Pickleball Power – The Ultimate Guide

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Pickleball power is sooooo different from decades ago.

Heck, it’s lightyears different from when I started to play 18 months ago!

The biggest change, aside from the sheer number of players: POWER.

Players are transcending the age-old strategy of merely enduring opponents, now adopting an assertive playing style to dictate points. Are today’s players younger and more fit than yesteryear? You bet your bottom dollar!

Even elite players like Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau’ emphasize the value of power. Forget about beating bangers; ask yourself, how can you add more power to your pickleball game? 

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How to Stay Motivated for Pickleball

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We all have those days. The sun is shining, the pickleball court beckons, yet you just can’t muster the energy or the enthusiasm to pick up your paddle. 

For those who’ve discovered the dynamic world of pickleball, and harbor dreams of tournament victories, staying motivated is paramount. If today is one of those days where the sofa looks more tempting than the court, consider these tips to recharge your spirit and stay on the path to improvement.

Prefer an audio version of this post? Click below.

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Used Pickleball Paddles – Everything You Need to Know

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Buying used pickleball paddles online is an adventure. 

The proliferation of the sport, coupled with the obsession many players have with finding the perfect paddle to gain an edge over the competition, and it’s no wonder that picking up a secondhand paddle is like navigating the Wild West.

I’ve been fortunate to have mostly positive experiences, securing some great deals on quality paddles that added value to my game. However, like any online purchase, buying used pickleball equipment has its pitfalls. But as expensive pickleball paddles proliferate the market, sometimes a used bargain is your best bet!

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10 Tips to Elevate Your Pickleball Skills

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To elevate your pickleball skills quickly, prioritize communication with your partner, master the soft “dink” game, and improve your footwork to stay balanced. The most effective way to fast-track these skills is by drilling with purposeful tools like target rings and wall rebounders rather than just playing rec games.

When I first picked up a pickleball paddle, my sole focus was ensuring the ball made it over the net. Over time, as I started to feel the rhythm of the ball and the paddle, I grew more confident, learning the rules and refining my reflexes. Gradually, I evolved from a novice player to someone quite proficient. It felt like the game had become second nature to me. And oh, how exhilarating it was to win!

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8 Common Pickleball Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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pickleball mistakes

The most common pickleball mistakes are overhitting the ball (trying to slam everything), standing too far back from the kitchen line, and poor serving technique. To fix these, focus on soft “dink” shots for control, invest in proper court shoes for forward movement, and drill your serve placement rather than power.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is steadily gaining traction amongst sports enthusiasts of all ages. Just like any other sport, though, there’s a learning curve that we all must overcome. As I’ve worked to improve my game, I’ve noted some common pitfalls. Here are eight frequent pickleball mistakes and how you can steer clear of them.

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Mastering Ready Position in Pickleball Is Key to Success

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The ready position in pickleball is a must to achieve success.

Imagine pickleball not just as a sport but as an intricate dance. The first step in this dance is the ready position, a pivotal move that sets the rhythm for the entire performance. This isn’t a mere ritual; it’s the magic step that can lead one toward triumph.

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All About Using a Pickleball Paddle Eraser

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A pickleball paddle eraser gives you one less excuse for losing.

You know you’re a pickleball enthusiast when you’re fascinated by the sport and the nitty-gritty details of paddle maintenance. I’ve spent months whacking that perforated ball, but only recently stumbled upon the concept of a “pickleball eraser.” Sounds mythical, right?

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Dink ‘n’ Dish: Ryan Hampton, Co-Founder of PB Vision

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From a game he once believed was reserved for Florida fun to launching an AI tool that’s transforming the way we understand the sport, Ryan Hampton’s journey with pickleball is a positive one. Dive in as Ryan unveils his intriguing first encounter, his passion project PB Vision, and his celestial dreams for the ultimate pickleball match.

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Pickleball vs. Wiffle Ball – What Is the Difference?

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Why Getting Hit by a Pickleball Hurts More Than a Wiffle Ball

I can still feel the sting. 

As I stood on the pickleball court, trying to shake off the shock from a pickleball that had just made a rather painful introduction with my neck, my opponent chuckled and remarked, “Come on, it’s only a wiffle ball!” 

That casual dismissal irked me more than the actual hit. 

Prefer to listen to this post? Click below:

While wiffle balls and pickleballs might appear like siblings at first glance, they are worlds apart in weight and impact, making them more like distant cousins.

And when you factor in that a pickleball can reach 40mph and be sent in your direction from as close as 7 feet away, don’t tell me getting hit doesn’t hurt. Sadly, pickleball injuries are on the rise, many because players are being struck by the ball.

But I did get my revenge: I spent the rest of the match polishing this dude’s obnoxious Selkirk sneakers.

Let’s look at the differences between wiffle balls and pickleballs and debunk and dive into why getting hit by a pickleball is no laughing matter.

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Keep a Pickleball Journal and How to Conduct a Self Audit

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Reasons that you should start a pickleball journal today and tips to get going!

Keeping a work journal over the past 20 years has been a game-changer for me, transforming how I approach my tasks, track my progress, and reflect on my achievements. 

Prefer to listen to this post? Click below.

Most importantly, it helps me reflect on how I handle situations and helps me learn from my mistakes. And most importantly, a journal helps keep me grounded in “what is” vs. “what if.”

And keeping a pickleball journal is great, too!

pickleball journal

It’s a space to jot down challenges, successes, and learnings, providing me a real-time map of my pickleball growth. This practice helps me recognize patterns, strategize better, and ultimately enhance my performance on the court. 

Journaling can also serve as an emotional outlet, helping people to manage stress and anxiety. This can be relevant for both work and pickleball. 🙂

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