8 Ways Pickleball Can Boost Your Memory

Pickleball and memory go together like PB&J.

Pickleball is more than just a fun way to pass the time and burn calories. It offers many mental and physical benefits, including enhancing cognitive functions, especially memory.

And if your memory is anything like mine, you’ll try anything you can to improve it!

Let’s explore eight ways that playing pickleball and memory can boost your cognitive ability.

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Avoiding Tennis Elbow in Pickleball: Your Paddle Matters

As with any paddle or racquet sport, players must consider the risk of developing pickleball injuries like tennis elbow. Given the importance of the paddle in this sport, many wonder, “Is a heavy or light pickleball paddle better for preventing tennis elbow?”

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Dink ‘n’ Dish: An Interview With ZeroZeroStart Pickleball Lanyard

pickleball interviews

Turning into an athlete at 50 years old? No problem! At least not for today’s guest!

Once a skeptic, today’s guest now champions the fastest-growing sport in the US, even inventing a unique pickleball lanyard for the game. From picking up her first paddle amid COVID-19 restrictions to playing daily and participating in tournaments, Claudia’s story reflects a journey of discovery, exercise, and fun. Learn about pickleball’s social dynamics, her vision for its future, and advice for beginners.

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How Long Does it Take to Get Good at Pickleball?

For most players, it takes 3–6 months of consistent play (3x/week) to reach an intermediate (3.5) level. However, two things will speed this up significantly: Solo Drilling (practicing shots alone) and upgrading from a “starter set” paddle to a Raw Carbon Fiber paddle that allows you to learn proper spin mechanics without bad habits.

One year ago, I stepped onto the pickleball court for an APP class taught by Zane Navratil

While I can confidently say I’m a better player today, my growth curve hasn’t been as steep as I’d hoped.

I’m pretty awful with official self-assessment, but if I had to guess, I’ve shifted from 3.6 territory to maybe 3.9-ish? And that got me wondering, what’s missing from the equation? Why did I see such a dramatic improvement in my game when I first started playing but then the results tapered off? 

So how long does it take to get good at pickleball? The answer is longer than I expected. Here are a few reasons why I might have hit a pickleball plateau.

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Pickleball Tips for Intermediate Players: 18 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Use these pickleball tips for intermediate players to take your game to the next level.

As a pickleball player transitions from the novice stage to an intermediate level, the game becomes more demanding and competitive. But also more fun!

To continue to elevate your game, circumvent common pitfalls that can potentially limit your progress.

To move on from Pickleball Rookie status, tackle this list of mistakes that intermediate pickleball players often make.

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The Most Expensive Pickleball Paddle Is…

The most expensive pickleball paddles (like the JOOLA Perseus and Selkirk LUXX) command premium prices due to carbon fiber construction, thermoforming, and pro endorsements. While they offer superior power and spin for advanced players, beginners often won’t notice the difference and can save money with mid-range alternatives.

You don’t always get what you pay for, but players still look to elevate to the next level by seeking out the most expensive pickleball paddle on the market. But does spending more money on equipment make you a better player?

Of course not.

But some of the more expensive paddles bring intriguing features.

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Dink ‘n’ Dish: Rich Cat Supply Founder Jenny Johnson

pickleball interviews

Welcome to another Dink’ n’ Dish, where Pickleball Rookie takes a deep dive into the life of passionate pickleball enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Our guest today is a former collegiate tennis player and a PPR-certified pickleball instructor. Today, Jenny Johnson shares her journey from discovering her love for pickleball to founding a pickleball brand, Rich Cat Supply, aimed at serving the rapidly growing pickleball community. Get ready to be inspired by her story and learn more about her vision for the future of this addictive sport.

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How to Change Momentum in Pickleball

Pickleball is similar to tennis in that it can turn on a dime when it comes to a change in momentum. That makes it imperative to maintain your focus on every point. And if you’re in control, do your best to stay that way.

I recently played a match where I employed a new strategy. Having just played for an hour, I was warmed up and feeling confident, while my opponent had only spent 10 minutes practicing dinks before our match. Recognizing this discrepancy in our pickleball warm-up routines, I consciously decided to go with an aggressive strategy, using the momentum I had built up to seize control of the game right from the outset.

The results were awesome–at least for me!

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Dink ‘n’ Dish: – Pickleball Tours and Travel With Michael Boraas

Dink ‘n’ Dish serves up pickleball profiles that uncover the heart and soul of the pickleball community, one conversation at a time.

Today we chat with Michael Boraas, the founder of Pickleball Tours, a travel consultancy that brings the joy of pickleball to enthusiasts while curating unforgettable experiences. From European river cruises to Floridian wellness retreats, if you have a group looking to enjoy the sport across the globe, Pickleball Tours is your guide. 

After years of working in the corporate world, Michael made a bold career shift, one that many of us pickleball fanatics dream of: starting his own business and even launching a volunteer career coaching platform.

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How to Beat Pickleball Bangers

Explore strategies for outsmarting pickleball bangers in this comprehensive guide, covering tactics from deep returns to mixing power with finesse, helping you thrive against aggressive players.

Pickleball is an engaging and fast-paced sport that caters to a wide range of playing styles, including aggressive players known as “bangers.” While it can be intimidating to face these hard-hitters, it’s crucial to understand that there are various tactics to counter their aggressive playstyle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore different strategies to help you beat bangers while maintaining an unbiased perspective on the merits of diverse playing styles.

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