Culture and News - Pickleball Rookie

Pickleball Rule Changes – What the Future Might Look Like

November 20, 2025November 8, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As pickleball participation has increased, so has the conversation around potential rule changes and variations that could help pickleball continue to evolve as a sport.

While purists aim to preserve pickleball’s origins, others argue tweaks and experiments may attract new players, enhance entertainment value, and reduce controversies around gray areas in the rules.

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Proposed pickleball rule changes range from subtle shifts like standardizing balls to fundamental changes, including rally scoring or allowing multiple hits per side.

Ultimately, there is no consensus, as ideas that exhilarate some alienate others. Yet most agree pickleball must embrace controlled innovation to sustain growth while retaining its welcoming spirit and accessibility. With an openness to fresh thinking and debate, pickleball is poised for an exciting future as visionaries and traditionalists work together to shape the sport for future generations.

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.

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!

Pickleball Noise Concerns Addressed With New ‘Quiet Category’

March 3, 2026September 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

USA Pickleball takes proactive measures against pickleball noise to ensure the sport pleases the masses.

USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, has taken a significant step by unveiling its “Quiet Category” for pickleball products. This progressive move comes in light of growing noise concerns associated with the sport, focusing on reducing sound levels during recreational play.

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

November 20, 2025August 11, 2023 by Drew Pierce

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.

Dink ‘n’ Dish: Gordon G.G. Gebert of National Pickleball League

November 20, 2025July 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When retired rock star Gordon G.G. Gebert traded his keyboard for a pickleball paddle, he embarked on a journey that was as thrilling as any world tour. From diving head first into playing the sport to founding the National Pickleball League (NPL), Gebert’s story is a fascinating intersection of music, sports, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

Dink ‘n’ Dish: Chris Clark of Toss and Spin

November 20, 2025June 14, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Today you meet Chris Clark, the dynamic founder of Toss and Spin, an events company that breaks down barriers, making racquet and paddle sports available to all.

After a 9-year tenure in the corporate world, a furlough during the pandemic became the catalyst for Chris to take a different path. His lifelong passion for racket sports culminated in the creation of Toss and Spin, which began as a tennis-centric venture and soon expanded to include pickleball.

8 Ways Pickleball Can Boost Your Memory

November 20, 2025June 2, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball and memory go together like PB&J.

Pickleball is more than just a fun way to pass the time and burn calories. It offers many mental and physical benefits, including enhancing cognitive functions, especially memory.

And if your memory is anything like mine, you’ll try anything you can to improve it!

Let’s explore eight ways that playing pickleball and memory can boost your cognitive ability.

Dink ‘n’ Dish: An Interview With ZeroZeroStart Pickleball Lanyard

November 20, 2025May 31, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Turning into an athlete at 50 years old? No problem! At least not for today’s guest!

Once a skeptic, today’s guest now champions the fastest-growing sport in the US, even inventing a unique pickleball lanyard for the game. From picking up her first paddle amid COVID-19 restrictions to playing daily and participating in tournaments, Claudia’s story reflects a journey of discovery, exercise, and fun. Learn about pickleball’s social dynamics, her vision for its future, and advice for beginners.

Dink ‘n’ Dish: Rich Cat Supply Founder Jenny Johnson

November 20, 2025May 16, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Welcome to another Dink’ n’ Dish, where Pickleball Rookie takes a deep dive into the life of passionate pickleball enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Our guest today is a former collegiate tennis player and a PPR-certified pickleball instructor. Today, Jenny Johnson shares her journey from discovering her love for pickleball to founding a pickleball brand, Rich Cat Supply, aimed at serving the rapidly growing pickleball community. Get ready to be inspired by her story and learn more about her vision for the future of this addictive sport.