Pickleball News - Pickleball Rookie

The Hype is Real: Why the JOOLA Perseus Pro V Has Me Trading in My Old Reliable

March 6, 2026February 24, 2026 by Drew Pierce

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been following the blog or catching me on the courts lately, you know I’ve been a bit “gear-stagnant.” I’ve been cycling through the same couple of paddles for a while now, waiting for something to actually move the needle. The pickleball market is flooded with “innovations” that are often just new paint jobs.

But then JOOLA dropped the specs on the Perseus Pro V, and for the first time in a long time, I’m genuinely itching to get my hands on a new piece of carbon fiber.

Here is why this launch feels different and why the “Pro V” might be the shift we’ve been waiting for.

Andre Agassi Launches the World Series of Pickleball

February 18, 2026 by Drew Pierce

Yesterday brought some big news out of Las Vegas that’s getting everyone in the pickleball world talking: tennis legend Andre Agassi is launching the World Series of Pickleball, headquartered right here in Sin City.

On the surface, this sounds fantastic. An eight-time Grand Slam champion with deep Las Vegas roots creating a global pickleball championship? Count me in. But as someone who’s been following this sport’s professionalization closely, I’ve got questions. Let’s dig into what we know, what we don’t know, and what this really means for the future of professional pickleball.

USA Nationals Delivers Drama in the Rain, India Launches Historic League, and Cyber Monday Deals You Need to See

December 1, 2025 by Ace Rivera

Ace here, coming at you from a rainy Monday morning in Austin that’s got me thinking about the wild weather that just hit the USA Pickleball Nationals in San Diego. Between Mother Nature’s interference, historic international developments, and some seriously good Cyber Monday paddle deals still available, we’ve got plenty to unpack this week. Or you can just grab the most expensive pickleball paddles–or the cheapest!

Anna Leigh Waters’ Historic Triple Crown and Why Smart Paddles Are About to Change Everything

November 20, 2025November 18, 2025 by Ace Rivera

What’s up, pickleball fanatics? Ace here, and wow—if you blinked over the past week, you missed some absolutely incredible moments in our sport. Between historic championship performances and mind-blowing paddle technology hitting the market, there’s so much to unpack that I barely know where to start. Pour yourself that morning coffee (or afternoon IPA if that’s your vibe), and let’s dive into what’s been happening on and off the courts.

Ace’s Pickleball Pulse: Your Weekly Guide to Everything Happening on the Courts

November 20, 2025November 4, 2025 by Ace Rivera

This week in Ace’s Pickleball Pulse: A recap of the inaugural MLP Cup in Texas, the rise of “foam-core” paddle technology from brands like Honolulu and CRBN, and a look at how collegiate and pro pickleball are merging to build the sport’s future depth.

Hey there, pickleball fanatics and curious newcomers alike! I’m Alex Rivera—though most people just call me “Ace” on the courts—and I’m absolutely stoked to launch this weekly column right here on Pickleball Rookie. If you’re looking for someone to break down the latest gear, dissect professional tournament results, and generally geek out about all things pickleball with you, well, you’ve found your guy.

2025 Pickleball Rule Changes and Gear Trends You Need to Know About

December 7, 2025February 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The biggest 2025 pickleball rule changes include banning sideline coaching, allowing partners to call faults on each other, and permitting a “drop serve” off the paddle face. Top gear trends for the year are “quiet” paddles for noise-restricted courts, AI-enabled paddles for training feedback, and specialized shoes for injury prevention.

As the sport pickleball continues to evolve, so does the amount of gear available to players. Because the only thing better than playing the sport is living the sport!

Here are a few items on Pickeball Rookie’s radar this year:

These new AI paddles from Selkirk and JOOLA are pretty mind-blowing. As someone who’s always working on my third shot drop, having real-time feedback on spin and contact point is a game-changer. Though I have to admit, sometimes I turn off the app and just focus on feel – old habits die hard!

2024 Pickleball Rule Changes Explained

November 20, 2025December 20, 2023 by Drew Pierce

USA Pickleball has released its 2024 official rulebook, and there are several notable changes we want our fellow players to be aware of. Do we dig all of the rule changes? Read on to find out!

Pickleball Noise Concerns Addressed With New ‘Quiet Category’

March 3, 2026September 25, 2023 by Drew Pierce

USA Pickleball takes proactive measures against pickleball noise to ensure the sport pleases the masses.

USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, has taken a significant step by unveiling its “Quiet Category” for pickleball products. This progressive move comes in light of growing noise concerns associated with the sport, focusing on reducing sound levels during recreational play.

Listen to this post below:

6 Pickleball Trends You Need to Know About

November 20, 2025March 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From more aggressive play to high socks and higher court rental rates, we look at the latest pickleball trends.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that has captured the attention of players of all ages and skill levels. With its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it’s no surprise that pickleball has become a favorite pastime for many.

Let’s explore several of the latest pickleball trends currently taking the sport by storm. From more aggressive play to celebrity investors, these pickleball trends are shaping the future of the sport and helping to take the game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to pickleball, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fun.

ICYMI: Around the Post | National Pickleball Day

November 20, 2025August 8, 2022 by Drew Pierce

First and foremost, Happy National Pickleball Day! On August 8, the annual day honors the funky sport that dates back to 1965 in Bainbridge Islands, Washington. Interestingly enough, the sport saw more Google searches than ever before on this day. But, the top states are pretty surprising:

-Missouri
-Maryland
-Illinois
-New York
-California