Pickleball Lessons - Pickleball Rookie

Pickleball Exercises to Play Better for Longer

December 4, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As pickleball’s popularity has exploded, so have injuries, mainly caused by repetitive motion, awkward positions, and quick lunges.

Personally, I have found the sport much easier on my body than tennis. But that doesn’t mean it’s not without it’s aches and pains. In fact, I have another browser tab opened right now wondering if I tore my rotator cuff. But that’s a conversation for another time!

If you play the sport regularly, you will want to have a dedicated cross-training regimen off of the pickleball court that is designed to enhance overall fitness to meet the sport’s physical demands.

How to Advance from 3.5 to 4.0 in Pickleball

October 27, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Graduating from 3.5 to 4.0 in pickleball is one of the most difficult journeys the recreational player can make. If you’re a seasoned 3.5 pickleball player looking to break into the 4.0 level, improving your skills takes focus and dedication. Based on advice from advanced players and my own experience, here are some pickleball tips for 3.5 players to graduate to a 4.0 level.

How to Add the Pickleball Tweener to Your Shot Arsenal

October 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When my partner raced back to return a lob, I couldn’t believe what I saw next. In an act that seemed like it came straight from Ringling Bros., he turned his back to the net and made a perfect return from between his legs: it was a pickleball tweener.

WOW.

But he wasn’t showing off. Well, maybe a little. What he was doing was putting the “tweener,” one of the best known pickleball trick shots, on full display.

Pickleball Bullies: When Your Opponents Pick on Your Partner

October 23, 2023 by Drew Pierce

During our recent pickleball league finals, my partner and I faced a couple of pickleball bullies. It’s a common strategy: the two men we were up against decided to target my partner, an excellent female player, often leaving me watching from the sidelines. Their strategy was effective, leveraging power to overwhelm her with consecutive shots. She held her own, but they won the match, leaving me putting together plans to counteract such tactics in the future.

How to Add Pickleball Power: Mastering Strength, Stamina, and Strategy

October 10, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Ever since I picked up my first pickleball paddle, I was obsessed with one thing: pickleball power. I watched in awe as seasoned players whipped the ball across the court with seemingly little effort. Their opponents were often left scrambling, barely able to react. I knew that mastering the art of a powerful hit was crucial if I wanted to elevate my game and have my opponents on their heels. So, I delved deep, practiced relentlessly, and learned from the best. Now, let’s journey together through the insights I’ve gained as we explore the nuances of hitting hard, defending against the big hitters, and aiming for the top ranks in pickleball.

Understanding Pickleball Faults: A Guide for Beginners

October 2, 2023 by Drew Pierce

When I first started playing pickleball last year, one of the most confusing aspects was grasping the concept of “pickleball faults.” If you’re new to the game, you’re likely wondering what they are, how they affect gameplay, and most importantly, how to avoid them. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about pickleball faults.

The Best Pickleball Warm-Up Routine

September 30, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Being an avid pickleball player, I never hit the court without my tested and vetted pickleball warm-up routine. Before both casual games and intense tournaments, I make sure I’m primed and ready. After some tweaking (get it!?), here’s is the routine I employ to avoid pickleball injuries.

Pickleball Nutrition: The Ultimate Guide to Eating for Peak Performance

September 18, 2023 by Drew Pierce

As a pickleball player who hits the courts multiple times a week, I’ve learned that the secret sauce to elevating my game isn’t just practice—proper nutrition and getting good sleep. Every element plays a critical role in my performance, from the essential carbohydrate kick to the protein punch (and let’s not forget hydration). Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, discover how the right foods and drinks can take your pickleball game to the next level.

Prefer to listen to this post? Play below:

How to Fall Gracefully in Pickleball

September 14, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Let’s get real for a moment; falls are inevitable, especially in a sport as dynamic as pickleball. I used to brush off the idea of “fall prevention” as an illusion. I believed that instead of trying to prevent falls, we should be focusing on minimizing injury during those falls. But my experiences on the pickleball court taught me that it’s a blend of both; learning to fall gracefully and taking preventive measures to avoid these tumbles in the first place. With pickleball injuries on the rise, you want to do everything you can to stay on the court!

Pickleball Power – The Ultimate Guide

September 12, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball power is sooooo different from decades ago.

Heck, it’s lightyears different from when I started to play 18 months ago!

The biggest change, aside from the sheer number of players: POWER.

Players are transcending the age-old strategy of merely enduring opponents, now adopting an assertive playing style to dictate points. Are today’s players younger and more fit than yesteryear? You bet your bottom dollar!

Even elite players like Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau’ emphasize the value of power. Forget about beating bangers; ask yourself, how can you add more power to your pickleball game?