College Pickleball: Is NCAA Pickleball on the Horizon?

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.

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Skinny Singles Pickleball – How to Play and Rules

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.

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All About the Pickleball Pre-Serve Ritual

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.

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13 Reasons Why Pickleball Sucks

The most common complaints about pickleball are the noise (“pop-pop-pop”), the perceived lack of athleticism (“it’s for old people”), and the turf war with tennis players. However, the sport is evolving rapidly with noise-dampening paddle technology and a surge in younger, athletic players who are proving the “easy game” myth wrong.

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.

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The Best Pickleball Advice Ever Has to Do With Sleep

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!

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How to Play Pickleball for Beginners: A Quickstart Guide 

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.

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The Best Pickleball Vacations for Players at All Levels

From all-inclusive spots for a week-long getaway to a la carte overnights, we share some of the best places to travel for a pickleball vacation.

Pickleball fanatics, it’s time to unite and embark on the ultimate adventure – pickleball vacations! With the sport’s meteoric rise in popularity, vacation spots worldwide are jumping on the bandwagon and offering unforgettable experiences tailored to pickleball players of all skill levels. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious all-inclusive weeklong retreat or a spontaneous weekend escape to play pickleball, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll unveil some of the most enticing pickleball vacation havens that cater to players at all levels. So, gather your gear, dust off your paddle, and prepare for an exhilarating journey through the captivating world of pickleball vacations!

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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.

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Pickleball Accessories and Gadgets to Level Up Your Game

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. 

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