Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Organizations and Associations

November 20, 2025April 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

November 20, 2025April 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?

November 20, 2025April 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

November 20, 2025April 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

November 20, 2025April 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

November 20, 2025April 11, 2023 by Drew Pierce

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.

The Best Pickleball Advice Ever Has to Do With Sleep

November 20, 2025April 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

December 18, 2025April 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The game is unique because of the “Non-Volley Zone” (Kitchen)—a 7-foot area near the net where you cannot smash the ball out of the air. To start playing in 2026, you only need three things: court shoes (for safety), a learner-friendly paddle (to keep the ball in play), and a willingness to stay out of the kitchen!

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

November 20, 2025April 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.

The Best Pickleball Vacations for Players at All Levels

November 20, 2025March 26, 2023 by Drew Pierce

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!