As pickleball continues to evolve, so does the style of play, with faster-paced rallies and more aggressive strategies becoming the new norm. In recent years, the sport has seen significant changes in equipment, technique, and gameplay dynamics. These changes have sparked a shift away from the traditional soft game to a more offensive approach, requiring players to adapt if they want to stay competitive. With new paddle technologies, revised ball designs, and increasingly skilled players, the modern game is reshaping the way we think about pickleball. Whether it’s mastering offensive third shots, attacking at midcourt, or integrating aggressive dinking strategies, staying ahead in 2025 means embracing change and refining your skills.

Australian tennis sensation Nick Kyrgios is trading his tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, at least temporarily, as he prepares to debut in the sport at the PPA Tour Australia Pickleball Open. Partnering with fellow tennis pro Jack Sock, Kyrgios will compete in the men’s doubles event during the tournament in Melbourne from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2025. This marks the PPA Tour’s first international stop, underscoring pickleball’s rapid expansion beyond the U.S.

Scottsdale is about to become the epicenter of pickleball excellence with the announcement of PURE Pickleball & Padel, a sprawling 50-court facility slated to open in 2026. This 180,000-square-foot complex will feature 48 state-of-the-art pickleball courts and two padel courts, offering players a world-class venue to enjoy the sport year-round. Strategically located near Scottsdale’s entertainment hotspots, PURE aims to cater to everyone—from casual enthusiasts to professional competitors. With amenities like after-school programs, rooftop bars, and championship-level courts, this facility promises to be much more than a place to play—it’s poised to become a lifestyle hub.

Pickleball is no longer just a recreational phenomenon—it’s a sought-after amenity that’s influencing real estate trends in Oregon. Proximity to pickleball courts has become a hot selling point, with Portland-area listings mentioning the sport increasing by 159% over the past year, according to Zillow. Buyers are drawn to homes near private and public courts, as the game continues to capture the hearts of players ranging from kids to retirees.

Eugenie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist and rising star in professional pickleball, has revealed that she was rushed to urgent care after a freak training accident. The Canadian athlete, who has embraced pickleball alongside her tennis career, sustained a scratched cornea when an errant shot ricocheted off her partner’s paddle and struck her eye. Sharing her ordeal on Instagram, she reassured her fans that her recovery would only take a few days, posting photos of her swollen eye and a humorous thumbs-up while sporting an eye patch.

The backhand flick is one of pickleball’s most strategic shots, offering a blend of finesse and unpredictability that can leave opponents flat-footed. It’s a move that turns defensive situations into offensive opportunities, requiring minimal power but maximum precision. The flick works best when executed with control and spin, creating sharp angles that are nearly impossible to defend. Whether aimed at an opponent’s hips, shoulders, or an open space on the court, the flick is a shot every player should add to their arsenal.

Pickleball and padel are emerging as two of the world’s hottest sports, with traditional tennis institutions rushing to capitalise on the emerging codes. So, what’s driving the demand? And can regular joes really turn pro?

The growing popularity of pickleball has sparked yet another legal battle, this time in San Francisco, where a homeowners association representing 155 condo units near the Embarcadero has sued the Bay Club over noise from its six pickleball courts. The Golden Gateway Commons Residential Association alleges that the courts, converted from tennis courts two years ago, produce “constant, unbearable, and offensive noise” that disrupts the daily lives of residents. They demand an immediate cessation of pickleball operations, citing the sharp “popping” sound created by paddles and balls as a major nuisance.

Deciding whether to drive or drop your third shot in pickleball can make or break a rally, especially against skilled opponents. While many players believe deeper returns call for a drop, evolving strategies suggest otherwise. A hard, deep return puts pressure on players, often forcing them to hit third-shot drops on the rise—a risky move that can result in high pop-ups and easy putaways for opponents. Instead, driving these deep returns low and toward the middle of the court not only neutralizes the pressure but also sets you up for a manageable fifth-shot drop.

Struggling with your backhand? You’re not alone, but a few simple adjustments can completely transform your game. Proper spacing, stable wrist mechanics, and shoulder-driven swings are essential to achieving a consistent, reliable backhand. Many players make mistakes like crowding the ball, using too much wrist, or failing to take dinks out of the air—bad habits that lead to inconsistent shots and lost points. Master these key areas, and you’ll see significant improvement in both control and power.

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.