Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Not only is it an incredibly fun and social sport, but it also offers many benefits for those looking to improve their fitness and lose weight. As someone who has been playing pickleball for the past two years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects it can have on people’s bodies and overall health.
Pickleball Loss? 20 Ways to Blame Your Paddle!
What’s that saying about excuses? Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.
Are you a pickleball player who’s always got an excuse ready when things don’t go your way on the court?
Do you find yourself constantly pointing fingers at your paddle, the weather, the court surface, or even the phase of the moon?
In the world of pickleball, where egos are as fragile as perforated plastic, having an arsenal of creative justifications for your failures is essential. After all, admitting that your opponent simply outplayed you is far too painful for most of us mere mortals. 🙂
How to Move From a 3.5 to 4.0 Pickleball Rating
It’s a common refrain throughout pickleball, advancing from a 3. 5 to a 4.0 pickleball rating.
While many folks, including yours truly, can consistently win games at local open play sessions against other 3.5 players, we struggle to take that next step up. But there are a few paths you can follow to get your game over the hump. Here’s a look at some of the keys that helped propel my progression.
How to Stay Light on Your Feet During Pickleball
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.
How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle With a Finger-Up Grip
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.
Temu Pickleball Paddles Under $100
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.
When Pickleball Frustration Turns Into a Paddle Smash
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.
The Best Pickleball Shoes: Adidas Barricade
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.
Nice Guys Finish Last: My Pickleball Etiquette Epiphany
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.
How to Socialize During Pickleball. Tips for Introverts!
I’m decent at pickleball but not very good at small talk!
As an introvert who loves playing the sport, I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone, often showing up at new venues and meeting new people.
And that’s soooo much more difficult than playing!
The social aspect of pickleball is a beautiful part of the game, but that doesn’t mean it comes easy to everyone. Sometimes, figuring out what do you say after saying hello is harder than hitting two ATPs in a row!
So, to help my fellow introverts, here are some tips for making conversation during pickleball.