Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

How to Be the Perfect Pickleball Partner – 21 Ways!

October 26, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Stepping onto the court with a pickleball partner requires more than just individual skills. It calls for a blend of communication, coordination, understanding, and a healthy heaping of fun to make the experience enjoyable and successful. Whether discussing strategies, celebrating each other’s victories, or simply sharing a snack between matches, every small gesture builds a solid, respectful, and enjoyable partnership. It’s about harnessing collective strengths, covering for each other’s weaknesses, and moving harmoniously against opponents. Being the best doubles partner is a mix of being supportive, staying engaged, appreciating the moment, and always being ready to adapt, all while keeping the fun alive.

I pride myself on being an exemplary pickleball partner, ensuring a strong game and teamwork on and off the court. Here are some things I am committed to bringing to any doubles partnership.

How to Add the Pickleball Tweener to Your Shot Arsenal

October 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When my partner raced back to return a lob, I couldn’t believe what I saw next. In an act that seemed like it came straight from Ringling Bros., he turned his back to the net and made a perfect return from between his legs: it was a pickleball tweener.

WOW.

But he wasn’t showing off. Well, maybe a little. What he was doing was putting the “tweener,” one of the best known pickleball trick shots, on full display.

Pickleball Bullies: When Your Opponents Pick on Your Partner

October 23, 2023 by Drew Pierce

During our recent pickleball league finals, my partner and I faced a couple of pickleball bullies. It’s a common strategy: the two men we were up against decided to target my partner, an excellent female player, often leaving me watching from the sidelines. Their strategy was effective, leveraging power to overwhelm her with consecutive shots. She held her own, but they won the match, leaving me putting together plans to counteract such tactics in the future.

How to Pick Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

February 6, 2024October 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Moving from tennis to pickleball is arguably one of the smoothest transitions you can make in the realm of racquet and paddle sports, especially when you consider the initial learning curve. After a childhood of tennis, all I need was one pickleball lesson and I was good to go.

Like any sport, adapting to new rules, strategies, and, of course, equipment like the pickleball paddle can be a challenge. In this guide, we shed light on the top pickleball paddles most suitable for tennis enthusiasts transitioning to pickleball. And in case you’re wondering, this (former) tennis player opts for the Engage Pursuit MX. 🙂

Pickleball Friendsgiving Party: A New Tradition of Gratitude and Fun

October 12, 2023 by Drew Pierce

There has never been a better time to throw a pickleball Friendsgiving party!

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, our hearts warm with thoughts of gratitude, friendship, and of course, the upcoming Friendsgiving celebrations. This year, let’s add a dash of playful competition and a sprinkle of sporty fun to our gatherings by introducing pickleball into our Friendsgiving festivities!

How to Add Pickleball Power: Mastering Strength, Stamina, and Strategy

October 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Ever since I picked up my first pickleball paddle, I was obsessed with one thing: pickleball power. I watched in awe as seasoned players whipped the ball across the court with seemingly little effort. Their opponents were often left scrambling, barely able to react. I knew that mastering the art of a powerful hit was crucial if I wanted to elevate my game and have my opponents on their heels. So, I delved deep, practiced relentlessly, and learned from the best. Now, let’s journey together through the insights I’ve gained as we explore the nuances of hitting hard, defending against the big hitters, and aiming for the top ranks in pickleball.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Elbow: A Comprehensive Guide

October 9, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Finding a pickleball paddle amongst so many choices is a challenge. Finding a pickleball paddle that prevents tennis elbow, even more of a daunting task! This guide aims to simplify that process by highlighting the crucial aspects to consider and offering a curated list of top-performing paddles in the market.

How to Start Playing Pickleball

October 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

If you’re curious about how to get started with pickleball, you’re not alone, with millions of people picking up a paddle for the first time. This guide will introduce you to the basics of pickleball, from understanding the game to mastering essential skills.

Prefer to listen to this post? Click below.

The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Court Size and Setup

October 4, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Ever since I picked up a paddle and stepped onto a pickleball court, I’ve been hooked. The game is exhilarating, and the community is fantastic. But I’ve noticed that many newcomers have questions about pickleball court size and setup. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of pickleball court dimensions and how you can set one up in your backyard.

Understanding Pickleball Faults: A Guide for Beginners

October 2, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When I first started playing pickleball last year, one of the most confusing aspects was grasping the concept of “pickleball faults.” If you’re new to the game, you’re likely wondering what they are, how they affect gameplay, and most importantly, how to avoid them. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about pickleball faults.