Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

What Is Australian Doubles Pickleball?

December 2, 2025January 2, 2024 by Drew Pierce

Australian Doubles (often called “Cutthroat”) is a 3-player pickleball format where one person plays solo against a team of two. The solo player serves and is the only one who can score points. Players rotate clockwise after every rally, ensuring everyone plays both solo and team positions.

Australian Doubles is a fast-paced pickleball variation played with three people on a standard-sized court. Also known as “Cutthroat” (don’t worry, it’s not as violent as it sounds), this game format solves the eternal problem of having an odd number of players show up at the court. Here’s how it works: the court is divided lengthwise down the middle, with one player serving solo from one side while a team of two players covers the opposite half. Players rotate positions after each point, which means you’re constantly switching between being the lone wolf and being part of a team. The beauty of Australian Doubles? It keeps everyone engaged and active—no one sits out waiting for their turn. Plus, it tests your skills in ways that regular doubles simply can’t.

When Your Pickleball Tournament Does Not Go As Expected

November 20, 2025December 21, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Approaching Nassau Coliseum to play the Rip It Winter Invitational Pickleball Tournament felt like something special.

And then I entered the building, and reality set in.

I walked through a metal detector.

Was shown the makeshift concrete courts in the basement.

Endured start-time delays.

Not to mention the crazy distracting fire alarm that went off mid-match.

Let’s just say it was a learning experience. 🙂

2024 Pickleball Rule Changes Explained

November 20, 2025December 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

USA Pickleball has released its 2024 official rulebook, and there are several notable changes we want our fellow players to be aware of. Do we dig all of the rule changes? Read on to find out!

8 Lessons From a Year on the Pickleball Court

November 20, 2025December 7, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Deep into my second year of playing pickleball, I proudly report that I have not experienced a sophomore slump! However, some lessons took longer to sink in than I would have hoped. Today, I share those with you, hoping you learn from my stubbornness and evolve your game quicker than I did.

Pickleball Exercises to Play Better for Longer

November 20, 2025December 4, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As pickleball’s popularity has exploded, so have injuries, mainly caused by repetitive motion, awkward positions, and quick lunges.

Personally, I have found the sport much easier on my body than tennis. But that doesn’t mean it’s not without it’s aches and pains. In fact, I have another browser tab opened right now wondering if I tore my rotator cuff. But that’s a conversation for another time!

If you play the sport regularly, you will want to have a dedicated cross-training regimen off of the pickleball court that is designed to enhance overall fitness to meet the sport’s physical demands.

Pickleball Is My “Third Place”

November 20, 2025November 30, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball players tend to fall hard for the sport.

The path to addiction is so quick that friends and families are often caught off guard.

There’s a reason many of us often hear, “Pickleball, again?!”

And it’s not said in the nicest of tones.

Well, I’m not sure about you, but it occurred to me recently that pickleball is my “third place.”

My Secret Weapon for Better Pickleball – The Wrist Ball

November 20, 2025November 22, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I’ve been playing pickleball for nearly two years and I’m always on the lookout for something that can help me play better. I focus on serving well and moving quickly, especially near the net.

Recently, I found a great tool that’s really helped: the wrist ball.

19 Reasons to Be Thankful for Pickleball

November 20, 2025November 21, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As I hit my 20th month of playing pickleball, I reflect on why I am thankful for the sport. It has delivered a surprising amount of joy into my life as an amateur player and pro blogger. Never in a million years would I have guessed that pickleball would become such a big part of me. But here we are, and I look forward to continuing to play, always learning, and spreading the pickleball love.

Here are the reasons I am grateful for pickleball. Please add your thoughts in the comments section.

Pickleball Journey: Lessons From My Latest Tournament

November 20, 2025November 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I played in a Thanksgiving pickleball tournament last night. It was my first tournament in months, and I had a nervous energy pulsing through me as I approached the facility.

My teammate and I were ready to give it our all.

And we came out hot.

We won our first six games with confidence and steady gameplay, advancing to the finals.

Then everything changed in an instant.