Gear Reviews - Pickleball Rookie

How To Practice Pickleball Alone: Machines and Solo Drills

November 20, 2025July 1, 2022 by Drew Pierce

When I first embarked on my pickleball journey, one of the first questions I needed to answer was how to practice pickleball alone.

Even though I come from a recreational tennis background, the thought of showing up to the court never having held a pickleball paddle was a frightening proposition. My first step was to develop several pickleball drills to do by yourself. I started by hitting the ball against a wall in my house using nothing but some painter’s tape at the 3-foot mark to indicate the height of the net (a pickleball net is actually 34 inches high in the middle).

Pickleball Sneakers: How to Choose the Best Shoes for Playing Pickleball

November 20, 2025June 28, 2022 by Drew Pierce

When playing pickleball, it is essential to have the right pickleball sneakers or shoes. You need pickleball sneakers that will provide good traction and stability on the court. If not, you are putting yourself at risk for a sprained ankle, tendon strain–or worse.

In this post, we will discuss the different shoes that are best for playing pickleball, as well as some tips on choosing the right pair for you. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, read on to learn more about picking out the perfect pickleball sneakers!

What Is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Balls?

November 20, 2025June 5, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball balls. They serve us well, yet we give these small spheres very little thought or attention. In this post, we’ll explore everything there is to know about pickleball balls – from indoor vs. outdoor to colors to lifespan; how do you pick the best pickleball?

Since pickleball is a sport that requires minimal equipment to play, you’ll want to make sure you are mindful of the pickleball paddle you hit with and the ball that you put into play. While often an afterthought, I have found that the quality and health of the pickleball have a dramatic effect on the game, much more so than a baseball, soccer ball, and even tennis ball.

Best Pickleball Bags to Up Your (Style) Game

November 20, 2025May 15, 2022 by Drew Pierce

The best pickleball bags won’t make your game any better, but they can add to your swagger as you come and go to the court.

You have been bitten by the pickleball bug. And you are all in. You have your pickleball paddle, identified nearby courts, and constantly think about the sport. But there’s one pickleball-related dilemma you just can’t seem to solve: what kind of pickleball bag should you buy?

There are so many pickleball bags on the market that it can be tough to choose the right one. And when you’re first starting, you may not even be sure what to look for in a pickleball bag. But don’t worry–we’re here to help. This article will break down the different types of pickleball bags and offer some tips on choosing the perfect pickleball bag for your gear.

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

November 20, 2025March 20, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Choosing a pickleball paddle isn’t rocket science, but it’s not that straightforward either. Some folks live and die by the equipment they use when playing sports.

I am not one of those people.

While not the best athlete on the planet, I’ve never felt the need to have the best tennis racket, baseball glove, or hockey stick. Instead, I’m a firm believer that the correct form coupled with regular practice will give you the best performance. Good equipment is just the cherry on top of an already delicious dessert.

However, in a game like pickleball, where consistency is king, I do wonder if more emphasis needs to be placed on choosing a paddle when compared to other sports.