Browsing: Pickleball News

Babolat, a pioneer in sports equipment innovation, proudly announces the launch of its latest line of edgeless pickleball paddles, set to revolutionize the game. Engineered through meticulous observation of the sport’s rapid evolution and crafted to meet players’ diverse needs, Babolat’s expert paddle range represents a leap forward in performance and design. Tailored to Player Types STRKR + (Striker Plus) is designed for the assertive player seeking dominance on the court. The STRKR + paddle boasts an extended handle, delivering unparalleled power and control. BALLR + (Baller Plus): Versatility meets precision with the BALLR + paddle, crafted for the all-round…

As pickleball continues to expand at seemingly ever-increasing speed, it’s been notable that a definitive frontrunner was needed to navigate players through the plethora of court options. That’s why the announcement that Pickleheads is now the official court and game finder of USA Pickleball is so important. A Strategic Approach Unlike other court search engines, Pickleheads adopted a strategic approach, leveraging the power of Google searches to secure premier rankings for myriad “pickleball courts near {city}” keywords. This method made it more effective than Places2Play.com, which USA Pickleball used to endorse. It is also notably different from its competitor, Pickleplay.com,…

The National Pickleball League (NPL) has unveiled the highly anticipated results of its 2024 NPL Draft, revealing the newest additions to each of its 12 team’s rosters for the upcoming season. Marking A New Chapter The NPL Draft event took place on Sunday, April 14, in Naples, Florida, with team owners, League staff, prospective players, and pickleball fans gathering to witness the results. The event marked a new chapter in the league’s commitment to nurturing talent and reinforcing its status as the top professional 50+ league in the sport. Each roster has up to eight women and eight men, and…

When Ben Lacy established the Southern Pickleball Academy in Aiken, South Carolina, as a public charity in late 2022, he couldn’t have foreseen the profound impact it would have on the community in just over a year. Introducing Over 200 Children To The Sport The academy has been instrumental in introducing over 200 children to the sport of pickleball. Collaborating with the New Ellenton City Council and Mayor Kim Williams, they successfully implemented a pickleball program and also initiated a series of popular First Friday Pickleball and Pizza pen play gatherings at the Virginia Acres courts. Read more about pickleball…

In the growing suburb of Delta, British Columbia, a new mandate has emerged that requires pickleball players to use quieter paddles to address noise complaints from surrounding neighborhoods. While this move by the city council is well-intentioned, aiming to create harmony between residents and enthusiasts of this fast-growing sport, it touches only the surface of a more complex issue. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the sport, with millions of new players picking up the paddle each year! However, with this growth, we’re also seeing a trend in noise complaints, as many communities believe the…

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) continued its 2024 tour with the Veolia Houston Open, hosted by Life Time Fitness at the Kingwood location in Houston’s upper northeast suburbs. As the second stop in four weekends, this event was a marked change from last weekend’s rainy North Carolina event to sunny skies in Houston. The Houston Open, a 1000-level PPA event, witnessed a slightly thinned draw due to this month’s packed schedule. Notably, the absence of top-ranked female players Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau left the Women’s and Mixed draws wide open. Women’s Pro Singles In the absence of top-ranked…

After nearly 27 years since his selection in Round 4 of the 1997 NFL Draft, Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel found himself again waiting to hear which team would choose him yesterday. “I Got Hooked” However, this time around, it’s a pickleball draft he will be a part of. It’s the culmination of four years of dedication, steady progress, and a genuine passion for the competitive side of his newfound sporting love. “I got hooked, like so many others,” Wuerffel remarked, reflecting on his journey. The milestone of a 50th birthday in May coincides with the onset of the second…

The Utah Black Diamonds have announced they will develop the premier pickleball facility in Utah. They will be the first MLP team to have their own court facility. First-Ever Home Base This $25 million state-of-the-art facility, located in South Jordan, Utah, will be the first-ever home base for a professional pickleball team and a premier club for member players of all levels. The public will be able to enjoy the facility and play where the pros play. The Club Features: – 36 pickleball courts – 1,500-seat Championship Court with VIP Box Seating – Two Grandstand Courts – Full gym and…

The Women’s POWER Pickleball League of Palm Beach County recently demonstrated their commitment both on and off the court by hosting a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida at The Addison in Boca Raton. A Passion For Pickleball Comprising women aged 55 and older who share a passion for pickleball, the league not only focuses on skill enhancement and camaraderie but also on giving back to the community. Last September, they organized a tournament fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, and they have been involved in regular charitable efforts throughout 2024. Catherine Barton, CEO and founder of Women’s POWER Pickleball discussed their…

As we know, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three years straight, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. It now boasts 13.6 million players and shows no sign of slowing down. Ample Opportunity In the realm of entrepreneurship, it’s also widely acknowledged that where there’s a significant amount of passion, there’s also ample opportunity. Across various pickleball sectors, from apparel to training camps to equipment, the industry is witnessing a surge in products and services aimed at enhancing the sport. The Californian paddle innovation company Veloz is among the frontrunners.…