Blocks vs. Counters in Pickleball: Scenarios for Each

Catherine Parenteau executing a counter in a pro pickleball match

The ability to effectively respond to aggressive shots from the kitchen line can significantly influence the outcome of a game. Understanding when to use a block shot versus a counter shot is crucial for controlling the pace and direction of play. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice in different scenarios, […]

Pickleball is Becoming (Even More) Accessible for Those With Disabilities

Pickleball players in wheelchairs during a point, playing on an adaptive pickleball court

Pickleball has been called many things by media headlines over the last few years. Besides “noisy,” two words come up more often than others: accessible & inclusive. Sure, pickleball is accessible in every sense of the term: It’s quick to learn It doesn’t require tons of mobility to have fun playing It’s cheap to pick up Its open […]

Pickleball Injuries are Worse Than We Care to Admit

How many headlines have you read this year about how “pickleball is a health risk” and “pickleball injuries are on the rise?”  To us, it feels like we’ve seen more of those than bad thirds at rec night. But a new study has us wondering if they have a point. Public health researchers at University […]

Pickleball Can SAVE Your Eyes, Too. Just Ask This Player

Linda Corcoran caught her wet AMD early because of pickleball

Linda Corcoran knew something was wrong when she stepped onto the pickleball court and noticed the lines looked wavy.   This was in 2021. Linda was in her mid-70s, and had been playing for a couple of years. While her sport was experiencing a boom and headlines started warning pickleball players about the potential for eye injuries, Linda found […]

Vince Vaughn Acquires Majority Stake in NPL Pickleball Team

Vince Vaughn has acquired a majority stake in a pickleball team in the National Pickleball League

If you paid attention to movies whatsoever in the early-aughts, you know Vince Vaughn, the comedic actor known for starring roles in Wedding Crashers, The Break-Up, Dodgeball, and more.  Like many other celebrities, particularly those in film, Vince is a fan of pickleball.  Now, the 54-year-old has acquired a majority stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions […]

Pickleball Volley Tips: Mastering the Fast Game

PPA Tour photo of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau volleying in pickleball

It’s estimated that a pro pickleball player can volley a ball at over 80 mph. While the average player might not face speeds that fast, it’s still important to learn how to handle a little heat. After all, there’s no need to be afraid of an aggressive volley when you can return it with even […]

3 Pickleball Drills for Fast Hands

JW Johnson exhibiting fast hands mid pickleball point

Fast hands in pickleball isn’t some special gift players have from birth. It can be trained and improved upon through drills. If you’re a player seeking to improve, you should take this notion of fast hands seriously. It’s all about reaction time mixed with ball tracking and preparedness. Here are a few drills that can […]

This Third Shot Drop Drill May Be the Only One You Need

Catherine Parenteau performing a third shot drop in a pro pickleball match

No matter your level, the third shot drop in pickleball is often the feared crux of any point. If you’re a lower-level player, don’t worry…Even 3.5s — actually, especially 3.5s — struggle with the drop. But when you think about it, the only difference between a third shot drop and a dink is distance. The motions are […]

Six Zero Started in a Backyard – Now, it’s a Pioneering Pickleball Paddle Brand

Six Zero Pickleball paddle company image of their logo and a woman holding one of their paddles

It’s mind-blowing to think that most companies that manufacture pickleball paddles have only existed for less than a decade. Six Zero, the Australian company known for shaking things up in the world of paddle engineering, is no exception.  Founder Dale Young formed his company in 2022, and within a short time, released multiple paddles that […]

New Pickleball Paddle Certification Program Established by UPA-A

UPA logo, "update" also included

The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) announces they’ve solidified their UPA Certification Program in partnership with the third party and independent equipment testing organization Pickle Pro Labs (PPL).  The certification will also involve input from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, known for its work with Major League Baseball on bat and ball testing. “This partnership aims to […]