Pickleball Equipment - Pickleball Rookie

Temu Pickleball Paddles Under $100

March 3, 2024 by Drew Pierce

Is Temu pickleball merch up to the test?

I have been an advocate and supporter of Temu for more than a year. Like many people, I was skeptical.

But I rolled the dice on a small and inexpensive item. And when it arrived as promised, I doubled down. Since then, I have placed dozens of orders, and have been satisfied with the vast majority of my purchases. They even have neat stuff like cheap compression socks and cooling towels.

However, if you’re spoiled by Amazon Prime, get ready to wait. Temu orders to New York generally take 10 days. And they often arrive a jumbled mess. However, if you keep your expectations low and expect an 80% success rate, meaning the products are functional and as described, it’s a fair deal. Actually, better. It’s a great deal.

My Secret Weapon for Better Pickleball – The Wrist Ball

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I’ve been playing pickleball for nearly two years and I’m always on the lookout for something that can help me play better. I focus on serving well and moving quickly, especially near the net.

Recently, I found a great tool that’s really helped: the wrist ball.

Pickleball Accessories As Gifts or Self Love

November 29, 2023November 15, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Anyone who has played pickleball with me, knows I am a hug fan of pickleball accessories. From my stupidly funky socks to trotting out the latest fitness tracker, I’m not shy about being a consumerist.

And pickleball players are known fanatics when it comes to buying anything and everything to improve their game, which is why pickleball accessories are huge! While the standard paddles, balls, and court shoes are must-haves, there are plenty of unconventional accessories that can really step up your play and increase your good time on the court. Some even help avoid those achy joints and annoying injuries that come with the turf.

Protect Your Pickleball Gear: How to Label Your Paddle and Balls

November 29, 2023November 14, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As a pickleball player, how many times has someone walked away with your paddle or ball? As the sport continues to surge in popularity, more and more paddles and balls are hitting the courts during open play “disappearing.” With so much equipment changing hands, it’s important to take steps to protect your property.

Prefer an audio version of this post? Play below:

Writing your name on your paddle and marking your balls can help avoid mix-ups, unintentional swapping, and even outright theft. With the average paddle costing north of $100 and balls averaging $1.50 each, you’ll want to protect these investments. Heck, you better be extra careful with the most expensive pickleball paddles.

How to Use the Chirp Wheel to Improve Your Pickleball Stretches

November 29, 2023November 13, 2023 by Drew Pierce

I’m always on the lookout for effective ways to manage my back pain and enhance my flexibility, and pickleball stretches make a world of difference.

Without boring you about my Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain issues, the quest for relief led me to discover the Chirp Wheel, a tool that has enhanced my pre and post-game routines.

Prefer to listen to this post? Click below.

I want to share how incorporating the Chirp Wheel into my pickleball sessions has immensely helped in relieving back pain and improving my overall performance on the court.

Stocking Stuffers for Pickleball Players That Are Inexpensive

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

If you are not a pickleball player, you are probably sick and tired of hearing about the sport. The paddle game went from an unknown to a novelty to being borderline ubiquitous!

Since your family and friends who play pickleball will not stop talking about the sport, why not feed their hunger? From small birthday gifts to stocking stuffers, there are plenty of affordable pickleball gifts that will make the player in your life smile.

Prefer an audio version of this post? Click below.

Cute Pickleball Paddles Bring Style to the Court

November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Slay the court in style with these cute pickleball paddles! Elevate your look as you elevate your game!

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to add some flair to your repertoire or just starting out with pickleball and want gear as flashy as your wicked backhand, we’ve got you covered.

Prefer an audio version of this post? Click below.

Say goodbye to boring paddles! From floral prints to geometric patterns, bold colors to boho vibes, we’re serving up pickleball paddles that offer both performance and panache. No need to sacrifice function for fashion with these choices that bring power, precision, AND personality. Read on for our roundup of the most stylish paddles that will have you looking as good as you play!

The Best Pickleball Paddle Under $150 Is…

November 21, 2023November 2, 2023 by Drew Pierce

After playing a whole lot of pickleball in 2023, Pickleball Rookie has picked the best pickleball paddle under $150. OK, so maybe the best SIX! 🙂

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. With its fun gameplay and affordable equipment, it’s easy to see why pickleball is so popular. One of the key pieces of gear is finding the right paddle that matches your playstyle and budget. We’ve rounded up the best pickleball paddles under $150, showcasing a mix of control, power, spin, and versatility to upgrade your game.

Everything You Need to Know About the Spinshot Pickleball Machine

October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 by Drew Pierce

The world of pickleball has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past few years and pickleball machines have come along for the ride. As players continue to look for ways to refine their skills and gain a competitive edge, advanced training tools like the Spinshot Pickleball Machine have come to the forefront. If you’re considering adding this machine to your training regimen so you can practice pickleball alone, here’s a comprehensive look at what it offers.

Listen to an audio version of this post below.

How to Pick Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

February 6, 2024October 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Moving from tennis to pickleball is arguably one of the smoothest transitions you can make in the realm of racquet and paddle sports, especially when you consider the initial learning curve. After a childhood of tennis, all I need was one pickleball lesson and I was good to go.

Like any sport, adapting to new rules, strategies, and, of course, equipment like the pickleball paddle can be a challenge. In this guide, we shed light on the top pickleball paddles most suitable for tennis enthusiasts transitioning to pickleball. And in case you’re wondering, this (former) tennis player opts for the Engage Pursuit MX. 🙂