The Red Rock Open in the PPA (Pro Pickleball Association) Tour saw more than its fair share of drama in the mixed doubles segment. The match between Lina Padegimaite and Zane Navratil versus Martina Frantova and Andrei Daescu was rocked by controversy when Daescu's decisive shot hit Padegimaite, who had slipped outside the kitchen, while she was still on the ground. The incident has since ignited debate over whether pickleball's unwritten rules of sportsmanship should take precedence over playing the game by its written rules.

Pickleball, a game filled with quick volleys and strategic plays, requires more than just power and agility—it demands smart technique, particularly when it comes to dinking. Understanding when and how to use different dinking techniques can significantly enhance your game. In pickleball, the technique you choose is less about right and wrong and more about what is most effective in a given situation. Today, we'll explore the nuances of two primary dinking styles: the sliced dink and the tip-down dink, and how you can apply them based on the play context.

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is not just about having the right equipment or basic skills. It’s about refining those skills to improve your overall game. Here are some expert tips to help you enhance your returns, drops, and drives, making your gameplay more precise and controlled.

Pickleball players often believe that bigger swings lead to more powerful and effective plays. However, the truth lies in the opposite direction. Simplifying your swing can dramatically improve your control and consistency, particularly in your dink shots—a soft, finesse stroke played from near the net.

In a striking turn of events, Karl Peterson and his wife Holly, who spearheaded a petition against the noise from the Presidio Wall pickleball courts, are selling their Presidio Heights mansion that controversially includes its own pickleball court among its luxurious amenities. Listed for $29 million, down from an initial $36 million, the 12,000-square-foot home designed by Julia Morgan has become a focal point in San Francisco’s ongoing debate over urban noise and recreational space.

A lawn game with Scandinavian roots has taken over the pint-sized city of South Pasadena. If devotees have it their way, the game "kubb" will be on many more people's minds, just like that other little power sport that has transformed tennis courts the world over."Nothing will ever catch on like pickleball," said John Pettersson, a South Pasadena resident and commissioner of the Los Angeles Kubb Club. But "like Pickleball, [kubb] is for all ages. The barrier to entry is very low and you don't need to be a top flight athlete to be good at it," he added.

This summer, Central Park’s Wollman Rink is not just about ice skating anymore; it’s becoming a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts. The 14 CityPickle courts, initially a seasonal experiment, are now permanent fixtures, fully resurfaced and ready for action. Starting May 1, the rink will offer extensive daily play options from 8am to 9pm, accommodating players of all skill levels. Last year's pilot attracted 56,000 participants, a testament to the sport’s soaring popularity, which has prompted this transformation.

In the dynamic world of pickleball, technique can make or break your game. A common query among players is whether or not to use the wrist during play. The short answer? Generally, no. However, Tommy and Andre from ProXR, dive deep into the nuances of when wrist action might just work to your advantage. Their analysis reveals that while the pros often make it look easy, effective wrist use is nuanced and specific to certain types of shots

Los Angeles is set to welcome PowerPlay Pickleball™, the city's first dedicated pickleball venue, which is poised to become the central hub for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages. Scheduled to open in two phases, this pioneering facility aims to cater to the diverse needs of the community, offering 36 courts for recreational and tournament play, as well as special events. This development reflects the rapid growth of pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., appealing to players ranging from 8 to 80 years old.

In the heart of NYC, pickleball courts are becoming the ultimate matchmaker for singles, creating a whole new playing field for love and connection! Places like William F. Passannante Ballfield and James J Walker Park are no longer just venues for sports; they're vibrant social hubs where millennials and Gen Zs are swapping dating apps for paddles. The sport’s fun and friendly vibe make it perfect for sparking conversations that might just lead to more.

In Pasco County, Florida, a heartwarming story unfolded at the inaugural Angeline Pickleball Tournament, where a couple, both battling cancer, came out to support the participants. Steve and Kelly Smith, despite their own health challenges, spent their Sunday morning at the event, which aimed to raise funds for Moffit Cancer Center. The tournament was not just a series of games but a vibrant gathering of community spirit, hosted by Lennar and Metro Development to benefit the new "55 and better" community. This couple’s presence underscored a profound narrative of resilience and community support, exemplifying how personal battles with cancer have intertwined deeply with their commitment to philanthropy.

Mastering the Kitchen: Advanced Pickleball Techniques for Dominating the Non-Volley Zone.

Mastering the ready position is a critical skill that can significantly enhance performance on the court. A relaxed and well-positioned stance allows for quicker reactions, which is essential during fast-paced exchanges. Professional players suggest that maintaining your paddle at hip height, or about net strap height, is optimal. This position helps keep the body relaxed and prepared to handle quick shots effectively, enabling players to respond swiftly and accurately to their opponents' moves.

In a heartening display of community advocacy, the Norwalk Senior Center has officially canceled the previously announced $60 monthly pickleball fee, marking a significant victory for its members. This decision came after a wave of dissent from center members who found the fee excessive and the notice period insufficient. A robust dialogue between the board and 35 concerned seniors highlighted the community's disappointment, particularly questioning the singularity of pickleball in the new fee imposition. With pickleball's popularity surging, especially among seniors seeking fun, socialization, and exercise, this fee had threatened to disrupt the routine of many enthusiasts who viewed the sport as an integral part of their daily lives.

A day after a punishing pickleball session, Veloz founder Mitch Junkins crafted a game-changing paddle that’s turning heads in the sport's community. His creation, inspired by aircraft propeller blades, boasts a design that eschews traditional edges for a more consistent sweet spot, earning the acclaim of amateurs and professionals alike. Junkins' journey from a skateboarding pro to an entrepreneurial jack-of-all-trades illustrates the relentless drive behind Veloz's success.

Lululemon has officially entered the pickleball arena with its latest collection, launching an array of activewear that marries functionality with style. This pickleball line, unveiled on April 2, features tennis-inspired items like mini skorts, cropped polos, and sports dresses in a palette of vibrant jewel tones and soft pastels, promising to be the next big thing in both performance and fashion. Whether you're an avid pickleball player or just someone who loves stylish activewear for any physical activity, this collection aims to cater to your needs with pieces designed for movement, comfort, and style.

The athletic world buzzes with a spicy debate sparked by pickleball pro Christian Alshon's bold claim: pickleball demands more skill than tennis. Transitioning from college tennis to the PPA Tour, Alshon's perspective stirs the pot within both communities. His argument hinges on the quick reactions and agility required in pickleball, contrasting with his high-level tennis background, including practices with top tennis professionals. This claim has ignited responses from tennis icons like Nick Kyrgios and Andy Roddick, challenging the notion and defending tennis's complexity and physical demands.

The 2024 Major League Pickleball Challenger League Draft has concluded, presenting a strategic selection of players across four intense rounds. Unlike the Premier League's intricate salary cap system, the Challenger League retained its traditional snake draft format. The league also adjusted team compositions from six to four players, aligning more closely with traditional team structures. This change was part of ongoing efforts to maintain competitive balance across the league.

The strategic execution of a serve in pickleball can significantly alter the game's dynamics, offering players a competitive edge from the very first hit. By focusing on precision and targeting the opponent's backhand, players can exploit common vulnerabilities, setting the tone for the match with an assertive start. An open stance serve, contrasting traditional methods, adds an element of surprise and power, making the serve not just a formality but a strategic move. This approach, emphasizing aim, stance, and execution, evolves the serve into a critical component of a winning strategy, challenging opponents and dictating the game's pace from the outset.