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Elevating your game beyond intermediate isn’t about flashy winners—it’s about mastering essential concepts that improve consistency, control, and point construction. These seven fundamental shots separate a 3.5 from a dependable 4.0+ player, and practicing them with purpose makes all the difference. 1. The Serve Sets the Tone The serve is the only shot you fully control, and at higher levels it’s a tactical weapon that can dictate the pace of a point. A deep, precise serve li

Becoming a better player involves the ability to dictate play. Most pickleball players begin by being reactionary: “Just get the return of serve back into the court.” “Keep the ball in play.” “Just get the ball in to start play—the serve doesn’t matter.” If your play is in line with these comments, it means your game has no real substance. Other players control your ability to play the game. Where to start to build a game of substance? You should begin by identifying the shot

So what’s the secret for ensuring that your children or grandchildren have a positive first-time experience with pickleball, encouraging them to make it a lifetime activity they can love as much as we all do? First, remember your experience learning the game. Was it a friend or family member who got you started, or a dynamic pickleball coach who made it simple and easy to learn? Or maybe, with all the buzz around pickleball, you bought a couple of inexpensive paddles at Walma

As pickleball attracts more and more players from other sports, those new players bring shots from their former sports. There is much greater shot variety in pickleball than ever before. Some of the shots even have names, like reset, Erne, and dink. As overall play gets better, the need for variety, change of pace, additional spin, and deception increases. Why would you want to use a backhand serve? In the past, I have seen several players switch to a backhand serve when they

In pickleball, the serving team starts every point at a natural disadvantage. The third shot is regularly the moment where points start to unravel. The choice you make here largely determines whether you feed into your opponents’ advantage, stay stuck in neutral, or step into control of the rally. Why the Third Shot Matters The third shot is the pivotal moment in a rally for the serving team. Choosing the right shot sets the tone for the rest of the point. Consider these key

Pickleball players are a special group of people. The social interaction our sport provides sparks a special sense of happiness, bringing us back to the courts again and again. And, as it turns out, research shows that happy people are generous people. If you and your pickleball pals are feeling that warm sense of generosity this holiday season, consider teaming up to give one of humanity’s most basic needs: food. Here are some ways your pickleball group can help feed those w

As travelers start planning their 2026 adventures, there’s a coastal destination that perfectly blends pickleball, leisure and luxury—Wild Dunes Resort on South Carolina’s Isle of Palms. With six dedicated pickleball courts, world-class amenities, and a stunning seaside setting just minutes from downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes is the ultimate year-round getaway for families, friend groups, and corporate retreats alike. Set against the natural beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcou

Austin Pickle Ranch Austin, Texas Imagine, if you will, an empty warehouse that through its transformation into an indoor pickleball facility garnered a prestigious national award from the American Sports Builders Association as its 2024 Indoor Pickleball Facility of the Year. Well, that’s exactly what transpired for Austin Pickle Ranch, which had officially opened just one year earlier in October 2023. The sport of pickleball is flourishing in the capital city of Texas, with

Home: Boynton Beach, Florida Age: 23 Marital status: Single Major and college: Communications at Florida Gulf Coast University Best shot: Backhand flick Favorite tournament: San Clemente Ranking: 37 in singles, 16 in men’s doubles, 16 in mixed doubles You received MLP’s Most Improved Award last year. What did you to do achieve it? I started as a rookie, nobody knew me, I played the MLP Challenge. I practiced and worked on my fitness with Simone Jardim. You are Brazilian

The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships delivered on all fronts: massive participation—with players from 47 states and 20 countries—high-level competition, and a picturesque host city. Sofia Sewing hits a backhand drive shot against Katerina Stewart in the Pro Women's Singles finals match. Photo by Bruce Yeung; IG: @yeungphotography The USA Pickleball National Championships brings together all divisions—age groups, amateurs, and pros. It’s a celebration of the breadth

From the moment you arrive at the exclusive gates of CordeValle in San Martin, California, a sense of quiet luxury washes over you. The...

As with every sport, injuries are a part of the game we love. There are a few factors that place pickleball players at risk for injuries....

Hot Shots Pickleball Club Canton, Ohio Gridiron glory permeates the landscape in and around Canton, Ohio, home of the NFL’s Hall of Fame....

Age: 35 Hometown: Newport Beach, CA Marital Status: Married Ranking: #1 with women’s doubles partner Megan Fudge Favorite Tournament:...

Here are the top cities and states for pickleball, ranked by number of facilities and courts. The lists, from the latest Sports & Fitness...

Mary Brascia prepares to hit a forehand serve deep to her opponent’s backhand during Pro Women’s Singles division play at the PPA Mesa...

The increased exposure of pickleball gives players of all levels plenty of opportunities to watch high-level pickleball and view...

If you’ve ever watched high-level pickleball and wondered how they make it look so easy, the answer almost always comes back to three...

It’s getting hot out there, but let’s be honest: sweltering temperatures are no match for our pickleball addictions! For the love of the...

Shoreline Pickleball Milford, Connecticut The eastern seaboard of the United States is quickly becoming one of the hottest areas of the...