Browsing: Pickleball News

If you’re already hooked on pickleball, you know how important it is to stay comfortable and focused during a match. Whether you’re dinking, driving, or just battling it out in the kitchen, the right headwear can make all the difference. Let’s dive into why headwear matters in pickleball and which hats are best for keeping you cool and in the zone—plus, I’ll share some of the top picks from Imperial, our favorite pickleball headwear brand! Why Headwear Matters in Pickleball We all know pickleball is often played outdoors, and that means dealing with the sun, sweat, and distractions. But it’s…

With 2025 just around the corner, USA Pickleball has announced several rule changes aimed at enhancing fairness and sportsmanship in the game. These changes, effective from January 1, 2025, focus primarily on recreational players, bringing much-needed clarity and adjustments to some of the game’s most debated points. Here’s a rundown of the most important rule changes that will affect players next year. 1. No More Spectator Input on Line Calls Rule 6.C.4 has been updated to make it absolutely clear that players are not allowed to seek or accept input from spectators regarding line calls. The new wording states: “Spectators…

UTR Sports, creator of the world’s most accurate tennis and pickleball rating system and world-class tournament management software, is excited to announce that it will host five USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournaments in 2025. UTR Sports will build on the overwhelming success it experienced in hosting two Golden Ticket events in 2024, where it welcomed more than 1,000 players and further established itself as a global leader in one of the world’s fastest growing sports. UTR Sports will play a central role in all 18 Golden Ticket events in 2025, with its lasting partnerships with industry leaders USA Pickleball and…

Some players reach a 4.0 rating in just six months, while others take two or three years. Why is it easier for some and harder for others? The journey to higher skill levels in pickleball is a mix of talent, dedication, practice, and sometimes luck. No matter how long it takes, reaching 4.0 is a big deal. It marks the shift from casual fun to serious competition. But if you’re aiming for 5.0, the challenge becomes even greater. Let’s explore what makes some players rise quickly and why everyone’s journey is unique. Getting to 4.0: The Early Days Reaching a…

In pickleball, the ATP (Around the Post) shot is one of the most exciting (and frustrating) shots you’ll face, especially as you reach more competitive levels. While this shot may seem unstoppable, there are solid ways to defend against it. Let’s explore at what level ATPs become common, how to anticipate and defend them, and strategies to prevent them from happening in the first place. At What Level Does the ATP Start to Happen? ATPs typically appear around the 3.5 – 4.0 skill level, when players start to master angles and dinks that pull you off the court. At this…

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with nearly 1 in 5 American adults playing in the past year. However, future growth isn’t guaranteed. UTR Sports, USA Pickleball, and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) are partnering to ensure the sport’s continued success. These organizations aim to make pickleball even more accessible and enjoyable over the next decade. During the Denver Metro Open Golden Ticket event, leaders from UTR, APP, and USA Pickleball discussed their partnership and emphasized the importance of a reliable global rating for pickleball’s growth. Mark Leschly, UTR Sports CEO, on the UTR Pickleball Rating Advantage…

Are you eager to stay updated with the latest pickleball trending news and interesting topics? You might not know it, but there are some fantastic podcasts out there just for pickleball lovers. We’ve rounded up the best pickleball podcasts that you won’t want to miss. Dive in and discover your new favorite source for all things pickleball! Top 9 Pickleball Podcasts to Tune Into 1. Pickleball Studio Hosted by Chris Olson and Will Chaing, this podcast covers the latest pickleball news in a fun, conversational style. Why Listen: Chris and Will bring a great mix of solid, fact-based reviews and…

Did you know that as pickleball’s popularity skyrockets, so do the number of injuries? It’s true—our beloved sport is seeing a rise in fractures and other injuries. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got some eye-opening insights from a recent study that might surprise you. Let’s dive in and learn how we can keep the fun going while staying safe on the court. Pickleball Boom: The Surprising Rise in Fractures From 2002 to 2022, there was a staggering 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures in the United States. Yes, you read that right—90-fold! This study, using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance…

Great news for our UK pickleball pals: Franklin Sports has teamed up with MCMX to establish the UK’s largest premier pickleball club in Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London. While this might not directly concern our US-based readers, it’s a great win for spreading pickleball love around the globe, and we couldn’t be happier about it! This groundbreaking collaboration promises to revolutionize the pickleball scene in England, with the state-of-the-art facility set to open in early 2025. Get ready to serve up some serious fun. A Premier Destination for Pickleball Lovers The new club will be located in Fairfield Trade Park,…

We at Pickleball Union are super excited to announce the launch of Franklin Sports’ latest innovation: the FS Tour FEATHERWEIGHT Paddle. This new paddle is part of their popular FS Tour Paddle Series and is designed to give players the ultimate combination of speed and power. Top pro JW Johnson, who credits his US Open victories to this paddle, said, “I immediately felt the combination of speed, power, and lightness when I tested the Franklin FEATHERWEIGHT for the first time. It made such an impression that I used it the very next week in winning two Gold Medals at the…