Q&A with book author: A deep dive into pickleball strategy

Alex Lantz

Director of Content

Last Edited

Aug 01 2025

Category

Instruction

After years of playing, observing and studying pickleball strategy, Payton Bond – a regular contributor for The Kitchen – decided it was time to put pen to paper to fill a gap in the pickleball instructional space. His new book, Pickleball Strategy: A Guide to 3.5 and Beyond, is aimed at helping players reach the next level by understanding not just what to do, but why and when to do it.

The Kitchen Team has reviewed the book and it gets our stamp of approval as a clear and comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of the game. While it is designed for players with some experience, it offers value to players at all levels. The book has more than 100 mindset and strategy topics with court illustrations that bring the strategy to life.

See it on Amazon: Pickleball Strategy: A Guide to 3.5 and Beyond

We recently caught up with Bond for a Q&A about why he decided to write the book and what he sees as the most important aspects of pickleball instruction.

Q: When did you first start playing pickleball and what was your first experience like?

Bond: I started playing with my wife about seven years ago after retiring, when the game was just beginning to grow in our area. We were looking for exercise and something we could do together. At the time, there were only a few shared courts, a small group of players and not much structure. Most people learned by doing, asking questions during open play and figuring things out as they went. More experienced players helped the newer ones, and everyone just had fun. That informal, cooperative environment influenced how I approached the book, focusing on practical, real-world strategy for players improving through experience rather than formal instruction.

Q: What were the next important steps in your pickleball journey after you first started playing the game?

Bond: As I continued playing, I naturally wanted to improve and be more competitive. Playing with more experienced players, I realized how much the rules of the game shape the strategy. Skilled players used the non-volley zone and the two-bounce rule to get to the net with intention. They consistently hit drop shots, controlled dinks and kept the ball in play. That’s when it clicked for me. Succeeding in pickleball isn’t just about racket skills, it’s about understanding the strategy. I also noticed that the 3.5 level was a key turning point where games became more structured and there was a clear separation in skill. That realization became the foundation for the book.

Q: How would you describe your game and how does your playing style influence your approach to the book?

Bond: I play at a solid 3.5+ level. My game is built around patience and positioning. I’m not relying on power. I focus on a slower game that emphasizes consistency and control. I use a lot of drop shots, resets and solid defense. That style is reflected in the book. For me, it’s not about flashy shots or quick winners, but about playing smarter and more intentionally.

Q: Where are you based and where do you play most of your pickleball?

Bond: I’m based in New Hampshire and play in a variety of venues throughout the year. My wife and I are part of a small club (The Vault) that set up its own indoor court a few years ago when there weren’t many winter play options available. It’s a fun and competitive group, and that environment has made pickleball a big part of our social life. In the summer, we also play at outdoor open play venues with a wide range of players and skill levels. Playing in different environments with different types of players helped me shape content that’s relatable and useful for those aiming to reach the 3.5 level and beyond.

Q: Do you currently or have you previously played competitively?

Bond: Not in a serious way. I’ve entered a few smaller events, but my focus has always been on exercise, having fun, improving my game and being challenged by players in our club that I see regularly or others that I meet at open play.

Q: Why did you decide to write a book about pickleball? What gap in pickleball instruction does your book fill?

Bond: Many books are either geared toward beginners or focus on high-level competitive mindset. There wasn’t much available that focused on strategy and mindset for intermediate players trying to break through to the next level. I also didn’t see many books with comprehensive coverage that included lots of diagrams for players who learn visually. I saw an opportunity to create something practical, structured and visual, a guide that helps players understand the “why” behind the game so they can start playing with intention instead of just reacting.

Q: How long did the writing process take?

Bond: It took about a year and a half. The ideas came quickly, but organizing over 100 strategy and mindset topics in a way that was clear, helpful and easy to reference took a lot of time and refinement.

Q: Were there any hurdles along the way while writing the book that you didn't expect?

Bond: Definitely. One major challenge was creating the court diagrams. I wanted them to feel like real game scenarios that readers could visualize and apply. That took far more time than I expected, but it became a key strength of the book. I also spent a lot of time fine-tuning the tone. I didn’t want it to read like a dry list of tips or a rulebook. I wanted it to feel accessible and engaging, like a guide from someone who’s been through the same learning curve.

Q: What do you hope people take away from the book?

Bond: That strategy, not just technique, is the key to improving in pickleball. I hope readers walk away with a clearer sense of court positioning, decision-making and how to avoid common mistakes. The goal was to create something they can return to as their game evolves, not just a one-time read.

Q: How is the book doing? Has it been well received? Any barriers?

Bond: The book’s been doing really well and the response has been very positive. I’m happy with the reviews so far. It’s definitely a niche book, and some players might find it a little advanced at first, but that’s kind of the point. It’s structured for players with some experience, though it also covers the basics. Most players can grow into it and use it as a reference as they improve. There are two versions available: paperback and Kindle. You don’t need a Kindle device to read it. The free Kindle app works on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Payton Bond is a pickleball enthusiast and author focused on pickleball strategy and helping others better understand the game. Check out Payton Bond on Facebook to follow him. You can also find his book, "Pickleball Strategy: A guide to 3.5 and beyond" on Amazon .

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