Culture and News - Pickleball Rookie

Why Is Pickleball So Addictive?

December 3, 2025December 22, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball addiction is scientifically linked to the “dopamine loop” created by rapid, short rallies and the instant gratification of scoring. Additionally, it fulfills the psychological need for a “Third Place”—a community space outside of home and work—providing social connection and a “flow state” that reduces stress and anxiety.

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?!

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

March 1, 2026December 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 30, 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

December 7, 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, 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.

Pickleball Jobs – Do You Have One for Me?

March 1, 2026September 5, 2022 by Drew Pierce

As pickleball continues its upward trajectory, the number of available pickleball jobs continues to grow. From pickleball instructors to pickleball marketers, the paddle game is having its moment.

I don’t want to be just another recreational player: I want to be a part of the pickleball community.

Pickleball Art Guaranteed to Brighten Your Day

November 20, 2025August 26, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball art is a trend that is growing as fast as the sport itself.

Whether we choose to play for a love of the game or are completely comfortable as a spectator, there is no doubt that sports have a way of capturing our hearts. Often, that joy winds up hung on the wall in the form of art.

From Henri Rousseau’s “The Football Players” to Umberto Boccioni’s “Dynamism of a Cyclist,” the history of art is filled with tributes to our favorite sports. Rousseau’s painting captures the motion and energy of a game, while Boccioni’s futuristic work emphasizes the speed and power of a cyclist in motion.

These are just two examples of how sports can be interpreted through art. And pickleball is no different. Whether it’s a photograph, painting, or sculpture, art can help us appreciate the beauty of pickleball – even if we’ve never played the game before.

Setting Pickleball Goals for the Remainder of the Year

November 20, 2025August 19, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is more than a recreational sport to me. I aspire to make it part of my profession; how I make money.

And I am a realist.

I am not going to be a professional pickleball player. I’m not going to make money from playing in tournaments. And, as of today, I don’t have the money to open up my dream pickleball hall that serves up draft beers, dim sum, live music, and features state-of-the-art courts.

Hey, a guy can dream.

However, there has to be a way to tap into my entrepreneurial spirit and connect pickleball to my career. The seeds are this very blog that you are reading. Pickleball Rookie is my attempt to take what I know–creating content that people and search engines enjoy–and leverage the site to build relationships and uncover opportunities that help spread love for the sport. Filling my heart with joy would be nice, too.

As I approach the six-month anniversary of playing pickleball for the first time, it is time to set several goals for the remainder of the year. So here they are, laid out in public glory for all to see. That’s my brand of accountability!