Blog - Pickleball Rookie

What Is Pickleball? I Took a Lesson to Find Out!

November 30, 2025March 6, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport where most points are won at the net (the ‘Kitchen’). For beginners, success comes from keeping the ball low, loosening your grip for better spin, and wearing proper court shoes to handle the quick lateral movements. While similar to tennis, it requires less running but faster reaction times.

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.

2026 USA Pickleball Rule Changes Explained: A Guide for Recreational Players

December 19, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The 2026 USA Pickleball Rulebook is a structural reorganization, not a gameplay overhaul. For recreational players, the game remains unchanged. The major updates involve separating tournament rules from general play, consolidating inclusive/adaptive rules into a dedicated section, and requiring a “USA Pickleball Approved” seal on new paddles manufactured starting in 2026.

Let me guess – you saw “new pickleball rules for 2026” and immediately started wondering what part of your game just became illegal.

Relax. You can still hit that third shot drop. Your serve is fine. And no, they didn’t change the kitchen rules (again).

The 2026 USA Pickleball rulebook (effective 1/1/26) is less of a game-changer and more of a spring cleaning. Think of it like reorganizing your garage – everything’s still there, it’s just way easier to find what you actually need.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in 2026: Top 4 Picks for Value & Comfort

December 16, 2025 by Drew Pierce

For beginners in 2025, the best overall paddle is the Wild Monkeys Prima Ghost ($99) due to its carbon fiber face and 30-day risk-free trial. For players with tennis elbow, the ProKennex Black Ace Pro offers superior vibration dampening. If you are on a strict budget, the GAMMA RZR Blemished offers professional graphite performance for under $60. All recommendations in this guide feature free shipping via JustPaddles.

Starting your pickleball journey shouldn’t mean emptying your wallet or drowning in confusing technical jargon. After testing dozens of paddles and consulting with the experts at JustPaddles.com, we’ve identified the four best beginner-friendly paddles that deliver professional-level performance without the premium price tag.

Weekly Pickleball News: Mumbai Reigns Supreme, Agassi Hits the Court, and The “Mom” Duo Returns

December 15, 2025 by Ace Rivera

If you thought the holiday season was going to slow down the pickleball news cycle, you thought wrong. We just witnessed history in New Delhi, saw tennis royalty pick up a paddle in Mumbai, and now we’re staring down the barrel of the final PPA event of the year where a certain mother-daughter duo is making a comeback.

The garlands have been handed out, the draws are out, and the jet lag is real. Let’s dive in.

India’s Historic League Finals, Global Pickleball Goes Next Level, and Your Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

December 8, 2025 by Ace Rivera

Hey there, pickleball fam! Ace here, and what a week it’s been. While most of us in the States are knee-deep in holiday shopping and trying to squeeze in court time between family obligations, the pickleball world has been absolutely buzzing with international developments that are legitimately changing the landscape of our sport. From dramatic finals in India to a game-changing global alliance, plus some killer last-minute gift ideas—we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s get into it.

USA Nationals Delivers Drama in the Rain, India Launches Historic League, and Cyber Monday Deals You Need to See

December 1, 2025 by Ace Rivera

Ace here, coming at you from a rainy Monday morning in Austin that’s got me thinking about the wild weather that just hit the USA Pickleball Nationals in San Diego. Between Mother Nature’s interference, historic international developments, and some seriously good Cyber Monday paddle deals still available, we’ve got plenty to unpack this week. Or you can just grab the most expensive pickleball paddles–or the cheapest!

From the Top Rope to the Kitchen Line: 5 Pro Wrestling Mental Tricks to Win at Pickleball

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025 by Drew Pierce

At first glance, the WWE and your local pickleball courts have nothing in common. One involves steel chairs and spandex. The other involves plastic balls and people arguing about whether that ball was really out.

But here’s the thing: both are deeply psychological. They’re about positioning, reading your opponent, and yes—”working” them to get the upper hand.

I’ve been obsessed with this crossover lately. So much so that I wrote a short story called “Dropkicks and Dinks” (part of my new collection, Before the Sink Overflows), about a washed-up wrestler who finds redemption on the pickleball court. But while writing it, I realized the skills weren’t just fiction. They apply to real gameplay.

Here are five mental hacks that pro wrestlers use—that will absolutely fix your pickleball game.

Why I’m Excited About My New JOOLA Agassi Pro Pickleball Paddle

November 30, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The JOOLA Agassi Pro ($279) features a unique “tennis-style” flared shape and a propulsion core that delivers elite power and spin. While expensive, it is USAP-approved and ideal for tennis converts looking for a high-performance paddle that feels faster than the standard elongated shape.

When I first heard about the JOOLA × Andre Agassi Pro pickleball paddle, I was skeptical. A “signature” paddle always walks the line between marketing and performance — but to me, this one delivered beyond the hype. The shape is striking: a narrow waist that flares out at the top, reminiscent of a tennis racket more than the typical wide-body pickleball paddle. That unique profile instantly caught my attention.

Forget Temu: 10 Best Amazon Pickleball Paddles Under $100

December 7, 2025November 27, 2025 by Drew Pierce

While Temu offers incredibly cheap pickleball paddles, most lack USA Pickleball approval, meaning they are illegal for club or tournament play. For the same price (under $100), you can buy certified, high-performance paddles on Amazon like the Vatic Pro Prism Flash or Friday Original that offer better spin, durability, and warranty protection.

If you’ve been scrolling through Temu looking for a cheap paddle, I’m here to save you from a potentially expensive mistake. Sure, those $20 paddles look tempting, but here’s the reality: you’ll likely end up with questionable quality, zero warranty support, and shipping times that could outlast your motivation to play.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to drop $250 on a premium paddle to get serious about pickleball. Amazon offers dozens of legitimate paddles under $100 that will serve you well for years. You’ll get reliable shipping, easy returns, and actual customer support if something goes wrong. Plus, many of these budget-friendly options perform surprisingly close to their expensive counterparts.

I’ve compiled the ten best Amazon pickleball paddles under $100 for 2025, breaking them down by category so you can find exactly what you need. Whether you’re a total beginner or an intermediate player looking for a backup paddle, this list has you covered.

The Ultimate Pickleball Grip Guide: Continental, Eastern, and Western Explained

December 7, 2025November 26, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The Continental Grip (“Hammer Grip”) is the best all-purpose grip for beginners because it requires no hand adjustments at the net. To improve control, add an overgrip: use Tourna Grip for sweaty hands or Wilson Pro for comfort.

If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, you’ve probably realized that how you hold your paddle matters—a lot. Your grip affects everything from power to precision, and choosing the right one can transform your game.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main pickleball grips: Continental, Eastern, and Western…and dive into overgrips to help you maximize comfort and control on the court.

Roscoe Bellamy’s Breakthrough, ALW’s Relentless Dominance, and the Best Black Friday Deals You Can’t Miss

November 25, 2025 by Ace Rivera

Roscoe Bellamy secures his first PPA Gold in Lakeland, while ALW wins her 39th Triple Crown. In community news, Carmel, CA bans pickleball in public parks due to noise. Scroll down for verified Black Friday codes from CRBN, Holbrook (50% off), and Gearbox.

Happy Thanksgiving week, pickleball family! Ace here, writing this from my kitchen table with replays from Lakeland still running through my head. The PPA Veolia Lakeland Open just wrapped up, and holy moly, did it deliver some unforgettable moments. Plus, if you’re reading this on Black Friday, I’ve got some seriously good paddle deals to share that might just make your wallet a little lighter (but your game a lot better). Let’s jump in.