on Penn is set to become a hub for both the sport and social gatherings in Carmel.

As office complexes across the country strive to lure workers back into physical office spaces, pickleball courts have become one of the hottest new amenities. With office vacancy rates soaring, landlords are pulling out all the stops, installing pickleball courts, golf simulators, and even hosting puppy parties to create more engaging and luxurious work environments. At one office complex, a recent $300,000 investment included a pickleball court along with other high-end features to entice workers. This is part of a broader trend where amenities are becoming a critical factor in drawing employees back to the office, with pickleball taking center stage as a popular and accessible option that promotes both fitness and social interaction among coworkers.

Twin brothers Angelo A. and Ettore Rossetti from Connecticut have unofficially set a new Guinness World Record for the longest pickleball volley rally, hitting more than 10,000 consecutive volleys in two hours. The event, held at Pickleball America in Stamford, Connecticut, was dedicated to their late mother, Angelina Mary Cofrancesco Rossetti, who passed away from pancreatic cancer two years ago. The brothers placed her high school photo on the net, drawing inspiration from her memory throughout the challenge. The rally was part of a fundraising event for Save the Children, raising $106,000 to date, with hopes of reaching $200,000.

In a surprising turn of events, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who recently criticized pickleball for “endangering” tennis, is set to play a pickleball match against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The match will take place during The HEAD NYC Mash Up, just days before Djokovic defends his U.S. Open title. This move highlights the growing popularity of pickleball, even among top tennis players, despite Djokovic’s earlier concerns that the sport’s rise could threaten tennis at the club level. The event will also feature two-time major tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova, adding further star power to the crossover between the two sports.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) made history with its first-ever event in Bristol, Tennessee, the IMG Hotels & Resorts 2024 Bristol Open. The tournament was filled with excitement and surprises, especially in the singles and doubles competitions. Ben Johns claimed the Men’s Pro Singles gold, continuing his dominance over Federico Staksrud. Meanwhile, in the Women's Pro Singles, Brooke Buckner secured her spot at the top by overcoming Kaitlyn Christian. The Men's Pro Doubles final saw Quang Duong earn his first PPA gold alongside Christian Alshon, defeating the Johns brothers. In Women’s Pro Doubles, the unstoppable duo of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau triumphed once again. As the PPA season heats up, the tour prepares to move on to Salt Lake City for another thrilling weekend of pickleball action.

San Francisco is making strides in making pickleball more accessible to everyone. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, in collaboration with Rec Technologies, has launched a pilot program aimed at providing safe and affordable pickleball and tennis lessons. This initiative allows players of all skill levels to book one-on-one or small group lessons through an online portal, with professional instructors who have been background-checked and licensed by the program. The goal is to offer high-quality instruction at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience.

Improving your pickleball game doesn't have to be complicated. With just five simple drills, you can dramatically enhance your skills on the court. These drills, designed to target specific scenarios, will help you develop confidence, consistency, and control. One of the most challenging situations in pickleball is being stuck in the midcourt while your opponent is ready to slam the ball. By practicing a drill where you face slams from the kitchen line, you’ll learn to defend and stay in the rally, even from a compromised position.

Choosing the right grip in pickleball can make all the difference in your game, whether you're a beginner or an advanced player. The most commonly recommended grip is the Continental grip, often referred to as the "hammer grip." This grip offers versatility, allowing players to comfortably switch between forehand and backhand volleys, as well as execute effective dinks. For those looking to add more spin to their shots, the Eastern grip or a slight variation of it might be the way to go. This grip can help you generate more spin on forehand rolls without sacrificing too much control on the backhand side.

If you want to take your pickleball game to the next level, there are three fundamental strategies that can help you beat virtually any opponent. First, target your opponent's backhand. Most players have a weaker backhand compared to their forehand, making this an effective way to force errors and reduce the chances of them attacking. Second, always prioritize getting your third shot in the court, even if it's a bit high. Staying in the rally increases your chances of eventually gaining control of the kitchen. Finally, know when to attack and when to reset—attack when the ball is high and reset when it’s low. These strategies are used by pros and can significantly improve your gameplay.

In response to growing frustration with inconsistent pickleball balls, Life Time, a luxury fitness club company, has created its own "ultimate pickleball" to improve the sport’s experience for its members. The new ball, set to debut exclusively at Life Time clubs later this month, was developed under the guidance of Life Time's CEO and founder, Bahram Akradi, who has been deeply invested in pickleball's rapid rise. Akradi's commitment to the sport is part of Life Time's broader strategy, which has already seen significant returns, including a 57% rise in the company's stock this year.