Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

Pickleball Kitchen Rules Explained: The Simple Guide for Beginners (2026)

January 22, 2026 by Drew Pierce

I still remember the first time I played pickleball. I stood at the baseline, terrified of the seven-foot zone in front of the net like it was actual hot lava. I had been told by a well-meaning (but dead wrong) regular that “you can’t go in there unless the ball bounces in there.”

For three weeks, I played like a statue, afraid to toe the line.

It turns out, I was wrong. And that guy at the local courts? He was wrong too.

The “Kitchen”—officially known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)—is the most misunderstood part of this sport. It is also the single biggest reason beginners lose points they shouldn’t.

If you have ever argued with your partner about whether they “momentum fell” into the zone or if you are allowed to step in before the ball bounces, this guide is for you.

Why Your “Perfect” Drop Shot Keeps Getting Smashed (And How to Fix It)

January 21, 2026 by Drew Pierce

If your opponent is driving your drop shot back at you, your drop shot isn’t “good”—it’s too high. The harsh truth is that a “soft” drop often floats. In 2026, the game has moved beyond the feather-soft dink to the “Drip” (a Hybrid Drive/Drop). To stop the smash, you need to lower your apex, switch from backspin to topspin, and stop rushing the net.

The “Tuesday Hangover”: Why You Have Pickleball DOMS & 5 Ways to Recover

January 18, 2026January 13, 2026 by Drew Pierce

If you play hard on the weekend and can’t walk down the stairs on Tuesday, you are suffering from “Pickleball Hangover” (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). The mistake most players make is doing nothing—sitting on the couch only makes the stiffness worse. In 2026, smart players are trading ice packs for active recovery tools like Firefly Recovery Straps and Incrediwear Sleeves, which flush out inflammation while they sit at their desks.

You know the drill. You play four hours of pickleball on Sunday morning. “One more game,” everyone says. You feel tired but fine on Monday. But when you wake up Tuesday, your knees are stiff, your calves are screaming, and your lower back feels like it’s fused shut.

Welcome to DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).

2026 USA Pickleball Rule Changes Explained: A Guide for Recreational Players

December 26, 2025December 19, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The 2026 USA Pickleball Rulebook is a structural reorganization, not a gameplay overhaul. For recreational players, the game remains unchanged. The major updates involve separating tournament rules from general play, consolidating inclusive/adaptive rules into a dedicated section, and requiring a “USA Pickleball Approved” seal on new paddles manufactured starting in 2026.

Let me guess – you saw “new pickleball rules for 2026” and immediately started wondering what part of your game just became illegal.

Relax. You can still hit that third shot drop. Your serve is fine. And no, they didn’t change the kitchen rules (again).

The 2026 USA Pickleball rulebook (effective 1/1/26) is less of a game-changer and more of a spring cleaning. Think of it like reorganizing your garage – everything’s still there, it’s just way easier to find what you actually need.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in 2026: Top 4 Picks for Value & Comfort

December 26, 2025December 16, 2025 by Drew Pierce

For beginners in 2025, the best overall paddle is the Wild Monkeys Prima Ghost ($99) due to its carbon fiber face and 30-day risk-free trial. For players with tennis elbow, the ProKennex Black Ace Pro offers superior vibration dampening. If you are on a strict budget, the GAMMA RZR Blemished offers professional graphite performance for under $60. All recommendations in this guide feature free shipping via JustPaddles.

Starting your pickleball journey shouldn’t mean emptying your wallet or drowning in confusing technical jargon. After testing dozens of paddles and consulting with the experts at JustPaddles.com, we’ve identified the four best beginner-friendly paddles that deliver professional-level performance without the premium price tag.

From the Top Rope to the Kitchen Line: 5 Pro Wrestling Mental Tricks to Win at Pickleball

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 by Drew Pierce

At first glance, the WWE and your local pickleball courts have nothing in common. One involves steel chairs and spandex. The other involves plastic balls and people arguing about whether that ball was really out.

But here’s the thing: both are deeply psychological. They’re about positioning, reading your opponent, and yes—”working” them to get the upper hand.

I’ve been obsessed with this crossover lately. So much so that I wrote a short story called “Dropkicks and Dinks” (part of my new collection, Before the Sink Overflows), about a washed-up wrestler who finds redemption on the pickleball court. But while writing it, I realized the skills weren’t just fiction. They apply to real gameplay.

Here are five mental hacks that pro wrestlers use—that will absolutely fix your pickleball game.

Why I’m Excited About My New JOOLA Agassi Pro Pickleball Paddle

December 26, 2025November 30, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The JOOLA Agassi Pro ($279) features a unique “tennis-style” flared shape and a propulsion core that delivers elite power and spin. While expensive, it is USAP-approved and ideal for tennis converts looking for a high-performance paddle that feels faster than the standard elongated shape.

When I first heard about the JOOLA × Andre Agassi Pro pickleball paddle, I was skeptical. A “signature” paddle always walks the line between marketing and performance — but to me, this one delivered beyond the hype. The shape is striking: a narrow waist that flares out at the top, reminiscent of a tennis racket more than the typical wide-body pickleball paddle. That unique profile instantly caught my attention.

Forget Temu: 10 Best Amazon Pickleball Paddles Under $100

December 7, 2025November 27, 2025 by Drew Pierce

While Temu offers incredibly cheap pickleball paddles, most lack USA Pickleball approval, meaning they are illegal for club or tournament play. For the same price (under $100), you can buy certified, high-performance paddles on Amazon like the Vatic Pro Prism Flash or Friday Original that offer better spin, durability, and warranty protection.

If you’ve been scrolling through Temu looking for a cheap paddle, I’m here to save you from a potentially expensive mistake. Sure, those $20 paddles look tempting, but here’s the reality: you’ll likely end up with questionable quality, zero warranty support, and shipping times that could outlast your motivation to play.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to drop $250 on a premium paddle to get serious about pickleball. Amazon offers dozens of legitimate paddles under $100 that will serve you well for years. You’ll get reliable shipping, easy returns, and actual customer support if something goes wrong. Plus, many of these budget-friendly options perform surprisingly close to their expensive counterparts.

I’ve compiled the ten best Amazon pickleball paddles under $100 for 2025, breaking them down by category so you can find exactly what you need. Whether you’re a total beginner or an intermediate player looking for a backup paddle, this list has you covered.

The Ultimate Pickleball Grip Guide: Continental, Eastern, and Western Explained

December 7, 2025November 26, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The Continental Grip (“Hammer Grip”) is the best all-purpose grip for beginners because it requires no hand adjustments at the net. To improve control, add an overgrip: use Tourna Grip for sweaty hands or Wilson Pro for comfort.

If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, you’ve probably realized that how you hold your paddle matters—a lot. Your grip affects everything from power to precision, and choosing the right one can transform your game.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main pickleball grips: Continental, Eastern, and Western…and dive into overgrips to help you maximize comfort and control on the court.

The Ultimate 2025 Pickleball Gift Guide: 10 Ideas for Every Budget

November 30, 2025November 24, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The best pickleball gifts for 2025 range from the Franklin X-40 balls (the perfect $15 stocking stuffer) to the Spinshot Machine (the ultimate $2,000 splurge). For beginners, the JOOLA Essentials Set is the top choice, while stylish players will love the Recess paddle collection.

Recess Pickleball Paddle: The Instagram-Worthy Paddle

Looking for the perfect blend of style and substance? Recess paddles have taken the pickleball world by storm with their eye-catching designs and quality construction. These aesthetic beauties feature durable fiberglass surfaces with honeycomb polypropylene cores that actually perform on the court. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves gingham prints, trendy colorways, or wants a paddle that looks as good hanging on the fence as it does in their hand, Recess delivers. Great for recreational players who want to show their personality while playing their best game. This is the gift for “Her” (or anyone who appreciates court-ready style).