Browsing: Pickleball News

If you’ve ever watched higher-level pickleball players and wondered why they look so calm—even when they’re stretched wide—it almost always comes back to footwork. One subtle technique you’ll see again and again is the foot drag. We recently shot a video with our dear friend and pickleball coach Marko Grgic, where he breaks down what foot drags are, when to use them, and why they’re so important for rec players who feel rushed or off-balance in wide exchanges. Before we break it all down step by step, let’s look at the technique in action. Watch: Coach Marko Grgic Explains Foot…

(And what to do instead—based on what actually holds up in sports science, not “just stretch more.”) If you play pickleball a lot, you’ve probably had the same thought I have: “I didn’t get injured on a huge fall… I just woke up one day and my elbow/knee/heel started complaining.” That’s how most rec pickleball injuries happen. Not from a single moment. From a recovery mistake you repeat—especially when you’re playing more than your tissues can “pay back” between sessions. The goal of recovery isn’t to feel pampered. It’s to restore capacity so your next session doesn’t become the session…

This one isn’t just another sponsorship announcement — it feels like a “market-shifter.” Franklin Sports has officially signed Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed No. 1 player in pickleball, to a multi-year paddle partnership — and the ripple effects could be felt across the entire sport. At just 18 years old (turning 19 this month), Waters is already the most accomplished player the pro game has ever seen. She currently holds the No. 1 ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, and she’s the winningest player in PPA history with an eye-popping 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns.…

Extreme topspin is one of the few shots that still consistently rattles intermediate players — not because it’s unreturnable, but because it forces decisions faster than most rec players are comfortable making. The ball looks floaty… then dips late.It bounces… then kicks higher than expected.And suddenly you’re swinging while off-balance, jammed, or guessing. Here’s what experienced coaches agree on: Topspin doesn’t win points by power. It wins them by disrupting timing and decision-making. Once you understand what topspin is trying to do — and respond accordingly — it becomes far more manageable. What Heavy Topspin Is Actually Doing to You…

If you’re hovering around the 3.5 level, you probably recognize this feeling: you’re no longer a beginner. You can rally, you understand the kitchen, and you occasionally play points that feel really good. And yet… results still feel inconsistent, especially against stronger players. That’s exactly why we teamed up with pickleball coach Marko Grgic to break down the three most common mistakes he sees 3.5 players make — not obvious errors, but subtle habits that quietly cap improvement. Before we unpack each one in detail, watch the video below. Then we’ll break down why these mistakes show up and how…

“It Was Out!” (…Was It?) We’ve all been there. It’s game point in a close rec match. The rally’s fast, your adrenaline’s up, and then — your opponent’s drive rockets toward the baseline. It’s close — maybe on the line, maybe not. You squint, your gut says “out,” but your inner voice whispers, Don’t be that person… So, you shrug and say, “Good shot.” Your friends smile. They call you “so nice.” But walking off the court, you’re thinking: “I think that ball was out. Why did I give it to them?” Welcome to pickleball’s quiet identity crisis — the…

You’ve dinked 15 balls, finally pop one a hair too high, and your opponent cocks the paddle like a hammer. The smash is coming. Most players freeze or flail here. You don’t have to. If you learn to buy time, read cues, and choose the right defensive shot, overheads become survivable—and sometimes downright attackable. TL;DR (save this) Why overheads feel brutal (and why you still have a chance) Overheads descend steeply and are usually aimed at your feet. But the plastic ball slows dramatically after the bounce, which gives defenders a window to dig, reset, and live another rally. Your…

You walk onto the court expecting a battle… but it turns into a beatdown—and not in your favor. Your partner, let’s call him “Mark,” is popping up dinks, missing routine returns, and sailing serves long. You’re holding it together with paddle taps and tight smiles, but inside, you’re screaming: “Come on, man!” Whether it’s open play, league night, or a casual round-robin, managing a game when your partner is struggling is a challenge—physically, tactically, and emotionally. This article will show you how to navigate that storm like a tactician, a leader, and a teammate people want to play with again.…

“I’m practicing a lot… but am I actually improving?” I’ve asked myself that more times than I can count. If you’ve ever left the court wondering whether all those drills, rec games, and hours spent hitting balls are really moving the needle—this is for you. The truth is, improvement in pickleball doesn’t come from just playing more. It comes from focused reps with intention—the kind that build confidence, not just sweat. And one of the most powerful (and underrated) tools for that? Daily micro-goals. I’m not talking about flashy resolutions like “win my next tournament” or “become a 4.0.” I’m…

Let’s face it: it was only a matter of time before someone tried to merge dating with America’s fastest-growing sport. And now, it’s happening. PickleMatch, a brand-new dating app for pickleball players, officially launches in Colorado today. If you’ve ever flirted mid-dink or exchanged more than strategy during a water break, you’ll understand the idea. But while the concept might feel obvious, the big question remains: Is anyone actually going to use this? What Is PickleMatch? PickleMatch is a niche dating app built specifically for people who love pickleball. Created by two Colorado locals, the app lets users build a…