Blog - Pickleball Rookie

All About the Pickleball Pre-Serve Ritual

November 20, 2025April 17, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I bounce the ball as I walk to the service line.

I hold the ball up to my opponents, a universal indicator that we’re all ready.

I set my feet, bounce the pickleball ball twice more and call out the score.

While doing all of this, I note the receiver’s position and make a quick decision on where I will place the ball.

And then I serve.

You might have observed pre-serve routines in sports like pickleball, tennis, or even volleyball and wondered about their significance. Why are these routines so prevalent across various sports?

I’m unsure if my serve routine is completely optimized for the game, but it works for me.

13 Reasons Why Pickleball Sucks

November 20, 2025April 11, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The most common complaints about pickleball are the noise (“pop-pop-pop”), the perceived lack of athleticism (“it’s for old people”), and the turf war with tennis players. However, the sport is evolving rapidly with noise-dampening paddle technology and a surge in younger, athletic players who are proving the “easy game” myth wrong.

A lot of people think pickleball sucks. I’m not one of them…usually.

It was bound to happen.

I’m just amazed it took 13 months.

I showed up for my usual pickleball open play.

And I sucked.

Not only that, I didn’t even have fun.

I spent two hours losing point after point, game after game. Balls sailed long. My body language was pitiful. And the entire time, I kept thinking, “Pickleball is the dumbest game in the world.”

Anyone who knows me or has read this blog knows that’s not how I really feel. As an ambassador for the sport, I think the pros outweigh the cons. But every sordid love affair is entitled to a bad night or two.

Since I know the pickleball haters are out there, let’s examine why people think pickleball sucks.

The Best Pickleball Advice Ever Has to Do With Sleep

November 20, 2025April 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The importance of consistently getting a good night’s sleep cannot be emphasized enough, especially for pickleball enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance on the court.

Adequate rest empowers your brain to unleash its full potential, boosting your memory and cognitive abilities. But that’s not all! Quality sleep also helps regulate mood, promotes heart health, and balances the hormones responsible for managing appetite.

Here are a few methods Pickleball Rookie uses to improve our sleep, and we hope they help you, too!

How to Play Pickleball for Beginners: A Quickstart Guide

December 18, 2025April 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The game is unique because of the “Non-Volley Zone” (Kitchen)—a 7-foot area near the net where you cannot smash the ball out of the air. To start playing in 2026, you only need three things: court shoes (for safety), a learner-friendly paddle (to keep the ball in play), and a willingness to stay out of the kitchen!

Congratulations on deciding to give pickleball a try! This fun and engaging sport is an excellent way to stay active, socialize, and learn new skills. As a beginner, especially if you haven’t played sports before, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. Pickleball Rookie has helped many people get started; we’re happy to share advice to help you begin your pickleball journey.

It’s in the Stars: Zodiac Signs and Pickleball Play

November 20, 2025April 3, 2023 by Drew Pierce

What if the stars aligned to determine how you play pickleball? We know it sounds out of this world, but for the astrologically inclined, there’s a connection. Here’s a light-hearted look at how your zodiac sign influences your pickleball game.

The Best Pickleball Vacations for Players at All Levels

November 20, 2025March 26, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From all-inclusive spots for a week-long getaway to a la carte overnights, we share some of the best places to travel for a pickleball vacation.

Pickleball fanatics, it’s time to unite and embark on the ultimate adventure – pickleball vacations! With the sport’s meteoric rise in popularity, vacation spots worldwide are jumping on the bandwagon and offering unforgettable experiences tailored to pickleball players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious all-inclusive weeklong retreat or a spontaneous weekend escape to play pickleball, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll unveil some of the most enticing pickleball vacation havens that cater to players at all levels. So, gather your gear, dust off your paddle, and prepare for an exhilarating journey through the captivating world of pickleball vacations!

How to Improve Reaction Time in Pickleball

November 20, 2025March 24, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball players of all ages understand that improving your reaction time can elevate your game to the next level.

The fierce exchange of volleys. Four players at the line, dripping sweat, ripping forehands and backhands with mind-numbing speed. High-level pickleball can be an exhilarating knife fight. Aside from an insanely cool Erne or ATP, winning a rally like this is the best feeling in pickleball.

But losing? Losing one of these tenacious rallies is a drag.

Here’s the good news. You can increase your reaction time, and I’m going to give you some tips and tricks on how to do it.

Pickleball Accessories and Gadgets to Level Up Your Game

November 20, 2025March 22, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From score counters to funky visors to compression gear, new pickleball accessories hit the market every day.

Hey there, pickleball fanatics! You know what they say: “Look good, feel good, play good.” As fellow pickleball enthusiasts, we understand that having the right accessories and gadgets can make a world of difference in your game. With pickleball skyrocketing in popularity, the world of pickleball treasures is overflowing with innovative and cutting-edge products designed to elevate your performance while ensuring you look and feel like a pro on the court.

Our Favorite Pickleball Outfits for 2023 and Beyond

November 20, 2025March 17, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Are you looking to level up your pickleball outfits with fresh pickleball clothes?

Pickleball offers players greater latitude when it comes to fashion rules, making the court a colorful place to be.

Look, it’s no secret that pickleball does not enjoy the same lauded reputation in the fashion world as tennis. Close your eyes and imagine the stereotypical pickleball player’s clothing. Are you envisioning a boxy shirt that features tacky, paddle-wielding pickles? Are the pickles wearing sweatbands and sunglasses? Yikes.

Pickleball Etiquette — Unwritten Rules Beginners Should Know

November 26, 2025March 13, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is enjoyed by millions of people. It’s a great way to get some exercise and socialize with friends, but it also brings an unspoken code of conduct — pickleball etiquette.

Like most sports, there are some unwritten guidelines that all players should follow to ensure everyone has a fun, safe, and enjoyable game.

This article will focus on the basic unwritten rules of pickleball etiquette that all beginners should know. From what to wear to how to tap paddles, we’ll prep you for your first few pickleball matches so you can focus on the game.