Pickleball Slam 3 is set to light up the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on February 16, 2025, promising an unforgettable night of competitive action. Featuring tennis icons Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Stefanie Graf, and Eugenie Bouchard, the event blends pickleball’s rapid rise with the grandeur of Las Vegas. The lineup includes Agassi facing Roddick, Graf teaming with a mystery partner against Bouchard and her guest, and a mixed doubles clash featuring Agassi and Graf against Roddick and Bouchard. Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan or curious about the buzz, this is a can’t-miss event.

Pickleball enthusiasts in Kalamazoo are in for a treat, thanks to Ruth and Mike Stoddard, owners of Latitude 42 Brewing Co. Their private donation is helping fund the $7 million Latitude 42 Pickleball Complex at Western Michigan University’s West Hills Athletic Club. The 37,000-square-foot indoor facility, set to open in June, will feature 13 championship-sized courts, modern amenities like a lounge and outdoor patio, and access to club facilities. This addition brings the total number of courts at the club to 21, creating one of the largest pickleball venues in the region.

Aggression behind the kitchen line can make or break your pickleball game. Many players lose opportunities by backing up unnecessarily, creating openings for opponents to attack their feet. The key to staying aggressive is maintaining your position near the kitchen, using strategic footwork, and knowing when to take balls out of the air. By incorporating concepts like the “bubble zone,” players can better decide which shots to take early, keeping their opponents on the defensive and capitalizing on high-percentage plays.

Stacking is a powerful pickleball strategy designed to keep you and your partner in optimal court positions, allowing you to play to your strengths. This involves staying on specific sides of the court regardless of the score, maximizing forehand opportunities and minimizing confusion. Whether you’re serving or receiving, stacking ensures that you and your partner maintain consistent roles throughout the match. With clear communication signals like “switch” or “stay,” stacking can elevate your team’s efficiency and give you a competitive edge.

The hybrid third shot is transforming the game of pickleball, blending the finesse of a drop with the power of a drive to create a versatile and strategic weapon. Ideal for shorter returns and opponents lingering between the baseline and kitchen, this shot aims to disrupt their rhythm by landing a medium-speed ball right at their feet. The hybrid provides players with a powerful alternative to the traditional third-shot options, offering precision and versatility in moments when neither a pure drop nor a drive would suffice.

To all who have experienced profound loss due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, know that your pain is shared by a community ready to stand with you. Losing loved ones, homes, and treasured memories is a grief that words cannot soothe. Yet, even in this darkness, the resilience of Angelenos shines as neighbors, friends, and strangers come together to offer support, compassion, and strength.

This is a time for unity, as we lift each other up and extend kindness to those most impacted. Volunteers are stepping forward with supplies, temporary shelter, and meals to help rebuild lives one day at a time. Stories of people lending a hand or sharing what little they have remind us of the unshakable spirit of our city. It is a powerful reminder that we can overcome hardship when we act together.

For those who wish to help, consider donating to the Red Cross, which provides vital relief and recovery assistance. By supporting organizations like this, we can ensure that aid reaches families and individuals who need it most. Let us continue to show that even amidst tragedy, Los Angeles remains a city of hope, compassion, and collective strength.

Dinking is one of the most critical skills in pickleball, yet its technique is often misunderstood. Should you only use your shoulder? Lock your wrist? Keep your elbow stiff? The truth is, no one-size-fits-all solution exists, but understanding the role of different body hinges can help you master this essential skill. By isolating movements from the shoulder, elbow, wrist, waist, and knees, players can discover what works best for their unique style and make their shots more precise and repeatable.

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.