How to Stay Light on Your Feet During Pickleball

by

Staying light on your feet in pickleball is crucial for reaching shots quickly and preventing injury. The key is a combination of proper “split-step” mechanics, improving your lateral agility through drills, and wearing lightweight court shoes that provide stability without weighing you down.

If you feel like your feet are glued to the court when playing pickleball, you’re not alone. Many players, especially those new to the sport, struggle with being light and agile on their feet. This issue, often referred to as “concrete feet,” can significantly hinder your ability to react quickly and get into position for shots. However, you can overcome this challenge with the right techniques and exercises and take your pickleball game to new heights. Here are some tips to help you stay light on your feet when playing pickleball.

Read more

How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle With a Finger-Up Grip

by

Looking for the standard grips? Check out our Ultimate Pickleball Grip Guide (Continental vs Eastern). This article below specifically discusses the ‘Finger Up’ technique for advanced control.

I don’t play ping pong often, but when I do, I place my index finger on the face of the paddle with a finger-up grip. So perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that this habit of extending my finger north of the grip carried over to pickleball.

Many pickleball players view this as an unorthodox or even improper way to hold the paddle, but I’ve stuck with it for some time now, and it’s been effective, specifically at the non-volley zone line.

However, the grip comes at a price.

Read more

Temu Pickleball Paddles Under $100

by

Is Temu pickleball merch up to the test?

I have been an advocate and supporter of Temu for more than a year. Like many people, I was skeptical.

But I rolled the dice on a small and inexpensive item. And when it arrived as promised, I doubled down. Since then, I have placed dozens of orders, and have been satisfied with the vast majority of my purchases. They even have neat stuff like cheap compression socks and cooling towels.

However, if you’re spoiled by Amazon Prime, get ready to wait. Temu orders to New York generally take 10 days. And they often arrive a jumbled mess. However, if you keep your expectations low and expect an 80% success rate, meaning the products are functional and as described, it’s a fair deal. Actually, better. It’s a great deal.

Read more

When Pickleball Frustration Turns Into a Paddle Smash

by

I threw my pickleball paddle.

Like an impetuous little cry baby, I tossed it into an empty bench.

It soared like a Frisbee, garnering several audible gasps from surrounding players.

I tell you this not because I am proud but because days later, I’m still embarrassed.

The catalyst? I went one and six in games against lateral competition and I couldn’t point to a single reason why. I reverted back to that 14-year-old boy who once smashed a tennis racket against the tree. But that was a hormonal rage brought on by girl trouble.

Decades later, and a much more mellow dude, there is no excuse for my pickleball frustration to be left on the court.

Read more

The Best Pickleball Shoes: Adidas Barricade

by

When I first started playing pickleball two years ago, I made a commitment to myself. A promise that I would avoid getting caught up in a marketing matrix that left me spending infinite dollars on pickleball gear.

I’ve been mostly successful.

Read more

Nice Guys Finish Last: My Pickleball Etiquette Epiphany

by

Last night, it was business as usual at my “Advanced Intermediate to Advanced” pickleball league–until it wasn’t.

I was winning a doubles match 8-1.

I hit a wicked hard slice shot from just in front of the baseline.

The ball took a crazy turn and started to gravitate towards my opponent’s head. He just got his paddle up in time and hit a errant ball that sailed into the benches.

He wasn’t happy.

“Hey, I have to go to work tomorrow.” 

I apologized.

“Never my intention to hurt anyone.”

We continued play, and I resorted to much softer tactics.

You can probably guess what happens next.

I lost the match 11-9.

On the drive home I was pissed at myself.

After almost two years of playing the sport, I still don’t know how to keep my pedal to the metal; I’m billing myself The Empathetic Pickleballer.  

But that doesn’t show up in the box score.

Read more

What Is Australian Doubles Pickleball?

by

Australian Doubles (often called “Cutthroat”) is a 3-player pickleball format where one person plays solo against a team of two. The solo player serves and is the only one who can score points. Players rotate clockwise after every rally, ensuring everyone plays both solo and team positions.

Australian Doubles pickleball

Australian Doubles is a fast-paced pickleball variation played with three people on a standard-sized court. Also known as “Cutthroat” (don’t worry, it’s not as violent as it sounds), this game format solves the eternal problem of having an odd number of players show up at the court. Here’s how it works: the court is divided lengthwise down the middle, with one player serving solo from one side while a team of two players covers the opposite half. Players rotate positions after each point, which means you’re constantly switching between being the lone wolf and being part of a team. The beauty of Australian Doubles? It keeps everyone engaged and active—no one sits out waiting for their turn. Plus, it tests your skills in ways that regular doubles simply can’t.

Read more

When Your Pickleball Tournament Does Not Go As Expected

by

Approaching Nassau Coliseum to play the Rip It Winter Invitational Pickleball Tournament felt like something special.

And then I entered the building, and reality set in.

I walked through a metal detector.

Was shown the makeshift concrete courts in the basement.

Endured start-time delays.

Not to mention the crazy distracting fire alarm that went off mid-match.

Let’s just say it was a learning experience. 🙂

Read more

Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner