From a game he once believed was reserved for Florida fun to launching an AI tool that’s transforming the way we understand the sport, Ryan Hampton’s journey with pickleball is a positive one. Dive in as Ryan unveils his intriguing first encounter, his passion project PB Vision, and his celestial dreams for the ultimate pickleball match.
Pickleball vs. Wiffle Ball – What Is the Difference?
Why Getting Hit by a Pickleball Hurts More Than a Wiffle Ball
I can still feel the sting.
As I stood on the pickleball court, trying to shake off the shock from a pickleball that had just made a rather painful introduction with my neck, my opponent chuckled and remarked, “Come on, it’s only a wiffle ball!”
That casual dismissal irked me more than the actual hit.Â
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While wiffle balls and pickleballs might appear like siblings at first glance, they are worlds apart in weight and impact, making them more like distant cousins.
And when you factor in that a pickleball can reach 40mph and be sent in your direction from as close as 7 feet away, don’t tell me getting hit doesn’t hurt. Sadly, pickleball injuries are on the rise, many because players are being struck by the ball.
But I did get my revenge: I spent the rest of the match polishing this dude’s obnoxious Selkirk sneakers.
Let’s look at the differences between wiffle balls and pickleballs and debunk and dive into why getting hit by a pickleball is no laughing matter.
Keep a Pickleball Journal and How to Conduct a Self Audit
Reasons that you should start a pickleball journal today and tips to get going!
Keeping a work journal over the past 20 years has been a game-changer for me, transforming how I approach my tasks, track my progress, and reflect on my achievements.
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Most importantly, it helps me reflect on how I handle situations and helps me learn from my mistakes. And most importantly, a journal helps keep me grounded in “what is” vs. “what if.”
And keeping a pickleball journal is great, too!
It’s a space to jot down challenges, successes, and learnings, providing me a real-time map of my pickleball growth. This practice helps me recognize patterns, strategize better, and ultimately enhance my performance on the court.
Journaling can also serve as an emotional outlet, helping people to manage stress and anxiety. This can be relevant for both work and pickleball. 🙂
The Best Times to Use a Pickleball Drop Serve
Baseball fans will be familiar with a cliche that every day at the ballpark, something new happens. While I’m not entirely convinced the same is true with pickleball, I certainly have seen my fair share of courtside curiosities.
From dudes playing in Crocs to people switching hands at the strangest times to a guy who always shows a different serve (oh wait, that weirdo is me!), pickleball is dynamic.
10 Most Important Pickleball Rules to Understand Before Playing
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking for a new challenge or a novice just stepping into the realm of racket sports, pickleball is an exciting and accessible game for all skill levels. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ten most fundamental pickleball rules that you need to understand before you step onto the court. These rules provide the basic framework of the game, helping to ensure fair play while maximizing fun. Grab your paddle, and let’s dive into the essentials of pickleball!
How to Identify Pickleball Burnout Signs and Cope
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone more in love with pickleball over the past 15 months.
From my first lesson to launching this pickleball blog to getting certified, I have been ALL IN, driving everyone nuts with my incessant pickleball chatter.
But last week, after scraping myself off the couch and dropping my first few games, I sighed deeply and thought, “Pickleball sucks.”
That was it.
That’s when I knew I was teetering on the brink of burnout.
Suddenly, the sound of the paddle hitting the ball felt like a taunt. At that moment, I realized that the game I once loved was now draining the life out of me.
But unlike a job or a marriage, pickleball is my leisure time–and I have choices. Before looking at solutions for pickleball burnout, let’s look at some warning signs.
Dink ‘n’ Dish: Gordon G.G. Gebert of National Pickleball League
When retired rock star Gordon G.G. Gebert traded his keyboard for a pickleball paddle, he embarked on a journey that was as thrilling as any world tour. From diving head first into playing the sport to founding the National Pickleball League (NPL), Gebert’s story is a fascinating intersection of music, sports, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
Dink Rally Advice and Pickleball Pointers
My paddle is poised, my eyes alert.
I’m in that familiar position that I’ve spent hundreds of hours in over the past 16 months, dancing on the edge of the Non-Volley Zone line.
In the tactical sport of pickleball, dinking is the backbone of the game. But how do you polish this essential skill into a lethal weapon that wins you points?
With doubles often morphing into a psychological warzone when you’re embroiled in a dinking duel with your opponents, how can you outwit and outplay them? Let’s uncover some solid strategies and tips to help you win the dink.
How Much Do Pickleball Lessons Cost? The Ultimate Guide
In 2026, the average cost for a private pickleball lesson is $70–$100 per hour. If you join a group clinic, expect to pay $20–$40. Are they worth it? Yes, but only if you take them early. One lesson at the beginning of your journey prevents 6 months of “bad habit” muscle memory that takes years to fix. The “Sweet Spot” for most rookies is the Semi-Private Lesson (2 people)—you split the cost but still get personal feedback.
Dive into the exciting world of pickleball, a sport captivating players of all ages and experience levels. If you’re new to the game or looking to step up your play, pickleball lessons are an excellent way to amp up your skills. So, what’s the price tag on pickleball mastery? Let’s delve into the costs of pickleball lessons and what factors affect them.
Pickleball Doubles Strategies: How to Exploit Your Opponent’s Weaknesses
The strategic depth of pickleball, especially in doubles matches, is often underestimated. To excel, it’s not enough to only master your game; you must also be able to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses. Here are some pickleball doubles strategies to get the upper hand in your doubles pickleball matches.