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An action shot of a female pickleball player indoors, wearing a green shirt and black shorts, demonstrating a backhand serve technique.

VARIATIONS ON THE BACKHAND SERVE

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

Alice Tym

7 hours ago4 min read

The Blueprint to Winning More Points as the Serving Team

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

Kyle McMakin

2 days ago7 min read

A festive holiday food drive display set on a pickleball court, featuring a gold polka-dot box filled with canned goods like salmon and sardines decorated with ribbons and bows. A mason jar filled with money sits next to it with a label reading 'Oops, I Hit an Out-Ball 25¢ Fine (Food Bank Fundraiser).'

Pickleball Players Can Give the Gift of Food

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

Brandi Givens

2 days ago4 min read

An aerial view of the Wild Dunes Resort showing a large beachfront hotel, numerous multi-story luxury homes and villas, and parts of a manicured green golf course bordering the wide, sandy beach and the blue ocean.

Plan Your 2026 Getaway: Pickleball, Relaxation, and Coastal Luxury at Wild Dunes Resort

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

Laura Gainor

2 days ago3 min read

Feature image for 'Austin Pickle Ranch.' Shows a pickleball net with 'COURT 1' sign in the foreground, and lounge seating and a neon sign in the background against a wood-slat wall.

Austin Pickle Ranch—National Award Winner

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

Drew Wathey

2 days ago2 min read

Eric Oncins

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

Alice Tym

6 days ago3 min read

Professional pickleball player Sofia Sewing, wearing a white top and visor and a tan skirt, hits a backhand drive shot during the Pro Women's Singles finals match against Katerina Stewart.

The Pinnacle of Competitive Excellence

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

Drew Wathey

6 days ago6 min read