Since mid-2020, when writer and social media phenom Sydney Steinaker first dipped her toe into pickleball, she has immersed herself completely in her quest to transition from novice to professional. And all this despite lacking a tennis or racquet sports background.
The Rich Tapestry
Her particular journey meant she had to get to grips with the sport’s fundamentals from scratch. However, by early 2021, she felt confident enough to embark on extensive travels across the United States and participate in pickleball tournaments, clinics, and events.
This journey exposed her to the rich tapestry of amateur and professional pickleball culture that is nowadays prevalent in nearly every region of the country.
Humorous And Niche Content
Beyond the courts, Sydney leverages her downtime to create humorous and niche content such as “Pickleball Barbie” on TikTok and Instagram (@sydneysteinaker). Sydney’s also on YouTube.
Read our article about Rachel Stuhlmann, who is also a pickleball social media influencer.
Although targeted at a younger audience in an attempt to kindle interest in the sport, Sydney’s fan base spans various age groups, nationally and internationally.
Her podcast, “The Basic Dink,” intertwines her narrative as an aspiring pro player with whimsical tournament anecdotes. Sydney’s collaborations with numerous brands, such as Fila, Asics, and Athleta, also illustrate her influence within the pickleballing sphere.
The Ultimate Pickleball Journal
In her latest literary endeavor, The Ultimate Pickleball Journal, Sydney equips enthusiasts with tools to hone their pickleball prowess. This meticulously crafted guide facilitates tracking day-to-day progress, mastering new drills, and devising gameplay strategies.
With its adaptable structure spanning 14 months, the undated journal allows users to commence their journey at any time, maximizing every page’s utility.
The Ultimate Pickleball Journal includes:
- An overview of the history of the game
- Pickleball lingo, game basics, and must-have equipment
- An insider’s guide to tournament life
- How to take care of your body and keep it in top playing form
- Checklists for daily training
- Skills assessments
- Gameplay analysis trackers
- Long-term goal logs
- Notes and game stats
- and more!
This comprehensive journal helps you put your skills to the test, find your strengths, and work toward your athletic goals.
Play Pickleball
Sydney’s debut book, “Play Pickleball,” unraveled the nuances of this globally acclaimed sport through a beautifully crafted manual tailored for players at every level, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
Irrespective of your history with racquet sports – whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete novice grasping a pickleball paddle for the first time –this book is bound to ignite your interest!
Sydney takes readers through the realm of pickleball in this comprehensive guide. From casual play to professional tournaments, she unravels the intricacies of the sport’s landscape.
Play Pickleball serves as your compass, offering insights to initiate or enhance your game, including:
- The different types of paddles and equipment
- The rules of play
- Pickle terminology and etiquette
- Game strategies and techniques
- Advice from some of the biggest pros on the scene
- And so much more!
If you’re ready to see what all the pickleball hype is about, this fun and informative pickleball guide is for you!
Book Details
Book Title: The Ultimate Pickleball Journal: Chart Your Progress and Record Your Games!
Author: Sydney Steinaker
Publisher: Knickerbocker Press, U.S., 2024
ISBN: 9781577154501
Length: 192 pages
Title: Play Pickleball: From the Local Court to the Pro Circuit, An Insider’s Guide to Everyone’s Favorite Sport
Publisher: Rock Point (11 May 2023)
ISBN 13: 978-1631069406
Length: 160 page