Pickleball’s meteoric rise has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and professional athletes alike, particularly retired tennis stars. In 2024, over 40 million people in the U.S. picked up a pickleball paddle, and events like the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships drew tens of thousands of fans. Former tennis icons, from Eugenie Bouchard to Sam Querrey, are trading rackets for paddles, drawn by the chance to extend their competitive careers. But their journeys are anything but straightforward, as they navigate a sport that, while similar on the surface, demands entirely different skills.

Pickleball isn’t just about power or speed—it’s about strategy. Three key tactics can help players of all levels elevate their game and consistently outplay opponents. First, aim for your opponent’s feet at every position on the court. Second, control the middle to reduce their angles and mistakes. Lastly, practice shading, or positioning yourself based on the ball’s location, to maintain a strong court presence. These strategies are effective at all levels of play and can turn close matches into confident victories.

Every pickleball enthusiast has moments of frustration, wondering why their progress feels stagnant. Often, it’s not about fancy moves or extreme training regimens—it’s about cleaning up fundamental mistakes. Here are five common pitfalls that hinder players from advancing and the practical fixes to get you closer to that coveted 5.0 level.

Pickleball success is all about strategy, precision, and timing. These 10 tips cover essential skills and insights that will sharpen your game, whether you’re refining your third-shot drop, adjusting your paddle positioning, or mastering court movement. Dive in and take your pickleball skills to the next level.

The pickleball world is bracing for a major shakeup with the introduction of USA Pickleball's new paddle standards for 2025. These changes, spearheaded by the Paddle Ball Coefficient (PBC) test, aim to measure and limit the trampoline effect of paddles, fundamentally redefining what’s allowed in sanctioned play. Popular paddles like Yola’s Perseus Mod TA15 and Gearbox’s Pro Power Elongated Paddle are among those being delisted starting July 1, 2025, sending players and manufacturers scrambling to adapt. Both brands have launched trade-in and refresh programs, easing the transition for affected players.

The 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook introduces significant updates designed to refine gameplay and enhance fairness. Key changes include adjustments to fault calling, rally scoring, and post-match behavior penalties. For instance, disagreements between partners on fault calls now resolve in favor of opponents—a move that underscores the sport’s commitment to fair play. A new provision allows Tournament Directors to penalize players for unsportsmanlike conduct after matches, a notable addition aimed at maintaining decorum both on and off the court. Additionally, the definition of rally scoring has been fine-tuned, addressing nuances like when points can be scored.

As we welcome the New Year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey we’ve had together on and off the pickleball court. Your passion, support, and camaraderie fuel our shared love for this vibrant community. Here’s to new challenges, more wins, and countless unforgettable points in the year ahead. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, health, and endless opportunities to play, laugh, and grow! 🥂🎉

Pickleball in 2025 is evolving faster than ever, moving from methodical dinking rallies to aggressive, high-pressure gameplay. Success now demands adapting to the changing landscape of powerful serves, offensive third shots, and midcourt attacks. With an influx of international talent and advanced strategies, players must rethink their approach to stay competitive.

The Australian Open is set to elevate pickleball’s profile with the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam, boasting a $100,000 prize pool. This groundbreaking event will take place at Melbourne Park’s Court 3 from January 24-26, during the final weekend of the tennis major. Players from around the world will compete, marking a significant milestone in the crossover between tennis and pickleball.

Pickleball is a game of strategy, skill, and constant learning, yet some of the most common teachings and habits players develop might actually hinder their performance. From how to move effectively at the kitchen line to the proper ready position, resetting against aggressive shots, and even footwork, it’s time to rethink what we’ve been told. Understanding these misconceptions can help elevate your game to new heights.

When comedy met world-class athleticism on the pickleball court, the results were as entertaining as expected. Former world No. 1 tennis player Naomi Osaka faced off against comedian Kevin Hart at his Los Angeles home for an epic pickleball showdown. Hart initially seemed to have the upper hand, winning the first game 11-7, but Osaka wasn’t about to let him bask in the glory for long.

This year, we’re blessed with a rare and beautiful convergence as Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah light up the same day. To all celebrating, we extend our heartfelt love and gratitude for your support, and we honor the joy, light, and traditions that bring families together. Whether you’re decking the halls or kindling the menorah, may your hearts be full of peace, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. Here’s to a holiday season that unites us in the spirit of warmth and community. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

The third shot drop is often considered the most crucial skill in pickleball. It’s the game-changing move that levels the playing field, allowing you and your partner to transition from the baseline to the net, neutralizing your opponents’ positional advantage. By learning the proper techniques and practicing consistently, you can perfect this shot and elevate your pickleball game to new heights.

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?