Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

2025 Pickleball Rule Changes and Gear Trends You Need to Know About

February 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

As the sport pickleball continues to evolve, so does the amount of gear available to players. Because the only thing better than playing the sport is living the sport!

Here are a few items on Pickeball Rookie’s radar this year:

These new AI paddles from Selkirk and JOOLA are pretty mind-blowing. As someone who’s always working on my third shot drop, having real-time feedback on spin and contact point is a game-changer. Though I have to admit, sometimes I turn off the app and just focus on feel – old habits die hard!

Rediscovering Tennis After Years Of Pickleball

September 12, 2024 by Drew Pierce

For four decades, tennis was my jam. I’d pick up a racquet a handful of times each year, and enjoy the muscle memory established as a kid.

It wasn’t a serious commitment, but it was a constant in my life—until it wasn’t.

Two years ago, I discovered pickleball.

Like many others, I was seduced by the game’s rapid-fire game-play, social atmosphere, total inclusion, and ease on my body when compared to tennis.

Before I knew it, tennis faded into the background, and pickleball became The Choice.

For over two years, I didn’t touch a tennis racquet. Not once.

I reveled in the quick reflexes and strategic positioning that pickleball demanded. And I figured I was still maintaining my “racquet sports skills,” albeit on a smaller scale.

Boy, was I wrong.

Playing Pickleball Indoors vs. Outdoors: Which Is Better?

May 21, 2024 by Drew Pierce

As an avid pickleball player, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the game on both indoor and outdoor courts. Each setting offers its own set of advantages and challenges, and choosing between the two can significantly impact the overall playing experience.

Being someone who lives to be outside and finds any excuse to catch some rays, I’ve surprised myself by preferring to play pickleball indoors.

This post aims to help me get to the bottom of this query as well as educate you on the nuanced differences.

How to Handle a Pickleball Ball Hog

March 22, 2024 by Drew Pierce

When you’re trying to enjoy a fun game of pickleball, there’s nothing more frustrating than a ball hog teammate who insists on taking every shot, even ones clearly meant for you. Instead of fun rallies, points are over quickly with the ball hog going for shots they had no business going for. We’ve all been there. Personally, there have been times where I will mutter to myself the whole way home that I should have taken control of the situation. So, how can you handle this tricky on-court scenario? We have a few ideas!

Is Pickleball Good for Weight Loss?

March 20, 2024 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Not only is it an incredibly fun and social sport, but it also offers many benefits for those looking to improve their fitness and lose weight. As someone who has been playing pickleball for the past two years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects it can have on people’s bodies and overall health.

Pickleball Loss? 20 Ways to Blame Your Paddle!

March 16, 2024 by Drew Pierce

What’s that saying about excuses? Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.

Are you a pickleball player who’s always got an excuse ready when things don’t go your way on the court?

Do you find yourself constantly pointing fingers at your paddle, the weather, the court surface, or even the phase of the moon?

In the world of pickleball, where egos are as fragile as perforated plastic, having an arsenal of creative justifications for your failures is essential. After all, admitting that your opponent simply outplayed you is far too painful for most of us mere mortals. 🙂

How to Move From a 3.5 to 4.0 Pickleball Rating

March 11, 2024 by Drew Pierce

It’s a common refrain throughout pickleball, advancing from a 3. 5 to a 4.0 pickleball rating.

While many folks, including yours truly, can consistently win games at local open play sessions against other 3.5 players, we struggle to take that next step up. But there are a few paths you can follow to get your game over the hump. Here’s a look at some of the keys that helped propel my progression.

How to Stay Light on Your Feet During Pickleball

March 7, 2024 by Drew Pierce

If you feel like your feet are glued to the court when playing pickleball, you’re not alone. Many players, especially those new to the sport, struggle with being light and agile on their feet. This issue, often referred to as “concrete feet,” can significantly hinder your ability to react quickly and get into position for shots. However, you can overcome this challenge with the right techniques and exercises and take your pickleball game to new heights. Here are some tips to help you stay light on your feet when playing pickleball.

How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle With a Finger-Up Grip

March 4, 2024 by Drew Pierce

I don’t play ping pong often, but when I do, I place my index finger on the face of the paddle with a finger-up grip. So perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that this habit of extending my finger north of the grip carried over to pickleball.

Many pickleball players view this as an unorthodox or even improper way to hold the paddle, but I’ve stuck with it for some time now, and it’s been effective, specifically at the non-volley zone line.

However, the grip comes at a price.