The Australian Open is set to elevate pickleball’s profile with the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam, boasting a $100,000 prize pool. This groundbreaking event will take place at Melbourne Park’s Court 3 from January 24-26, during the final weekend of the tennis major. Players from around the world will compete, marking a significant milestone in the crossover between tennis and pickleball.

Pickleball is a game of strategy, skill, and constant learning, yet some of the most common teachings and habits players develop might actually hinder their performance. From how to move effectively at the kitchen line to the proper ready position, resetting against aggressive shots, and even footwork, it’s time to rethink what we’ve been told. Understanding these misconceptions can help elevate your game to new heights.

When comedy met world-class athleticism on the pickleball court, the results were as entertaining as expected. Former world No. 1 tennis player Naomi Osaka faced off against comedian Kevin Hart at his Los Angeles home for an epic pickleball showdown. Hart initially seemed to have the upper hand, winning the first game 11-7, but Osaka wasn’t about to let him bask in the glory for long.

This year, we’re blessed with a rare and beautiful convergence as Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah light up the same day. To all celebrating, we extend our heartfelt love and gratitude for your support, and we honor the joy, light, and traditions that bring families together. Whether you’re decking the halls or kindling the menorah, may your hearts be full of peace, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. Here’s to a holiday season that unites us in the spirit of warmth and community. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

The third shot drop is often considered the most crucial skill in pickleball. It’s the game-changing move that levels the playing field, allowing you and your partner to transition from the baseline to the net, neutralizing your opponents’ positional advantage. By learning the proper techniques and practicing consistently, you can perfect this shot and elevate your pickleball game to new heights.

As pickleball continues to evolve, so does the style of play, with faster-paced rallies and more aggressive strategies becoming the new norm. In recent years, the sport has seen significant changes in equipment, technique, and gameplay dynamics. These changes have sparked a shift away from the traditional soft game to a more offensive approach, requiring players to adapt if they want to stay competitive. With new paddle technologies, revised ball designs, and increasingly skilled players, the modern game is reshaping the way we think about pickleball. Whether it’s mastering offensive third shots, attacking at midcourt, or integrating aggressive dinking strategies, staying ahead in 2025 means embracing change and refining your skills.

Australian tennis sensation Nick Kyrgios is trading his tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, at least temporarily, as he prepares to debut in the sport at the PPA Tour Australia Pickleball Open. Partnering with fellow tennis pro Jack Sock, Kyrgios will compete in the men’s doubles event during the tournament in Melbourne from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2025. This marks the PPA Tour’s first international stop, underscoring pickleball’s rapid expansion beyond the U.S.

Scottsdale is about to become the epicenter of pickleball excellence with the announcement of PURE Pickleball & Padel, a sprawling 50-court facility slated to open in 2026. This 180,000-square-foot complex will feature 48 state-of-the-art pickleball courts and two padel courts, offering players a world-class venue to enjoy the sport year-round. Strategically located near Scottsdale’s entertainment hotspots, PURE aims to cater to everyone—from casual enthusiasts to professional competitors. With amenities like after-school programs, rooftop bars, and championship-level courts, this facility promises to be much more than a place to play—it’s poised to become a lifestyle hub.

Pickleball is no longer just a recreational phenomenon—it’s a sought-after amenity that’s influencing real estate trends in Oregon. Proximity to pickleball courts has become a hot selling point, with Portland-area listings mentioning the sport increasing by 159% over the past year, according to Zillow. Buyers are drawn to homes near private and public courts, as the game continues to capture the hearts of players ranging from kids to retirees.

Eugenie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist and rising star in professional pickleball, has revealed that she was rushed to urgent care after a freak training accident. The Canadian athlete, who has embraced pickleball alongside her tennis career, sustained a scratched cornea when an errant shot ricocheted off her partner’s paddle and struck her eye. Sharing her ordeal on Instagram, she reassured her fans that her recovery would only take a few days, posting photos of her swollen eye and a humorous thumbs-up while sporting an eye patch.

The backhand flick is one of pickleball’s most strategic shots, offering a blend of finesse and unpredictability that can leave opponents flat-footed. It’s a move that turns defensive situations into offensive opportunities, requiring minimal power but maximum precision. The flick works best when executed with control and spin, creating sharp angles that are nearly impossible to defend. Whether aimed at an opponent’s hips, shoulders, or an open space on the court, the flick is a shot every player should add to their arsenal.

Pickleball and padel are emerging as two of the world’s hottest sports, with traditional tennis institutions rushing to capitalise on the emerging codes. So, what’s driving the demand? And can regular joes really turn pro?

The growing popularity of pickleball has sparked yet another legal battle, this time in San Francisco, where a homeowners association representing 155 condo units near the Embarcadero has sued the Bay Club over noise from its six pickleball courts. The Golden Gateway Commons Residential Association alleges that the courts, converted from tennis courts two years ago, produce “constant, unbearable, and offensive noise” that disrupts the daily lives of residents. They demand an immediate cessation of pickleball operations, citing the sharp “popping” sound created by paddles and balls as a major nuisance.

Deciding whether to drive or drop your third shot in pickleball can make or break a rally, especially against skilled opponents. While many players believe deeper returns call for a drop, evolving strategies suggest otherwise. A hard, deep return puts pressure on players, often forcing them to hit third-shot drops on the rise—a risky move that can result in high pop-ups and easy putaways for opponents. Instead, driving these deep returns low and toward the middle of the court not only neutralizes the pressure but also sets you up for a manageable fifth-shot drop.

Struggling with your backhand? You’re not alone, but a few simple adjustments can completely transform your game. Proper spacing, stable wrist mechanics, and shoulder-driven swings are essential to achieving a consistent, reliable backhand. Many players make mistakes like crowding the ball, using too much wrist, or failing to take dinks out of the air—bad habits that lead to inconsistent shots and lost points. Master these key areas, and you’ll see significant improvement in both control and power.

The pickleball community was shaken this week as the FBI raided the Indiana home of Rodney “Rocket” Grubbs, the former owner of Pickleball Rocks, in connection with an alleged $50 million fraud scheme. Grubbs, once a prominent figure in the sport, is accused of defrauding over 300 investors—many of them fellow pickleball enthusiasts—through high-interest promissory notes that funded his business operations. While Grubbs denies intentional wrongdoing, he has admitted to owing $47.5 million and faces accusations of running an unregistered investment scheme.

What began as a contentious debate over Depot Park’s future became a surprising display of empathy and mutual respect between Santa Cruz’s pickleball and BMX communities. The city’s proposal to replace the underused BMX ramps at the “Fun Spot” with four pickleball courts sparked an intense discussion during a public meeting. But instead of pitting one group’s interests against the other, the pickleball players took a stand—urging the city to reconsider its plan if it meant taking away the BMX riders’ only dedicated space. Their message was clear: while the need for pickleball courts is urgent, they shouldn’t come at the expense of the biking community.

Blocking in pickleball can be a challenge, especially when facing fast-paced shots. Many players struggle with pop-ups that give opponents easy scoring opportunities. The key to successful blocking lies in avoiding common mistakes like punching forward, gripping too tightly, or losing your paddle angle. By mastering the right technique and focusing on fundamentals, you can develop “soft hands” and turn your blocking into an offensive asset. One highly effective way to practice this is the “Catch and Release” drill, designed to reinforce proper habits and eliminate costly errors.

Tecnifibre, renowned for its dominance in tennis, squash, and padel, is diving into pickleball with an exclusive paddle line in collaboration with Australian brand SixZero. Launching December 11, the collection features three paddles—Select ($219), Blitz ($199), and Command ($209)—each tailored for players seeking power, all-court versatility, or enhanced control. With sleek graphics and cutting-edge T-Feel technology, the paddles embody the performance standards and elegant designs both brands are known for. The partnership aims to bring SixZero’s innovative paddle craftsmanship to Tecnifibre’s established audience of racquet sport enthusiasts.

Hollywood’s brightest stars and power players are swapping their suits for sweatbands, and the Entertainment Pickleball League (EPL) is their new stage. On November 16, the Calabasas Pickleball Club played host to the league’s championship, where agents and execs battled it out with paddles in hand. Gersh Agency’s “Let’s F*cking Gersh” triumphed over Netflix’s “Netflix and Dill,” cementing their place as league champions. The EPL, founded just this past September, has rapidly grown from four to eight teams, and plans are underway to expand to 16 by January. With team names like Disney’s “Monster Dinks” and NBCUniversal’s “Dis-Pickleball Me,” the league blends competition with a playful edge, making it the hottest new draw in Tinseltown.