Culture and News - Pickleball Rookie

6 Pickleball Trends You Need to Know About

November 20, 2025March 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From more aggressive play to high socks and higher court rental rates, we look at the latest pickleball trends.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that has captured the attention of players of all ages and skill levels. With its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it’s no surprise that pickleball has become a favorite pastime for many.

Let’s explore several of the latest pickleball trends currently taking the sport by storm. From more aggressive play to celebrity investors, these pickleball trends are shaping the future of the sport and helping to take the game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to pickleball, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fun.

Why Is it Called Pickleball and Other Fun Facts

November 20, 2025January 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Why is it called pickleball is a question that has sparked much debate, particularly over the past few years as the sport has grown. Today, pickleball is played by over 37 million people in the U.S. and more around the world, all of who enjoy its fast-paced and competitive nature. So where did the awesome game get its salty name?

Pickleball Wrapped 2022: The Year of the Dink

November 20, 2025December 27, 2022 by Drew Pierce

While Merriam-Webster foolishly chose “gaslighting” as the word of the year, I like my choice better: pickleball.

The three-syllable noun defined my 2022. I started with the sport in March, yet it feels much longer, and that’s a good thing!

I set a goal to play the sport with minimal expectations. But I fell in love; all-consuming love!

Why Is Pickleball So Addictive?

November 20, 2025December 22, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Over the past year, it has been impossible to escape the pickleball fever that has swept the nation. But, as the fastest-growing sport continues to claim more pickleball addicts, many people are wondering why is pickleball so addictive.

You probably find yourself playing more and more if you are a player. And when you’re not playing pickleball, you are thinking about pickleball or talking about pickleball or dreaming about pickleball. What gives?!

Google searches for “pickleball” continue to climb; you are not alone in your pickleball addiction.

My Pickleball Journey Continues: Am I Now a Marked Man?

November 20, 2025December 18, 2022 by Drew Pierce

I finally figured out why I’ve run into a bit of a wall on my pickleball journey during one of my casual weekly leagues: I’ve become a marked man.

At first, it was my age. Despite being in my mid-forties, I was one of the younger players. This would often lead to players making excuses about their lack of mobility or agility when losing, but it did not stop them from attempting to slam the ball in my face. I was a target.

My First Interview About Pickleball Rookie

November 20, 2025December 10, 2022 by Drew Pierce

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with ChatGPT to talk a bit about why I started Pickleball Rookie, a project that I hope will spread the pickleball gospel while chronicling my journey into America’s fastest-growing sport.

Considering Pickleball Certification? I Am Now a PPR Coach. Here’s How You Can Be One, Too.

November 20, 2025November 22, 2022 by Drew Pierce

On a picture-perfect, unseasonably warm fall day, I drove across state lines to accomplish a goal I set for myself back in March: to become a certified pickleball instructor.

When choosing a pickleball certification program, you have several options. I decided to go through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR). The organization has been around for five years and, most importantly, is the official certification partner of USA Pickleball, the national governing body for pickleball in the United States.

Other viable options include certification through the International Federation of Pickleball Academy via a partnership with The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). There is also pickleball certification through the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA).

Pickleball Bingo

November 20, 2025November 7, 2022 by Drew Pierce

One of the beautiful things about playing pickleball regularly is that there is always something new and exciting happening during gameplay.

However, there are some consistent themes, too. Now you can double your fun by playing pickleball and pickleball bingo simultaneously. 🙂 Have you spotted any of the items below?

Play pickleball bingo after your next match! And let us know if you have any additions to the card.

The Best Pickleball Team Building Exercises

November 20, 2025October 22, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball team building presents a ton of opportunities for teams to bond. Whether you are looking to rally the sales staff, break down walls between departments, or bring people closer together post-pandemic, pickleball’s low barrier to entry and proximity of play make it the perfect event to bring people together.

Here are a few reasons why Pickleball Rookie predicts that pickleball team building is the next wave of the sport’s rapid growth.

My First Pickleball Tournament: Tribulations and Triumph

November 20, 2025September 15, 2022 by Drew Pierce

So, you want to play in your first pickleball tournament? I did. And here’s what I learned.

After playing in several leagues and learning more about pickleball over the past few months, I finally did it: I played in my first pickleball tournament. The outdoor event had me in the 35+ 3.5 doubles division, where the organizers would match me with a partner. The weather here in New York was 85ﾟ and sunny, with minimal wind.

If you are considering playing in an upcoming tournament, I learned a few things that I’d like to share.