Perfecting the backhand flick in pickleball can transform a casual player into a formidable opponent. This advanced stroke is not about sheer power; it's about the right position and motion to make a player a threat at the kitchen line. By mastering this technique, you signal to your opponents that any high ball on their part is an opportunity for you to attack. The goal is to keep your shots low and force an error, allowing you to take control of the game.

Pickleball beginners often find themselves mechanically following the motions – dinking because it's part of the game, dropping because that's what they've been taught – without truly understanding the purpose behind each action. The key to moving from repetitive play to strategic wins is recognizing that every stroke in pickleball has a purpose. A dink isn't just a dink; it's a carefully placed shot designed to keep the ball low and unattackable, setting the stage for a more aggressive play once your opponent makes the inevitable high return.

In an unexpected crossover of entertainment and sports, music mogul Drake and Hollywood A-lister Michael B. Jordan have aced a new venture: becoming co-owners of the Brooklyn Aces, a burgeoning pickleball team. Their investment, spearheaded by Boardroom Sports Holdings and reported in July 2023, marks a significant serve into the sports industry, promising to elevate Major League Pickleball's court-side clout. Rich Kleiman of Boardroom expresses excitement over the star-powered backing, envisioning a growth spike for the team and the sport.

Reaching the Pickleball Hall of Fame is a testament to the pinnacle of success within the sport. The latest inductees represent the finest in pickleball’s history, with five individuals recently ascending to this prestigious honor. Among them are players like Mona Burnett, who is the only one ever to win gold in all five events at the USA Pickleball National Championships, and Scott Moore, who has consistently demonstrated excellence with multiple national titles.

The road to pickleball proficiency is both thrilling and demanding. It starts with the basics: etiquette, gear, and a solid grasp of the game's structure. For new enthusiasts, understanding mechanics, strategy, and tactics is foundational. Mechanics teach you the physical aspects of the game; strategy is your plan through the match; and tactics, the specific actions to outplay your opponent. Learning these aspects of pickleball is not just about improving your game, it's about respecting the sport and those who play it.

The rise in pickleball's popularity, particularly among players over 55, brings a spotlight on the importance of physical fitness, specifically shoulder health. With a surge in playing frequency, there's a notable rise in related injuries. Research indicates that 80% of those over 65 have some level of rotator cuff tears, making injury prevention through proper preparation and strengthening not just wise, but essential for the sport's senior enthusiasts.

Dog lovers and pickleball aficionados, wag your tails in excitement! South Sacramento's parks are getting an $8.5 million upgrade, and it's a fetching deal. The Southgate Recreation and Park District's plans include shiny new pickleball courts and a dedicated dog park. Now, you can dink all you want without the guilt of leaving your four-legged friends bored. They'll be making their own racket, sniffing out new friends at their very own playground.

USA Pickleball has set a new benchmark with the introduction of its Quiet Category for pickleball equipment, targeting a significant reduction in noise levels during play. This innovative move promises to sustain the sport's booming popularity while respecting the sound sensitivities of surrounding communities. The initiative not only reflects USA Pickleball's commitment to research and development but also its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where more people can enjoy the sport without the concern of noise disruption.

As we step into 2024, let's carry the joy and spirit of our pickleball games into every day. Wishing everyone peace, fun, and wonderful moments both on and off the court. Here's to another great year at the Crenshaw Pickleball Club!

The pickleball paddle tap, a gesture of sportsmanship marking the end of a game, is a beloved tradition in the sport's community. This simple act of tapping paddles with partners and opponents has become synonymous with the phrase "good game," representing the friendly and respectful culture of pickleball. Surprisingly, this custom wasn't part of the original game as recounted by David McCallum, son of one of the founders. Instead, the early days featured lighthearted banter, with the paddle tap emerging as a practical solution for rotating players on busy courts, according to Hall of Famer Steve Paranto.

2023 was a pivotal one for pickleball, marking a period of both growth and challenges. Despite retaining its status as America's fastest-growing sport, with 8.9 million players in 2022, pickleball encountered turbulence at the professional level. The sport grappled with debates over competition formats and lingering skepticism about spectator interest in professional games. The uncertainty surrounding the merger of the Pickleball Professional Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), alongside the contentious issue of player compensation, underscored the complexities of the sport's rapid expansion.

The Macon Mall, in Macon GA, is experiencing an electrifying revival, not as a shopping center, but as the world's largest indoor pickleball facility, Rhythm and Rally. With 32 courts occupying an old department store's two floors, this innovative facility is drawing crowds from across the country. It's more than just a sports venue; it's a catalyst for revitalizing the local area and cementing Macon's status as a pickleball destination. The facility features professional courts and a social hub, complete with dining and entertainment, embodying the community's all-in approach to the sport.

Pickleball's popularity has soared to new heights, and now, it's making a monumental splash in South Florida with the opening of the world's first dedicated pickleball stadium. "The Fort," set to open its gates in 2024 in Snyder Park, Fort Lauderdale, is poised to become the ultimate social sports haven. With 43 professional courts, including 14 weatherproof ones, The Fort is more than a stadium—it's a vibrant community hub where retirees, families, and sports enthusiasts converge to enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the nation.

As we embrace the festive spirit this holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all our readers, regardless of how you celebrate. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the moments that brought us joy, the challenges we've overcome, and the bonds we've strengthened. May this season be filled with gratitude, peace, and a sense of community that transcends boundaries. Here's to cherishing the memories we've made and looking forward with hope to the adventures that lie ahead. Happy Holidays to each and every one of you, and thank you for being a part of our journey!

Amid the rapid growth of pickleball, a game-changing innovation has emerged—OWL Sport's USA Pickleball Quiet Category-certified paddle, reducing noise by a remarkable 50%. This first-of-its-kind paddle merges quiet play with high performance. Tennis icon John McEnroe and NFL superstar Drew Brees recently took to the court to demonstrate the OWL's impressive capabilities, proving that top-level play doesn't have to disturb the peace.

Pickleball's 'carry' and 'double hit' rules are often sources of confusion among players. The 2024 rulebook offers clarity on these issues, making gameplay more straightforward. The carry rule now simply states that any carry is a fault, eliminating the need to determine intent. Similarly, the double hit rule allows for unintentional multiple contacts with the ball, provided they occur during a single, continuous swing. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both players and referees to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay.

The PPA Tour structure for 2024 includes Slams, Cups, and Opens, offering up to 2,000, 1,500, and 1,000 ranking points, respectively. These events will feature a progressive bracket schedule, ensuring a dynamic and engaging format. The PPA Finals in San Clemente, California, will be the season’s highlight, with top players competing in a round-robin tournament. MLP’s 2024 season brings a new structure of 24 teams divided into six divisions, with each team playing at least 40 matches. This setup ensures an intense and comprehensive competition, culminating in the two-week MLP Playoffs.

The sport of pickleball, traditionally embraced by adults, is now captivating a younger audience, with junior pickleball rapidly gaining momentum. This trend is a promising development, as engaging youth in pickleball offers numerous benefits. From promoting physical fitness to instilling valuable life skills like teamwork and sportsmanship, junior pickleball is more than just a game; it's a platform for holistic growth. By introducing children and teenagers to this accessible and enjoyable sport, communities are nurturing a new generation of players who will not only enrich the sport but also reap its diverse benefits.

Pickleball, a sport beloved for its fun and accessibility, is now stepping into the realm of sustainability. The concept of 'Green Pickleball' focuses on incorporating environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of the game. From using sustainable materials in equipment manufacturing to promoting eco-conscious event management, the pickleball community is increasingly aware of its ecological footprint. This shift not only benefits the environment but also sets a new standard in sports for responsible and sustainable play.

As pickleball enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the 2024 Official USA Pickleball Rulebook, significant updates and clarifications are set to redefine the sport's playing field. From the 92 rule suggestions submitted by USA Pickleball members, 27 have been approved by the Board of Directors, marking a pivotal evolution in the sport's guidelines. These changes, while primarily focused on refining the wording of existing rules, also include a few notable alterations that will materially impact how the game is played and officiated, ensuring clarity and enhancing the overall pickleball experience.