What’s happening, pickleball fam? Ace here with your final column of 2025, and what a way to close out the year. The PPA Tour just wrapped its last event in Daytona Beach, Lifetime gave us an actual pickleball Christmas movie (yes, really), and as we head into the holidays, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on how far our sport has come this year. Let’s dive into the latest.
For beginners in 2025, the best overall paddle is the Wild Monkeys Prima Ghost ($99) due to its carbon fiber face and 30-day risk-free trial. For players with tennis elbow, the ProKennex Black Ace Pro offers superior vibration dampening. If you are on a strict budget, the GAMMA RZR Blemished offers professional graphite performance for under $60. All recommendations in this guide feature free shipping via JustPaddles.
Starting your pickleball journey shouldn’t mean emptying your wallet or drowning in confusing technical jargon. After testing dozens of paddles and consulting with the experts at JustPaddles.com, we’ve identified the four best beginner-friendly paddles that deliver professional-level performance without the premium price tag.
At first glance, the WWE and your local pickleball courts have nothing in common. One involves steel chairs and spandex. The other involves plastic balls and people arguing about whether that ball was really out.
But here’s the thing: both are deeply psychological. They’re about positioning, reading your opponent, and yes—”working” them to get the upper hand.
I’ve been obsessed with this crossover lately. So much so that I wrote a short story called “Dropkicks and Dinks” (part of my new collection, Before the Sink Overflows), about a washed-up wrestler who finds redemption on the pickleball court. But while writing it, I realized the skills weren’t just fiction. They apply to real gameplay.
Here are five mental hacks that pro wrestlers use—that will absolutely fix your pickleball game.
The $3 billion pickleball market is poised for massive corporate entry in 2025, with major brands like Nike and Under Armour likely to acquire paddle tech or launch specific footwear. For investors, the real opportunity lies in “Pickleball-tainment” venues and premium apparel, as the sport transitions from a hobby to a permanent athletic category.
Pickleball isn’t just a weekend hobby anymore—it’s becoming a business goldmine that’s caught the attention of major corporations worldwide. After diving deep into market research and industry trends, I’ve uncovered some fascinating predictions about which major brands will soon enter this explosive market and why the opportunity is too big to ignore.
Pickleball is a beginner-friendly sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and plastic ball, it is famous for its simple rules—like the underhand serve and “two-bounce” rule—making it accessible and fun for all ages and fitness levels.
So, you’ve heard the buzz. Pickleball. It’s everywhere! Your neighbors are playing it, your local community center just added courts, and even professional athletes are getting in on the action. But maybe you’re feeling a little lost in the sauce, wondering what all the fuss is about. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
We’ve compiled the 14 most frequently asked questions from curious newcomers like yourself, along with clear, concise, and fun answers to get you up to speed. By the time you finish this, you’ll be ready to grab a paddle and confidently step onto the court!