Pickleball for Beginners - Pickleball Rookie

5 Beginner Pickleball Drills to Improve Your Game

June 2, 2022April 6, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Many people who play pickleball for the first time find themselves unexpectedly addicted. They start to eat and sleep America’s fastest growing sport. And part of that process often involves finding pickleball drills that will help take their game to the next level.

While there are pickleball drills for players of all skill levels, this article will focus on pickleball drills for beginners. After all, if you’re just starting, you need to master the basics before moving to more advanced techniques. So grab your pickleball paddle and let’s get started.

12 Pickleball Shots to Build Your Game Up

June 2, 2022March 26, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Are you tired of playing the same old pickleball game with the same ol’ pickleball shots with the same end result? Variety is the spice of life! Now is the perfect time to learn some new shots and them to your arsenal. Because one thing I have noticed from casual club players: their game is predictable, making it relatively easy to get the ‘W’.

I played pickleball three times this week, marking the 10th time I played. The game is fun, the people are great, the exercise is essential, and there is still so much to learn and improve upon! I have vastly improved when t comes to honoring the double-bounce rule!

As with most sports involving a ball, placement is the name of the game, trumping power nine out of 10 times.

After a week that saw over 5 hours of playing time, my upper legs and right elbow have some mild soreness–but this tells me that I am getting a bit stronger. The recovery time from playing pickleball vs. tennis is much shorter and much appreciated! 😉

Today, we will look at some of the pickleball shots that are important to add to your arsenal. Mix in a few of these shots to your play, and you will quickly elevate your game. But before we get into types of pickleball shots, let’s review the most basic pickleball strokes.

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

June 2, 2022March 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.

What Is the Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball?

October 3, 2022March 17, 2022 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is one of the most accessible games for anyone to pick up and learn. But there are a few minor rules to the game that everyone must understand. One of those rules is the double bounce rule, which is an odd rule for many pickleball beginners to grasp initially.

Pickleball Graduation: Moving On Up!

June 2, 2022March 11, 2022 by Drew Pierce

I had my first “low intermediate” pickleball open play session. Is it ridiculous that I was a wee bit nervous before I arrived? With one lesson and one beginner open play behind me, it felt a bit early to be stepping up, but it seems like tennis players can make a relatively easy transition.

My biggest fear surrounded scoring. Will I know what to do? Will I disrupt the game’s flow for people who are really into it? Can I hang with this next level of play?