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.

The landscape of pickleball is shifting dramatically as paddle technology evolves, enabling players to generate more power and spin than ever before. This surge in technology is encouraging players to adopt more aggressive styles, often leaning toward “banger” strategies. But thriving in this new era isn’t just about smashing your way through games; it’s about smart play. Mastering defense against these power shots and strategically using new paddle capabilities can redefine your success on the court. From reacting faster to driving with precision, the game demands adaptability like never before.

Pickleball is a game of strategy, not just power, and understanding the nuances of play can transform your game. Here are six proven strategies to take your skills to the next level. First, rethink your speed-ups; they’re not about scoring outright but setting up the next shot. A concise “windshield wiper” motion keeps you ready for counters. Second, always point your paddle tip toward the shot you just made—it’s a quick hack that keeps you prepared for the return and gives the illusion of lightning-fast reflexes. Finally, in casual games, challenge yourself by targeting the stronger player; in tournaments, stick to the weaker one to secure the win.

This Thanksgiving, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers, for being part of this vibrant pickleball community. Your passion for the sport fuels everything we do, and we’re grateful for the shared love of the game that connects us all. Pickleball has a way of bringing people together—through matches, its welcoming spirit, and the joy it brings to players of all skill levels. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making the sport something truly special. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, laughter, and maybe even a few good points.

Pickleball’s appeal goes beyond its low-impact workout and fun gameplay—it’s also a surprising boon for brain health. Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola highlights how the sport combines physical activity with cognitive training to support proprioception—the sense of where your body is in space. With over 4.8 million players nationwide, the game offers not only a social outlet but also a chance to keep your mind sharp as you age.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, a group of determined pickleball players set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest pickleball game, which currently stands at 34 hours and 5 minutes. Their inspiring endeavor raised money for Gift of Life Michigan, but it fell short when a miscalculation regarding break times invalidated their attempt after 14.5 hours of play. Despite this setback, the quartet—Brad Haverkamp, Julie Ondersma, Sydney Sonday, and Caleb Dang—showcased remarkable endurance and passion for both the sport and their cause.

San Quentin State Prison, once infamous for housing some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, is embracing an unlikely rehabilitative force: pickleball. This accessible and unassuming sport is bridging divides, offering inmates a chance to engage with each other—and themselves—on a deeper level. What started as a game is now a movement, fostering unity among rival gang members, wardens, and even the broader community. With over 95% of state prisoners set to re-enter society, programs like pickleball are becoming essential to breaking cycles of violence and recidivism.

If you’re serious about stepping up your pickleball game, these six drills are your golden ticket to sharper skills and smarter play. Tailored for players at every level, they focus on essential areas like serving, returning, dinking, and hand speed. Whether you’re looking to dominate at the kitchen or outsmart your opponent mid-court, these drills make every practice session count.

Few moments in pickleball are as contentious as the classic “Was that ball in or out?” Line calls can spark debates, ruin friendships, and even threaten to derail an otherwise friendly match. But fear not—pickleball rules are here to keep the game fun, fair, and drama-free. Knowing when a ball is truly out (hint: only when you can clearly see space between the ball and the line) is crucial, but so is maintaining good sportsmanship and respect for your opponents. Let’s dive into the rules and best practices for making calls on the court.

The Coachella Valley Scorpions, a senior professional pickleball team, are bringing the excitement of elite-level play to the desert and beyond. As part of the National Pickleball League, the Scorpions are one of 12 teams showcasing the best 50+ talent in the sport. This week, the Scorpions got their moment in the spotlight when “LIVE with Kelly and Mark” highlighted the team during a special broadcast from Palm Springs. Co-owners Kim Jagd, Vincent Van Patten, Mark Consuelos, and Michael Gelman played an exhibition match that put the Scorpions—and senior pickleball—front and center.

Westlake Village has officially joined the pickleball craze with the grand opening of its first public courts at the Community Park. On Friday, four newly minted pickleball courts welcomed players of all ages, turning what was once part of a parking lot into a hub for fitness and community bonding. The project, championed by city leaders like City Manager Rob de Geus and Mayor Ned Davis, underscores a growing commitment to accessible recreation. The courts, designed for inclusivity, are a boon for both novice and seasoned players looking to enjoy a sport that blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton.

Even the friendly world of pickleball has its fiery moments, as a recent viral video proves. During a doubles match, emotions flared after the final point when a player in a green shirt accidentally knocked the paddle from his opponent’s hand while celebrating. As he bent down to retrieve it, the opponent in pink shorts stunned everyone by delivering a swift kick to his face. The footage, shared widely on X, left viewers debating the boundaries of sportsmanship and whether justice would be served on or off the court.

In the latest installment of our series on monumental pickleball facilities, Menomonee Falls takes the spotlight with the upcoming Pickleball Kingdom—a sprawling 60,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring 17 fully lit courts, including a stadium court. This pickleball haven is set to open in January and promises a vibrant community vibe alongside top-tier amenities. With a full-service bar, grill, pro shop, and lessons for all skill levels, Menomonee Falls positions itself as a premier pickleball destination in southeastern Wisconsin.

Winning consistently in pickleball isn’t just about skill; it’s about strategy. By mastering these six techniques, you can outsmart most players and take control of the court. The first secret? Hit to the middle. Known as the “down the middle solves the riddle” strategy, it eliminates your opponents’ angles, creating confusion and leaving gaps. Follow up with a targeted third-shot drive, aiming at the returner to catch them off balance, and always stay in sync with your partner’s game plan. These foundational approaches will drastically improve your match outcomes.

Keeping the ball low in pickleball is a game-changer. A low ball neutralizes your opponent’s offensive capabilities and forces them to respond with upward shots, making it harder for them to gain an advantage. This strategy works wonders whether you’re at the kitchen line or returning shots from mid-court. From soft dinks to controlled volleys, maintaining a low trajectory keeps you in control and often leads to winning points.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle often boils down to one crucial decision: thicker or thinner core? Most brands offer paddles in two thicknesses—16 mm and 14 mm—and understanding the trade-offs can be game-changing. While thicker paddles excel in control and forgiveness, thinner models bring the heat with added power, pop, and spin. But which one is right for you? Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose.