Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

Dink ‘n’ Dish: Big Dill Pickleball Co. Founder Katy Luxem

May 1, 2023April 28, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Dink ‘n’ Dish serves up pickleball profiles that uncover the heart and soul of the pickleball community, one conversation at a time.

My pickleball opponent glared at me, eyes ablaze with fiery intensity.

He stood 14 feet away, close enough for me to watch his muscles pulsate; his nose flair.

Tension high, pressure mounting.

And then I saw it.

Attached to his white-knuckled hand was a paddle adorned with a smiling pickle.

Not just any smiling pickle. But the cutest and friendliest pickle you will ever see.

Damn, I love pickleball.

The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Organizations and Associations

April 27, 2023 by Drew Pierce

With its increasing popularity, various pickleball organizations have sprouted to support and promote the sport, each with unique characteristics and objectives.

Since it’s a mucky landscape, we’ll aim to define the differences between pickleball clubs, national and local pickleball organizations, community groups, and associations. By understanding these differences, you can choose the most suitable group for your needs, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player wanting to compete at a higher level.

The Best Pickleball Warm-Up Exercises Used By the Pros

April 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When you exercise, injuries are inevitable.

Heck, simply wake up, and injuries are a likely reality.

And after 13 months of playing pickleball multiple times a week, my bell has tolled.

I played for about an hour.

Then it was my turn to sit a match out.

When I returned, my knee felt like it had experienced some direct hit.

College Pickleball: Is NCAA Pickleball on the Horizon?

April 24, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is sweeping across college campuses as an exciting and accessible alternative to traditional NCAA sports like basketball, football, and tennis. With its lower risk of injury, ease of learning, and affordability, pickleball is capturing the attention of students and administrators alike. As the movement to establish NCAA pickleball gains momentum, it’s crucial to understand the benefits and challenges of this fast-growing sport, as well as the collaborative efforts required to make it a mainstay in the collegiate athletic landscape.

Skinny Singles Pickleball – How to Play and Rules

April 21, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Recently, I’ve been adding pickleball drills that resemble real-game situations to my repertoire, and skinny singles pickleball is just what the doctor ordered! Covering dinks, drives, drops, serves, and volleys is all part of the game, and since the game only requires half the court, you only need one additional person to play.

All About the Pickleball Pre-Serve Ritual

April 17, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I bounce the ball as I walk to the service line.

I hold the ball up to my opponents, a universal indicator that we’re all ready.

I set my feet, bounce the pickleball ball twice more and call out the score.

While doing all of this, I note the receiver’s position and make a quick decision on where I will place the ball.

And then I serve.

You might have observed pre-serve routines in sports like pickleball, tennis, or even volleyball and wondered about their significance. Why are these routines so prevalent across various sports?

I’m unsure if my serve routine is completely optimized for the game, but it works for me.

13 Reasons Why Pickleball Sucks

June 16, 2023April 11, 2023 by Drew Pierce

A lot of people think pickleball sucks. I’m not one of them…usually.

It was bound to happen.

I’m just amazed it took 13 months.

I showed up for my usual pickleball open play.

And I sucked.

Not only that, I didn’t even have fun.

I spent two hours losing point after point, game after game. Balls sailed long. My body language was pitiful. And the entire time, I kept thinking, “Pickleball is the dumbest game in the world.”

Anyone who knows me or has read this blog knows that’s not how I really feel. As an ambassador for the sport, I think the pros outweigh the cons. But every sordid love affair is entitled to a bad night or two.

Since I know the pickleball haters are out there, let’s examine why people think pickleball sucks.

The Best Pickleball Advice Ever Has to Do With Sleep

April 11, 2023April 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The importance of consistently getting a good night’s sleep cannot be emphasized enough, especially for pickleball enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance on the court.

Adequate rest empowers your brain to unleash its full potential, boosting your memory and cognitive abilities. But that’s not all! Quality sleep also helps regulate mood, promotes heart health, and balances the hormones responsible for managing appetite.

Here are a few methods Pickleball Rookie uses to improve our sleep, and we hope they help you, too!

How to Play Pickleball for Beginners: A Quickstart Guide

April 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Congratulations on deciding to give pickleball a try! This fun and engaging sport is an excellent way to stay active, socialize, and learn new skills. As a beginner, especially if you haven’t played sports before, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. Pickleball Rookie has helped many people get started; we’re happy to share advice to help you begin your pickleball journey.

It’s in the Stars: Zodiac Signs and Pickleball Play

April 17, 2023April 3, 2023 by Drew Pierce

What if the stars aligned to determine how you play pickleball? We know it sounds out of this world, but for the astrologically inclined, there’s a connection. Here’s a light-hearted look at how your zodiac sign influences your pickleball game.