Blog - Pickleball Rookie

Will a New Pickleball League Change My Game?

June 22, 2022May 29, 2022 by Drew Pierce

After a couple of months of attending open plays at two local facilities, I wanted to add more regularity to my pickleball play–and get a bit more competitive, so I entered my first mixed doubles pickleball league.

Even though the program is a 30-minute drive from home and runs until 10:30pm (past my usual bedtime!), it was well worth it. I’ve met some good people, had some great matches, and am learning more about America’s fastest-growing sport with each passing day.

The league kicked off with a random pairing of players. Each week, five players are grouped, and the people you play with rotate based on your standings. As the weeks unfold, you get matched with pickleballers who are closest to your skill level, determined by wins, losses, points for and points against.

Here’s a breakdown of my pickleball league experience.

Best Pickleball Bags to Up Your (Style) Game

October 19, 2022May 15, 2022 by Drew Pierce

The best pickleball bags won’t make your game any better, but they can add to your swagger as you come and go to the court.

You have been bitten by the pickleball bug. And you are all in. You have your pickleball paddle, identified nearby courts, and constantly think about the sport. But there’s one pickleball-related dilemma you just can’t seem to solve: what kind of pickleball bag should you buy?

There are so many pickleball bags on the market that it can be tough to choose the right one. And when you’re first starting, you may not even be sure what to look for in a pickleball bag. But don’t worry–we’re here to help. This article will break down the different types of pickleball bags and offer some tips on choosing the perfect pickleball bag for your gear.

How to Prep for Your First Pickleball Tournament

April 13, 2023April 15, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Are you wondering how to prep for your first pickleball tournament? With the right combination of physical and mental preparation, you can win the trophy! And no, not everyone gets an award. 😉

Pickleball Skills

First, make sure you’re physically prepared by practicing your pickleball skills regularly. Whether you’re playing in singles or doubles, know the game and your role inside and out. It’s also essential to stay in shape and have the stamina to complete extended points and games–pickleball can be a very tiring sport! After playing for five hours over two days, I learned this the hard way.

Pickleball Grip: How to Grip Your Paddle – A Guide for Beginners

June 9, 2022April 10, 2022 by Drew Pierce

When you start playing pickleball, one of the first things you need to learn is pickleball grip–how to grip the paddle. The grip you use will affect your ability to hit the ball correctly and play well. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to grip the paddle for beginners. We’ll also go over some of the different grips that can be used in pickleball. Read on to learn more!

Is Pickleball an Olympic Sport?

May 7, 2023April 8, 2022 by Drew Pierce

I have had many people ask me, “is pickleball an Olympic sport?” Not yet, my friends.

However, with the popularity of pickleball on the rise, many avid players and fans believe the sport will one day make it to the Olympics. While there is no official word from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Pickleball does seem to have what it takes to be an Olympic sport.

5 Beginner Pickleball Drills to Improve Your Game

June 2, 2022April 6, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Many people who play pickleball for the first time find themselves unexpectedly addicted. They start to eat and sleep America’s fastest growing sport. And part of that process often involves finding pickleball drills that will help take their game to the next level.

While there are pickleball drills for players of all skill levels, this article will focus on pickleball drills for beginners. After all, if you’re just starting, you need to master the basics before moving to more advanced techniques. So grab your pickleball paddle and let’s get started.

12 Pickleball Shots to Build Your Game Up

June 2, 2022March 26, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Are you tired of playing the same old pickleball game with the same ol’ pickleball shots with the same end result? Variety is the spice of life! Now is the perfect time to learn some new shots and them to your arsenal. Because one thing I have noticed from casual club players: their game is predictable, making it relatively easy to get the ‘W’.

I played pickleball three times this week, marking the 10th time I played. The game is fun, the people are great, the exercise is essential, and there is still so much to learn and improve upon! I have vastly improved when t comes to honoring the double-bounce rule!

As with most sports involving a ball, placement is the name of the game, trumping power nine out of 10 times.

After a week that saw over 5 hours of playing time, my upper legs and right elbow have some mild soreness–but this tells me that I am getting a bit stronger. The recovery time from playing pickleball vs. tennis is much shorter and much appreciated! 😉

Today, we will look at some of the pickleball shots that are important to add to your arsenal. Mix in a few of these shots to your play, and you will quickly elevate your game. But before we get into types of pickleball shots, let’s review the most basic pickleball strokes.

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

June 2, 2022March 20, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Choosing a pickleball paddle isn’t rocket science, but it’s not that straightforward either. Some folks live and die by the equipment they use when playing sports.

I am not one of those people.

While not the best athlete on the planet, I’ve never felt the need to have the best tennis racket, baseball glove, or hockey stick. Instead, I’m a firm believer that the correct form coupled with regular practice will give you the best performance. Good equipment is just the cherry on top of an already delicious dessert.

However, in a game like pickleball, where consistency is king, I do wonder if more emphasis needs to be placed on choosing a paddle when compared to other sports.

What Is the Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball?

October 3, 2022March 17, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is one of the most accessible games for anyone to pick up and learn. But there are a few minor rules to the game that everyone must understand. One of those rules is the double bounce rule, which is an odd rule for many pickleball beginners to grasp initially.

Dreaming About Pickleball

June 2, 2022March 12, 2022 by Drew Pierce

There were pickleball balls everywhere.

Different colors.

A random number of holes punched through each ball.

Some had circles and some had squares and some had triangles.

If you’re wondering what the heck is happening here, it was my very first pickleball nightmare.

I showed up to play with a group at my local tennis center. But there were more people than courts. I stood around awkwardly, debating if I should just leave.