Blog - Pickleball Rookie

Everything You Need to Know About the Spinshot Pickleball Machine

November 20, 2025October 30, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The world of pickleball has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past few years and pickleball machines have come along for the ride. As players continue to look for ways to refine their skills and gain a competitive edge, advanced training tools like the Spinshot Pickleball Machine have come to the forefront. If you’re considering adding this machine to your training regimen so you can practice pickleball alone, here’s a comprehensive look at what it offers.

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How to Advance from 3.5 to 4.0 in Pickleball

January 28, 2026October 27, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The difference between a 3.5 and a 4.0 player is not who hits more winners; it is who makes fewer errors. A 3.5 player attacks everything and tries to win the point now. A 4.0 player is patient, extends the rally, and waits for the opponent to make a mistake. To jump levels, you must stop trying to “bang” your way through the transition zone and learn the one shot that defines advanced play: The Reset.

Graduating from 3.5 to 4.0 in pickleball is one of the most difficult journeys the recreational player can make. If you’re a seasoned 3.5 pickleball player looking to break into the 4.0 level, improving your skills takes focus and dedication. Based on advice from advanced players and my own experience, here are some pickleball tips for 3.5 players to graduate to a 4.0 level.

How to Be the Perfect Pickleball Partner – 21 Ways!

January 5, 2026October 26, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Being a perfect pickleball partner is 50% attitude and 50% preparation. While communication and positivity are key (and free), the best partners also come equipped to save the day. This guide covers the 21 rules of court etiquette and the “Emergency Partner Kit” you should carry to be the hero of your local courts.

Stepping onto the court with a pickleball partner requires more than just individual skills. It calls for a blend of communication, coordination, understanding, and a healthy heaping of fun to make the experience enjoyable and successful. Whether discussing strategies, celebrating each other’s victories, or simply sharing a snack between matches, every small gesture builds a solid, respectful, and enjoyable partnership. It’s about harnessing collective strengths, covering for each other’s weaknesses, and moving harmoniously against opponents. Being the best doubles partner is a mix of being supportive, staying engaged, appreciating the moment, and always being ready to adapt, all while keeping the fun alive.

I pride myself on being an exemplary pickleball partner, ensuring a strong game and teamwork on and off the court. Here are some things I am committed to bringing to any doubles partnership.

How to Hit a Pickleball Tweener: Master the “Between-the-Legs” Shot (2026)

January 28, 2026October 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The Tweener isn’t just a showoff shot—it is a legitimate defensive tool when you are beaten by a deep lob. If you can’t run around the ball in time, hitting it between your legs is your last resort to keep the point alive. Warning: This shot requires timing and flexibility. If you mistime it, you risk hitting your own ankles (or worse). Practice this with a soft foam ball first!

When my partner raced back to return a lob, I couldn’t believe what I saw next. In an act that seemed like it came straight from Ringling Bros., he turned his back to the net and made a perfect return from between his legs: it was a pickleball tweener.

WOW.

But he wasn’t showing off. Well, maybe a little. What he was doing was putting the “tweener,” one of the best known pickleball trick shots, on full display.

Pickleball Bullies: When Your Opponents Pick on Your Partner

November 20, 2025October 23, 2023 by Drew Pierce

During our recent pickleball league finals, my partner and I faced a couple of pickleball bullies. It’s a common strategy: the two men we were up against decided to target my partner, an excellent female player, often leaving me watching from the sidelines. Their strategy was effective, leveraging power to overwhelm her with consecutive shots. She held her own, but they won the match, leaving me putting together plans to counteract such tactics in the future.

How to Pick Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

November 20, 2025October 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Moving from tennis to pickleball is arguably one of the smoothest transitions you can make in the realm of racquet and paddle sports, especially when you consider the initial learning curve. After a childhood of tennis, all I need was one pickleball lesson and I was good to go.

Like any sport, adapting to new rules, strategies, and, of course, equipment like the pickleball paddle can be a challenge. In this guide, we shed light on the top pickleball paddles most suitable for tennis enthusiasts transitioning to pickleball. And in case you’re wondering, this (former) tennis player opts for the Engage Pursuit MX. 🙂

Pickleball Friendsgiving Party: A New Tradition of Gratitude and Fun

November 20, 2025October 12, 2023 by Drew Pierce

There has never been a better time to throw a pickleball Friendsgiving party!

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, our hearts warm with thoughts of gratitude, friendship, and of course, the upcoming Friendsgiving celebrations. This year, let’s add a dash of playful competition and a sprinkle of sporty fun to our gatherings by introducing pickleball into our Friendsgiving festivities!

How to Add Pickleball Power: Mastering Strength, Stamina, and Strategy

November 20, 2025October 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Ever since I picked up my first pickleball paddle, I was obsessed with one thing: pickleball power. I watched in awe as seasoned players whipped the ball across the court with seemingly little effort. Their opponents were often left scrambling, barely able to react. I knew that mastering the art of a powerful hit was crucial if I wanted to elevate my game and have my opponents on their heels. So, I delved deep, practiced relentlessly, and learned from the best. Now, let’s journey together through the insights I’ve gained as we explore the nuances of hitting hard, defending against the big hitters, and aiming for the top ranks in pickleball.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Elbow: A Comprehensive Guide

February 21, 2026October 9, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Finding a pickleball paddle amongst so many choices is a challenge. Finding a pickleball paddle that prevents tennis elbow, even more of a daunting task! This guide aims to simplify that process by highlighting the crucial aspects to consider and offering a curated list of top-performing paddles in the market.

How to Start Playing Pickleball

October 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

If you’re curious about how to get started with pickleball, you’re not alone, with millions of people picking up a paddle for the first time. This guide will introduce you to the basics of pickleball, from understanding the game to mastering essential skills.

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