The pickleball court may look like a simple 20-by-44-foot rectangle, but once all four players reach the kitchen line, the playable space shrinks dramatically. Understanding how that geometry changes—and why the diagonal gives you more margin for error—can immediately improve your shot selection and reduce unforced errors.

In pickleball doubles, being a “good partner” doesn’t mean covering every mistake or over-poaching the middle. In fact, over-accommodating can quietly erode trust and create confusion on the court. Here’s why lane discipline, clear roles, and real partnership matter more than playing hero.

At 13 years old, Natalia Simson is already navigating pro qualifiers, junior pickleball events, and a growing spotlight—while still learning what kind of player she wants to become.

If you’ve ever looked at international pickleball logos and wondered which one actually matters, you’re not alone. As the sport continues to grow worldwide, long-standing governance confusion may finally be giving way to a more unified global structure.

Pickleball’s global growth isn’t slowing down. With Ramsports expanding beyond its original Shenzhen facility to a second, significantly larger complex, China is signaling a serious investment in the sport’s long-term international future.

The shake and bake is one of pickleball’s most effective offensive patterns when executed with timing and trust. By pairing a well-placed third-shot drive with an aggressive crash at the net, teams can neutralize the return team’s advantage and finish points quickly.

Pickleball may get your heart rate up, but smart cardio training is what keeps you playing for the long haul. From building endurance to improving recovery between points, here’s how to train your heart to handle long matches, tough third games, and years on the court.

The third-shot drop used to be the gold standard in pickleball, but the modern game has changed. With faster paddles, more spin, and better athletes at the kitchen line, players need more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding when to drop, drive, or wait can completely change how you move forward in a point.

Who you play with matters almost as much as how you play. The right pickleball partner doesn’t just help you win points—they create space to fail, reset, and improve without pressure. Here’s what to look for when you want long-term growth, not short-term ego.

Breanna Meertins is building more than a pickleball coaching business. Through Majestic Pickleball, she’s combining competition, confidence, and community while chasing her own goal of playing professionally and helping others believe in what’s possible.

Indoor pickleball has made year-round play possible, but rising court fees and rigid booking systems may be creating new barriers. As more facilities open and some quietly close, access, not amenities, may be the bigger issue shaping the sport’s future.

From urban legends to forest hideaways, these eight iconic pickleball courts offer the perfect excuse to turn your 2026 travel dreams into reality. Whether you’re chasing rallies under palm trees or neon lights, this bucket list is your ultimate game plan.

The National Pickleball League has officially rebranded as Champions Series Pickleball, a name that reflects the league’s focus on experienced, competitive players. The shift honors the league’s roots while clearly signaling where it’s headed next.

Confikids is creating opportunities for kids to build confidence through sport and play. At a recent pickleball event in New England, the nonprofit brought together community, movement, and joy—highlighting what’s possible when access and encouragement come first.

Resolutions are rigid. Intentions are flexible. If you’re tired of setting goals that implode by February, this mindset shift is your next best shot. Here’s how to create pickleball intentions that build confidence, consistency, and long-term growth—without the pressure.

Backing up at the kitchen line is a common habit among beginner and intermediate pickleball players, but it often creates more problems than it solves. Understanding when to hold your position and when to step back with intention can change how effectively you control points at the net.

DUPR ratings are designed to help players find fair, competitive games, not define their value as athletes. When kept in perspective, a DUPR rating can support growth, learning, and better on-court experiences without limiting development.

Pickleball in Cuba didn’t start with permanent courts or national funding. It started with borrowed paddles, improvised spaces, and a development model built to meet communities where they already were. At the center of that growth is Carlos López, whose work is shaping how the sport takes root across the island and beyond.

If you want faster hands, better touch, and more confident resets at the kitchen line, you don’t need a drilling partner. Wall drills compress reps, force quicker reactions, and expose weaknesses fast. These simple solo drills help improve hand speed, control, and touch using real-game pickleball sequences.

The lob might be the most misunderstood shot in pickleball. Often hit out of panic or habit, it’s frequently misused. But when executed with intention and control, the lob can be a smart, strategic weapon that disrupts rhythm, resets points, and shifts momentum.