The landscape of pickleball is shifting dramatically as paddle technology evolves, enabling players to generate more power and spin than ever before. This surge in technology is encouraging players to adopt more aggressive styles, often leaning toward “banger” strategies. But thriving in this new era isn’t just about smashing your way through games; it’s about smart play. Mastering defense against these power shots and strategically using new paddle capabilities can redefine your success on the court. From reacting faster to driving with precision, the game demands adaptability like never before.

Pickleball is a game of strategy, not just power, and understanding the nuances of play can transform your game. Here are six proven strategies to take your skills to the next level. First, rethink your speed-ups; they’re not about scoring outright but setting up the next shot. A concise “windshield wiper” motion keeps you ready for counters. Second, always point your paddle tip toward the shot you just made—it’s a quick hack that keeps you prepared for the return and gives the illusion of lightning-fast reflexes. Finally, in casual games, challenge yourself by targeting the stronger player; in tournaments, stick to the weaker one to secure the win.

This Thanksgiving, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers, for being part of this vibrant pickleball community. Your passion for the sport fuels everything we do, and we’re grateful for the shared love of the game that connects us all. Pickleball has a way of bringing people together—through matches, its welcoming spirit, and the joy it brings to players of all skill levels. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making the sport something truly special. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, laughter, and maybe even a few good points.

Pickleball’s appeal goes beyond its low-impact workout and fun gameplay—it’s also a surprising boon for brain health. Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola highlights how the sport combines physical activity with cognitive training to support proprioception—the sense of where your body is in space. With over 4.8 million players nationwide, the game offers not only a social outlet but also a chance to keep your mind sharp as you age.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, a group of determined pickleball players set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest pickleball game, which currently stands at 34 hours and 5 minutes. Their inspiring endeavor raised money for Gift of Life Michigan, but it fell short when a miscalculation regarding break times invalidated their attempt after 14.5 hours of play. Despite this setback, the quartet—Brad Haverkamp, Julie Ondersma, Sydney Sonday, and Caleb Dang—showcased remarkable endurance and passion for both the sport and their cause.

San Quentin State Prison, once infamous for housing some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, is embracing an unlikely rehabilitative force: pickleball. This accessible and unassuming sport is bridging divides, offering inmates a chance to engage with each other—and themselves—on a deeper level. What started as a game is now a movement, fostering unity among rival gang members, wardens, and even the broader community. With over 95% of state prisoners set to re-enter society, programs like pickleball are becoming essential to breaking cycles of violence and recidivism.

If you’re serious about stepping up your pickleball game, these six drills are your golden ticket to sharper skills and smarter play. Tailored for players at every level, they focus on essential areas like serving, returning, dinking, and hand speed. Whether you’re looking to dominate at the kitchen or outsmart your opponent mid-court, these drills make every practice session count.

Few moments in pickleball are as contentious as the classic “Was that ball in or out?” Line calls can spark debates, ruin friendships, and even threaten to derail an otherwise friendly match. But fear not—pickleball rules are here to keep the game fun, fair, and drama-free. Knowing when a ball is truly out (hint: only when you can clearly see space between the ball and the line) is crucial, but so is maintaining good sportsmanship and respect for your opponents. Let’s dive into the rules and best practices for making calls on the court.

The Coachella Valley Scorpions, a senior professional pickleball team, are bringing the excitement of elite-level play to the desert and beyond. As part of the National Pickleball League, the Scorpions are one of 12 teams showcasing the best 50+ talent in the sport. This week, the Scorpions got their moment in the spotlight when “LIVE with Kelly and Mark” highlighted the team during a special broadcast from Palm Springs. Co-owners Kim Jagd, Vincent Van Patten, Mark Consuelos, and Michael Gelman played an exhibition match that put the Scorpions—and senior pickleball—front and center.

Westlake Village has officially joined the pickleball craze with the grand opening of its first public courts at the Community Park. On Friday, four newly minted pickleball courts welcomed players of all ages, turning what was once part of a parking lot into a hub for fitness and community bonding. The project, championed by city leaders like City Manager Rob de Geus and Mayor Ned Davis, underscores a growing commitment to accessible recreation. The courts, designed for inclusivity, are a boon for both novice and seasoned players looking to enjoy a sport that blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton.

Even the friendly world of pickleball has its fiery moments, as a recent viral video proves. During a doubles match, emotions flared after the final point when a player in a green shirt accidentally knocked the paddle from his opponent’s hand while celebrating. As he bent down to retrieve it, the opponent in pink shorts stunned everyone by delivering a swift kick to his face. The footage, shared widely on X, left viewers debating the boundaries of sportsmanship and whether justice would be served on or off the court.

In the latest installment of our series on monumental pickleball facilities, Menomonee Falls takes the spotlight with the upcoming Pickleball Kingdom—a sprawling 60,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring 17 fully lit courts, including a stadium court. This pickleball haven is set to open in January and promises a vibrant community vibe alongside top-tier amenities. With a full-service bar, grill, pro shop, and lessons for all skill levels, Menomonee Falls positions itself as a premier pickleball destination in southeastern Wisconsin.

Winning consistently in pickleball isn’t just about skill; it’s about strategy. By mastering these six techniques, you can outsmart most players and take control of the court. The first secret? Hit to the middle. Known as the “down the middle solves the riddle” strategy, it eliminates your opponents’ angles, creating confusion and leaving gaps. Follow up with a targeted third-shot drive, aiming at the returner to catch them off balance, and always stay in sync with your partner’s game plan. These foundational approaches will drastically improve your match outcomes.

Keeping the ball low in pickleball is a game-changer. A low ball neutralizes your opponent’s offensive capabilities and forces them to respond with upward shots, making it harder for them to gain an advantage. This strategy works wonders whether you’re at the kitchen line or returning shots from mid-court. From soft dinks to controlled volleys, maintaining a low trajectory keeps you in control and often leads to winning points.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle often boils down to one crucial decision: thicker or thinner core? Most brands offer paddles in two thicknesses—16 mm and 14 mm—and understanding the trade-offs can be game-changing. While thicker paddles excel in control and forgiveness, thinner models bring the heat with added power, pop, and spin. But which one is right for you? Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose.

The secret to winning more games lies in fast reflexes, but most players think they’re just born with them—or not. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Reflexes can be trained and sharpened, just like any other skill. From using proper body positioning and paddle shading to mastering specific drills, this post dives into 10 proven strategies that will boost your reaction time and confidence at the net. Whether you’re countering hard drives or recovering from defensive plays, these techniques will elevate your game and keep you one step ahead.

Professional pickleball has evolved to the point where a single strong attack no longer guarantees a winning point. Players now rely on a series of well-placed shots to gain the upper hand, as quick reflexes and improved counterattacks mean that initial attacks are often returned. Modern players must be ready for a follow-up shot, anticipating their opponent's likely response to stay in control. This shift demands a dynamic approach, targeting specific areas on the court to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and maximize scoring potential.

In a surprising blend of sports and comedy, a new film titled The Dink brings together actors like Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, and John McEnroe for a pickleball adventure. Created by director Josh Greenbaum, this unique comedy follows a washed-up tennis pro who takes on pickleball to revive his career and prove his worth. With an ensemble cast that includes names like Aaron Chen, Christine Taylor, Martin Kove, and Chris Parnell, the film promises laughs and plenty of fast-paced action on and off the court. Filming kicked off in Los Angeles, blending Greenbaum’s direction with Sean Clements’s script to bring pickleball’s quirks and competitiveness to the big screen.

The rapid growth of pickleball has naturally drawn comparisons to tennis, but the real connections between the two sports are even stronger than you might expect. The PPA Tour, founded just four years ago, has seen an impressive 90% of its pro players come from a tennis background. From recreational players to collegiate athletes and seasoned coaches, most pros have roots in tennis that translate well to pickleball’s unique style. This overlap includes top players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, who both had tennis experience before turning pro. Although Johns credits his table tennis background as key, and Waters made her switch at a young age, both still reflect the tennis-to-pickleball trend.

At the Crenshaw Pickleball Club, we value teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity on and off the court, and we encourage everyone to carry that spirit into Election Day by exercising their right to vote. No matter who you’re voting for or what your beliefs are, making your voice heard is a powerful way to shape our future. Voting is a testament to the strength of our democracy, and each of us, regardless of our views, shares in the responsibility of moving our country forward. So let’s show up at the polls with pride and respect for each other’s choices, honoring our nation’s unity as we make this important decision together.