Pickleball Lessons

Nice Guys Finish Last: My Pickleball Etiquette Epiphany

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Last night, it was business as usual at my “Advanced Intermediate to Advanced” pickleball league–until it wasn’t.

I was winning a doubles match 8-1.

I hit a wicked hard slice shot from just in front of the baseline.

The ball took a crazy turn and started to gravitate towards my opponent’s head. He just got his paddle up in time and hit a errant ball that sailed into the benches.

He wasn’t happy.

“Hey, I have to go to work tomorrow.” 

I apologized.

“Never my intention to hurt anyone.”

We continued play, and I resorted to much softer tactics.

You can probably guess what happens next.

I lost the match 11-9.

On the drive home I was pissed at myself.

After almost two years of playing the sport, I still don’t know how to keep my pedal to the metal; I’m billing myself The Empathetic Pickleballer.  

But that doesn’t show up in the box score.

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8 Lessons From a Year on the Pickleball Court

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Deep into my second year of playing pickleball, I proudly report that I have not experienced a sophomore slump! However, some lessons took longer to sink in than I would have hoped. Today, I share those with you, hoping you learn from my stubbornness and evolve your game quicker than I did.

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Pickleball Fitness for Longevity: The 5 Essential Moves for Injury-Free Play (2026)

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To play pickleball into your 60s, 70s, and beyond, you don’t need a bodybuilder’s routine—you need functional durability. The sport demands lateral (side-to-side) explosive power and deep lunging. If your hips are tight and your glutes are weak, your knees will take all the punishment. The secret to playing longer isn’t running more laps; it’s strengthening the “brakes” (your decelerator muscles) so you don’t blow a tire on the court.

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. 

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How to Advance from 3.5 to 4.0 in Pickleball

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The difference between a 3.5 and a 4.0 player is not who hits more winners; it is who makes fewer errors. A 3.5 player attacks everything and tries to win the point now. A 4.0 player is patient, extends the rally, and waits for the opponent to make a mistake. To jump levels, you must stop trying to “bang” your way through the transition zone and learn the one shot that defines advanced play: The Reset.

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.

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How to Hit a Pickleball Tweener: Master the “Between-the-Legs” Shot (2026)

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The Tweener isn’t just a showoff shot—it is a legitimate defensive tool when you are beaten by a deep lob. If you can’t run around the ball in time, hitting it between your legs is your last resort to keep the point alive. Warning: This shot requires timing and flexibility. If you mistime it, you risk hitting your own ankles (or worse). Practice this with a soft foam ball first!

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.

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Pickleball Bullies: When Your Opponents Pick on Your Partner

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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.

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

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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.

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Understanding Pickleball Faults: A Guide for Beginners

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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.

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The Best Pickleball Warm-Up Routine

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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.

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