Is Your Paddle Holding You Back?

If you’ve ever second-guessed your third shot drop, wondered if your paddle is secretly holding you back, or questioned what the pros are packing in their bags, you’re in the right place. We’ve got strategy breakdowns, gear tips, and a look at the next generation of pickleball stars.

TIPS & TRICKS

Drop It Like It’s... Not Too High

Some people swear it’s the most important shot in pickleball. Others say it’s overhyped. But if you want to own the kitchen line instead of getting pushed around, you need to get it right. We’re breaking down the best strategies, the biggest mistakes, and how to turn your third shot drop into a winning weapon.

💡 Why It Matters: Because a bad drop shot = a free point for your opponent, and we cannot have that.

GEAR

The Paddle You Choose Matters

Not all paddles are created equal. The right one? Chef’s kiss—power, control, and all-around good vibes. The wrong one? Might as well be a wooden spoon. We’re diving into what actually makes a difference—helping you find a paddle that matches your playing style and feels right in your hands.

💡 Why It Matters: Because your paddle should work for you, not against you.

COMMUNITY

What’s in Your Bag? More Than You Think.

From first-time tournament players to professional athletes, what’s inside a pickleball bag says a lot about how someone plays. Do extra paddles mean you’re serious? Does hydration strategy separate the casuals from the competitors? And why do so many players have an alarming number of chapsticks? We peeked inside the bags of three players at different levels to find out.

💡 Why It Matters: Because your bag might be saying more about you than you realize.

COMMUNITY

The Future of Pickleball is in Good Hands

More kids are getting serious about pickleball—but finding tournaments designed just for them hasn’t been easy. That’s where National Junior Pickleball (NJP) comes in. Founded by a mom who saw the gap firsthand, NJP is creating age-specific tournaments across the country, giving young players the competition, community, and opportunities they deserve. With regional and local events expanding in 2025, the future of pickleball is looking faster, sharper, and a whole lot younger.

💡 Why It Matters: Because the next generation of players is coming in hot—and they might just end up coaching us someday.

• Texas Ranchers Are Betting Big on Pickleball 🏟️ The CEO of this MLP team is making moves to turn his team into the sport’s next major franchise.

• Naomi Osaka & Nick Kyrgios Take on Pickleball 🎾 These tennis stars swapped the baseline for the kitchen line at a star-studded charity event.

• Pickleball for a Cause: The APP National Pickleball Challenge 🎗️ The APP and the American Cancer Society are teaming up for a nationwide pickleball challenge this April.

Give Your Junior Player the Court Time They Deserve!

Watching your child fall in love with a sport is special—but finding the right opportunities for them to compete can be a challenge. National Junior Pickleball (NJP) was created by a mom who’s been there, making it easier for kids to play, grow, and connect with others their age.

👉 Sign up today and get your junior athlete in the game!

Pickleball & Martinis? Say Less.

Look, we love a good gin cocktail almost as much as we love a perfectly placed dink. So when we saw this Prince Pickleball x The Botanist Island Dry Gin dropped a Dink-Tini set — complete with a custom tote, paddle, balls, and a full martini kit — we were all in. Cheers to National Pickleball Month done right.. we can’t wait.

When it comes to pickleball gear, everyone has their must-haves.

• March 12-16: PPA Texas Open

• March 20-23: APP Cayman Islands Open

• March 25-30: PPA Red Rock Open

• April 2-6: APP Fort Lauderdale Open

• May 20-27: EmpowHER Turks & Caicos Retreat