Drew Pickles - Pickleball Rookie

How to Improve Reaction Time in Pickleball

Pickleball players of all ages understand that improving your reaction time can elevate your game to the next level.

The fierce exchange of volleys. Four players at the line, dripping sweat, ripping forehands and backhands with mind-numbing speed. High-level pickleball can be an exhilarating knife fight. Aside from an insanely cool Erne or ATP, winning a rally like this is the best feeling in pickleball.

But losing? Losing one of these tenacious rallies is a drag.

Here’s the good news. You can increase your reaction time, and I’m going to give you some tips and tricks on how to do it.

Pickleball Accessories and Gadgets to Level Up Your Game

by Drew Pickles

From score counters to funky visors to compression gear, new pickleball accessories hit the market every day.

Hey there, pickleball fanatics! You know what they say: “Look good, feel good, play good.” As fellow pickleball enthusiasts, we understand that having the right accessories and gadgets can make a world of difference in your game. With pickleball skyrocketing in popularity, the world of pickleball treasures is overflowing with innovative and cutting-edge products designed to elevate your performance while ensuring you look and feel like a pro on the court.

Our Favorite Pickleball Outfits for 2023 and Beyond

by Drew Pickles

Are you looking to level up your pickleball outfits?

Pickleball offers players greater latitude when it comes to fashion rules, making the court a colorful place to be.

Look, it’s no secret that pickleball does not enjoy the same lauded reputation in the fashion world as tennis. Close your eyes and imagine the stereotypical pickleball player’s clothing. Are you envisioning a boxy shirt that features tacky, paddle-wielding pickles? Are the pickles wearing sweatbands and sunglasses? Yikes.

Pickleball Etiquette — Unwritten Rules Beginners Should Know

by Drew Pickles

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is enjoyed by millions of people. It’s a great way to get some exercise and socialize with friends, but it also brings an unspoken code of conduct — pickleball etiquette.

Like most sports, there are some unwritten guidelines that all players should follow to ensure everyone has a fun, safe, and enjoyable game.

This article will focus on the basic unwritten rules of pickleball etiquette that all beginners should know. From what to wear to how to tap paddles, we’ll prep you for your first few pickleball matches so you can focus on the game.

Pickleball Open Play – Playing for the First Time

by Drew Pickles

If you have yet to discover the expanding sport of pickleball, you’re in the right place to open up a whole new world. You may have heard all about pickleball and would love to try it out, but you need to figure out how you join in the fun.

When Do You Switch Sides in Pickleball?

by Drew Pickles

Knowing when to switch sides is one of the most challenging concepts for new pickleball players to grasp. I’ve seen my fair share of confusion on the court when it comes to switching sides, but it gets better with time and practice.

From alternating serves to showing common courtesy when in rec play, this is your guide on when to switch sides when playing pickleball.

6 Pickleball Trends You Need to Know About

by Drew Pickles

From more aggressive play to high socks and higher court rental rates, we look at the latest pickleball trends.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that has captured the attention of players of all ages and skill levels. With its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it’s no surprise that pickleball has become a favorite pastime for many.

In this article, we’ll explore six of the latest pickleball trends that are currently taking the sport by storm. From more aggressive play to celebrity investors, these pickleball trends are shaping the future of the sport and helping to take the game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to pickleball, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fun.

How to Handle Rude and Aggressive Pickleball Players

by Drew Pickles

I recently played pickleball with The Most Aggressive Lady on Earth. Every shot was a drive; a yelp; a fist pump; a scream.

Let’s call this player, Edgy.

It was clear that Edgy had quite a bit of pickleball experience. It was also clear that her enthusiasm wasn’t received with open paddles. The 20 or so people at our open play nodded, winked, laughed, and shrugged off Edgy’s antics. It was just Edgy being Edgy.

Pickleball Overkill: How to Rest Your Body and Signs You Need Rest

by Drew Pickles

Recently, I skipped out on my weekly Wednesday night pickleball league; it was raining cats and dogs. Then, I skipped my Thursday night league to help my son finish a school project. So it was two unplanned pickleball absences. I was bummed to miss an opportunity to play. And a couple of days later, I beat myself up for missing exercise.

However, as a few more days passed, I started to feel energized. Spry!

Even though it’s Wellness 101, I had once again forgotten the importance of resting my body.

Pickleball Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: How to Identify and Cope

by Drew Pickles

When I first started to play pickleball, it was to avoid the strain that tennis put on my lower back. However, I quickly learned that pickleball is not necessarily better for my damaged sacroiliac joints despite being easier on my muscles. But that hasn’t stopped me from playing!