Health, Fitness, News & Fun for Picklers of All Ages

What's Cooking in the Kitchen This Week:

• How to Defend Against A Hard Drive/Body Blast

• The Pickleball Warm-Up That Keeps You Quick, Steady, and Injury-Free

• What Pickleball Pros Never Tell Your (But You Need To Know)

• Fitness Expert Glenn Dawson: Do This Leg Workout For More Stable Knees

• Learn To Use Wind To Your Advantage In Pickleball

• 5 Big Mistakes That Pickleball Players Make And Would Like To Avoid

• Why Major League Pickleball Can't Afford To Go Soft On Abusive Language

• Humor: Dancing When You Only Have Pickleball Moves

• Playing Pickleball Cuts Risk Of Death By 50% Study

• Pickleball's Influence Is Desired At Major Events

• Coach Mary: Topspin Dinks, Speed Ups & Volleys

🥷SKILLS

How To Defend Against A Hard Drive/Body Blast

In today's game, the hard drive has become one of the most disruptive weapons in recreational and competitive play alike. It’s fast, direct, and designed to force a weak block or pop-up that ends the point. As more players develop strong third shot drives, the ability to defend them has become essential — especially without giving up court position.

One variation that’s recently drawn attention is the “body blast” — a hard drive hit directly at your torso or paddle-side shoulder, designed to jam you and leave little room for a clean reply. It’s made waves at the pro level, with recent discussions around rule enforcement when players are hit. But in recreational play, the solution isn’t replay reviews — it’s learning to defend with stability, paddle discipline, and confidence.

This guide will show you how to handle hard drives from anywhere on the court, with special emphasis on neutralizing body blasts — without stepping back or flinching.

Introducing Our New Health & Fitness Section
Weekly Advice To Keep You Fit & Injury Free

 💪 The Pickleball Warm-Up That Keeps You Quick , Steady
& Injury-Free

Maria is 62. She picked up pickleball two years ago. She plays three mornings a week at her local park.  

Last month, she bent over to stretch her hamstrings before a doubles match. On her third reach, her leg cramped. She limped for the rest of the game. 

What went wrong? She did what most people do. She stretched the way she learned in gym class – thinking it would help. It didn’t. 

Static stretches, toe-touches, shoulder rolls don’t fit the way Maria’s body works now. And they don’t match the way she plays pickleball. 

Maria’s mistake is common. Most players start with stretches. But that kind of warm-up is built on myths. Let’s find out why. 

If you're over 40, play two or more times a week, and don’t want to sit out with a sore joint or tight calf, this guide is for you. It shows you a better way to warm up.  

 ♟️ STRATEGY

Secrets The Pros Will Never Tell You
But You Need To Know

There’s a reason some players seem to control the court without breaking a sweat—and it’s not just talent.

From lightning-fast hands to unspoken partner cues, elite players are using a quiet set of strategies that rarely get taught. These aren’t beginner tips or flashy gimmicks—they’re the subtle, powerful moves that separate good from great.

You’ve probably never heard them explained quite like this. Ready to play smarter?
Click Here…

 🏋️ STAYING FIT with
GLENN & BRIANNA

Do This Leg Workout For More Stable Knees

♟️ STRATEGY

Learn To Use Wind
To Your Advantage

Windy games might rattle most players—but they don’t have to rattle you. With a few smart adjustments, what feels like chaos can become a powerful tactical edge. Learn how to read the wind, adjust your shot selection, and use conditions to outplay opponents who never saw it coming.

Turn wind into your secret weapon—here’s how.

  🥷  SKILLS

5 Big Mistakes That Pickleball Players
Make And Would Like To Avoid

Even experienced players fall into habits that quietly sabotage their game. From rushed serves to mistimed smashes, a few small errors can turn a solid performance into a frustrating loss. But the good news? These mistakes are fixable—and once you spot them, you’ll start winning more rallies almost instantly.

Whether you’re still getting comfortable on the court or trying to level up your play, these five common missteps could be holding you back.

See what they are—and how to stop making them—right here.

🏓 PRO NEWS

Why Major League Pickleball Can’t Afford
To Got Soft On Abusive Language

Major League Pickleball is booming—but with that spotlight comes responsibility. As the league grows, its culture is under pressure to mature fast. Recent incidents of abusive language on court are raising tough questions—and the answers will shape the sport’s future.

Sponsors are watching. So are fans. And the next move matters more than most realize.
Read the full story and what’s at stake for the MLP, Click Here…

🤣HUMOR

Dancing When You Only
Have Pickleball Moves

⚕️ HEALTH

Playing Pickleball Cuts Risk Of Death
by 50% According To New Study

Pickleball might just be the most powerful health upgrade hiding in plain sight. A major new study reveals that playing regularly could cut your risk of early death nearly in half—an eye-popping stat that’s turning heads in the fitness and medical worlds alike.

From heart health to mental clarity to lasting friendships, this fast-paced game is delivering benefits that go far beyond the court.
Read About The Study Here…

🏓 PRO NEWS

Pickleball’s Influence Is Desired
At Major Sporting Events

Pickleball is crashing the big leagues. From Formula One races, NHL arenas, and MLB stadiums. From speed-serve contests at the Miami Grand Prix to pro exhibitions at Florida Panthers and Miami Marlins games, America’s fastest-growing sport is joining forces with its biggest franchises.

The crossover isn’t just for show—it’s helping pro teams connect with fans in fresh, interactive ways while giving pickleball a national spotlight like never before.

Read how three major events brought the court to the crowd—and what this says about pickleball’s unstoppable rise, Click Here…

RALLY RUNDOWN:
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

INDIA: India's Apex Body For Pickleball Receives Official Government Recognition
ATLANTA, GA: 'Pickleball Is Ruining My Peace' The Backyard Battle Over America's Fastest-Growing Sport
SAN ANTONIO, TX: 'Disneyland Of Pickleball' Venue Coming To Park North In San Antonio
GRANTS PASS, OR: The Impact Of The Katie Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament
LOUDON COUNTY, TN: Pickleball Tournament Held To Raise Funds To Provide Veterans With Service Dogs
TOMS RIVER, NJ: Jersey Shore Town Moves To Seize Church - And Replace It With Soccer Field, Pickleball Courts
PITTSBURGH, PA: As The Sport Booms, Sistas Who Pickleball Makes Room For Diversity
LONG ISLAND, NY: 'Together We Dink' To Build Community Through Pickleball And Food

DO YOU HAVE LOCAL NEWS TO SHARE? REACH OUT TO US AT
[email protected] and send us a link to your story!

  💪 Topspin Dinks, Speed Ups & Volleys

TOPSPIN DINKS, SPEED UPS & VOLLEYS

Zane Navratil points out that the game has changed.  He shows pros in 2020, compared to now, executing dinks.  The difference?  Topspin!

1. Start with paddle face down.
2. Low to high, use your hips and shoulders.  Brush over the ball.
3. Be sure to watch the hints in the video about when and how to execute topspin dinks.

Callie Smith:  Topspin roll volley

1. Paddle tip is down, below the ball.

2. Brush up and over the ball, out in front, low to high.

3. 3.Follow-through with your paddle to your opposite shoulder.

Callie Smith:  Topspin forehand speed ups

1. Key:  disguise your speed up.  It should look like a dink.
2. Drop your paddle head, get below the ball, and brush up on it, out in front of you
3.This does not have to be 100% power.  The trajectory is more important – with the ball going low with topspin.

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