Blog - Pickleball Rookie

What’s Next for the $3 Billion Pickleball Boom?

November 20, 2025September 28, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The $3 billion pickleball market is poised for massive corporate entry in 2025, with major brands like Nike and Under Armour likely to acquire paddle tech or launch specific footwear. For investors, the real opportunity lies in “Pickleball-tainment” venues and premium apparel, as the sport transitions from a hobby to a permanent athletic category.

Pickleball isn’t just a weekend hobby anymore—it’s becoming a business goldmine that’s caught the attention of major corporations worldwide. After diving deep into market research and industry trends, I’ve uncovered some fascinating predictions about which major brands will soon enter this explosive market and why the opportunity is too big to ignore.

Demystifying Pickleball: Your Top 14 Questions Answered (Before You Even Hit the Court!)

November 20, 2025September 16, 2025 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is a beginner-friendly sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and plastic ball, it is famous for its simple rules—like the underhand serve and “two-bounce” rule—making it accessible and fun for all ages and fitness levels.

So, you’ve heard the buzz. Pickleball. It’s everywhere! Your neighbors are playing it, your local community center just added courts, and even professional athletes are getting in on the action. But maybe you’re feeling a little lost in the sauce, wondering what all the fuss is about. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

We’ve compiled the 14 most frequently asked questions from curious newcomers like yourself, along with clear, concise, and fun answers to get you up to speed. By the time you finish this, you’ll be ready to grab a paddle and confidently step onto the court!

Master the Chill: Your Ultimate Guide to Cold-Weather Pickleball

November 20, 2025September 5, 2025 by Drew Pierce

To play pickleball in the cold, wear layers (base, fleece, wind shell) and use a softer ball like the ONIX Fuse G2 to prevent cracking, which happens below 45°F. Expect the ball to feel harder and bounce lower. To avoid injury, double your warm-up time to 15 minutes and wear court shoes with deep tread.

Don’t let dropping temperatures send you into hibernation! Playing pickleball in the cold presents a unique set of challenges, from what to wear to how the ball flies. But with the right preparation and a little know-how, you can stay on the court all year long.

This guide answers all your burning questions about playing pickleball in chilly weather, offering simple, thorough, and ridiculously helpful advice.

The 11 Most Common Pickleball Injuries (And How to Avoid Them)

November 30, 2025September 1, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The most common pickleball injuries are wrist fractures, ankle sprains, and “pickleball elbow,” particularly for players over 50. Most are caused by falls or overuse. To stay safe, prioritize proper court shoes to prevent slips, warm up before every game, and focus on balance and core exercises off the court.

Let’s be honest—pickleball might look like a gentle game, but it can be surprisingly tough on your body. Whether you’re a kitchen warrior or a baseline bomber, injuries happen. The good news? Most of them are totally preventable if you know what to watch out for.

Here’s the real talk on the 11 most common pickleball injuries and how to keep yourself off the sidelines.

How to Choose the Perfect Pickleball Paddle for Your Game

November 20, 2025August 11, 2025 by Drew Pierce

To choose the perfect pickleball paddle, prioritize weight and material. For beginners, the ideal setup is a lightweight paddle (7.0–7.8 oz) with a polymer core and graphite face, offering the best control and injury prevention. Ensure the grip size fits your hand (typically 4–4.5 inches); when in doubt, choose smaller and add an overgrip.

So, you’re hooked on pickleball. Welcome to the club! You’ve learned the rules, you’re getting the hang of the dink, and you’re starting to hold your own on the court. But now you’re facing a new challenge: choosing your very own pickleball paddle.

With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect paddle for your game.

Beginner Pickleball Drills: Essential Exercises to Elevate Your Game

November 20, 2025July 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

Two pickleball players demonstrating a dinking drill in the non-volley zone

To elevate your game, beginners should focus on four core drills: Dinking (for soft control), Volleys (for quick net reactions), Groundstrokes (for baseline consistency), and Serve/Return placement. Practice these weekly to build muscle memory, improve footwork, and develop the consistency needed to win matches.

Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and if you’re new to the court, you’re likely eager to improve your skills. While playing games is undoubtedly the most fun way to learn, incorporating targeted drills into your routine can dramatically accelerate your progress. This article will guide you through essential pickleball drills designed specifically for beginners, helping you build a solid foundation and confidence on the court. If you’re just starting your pickleball journey and need a refresher on the basics, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: What Is Pickleball?

Returning to Pickleball After a Break? Here’s What to Know!

November 20, 2025June 26, 2025 by Drew Pierce

If you are returning to pickleball after a break, expect a faster, more aggressive game. The “third shot drive” has largely replaced the slow drop game, and carbon fiber “power paddles” are the new standard. To catch up quickly, focus on deep returns, master the split-step, and consider upgrading your vintage gear.

So you’re thinking about picking up the paddle again after a year or two away? Welcome back to the court! If you’ve been on the sidelines, you might be wondering what’s new. Trust me, the game has changed. The good news is, getting back into the swing of things is easier than you think, especially when you know what to expect.

2025 Pickleball Rule Changes and Gear Trends You Need to Know About

November 20, 2025February 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The biggest 2025 pickleball rule changes include banning sideline coaching, allowing partners to call faults on each other, and permitting a “drop serve” off the paddle face. Top gear trends for the year are “quiet” paddles for noise-restricted courts, AI-enabled paddles for training feedback, and specialized shoes for injury prevention.

As the sport pickleball continues to evolve, so does the amount of gear available to players. Because the only thing better than playing the sport is living the sport!

Here are a few items on Pickeball Rookie’s radar this year:

These new AI paddles from Selkirk and JOOLA are pretty mind-blowing. As someone who’s always working on my third shot drop, having real-time feedback on spin and contact point is a game-changer. Though I have to admit, sometimes I turn off the app and just focus on feel – old habits die hard!

Rediscovering Tennis After Years Of Pickleball

November 20, 2025September 12, 2024 by Drew Pierce

For four decades, tennis was my jam. I’d pick up a racquet a handful of times each year, and enjoy the muscle memory established as a kid.

It wasn’t a serious commitment, but it was a constant in my life—until it wasn’t.

Two years ago, I discovered pickleball.

Like many others, I was seduced by the game’s rapid-fire game-play, social atmosphere, total inclusion, and ease on my body when compared to tennis.

Before I knew it, tennis faded into the background, and pickleball became The Choice.

For over two years, I didn’t touch a tennis racquet. Not once.

I reveled in the quick reflexes and strategic positioning that pickleball demanded. And I figured I was still maintaining my “racquet sports skills,” albeit on a smaller scale.

Boy, was I wrong.

Playing Pickleball Indoors vs. Outdoors: Which Is Better?

May 21, 2024 by Drew Pierce

As an avid pickleball player, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the game on both indoor and outdoor courts. Each setting offers its own set of advantages and challenges, and choosing between the two can significantly impact the overall playing experience.

Being someone who lives to be outside and finds any excuse to catch some rays, I’ve surprised myself by preferring to play pickleball indoors.

This post aims to help me get to the bottom of this query as well as educate you on the nuanced differences.