The fourth shot in pickleball is a game-changer—but most players don’t realize it. Everyone drills the third shot drop or drive, but what happens next? If you’re not attacking at the right moment or keeping your counters low and controlled, you’re giving away free points.

Feeling stuck at a 3.0 or 3.5 skill level? You’re not alone. Many players hit a wall and struggle to break through to 4.0, unsure of what’s holding them back. The good news? There’s a single drill that could completely change your game. By focusing on mastering the first four shots in every point, you’ll develop precision, consistency, and court awareness that will accelerate your progress faster than mindless hitting sessions.

Pickleball fans rejoice! The Tennis Channel and United Pickleball Association (UPA) have launched the PickleballTV App, offering live matches, on-demand content, instructional videos, and exclusive lifestyle programming for just $5.99/month (or $59.99/year), with a 30-day free trial.

Six-time MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez is already mapping out his post-baseball career—and it involves pickleball. The 14-year veteran has signed a deal with JOOLA to transition into professional pickleball after retirement, receiving coaching, equipment, and sponsorship for events like the PPA Challenger Series.

The Michelob Ultra Super Bowl ad starring Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara has caught the attention of the pickleball world—but aside from the star-studded cast, there’s another major highlight: the distinctive gold-edged paddles wielded by the hustling duo. These paddles, designed by Dope Pickleball, are the brainchild of Domenic Fotino, an entrepreneur who spent years perfecting the first-ever chrome-gold edge guard paddle.

Jared Paul is shaking up Major League Pickleball. As the new General Manager of the Nashville-based MLP franchise, Paul brings his social media and marketing expertise from The Kitchen to an ambitious rebranding effort. His open tryout initiative, guaranteeing a UPA player contract, is a game-changing move in pro sports recruitment.

The PPA took a bold step onto the international stage this past weekend with the first-ever Australia Pickleball Open, marking the tour’s first pro event outside of U.S. soil. The 1000-level tournament saw 382 players compete in full pro draws, headlined by a mix of top traveling pros and Australia’s growing crop of elite players. With electric matchups across singles, doubles, and mixed divisions, the event was a thrilling showcase of pickleball’s global expansion. Gabriel Tardio, Kaitlyn Christian, Tyson McGuffin, and Lacy Schneemann were among the standout performers, with Tardio securing his first career PPA singles gold.

If you want to take control of points while serving, mastering the third shot drop is essential. Through extensive testing, it’s clear that a well-executed third shot drop lands between 1-2 feet from the kitchen line, forcing opponents to hit up and limiting their ability to attack. The ideal trajectory peaks around six feet high before descending over the net at an 8-18 inch clearance. Hitting this shot consistently requires precise power control—around 19-20 mph for down-the-line drops and 22-23 mph crosscourt—ensuring the ball lands in the optimal zone while staying low enough to prevent easy putaways.

If you’re striving to compete at a 4.5 level and beyond, the “modern” pickleball strategy—favoring aggressive drives, frequent speedups, and minimal dinking—might not be the best path to victory. in a recent analysis of over 1,400 shots and 200 rallies from 4.5 men’s doubles matches, the data overwhelmingly supports a more traditional, strategic approach. Players who relied on third-shot drops and consistent soft play at the kitchen dominated their opponents in both success rate and point conversion. Despite the allure of fast-paced play, the numbers suggest that patience and control still reign supreme at this level.

The backhand flick is an advanced shot in pickleball that can add an aggressive edge to your game when executed properly. The key to success lies in identifying the right moment to use it—typically when you’ve pushed your opponent back with a well-placed dink, giving you an opportunity to lean in and attack. This shot isn’t meant for dead dinks but rather for pressuring your opponent into a pop-up that you can exploit. The flick involves compact movement, no backswing, and a precise blend of power and spin to drive the ball past your opponent before they have a chance to react. While many players attempt to finesse this shot, the most effective flicks often rely on sheer speed and control to overpower an opponent’s counterattack.

Pickleball isn’t just a fun way to break a sweat—it turns out it’s also a workout for your brain. Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola, founder of Neuro Athletics, explains that the game engages proprioception, the body’s ability to sense movement and positioning in space. This function is critical for balance, coordination, and overall cognitive health. As we age, proprioception declines, increasing the risk of falls and cognitive issues. But activities that require quick reactions, precise timing, and strategic movement—like pickleball—help keep this system sharp.

Michelob Ultra has upped its game for the Super Bowl with an all-star cast and a hilariously absurd campaign. In “The Ultra Hustle,” Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara don matching track suits and take to the pickleball courts as a cunning duo hustling for rounds of Michelob Ultra. Their challengers? Sports legends like Randy Moss, Sabrina Ionescu, and Ryan Crouser. The result is a mix of humor, intimidation, and charm that makes this ad stand out on the crowded Super Bowl stage.

The slice return is making a comeback in competitive pickleball, but there’s a catch: it has to be executed with precision. While topspin returns dominate today’s play, the slice offers a low, knifing shot that disrupts opponents’ rhythm. When done correctly, it’s a powerful tool that limits their ability to hit effective drives or drops. The key is avoiding floaty returns; a slice must be firm, compact, and directed back to the serve’s origin for maximum consistency.

Pickleball players often miss opportunities to dominate at the kitchen line by backing up unnecessarily. While stepping back occasionally is fine, excessive retreating limits your ability to apply pressure and opens you up to attacks aimed at your feet. A better strategy involves understanding when to take balls out of the air, especially within your “bubble zone.” The bubble zone is the space directly in front of your feet—anything landing here should be taken out of the air for more aggressive positioning and faster play.

Pickleball, the fast-growing paddle sport beloved by millions, is under scrutiny in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The idyllic island, known for its cobblestone streets and serene atmosphere, is now the site of pickleball controversy as town officials debate a zoning bylaw amendment that could ban new pickleball courts in all zoning districts. While existing courts would remain untouched, new developments could face significant restrictions. This proposal highlights the growing tension between the sport’s enthusiasts and residents who find its signature “thwack” disruptive in quiet neighborhoods.

Pickleball is a fantastic way to enjoy competition and camaraderie, but bad manners can ruin the fun for everyone. To keep the court a stress-free environment, it’s essential to follow key rules and etiquette. Make fair line calls only when you’re 100% certain, and always give your opponents the benefit of the doubt if you’re unsure. Avoid offering unsolicited advice to your partner unless asked, and stay positive even when mistakes happen—your encouragement can make all the difference.

Quick reflexes at the kitchen line are crucial for success in pickleball. While many believe fast reactions are innate, they can actually be developed with practice and the right techniques. By focusing on body positioning, paddle control, and strategic movement, you can sharpen your reflexes and dominate fast-paced exchanges. Whether it’s perfecting your split step, adjusting your paddle height, or learning to anticipate opponents’ shots, these 10 tips will elevate your game.

Adidas is making waves in the pickleball world by partnering with Federico Staksrud, the top-ranked player in singles and a rising star in doubles. Staksrud’s transition from long-time paddle sponsor Joola to Adidas marks a significant moment for both the player and the brand. This partnership not only highlights Adidas’ commitment to pickleball but also brings exciting developments like Staksrud’s upcoming signature paddle line, set to launch in April 2025. With a vision to innovate and inspire, Adidas is poised to reshape the pickleball landscape.

Serving and receiving effectively in pickleball starts with understanding where to stand on the court. Proper positioning not only highlights your strengths—like a solid forehand—but also minimizes exposure to your weaker shots. For right-handed players, standing near the middle line when serving crosscourt helps protect your forehand while maintaining control of the court. Similarly, left-handed players can mirror this strategy, positioning themselves on the opposite side to cover their forehand. The key is to adjust based on your athleticism, your partner’s abilities, and the play style of your opponents.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to honor the profound legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and peace. Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to nonviolence and his vision of a world free from discrimination continue to inspire us to build stronger, more compassionate communities. His words remind us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” challenging us to take action toward a fairer society. As we reflect on his contributions and the work that still lies ahead, let’s also take time to celebrate the unity and hope that his dream represents. Wishing everyone a thoughtful and meaningful holiday filled with kindness and reflection.