I took my first one-on-one pickleball lesson this week to answer America’s favorite recent question, “What is pickleball?” I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the fastest-growing sport in America. It is clear that I have a ton to learn, but the 60-minute session left me confident that my tennis skills will translate well on the pickleball court. However, there were a few surprises for this brand new player. If you’re considering picking up a pickleball paddle, here are a few things that my instructor shared with me, as well as a few things that caught me off guard.
Rediscovering Tennis After Years Of Pickleball
For four decades, tennis was my jam. I’d pick up a racquet a handful of times each year, and enjoy the muscle memory established as a kid.
It wasn’t a serious commitment, but it was a constant in my life—until it wasn’t.
Two years ago, I discovered pickleball.
Like many others, I was seduced by the game’s rapid-fire game-play, social atmosphere, total inclusion, and ease on my body when compared to tennis.
Before I knew it, tennis faded into the background, and pickleball became The Choice.
For over two years, I didn’t touch a tennis racquet. Not once.
I reveled in the quick reflexes and strategic positioning that pickleball demanded. And I figured I was still maintaining my “racquet sports skills,” albeit on a smaller scale.
Boy, was I wrong.
Playing Pickleball Indoors vs. Outdoors: Which Is Better?
As an avid pickleball player, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the game on both indoor and outdoor courts. Each setting offers its own set of advantages and challenges, and choosing between the two can significantly impact the overall playing experience.
Being someone who lives to be outside and finds any excuse to catch some rays, I’ve surprised myself by preferring to play pickleball indoors.
This post aims to help me get to the bottom of this query as well as educate you on the nuanced differences.
How to Improve Your Pickleball Game – Setting Goals
When I first started playing pickleball, my only goal was to have fun and get some exercise. But as I got hooked on this addictive sport, my ambitions began to grow. Suddenly, I found myself setting all sorts of goals! From improving my rating to mastering dinking to even starting this blog and becoming a PPR certified pickleball coach.
The more I talk to other pickleball players, the more I realize how diverse everyone’s motivations are. For some, the pure joy of playing and socializing is enough. Others relish the competitive drive, fixating on drilling and crushing anyone that steps onto the court, regardless of age or ability (booooo!). But most see pickleball as a path to better overall fitness and wellness.
So what are the most common objectives picklers set for themselves? And what are the best practices for making steady progress toward those goals? If you are looking at how to improve your pickleball game, read on!
How to Handle a Pickleball Ball Hog
When you’re trying to enjoy a fun game of pickleball, there’s nothing more frustrating than a ball hog teammate who insists on taking every shot, even ones clearly meant for you. Instead of fun rallies, points are over quickly with the ball hog going for shots they had no business going for. We’ve all been there. Personally, there have been times where I will mutter to myself the whole way home that I should have taken control of the situation. So, how can you handle this tricky on-court scenario? We have a few ideas!
Is Pickleball Good for Weight Loss?
Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Not only is it an incredibly fun and social sport, but it also offers many benefits for those looking to improve their fitness and lose weight. As someone who has been playing pickleball for the past two years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects it can have on people’s bodies and overall health.
Pickleball Loss? 20 Ways to Blame Your Paddle!
What’s that saying about excuses? Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.
Are you a pickleball player who’s always got an excuse ready when things don’t go your way on the court?
Do you find yourself constantly pointing fingers at your paddle, the weather, the court surface, or even the phase of the moon?
In the world of pickleball, where egos are as fragile as perforated plastic, having an arsenal of creative justifications for your failures is essential. After all, admitting that your opponent simply outplayed you is far too painful for most of us mere mortals. 🙂
How to Move From a 3.5 to 4.0 Pickleball Rating
It’s a common refrain throughout pickleball, advancing from a 3. 5 to a 4.0 pickleball rating.
While many folks, including yours truly, can consistently win games at local open play sessions against other 3.5 players, we struggle to take that next step up. But there are a few paths you can follow to get your game over the hump. Here’s a look at some of the keys that helped propel my progression.
How to Stay Light on Your Feet During Pickleball
If you feel like your feet are glued to the court when playing pickleball, you’re not alone. Many players, especially those new to the sport, struggle with being light and agile on their feet. This issue, often referred to as “concrete feet,” can significantly hinder your ability to react quickly and get into position for shots. However, you can overcome this challenge with the right techniques and exercises and take your pickleball game to new heights. Here are some tips to help you stay light on your feet when playing pickleball.
How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle With a Finger-Up Grip
I don’t play ping pong often, but when I do, I place my index finger on the face of the paddle with a finger-up grip. So perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that this habit of extending my finger north of the grip carried over to pickleball.
Many pickleball players view this as an unorthodox or even improper way to hold the paddle, but I’ve stuck with it for some time now, and it’s been effective, specifically at the non-volley zone line.
However, the grip comes at a price.
Temu Pickleball Paddles Under $100
Is Temu pickleball merch up to the test?
I have been an advocate and supporter of Temu for more than a year. Like many people, I was skeptical.
But I rolled the dice on a small and inexpensive item. And when it arrived as promised, I doubled down. Since then, I have placed dozens of orders, and have been satisfied with the vast majority of my purchases. They even have neat stuff like cheap compression socks and cooling towels.
However, if you’re spoiled by Amazon Prime, get ready to wait. Temu orders to New York generally take 10 days. And they often arrive a jumbled mess. However, if you keep your expectations low and expect an 80% success rate, meaning the products are functional and as described, it’s a fair deal. Actually, better. It’s a great deal.