When you are playing pickleball the goal of the game is to get the ball to bounce on each side of the net before you can play a serve. After you serve the ball, you also want to avoid the dreaded popping up situation. If the ball pops up too high to hit it or …
Winning a pickleball match requires a strategy that encompasses its rules and borrows from badminton and tennis. Both tennis and pickleball feature the lob shot. In a lob, the ball travels quite high and lands near the baseline at the court’s rear. Learn the C-shape run and proper set up of a lob return. Getting …
While pickleball can be seen as a light-hearted, laidback sport, some players get into kicking it up a notch and hitting the ball as hard as they can while keeping an accelerated pace. We call these speed demons “bangers” in the world of pickleball. When you’re staring down a banger on the other side of …
When you want to make your pickleball paddle stand out from the crowd, you might wonder if you can paint it with your own cool design. While a plain pickleball paddle is perfectly acceptable, adding a little flair to your pickleball paddle can have two perks. Firstly, you’ll be able to walk onto the court …
Fast reaction time is important, at every skill level, when you play pickleball. The thought of reaction time likely seems easy, right? Do you believe that getting to the ball and hitting it over the net is all that there is to improving your reaction time? Some people play pickleball for years, yet never seem …
When playing pickleball, I like to perform a let from time to time–even though it is not allowed. What does this mean? Perhaps I am a rebellious pickleball player from the old school. Either way, you technically can not do a let when playing pickleball. Then what gives–why do they have the move called a …
To properly hold a pickleball paddle, (1) choose where its comfortable for you to grip (2) properly hold with the Continental/Standard grip (3), Western/Semi-western grip (4) or Eastern/Hammer grip. While I now know how to properly hold a pickleball paddle, that wasn’t always the case. I remember how, when I first saw one, I thought …
While pickleball players hit the ball at a range of speeds and forces, pickleballs can only go so fast. When you’re standing across from a banger who hits the pickleball as hard and fast as possible, it might seem like the ball is hurling at the speed of light towards your face. Thankfully, pickleballs usually …
While pickleball might seem like a simple enough game, there are certain nuances to the rules that you can’t ignore. Just because pickleball combines the best parts of table tennis, regular tennis, and badminton does not mean you can take your individual rules around those games into the pickleball court. When you’re playing ping pong …
Do you think that learning to play pickleball presents new and exciting opportunities for you if only you knew all the terms related to pickleball? You want to know how to maximize winning points and winning pickleball games. You look forward to making new friends and enjoying the sport while benefiting from the exercise involved …
Typically, the receiver stands diagonal to the server in pickleball. This can change in singles, but not in doubles. In singles matches, only two individuals play, and they stand diagonal to each other with any even score. They stand across from one another during an odd score. If that sounds odd, let me explain. In …
Whether you’ve watched professional pickleball players on the courts in your area or on television, you’ve probably seen them bust out the old switcheroo at some point. If a highly skilled pickleball player switches hands for certain shots, you might be tempted to follow their example and do the same for various reasons. When you …
We’ve talked before about my childhood games of badminton and baseball. Kids don’t need to play professional-quality games in their own backyards. They just hit the ball back and forth until mom calls lunch. It’s much the same in gym class at school, except for lunch. It’s said in pickleball that keeping the ball low …
The backhand is an upper hand in pickleball from a strategic perspective, giving you the chance to drive the ball into a section of the court that forces your opponent to move on the court. If you’ve already tried it, then you know it is not something that you can just wing on the court …
To defend the Middle, (1) position yourself/(ves) (2) synchronize your movements, (3) constantly communicate (4) play smart, not hard (5) maintain control of the court, and (6) read/watch and learn from the pros. Interestingly enough, while I now know what the Middle in pickleball is and how to defend it, that wasn’t always the case. …
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that resembles the elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. It’s extremely popular because it’s super easy to learn and play, and it doesn’t require a lot of equipment to play. All players need is a pickleball court, paddles, and a pickleball. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, learning how …
When pickleball first began in the 1960s, the rules forbade putting spin on a pickleball serve. The rules made service as straightforward as possible to ensure the game remained accessible to all. Today, you can legally put a spin on a pickleball serve. Many rules received updates and by 2022, the sport’s governing body allows top spin, …
When I first started pickleball, I was surprised to find myself on a very small court. My previous racket game was tennis, which is a much larger court. I soon adjusted to the size of the court. I have also played some great pickleball on a tennis court. It is possible to play pickleball on …
I’m just learning pickleball along with you. I found out when the ball should and shouldn’t bounce. It may seem complicated at first, but you’ll get it right soon enough. When the Ball Should Bounce? The ball should bounce after the serve and when it has hit the opponent’s court. After that, the receiving team …
The drop serve and drop shot in pickleball is one of the most common serves and shots in the game. Its purpose as a serve is to get the game started. As the United States Pickleball Association says, the drop serve is a gentler serve or shot and is not meant to be used as …
In pickleball, you do change sides, but not from one side of the net to the other. The sport of pickleball does things a bit differently than, say, baseball, changing from outfield to batting. If you serve from the wrong side of the court, you commit a fault and lose the point. That means the …
There are several rules regarding the pickleball net and a major one is not to touch it, as that is considered a fault. The pickleball player who is at fault will end up facing a rally loss. Therefore, it’s vital not to let your body, paddle, or clothing come in contact with the net or …
I’ve dug deep into some pickleball rules lately after a desire to learn more about this sport. It taught me what carrying the ball means and if it’s appropriate in this game. What is “carrying the ball” in pickleball? “Carrying the ball” means that you make contact with the ball by pushing it with the …
I have just started playing pickleball and there are plenty of places to play–starting with tournaments. Along with pickleball games and tournaments, there are also championship tournaments where players play for money. Yes, that’s right, you can play pickleball for a job where your sole income comes from pickleball tournament winnings. Of course, you have …
If you are new to pickleball like many of us are, you may know the rules but have not yet mastered the game. We are all learning together. One thing I know for sure is that the more you practice and play, the better you will become. The more you learn about the game’s nuances …
We are now learning to play pickleball, and our competitive inner self has one question. What can we do to improve our game and win the match? One answer is to learn how to put a spin on our pickleball shots. When we know how to put a spin on the pickleball, it adds another …
You may have heard that pickleball has many similar rules to tennis and racquetball. Not only are the rules similar, but so are many of the techniques you might see on the court! If you’re new to pickleball, expect to see lots of topspin and cut shots, among other techniques. Those with a tennis background …
Imagine standing for hours with your earpods in, listening to your favorite tunes and practicing pickleball. It could even be raining outside, or in the dark. You can do this with a pickleball practice wall. They are quite easy to make and are affordable. A pickleball practice wall (or picklewall) can change your game entirely. …
Whether you’re new to the sport or you just moved, you have to start somewhere if you’re trying to find pickleball courts near you. From word of mouth to websites and apps, there are plenty of ways to find pickleball courts near you! The best way to find pickleball courts near you is by word …
I didn’t think you were allowed to use two hands on a pickleball paddle. However, I stand corrected by Pickleball Magazine. Introducing the Two-Handed Pickleball Backhand Pickleball Magazine expert Christine McGrath tells the world how a two-handed backhand is done. “Of course, you still see the one-handed backhand that has been used since the creation …
“With a pickleball paddle, of course, daddy!!” shouted my daughter, Lil Lilly, much to everyone’s amusement. In case you are just joining us, Lil Lilly’s answer was in response to my asking, “How do you hit a pickleball?” After Wifey and I had undergone an expensive pickleball crash course with a professional trainer, I had …
It’s the beginning of the summer, and I’ve been unsuccessfully attempting to dodge the spring rain for the past few months. I’m chomping at the bit to get out of the house and enjoy some pickleball before the mid-summer temperatures and humidity go through the roof. The weekly weather forecast is perfect for getting outside …
According to USA Pickleball, around 4.8 million players existed in 2021. I must admit, up until a few years ago, I had never heard of pickleball. That changed when I walked by a small court and watched a few people play. I did some research and now better understand the game and the appeal! If you’re …
Many take the importance of shoes and protecting your feet and ankles for granted. I certainly did until I rolled my ankle while walking the dog one day. When I went to the foot doctor, she said the shoes I was wearing were terrible for any exercise type since they lacked ankle and arch support, …
Whether you’re an avid pickleball player or new to the sport, it’s essential to wear the proper sports apparel for your next match. The most important item you must have to be high performing yet avoid injury is a good old pair of shoes. However, not every shoe is up to the challenge in this …
As a pickleball player, it’s important to know what your skill level is. That way, you can determine how well your playing style is working for you and whether or not there are things you need to improve. It’s also a nice way of showing how far you’ve come since starting out. Pickleball players are …
Anyone who plays badminton or tennis knows that tossing the ball or shuttlecock into the air so you can strike it on the way down is how to serve. There might be rules governing just how the ball or shuttlecock is tossed, dropped, or otherwise set up for a proper serve. Pickleball is a little …
We all know that pickleball is played similarly to tennis or ping pong by striking the ball back and forth with the paddle. But can you hit a pickleball with your hand, or must it always come into contact with the paddle itself? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how …
As pickleball grows in popularity, more people across the world want to learn to play it. Alas, some areas don’t yet have pickleball courts. You might have a tennis court nearby though, and in those cases, you could modify the tennis court. So, yes, in a pinch, you can play a pickleball match on a tennis court. You …
Whether you are just starting to learn how to play pickleball, or have started and want to perfect your game, you will hear the term “dink shot.” It is among the most common terms heard in pickleball, and when used correctly, an important component of your strategy. Many will say the dink shot can be …
If you want to become good at pickleball, you have to learn the shots. You have to learn how to execute them well. You also have to learn how to anticipate them and react to them. There is a great deal of strategy in pickleball. It is also crucial to remember that many pickleball players …
We can smash during a pickleball game, especially since it’s among the most powerful shots in the game, hit downward in the opponent’s section. It’s not easy for a competitor to defend a smash, which is an overhand hit in response to a high bounce, return or lob from an opponent. However, it’s not always …
Yes, you can side serve in pickleball so long as the serve is underhand. The most important rule in pickleball when it comes to serving is that every serve must be underhand. For your serve, the official rules for the USA Pickleball Association is that the serve must come from below the waist. This is …
I’ve never worn a skirt to play tennis, badminton, or any other racquet sport. My thing is baseball, and for that, you don’t need a skirt. I can see the benefits of tennis skirts with shorts underneath, though. Today’s pickleball skirts have pockets for your phone or your asthma inhaler, for instance, which is a …
After Wifey was all kitted out with a whole new wardrobe of pickleball shorts, shirts, skirts, and shoes, she finally and happily announced she was so ready to go and play pickleball with me. That is, of course, until she looked at me and saw me sulking. “And just what is the matter with you …
I played badminton as a child with my brother in the backyard. My family doesn’t keep score on anything; the idea is that it’s more fun to play and keeping score ruins the vibe. There were many games in which my brother and I volleyed the shuttlecock back and forth until one of us hit …
Pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite pastime for many in the U.S. While it is a sport that anyone can play, it seems to be popular with retired individuals. This sport provides excellent exercise, interaction, and a sense of community. It is easy to learn, but it does have some specific rules that can take …
A dink shot is a low, soft shot used to keep the ball in play and force your opponent to move around the court. It is an essential part of pickleball strategy and can be used to win points. The dink shot is a versatile tool used in various situations. Use it to your advantage, …
In 2022, you can make ball “in or out” calls by rewinding video footage of a pickleball game. What if you don’t record the game though? It’s a matter of point of view, which can be wrong. Related To: How Pickleball Tournaments Work? | How to Keep Score in Pickleball | Switching Court Sides in …
When a person gets an ace in pickleball, this refers to a serve that is most sensational. As someone living in the Pacific Northwest where pickleball was born, there are some seriously difficult moves to make in playing the game. The ace is one of the hardest serves in pickleball to carry out, but when …