Stance: One common mistake is standing too tall at the kitchen line. This reduces your mobility and forces you to bend over to hit the ball, leading to popped-up dinks. Stay low, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body in an athletic stance. Always play lower than your opponent.

Sunday, July 14th, was a monumental day in global sports, featuring the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s final, the European Championship final, the Copa America final, and the MLB draft. Amidst this frenzy, the 2024 Major League Pickleball mid-season tournament hosted its finals, broadcasted on ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel. The tournament, officially titled the 2024 Advil Targeted Relief MLP Mid-Season Tournament, reverted to an end-to-end competition format, culminating in winners being awarded and money disbursed by the weekend's end.

Pickleball players in Los Angeles will have a new facility to relish later this year. California Smash Pickleball and Social Club have signed a new 25,300-square-foot lease at 815 North Nash Street in El Segundo. JLL’s Gary Horwitz, Caroline Bethel, and Kamil Agha represented California Smash in the deal, while Gateway Business Properties’ Jim Sullivan and Andrew Hardin represented landlord Gretchen B. Farrell Trust. The new complex, currently an industrial building, is set to open with 10 padded indoor pickleball courts, a full-service bar, restaurant, and a dance floor.

Amazon Prime Day 2024 has brought some notable deals, including a significant discount on the Diadem Edge 18K pickleball paddle, a favorite among CBS Sports Essentials readers. This popular paddle, which is usually priced at $230, is now available for $154, offering an opportunity for pickleball enthusiasts to upgrade their gear at a reduced price.

Rick Barry, the 12-time NBA All-Star and 1975 Finals MVP, has channeled his competitive spirit into pickleball, achieving remarkable success at the age of 80. Over the weekend, he showcased his skills at the Golden State Warriors' pickleball tournament at Chase Center’s Thrive City. Barry’s passion for the sport has earned him numerous accolades, including a triple crown at the U.S. Open in Naples, Florida, where he won gold medals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in his age group.

Today, we're diving into the five significant changes that have transformed pickleball over the years. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, these updates are essential to keep up with the evolving sport.

For those who are passionate about pickleball, the hunt for the best gear is constant. Thankfully, Amazon Prime Day is emerging as one of the top opportunities of the year to score great deals on pickleball equipment. Our team has already spotted discounts of up to 50% on top brands like Joola, Onix, and Franklin Sports, with the promise of even better deals on July 16 and 17.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed his concerns about the future of tennis following his Centre Court win at Wimbledon 2024 on Saturday, July 6. Djokovic, 37, warned that “tennis is endangered” and highlighted the rapid growth of paddle sports like pickleball as a significant threat. He urged for collective action to prevent tennis clubs from being converted into pickleball and paddle courts. Djokovic emphasized the need for improvements in tennis to attract a larger audience, drawing comparisons to the successful marketing strategies of Formula 1.

Today, we're going to talk about the strategic placement of your third shot drop in pickleball. When you don't know your opponents well, it's essential to communicate with your partner. Start by dropping to their forehand first, then switch to their backhand. Observe which shot they handle better. Once you identify their weaker side, consistently aim your third shot drop there to get to the kitchen more effectively.

One of the most important aspects of pickleball is making the right decision between hitting the ball hard and hitting it soft. Understanding when to counterattack and when to reset is crucial for elevating your game to a professional level.

In Pacific Palisades, pickleball may have gained momentum, but bocce is the kingpin of community sports. More than 900 people have joined the Palisades Bocce Club since it started in June 2021. Prizing community over competition, the league brings neighbors of all generations together for outdoor fun. On a recent chilly morning, commissioner Jimmy Dunne offered strategic tips before the games began, emphasizing the club's focus on camaraderie rather than winning.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) returned to the picturesque Life Time Rancho San Clemente in California for the 4th annual Orange County Cup, delivering thrilling matches and significant upsets. As a "Cup" level event, the stakes were high with a larger draw and day-by-day progression, attracting 1300+ players and fans. The tournament saw major changes at the top of the rankings, with standout performances and dramatic comebacks making it one of the most exciting PPA events to date.

Happy Fourth of July to all our fellow pickleball enthusiasts! Today, we celebrate the birth of our great nation and the freedoms that allow us to gather on the court and enjoy this wonderful game. As we come together with family and friends for barbecues, fireworks, and festive pickleball matches, let's take a moment to appreciate the liberty that makes it all possible. Here's to a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and plenty of pickleball fun. Wishing you all a safe and fantastic Independence Day!

This weekend, the streets of downtown Louisville were transformed into pickleball courts for the first-ever Downtown Pickleball Street Fest. Held on W Jefferson Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, the event attracted players from across the region. Organized by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and Goodbounce Pickleball Yard, the fest featured a lively atmosphere with an artisan marketplace, food trucks, and a DJ to keep the energy high.

Pickleball has transitioned from a quirky tennis knockoff to the fastest-growing sport in America, boasting 36.5 million annual participants, professional leagues, and themed restaurants. “It’s the perfect resort vacation sport,” says Scott Colebourne, CEO of Picklestars, highlighting its multi-generational appeal and the spectacular settings for the courts. Colebourne emphasizes that the best resorts go beyond just providing courts; they offer breathtaking views, excellent programming, and professional assistance to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players.

Understanding these three fundamental rules of good pickleball strategy can significantly enhance your game. The first rule focuses on keeping your opponents back when your team is up at the net. The key is to hit shots that make it difficult for them to advance. This involves aiming for the depth of their feet and using a mix of power and spin to maintain control. By doing so, you prevent them from moving forward and taking control of the point.

A Charlotte-based pickleball organization is transforming how Black communities view this increasingly popular sport. Founded by Kayla Brooks in 2023, Black Pickleball & Co. aims to enhance socioeconomic mobility by involving Black professionals in pickleball, fostering networking opportunities and community engagement. Brooks' efforts have led to regular events at venues like Rally and Lab City in Charlotte, where a previously overlooked demographic is now finding a welcoming space to connect and play.

With pickleball surging in popularity, Staten Island players are facing a shortage of courts, leading to conflicts with law enforcement. On June 11, NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol officers issued a $50 summons to a pickleball player who took over tennis courts at Fairview Park in Charleston for pickleball use. This incident highlights the growing tension between pickleball enthusiasts and local regulations as the sport's demand outpaces available facilities.

Anguilla, a hidden gem in the Caribbean, is becoming a haven for both luxury seekers and pickleball enthusiasts. Known for its pristine beaches and upscale resorts, the island is now attracting middle-class visitors who come to play pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in North America. The sport's rise in popularity has led to the development of new pickleball courts, making Anguilla a top destination for fans of the game.

When starting to learn pickleball, the most important skills to focus on are the serve and the return. These are the only two shots that occur in every rally, making their consistency crucial. Many beginners struggle with serving due to overthinking, leading to mistakes. The key is to simplify your motion and aim for the middle of the court to maximize your margin for error. This approach helps build confidence and consistency, which translates to other aspects of your game.