Browsing: Pickleball News

Since 1984, USA Pickleball has been the cornerstone of pickleball in the United States, providing players, organizations, manufacturers, and referees with official rules, equipment standards, and tournament sanctioning.  Today marks a significant shift in the sport’s governance landscape with the announcement of the United Pickleball Association’s (UPA) new governing body, UPA of America (UPA-A). The UPA-A claims that it will protect, grow, and champion pickleball at all levels, aligning with the sport’s rapid expansion and evolving needs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by United Pickleball (@unitedpbassoc) The UPA’s press release highlights the supposed urgency and importance of…

After months of strategic maneuvering and behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure its sustainability, Major League Pickleball (MLP) made a thrilling return this past weekend. The 2024 season kicked off with a series of matches that showcased both the chaos and the charm of America’s fast-growing sport. Hosted at the Life Time Fitness facility in Peachtree Corners, just north of Atlanta, this event not only marked the beginning of the season but also introduced fans to new team dynamics formed during last month’s draft. New Year, New Format MLP recently rolled out a detailed competition structure for this year, emphasizing a shift…

If you’re as passionate about improving your pickleball game as I am, you’ll find that every little tip and technique can make a significant difference. Recently, I had the chance to watch in action a high-level, seasoned player whose insights have been incredibly valuable in honing my skills. In this article, I’ll share some of the wisdom imparted on returns, drops, and drives—complete with feedback from our vibrant pickleball community. 1. Perfecting Pickleball Returns I was making a big mistake in my returns by “running” into the ball instead of properly “loading and transferring” my weight. It sounds like a…

Mother’s Day is less than a week away, and if you’re a last-minute shopper looking to impress a mom who loves pickleball, you’re in luck! We decided to hunt down 10 fantastic pickleball gifts that should be on your doorstep before Mother’s Day. Depending on where you live, most of these gifts have overnight or one-day shipping options, giving you peace of mind that your gift will get there in time. Whether she’s a seasoned player or just getting started, here’s a curated list of pickleball gear that will surely make her day special! 1. Fresh Pickle Lola Tote Bag…

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), in collaboration with USA Pickleball (USAP), has announced the first three opportunities to secure a coveted “Golden Ticket” to the 2025 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships. Players can stake their claim at the upcoming 2024 APP Tour events in Dallas (October 9-13), Newport Beach (October 23-27), and Boca Raton (November 6-10). “Path To Nationals” Ken Herrmann, the founder of APP, was proud to announce the initial “Path to Nationals” offerings for pickleball enthusiasts nationwide. He stated, “The APP is proud to offer pickleball fans across the nation the very first opportunities on the ‘Path…

The locals’ enthusiasm for the 2024 Selkirk Red Rock Open was unquestionable, and it was on show in spades here. However, the location’s remoteness and small size did lead to board and lodging problems.  Indeed, some players sat this one out. Rather famously, Anna Leigh Waters did just that last year, leading to Megan Dizon and Etta Wright taking the Women’s Pro doubles gold medal. Even now, that gold is the only one Dizon has ever won, while it’s Etta’s only Women’s Pro doubles medal of any color. Luckily, there was no repeat of last year’s “Paddlegate” when Tyson McGuffin’s…

Stephanie Gander discovered her passion for pickleball while living in California on a work assignment. The local USA Pickleball ambassador, Steve Balsbaugh, introduced her to the game, and she quickly became a fan. Reflecting on her journey, she remarks, “You either don’t like pickleball, or you are addicted—there’s no middle ground.” Eager To Immerse Herself Upon returning to her home town of Madison, Wisconsin, Gander was eager to immerse herself in the local pickleball scene. In March 2024, she was appointed as the Madison ambassador, succeeding the esteemed Dave Weinbach, a prominent figure in the sport. “One of the first…

The expansive pickleball court complex set up for the first time last year is making a comeback to the Wollman Rink in New York’s Central Park on Wednesday. Wollman Rink Partnering with CityPickle, Wollman Rink will accommodate 14 pickleball courts from May 1 through early autumn, welcoming players daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CityPickle reported that last year’s debut of the Central Park courts saw a remarkable turnout, with over 56,000 players enjoying the sport throughout the spring and summer. In addition to unveiling the opening date, Wollman Park Partners and CityPickle disclosed a three-year agreement extending from…

If you’re a resident of Maryland or, indeed, anywhere close by, get ready for an exciting lineup of tournaments and events kicking off in May, tailor-made just for you. As The Baltimore Fishbowl reports, the allure of the sport is steadily growing in the Old Line State. The state proudly boasts the birthplace of Ben Johns, the world’s top-ranked pickleball player who hails from Gaithersburg. Here’s a round-up of what’s on offer for Maryland pickleballers next month. Spring Fling-ESPA Tournament Series This tournament will be held in Salisbury at The Courts @ Harmon Field from May 4th to 5th. The…

As anticipation starts to mount for the Selkirk Red Rock Open, the latest stop on the relentless Caravana PPA Tour, one of the burning questions is whether Federico Staksrud can maintain his extraordinary streak as he aims for a ninth consecutive “Sunday” appearance in the fiercely competitive men’s singles category. Undeniable Home Advantage The Utah players in the draw are poised to receive an undeniable advantage with support from their raucous local fans. Also, transitioning from the relatively low altitude of 33 feet above sea level in California to the substantial elevation of nearly 2,800 feet in Utah promises to…