Am I good enough for a pickleball tournament? What DUPR data says
If you're thinking about entering your first pickleball tournament, you've probably wondered: how good are the people I'll be playing against? Am I good enou...
Read Article2026 USA Pickleball rulebook changes: Key updates for the new year
Every year, USA Pickleball updates the rulebook to keep play consistent, fair, and (ideally) less chaotic when something strange happens mid-rally. If you play rec games, leagues, or tournaments, the rulebook is the shared source of truth for settling disputes. Each year, USA Pickleball publishes the official rulebook for the year, which is followed by most competitive tournaments. Featured 2026 rule changes and what they mean...
Do this when returning the serve in pickleball
To excel in pickleball, understanding the nuances of play is crucial. And one area in which nuance is important is...
Pickleball etiquette: How to be a good spectator
Pickleball is known for its welcoming community and social atmosphere, and that doesn’t stop at the sidelines. Whether you’re watching...
Overcoming the ‘service yips’ in pickleball
Experiencing the "service yips," a sudden and unexplained loss of ability to serve accurately in pickleball, can be distressing for...
Improve your pickleball game
5 things you can (and should) do to prevent pickleball injuries
Pickleball is often celebrated for its accessibility, and while anyone can play the game, the rapid lateral movements and repetitive overhead motions can pla...
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Drop or drive? Mastering the pickleball third shot
Hitting the third shot in pickleball is all about making the right choices on the fly. Players must learn to hit a drop or drive, depending on court positioning, play strategy, and opponents' skill.
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How to improve your third shot drop in pickleball
If you want to be competitive with your pickleball game, you must be able to consistently perform a third shot drop to move from a defensive court position to an offensive court position. Learn three keys to mastering the third shot drop.
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Are pickleball camps for me? Who Selkirk Academy is (and isn't) for
For many pickleball players, an ideal Saturday is spent playing pickup games in the park. However, as the sport matures, a new type of player is emerging: th...
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How to find pickleball tournaments (and prepare to win them)
Pickleball tournaments used to be really simple. You'd hear about one at the courts, sign up on a clipboard or by email, and show up Saturday morning. Th...
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Are pickleball camps worth it? Why the social clinic is no longer enough
For years, the local "social clinic" was the perfect gateway into pickleball. It was informal, approachable, and focused on getting people into the game. But...
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How proper footwork can improve your pickleball drop shots
As with most sports, your feet play a crucial role in pickleball because they create a firm base for the rest of the motion. Here's a look at how to set your feet properly to perform a third a shot drop, and why improper footwork may be costing you points.
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What is ladder play in pickleball?
In pickleball open play, many facilities offer an option called ladder play, which allows players of all skill levels to sign up for the same open play sessi...
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The best drill to improve your pickleball dinking
After new players are introduced to the game, the first skill they often work on is dinking. This is because dinking is an essential shot to hone to extend rallies and dictate points. While drilling any skill can yield small improvements in a pickleball game, a more focused, deliberate approach can pay dividends.
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Pickleball etiquette: How the paddle rack system works during open play
Participating in open play is one of the best ways to get better at pickleball because it is designed to allow players from different skill levels, ages, and...
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The difference between aggressive and defensive dinking in pickleball
There are two types of dinking that every good pickleball player should be able to execute: aggressive and defensive dinking. Aggressive dinks tend to be those that are sent with pace crosscourt, while defensive dinks are sent gently straight forward or down the line.
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How to develop a more aggressive pickleball serve
As you increase your skill level in pickleball, it’s important to begin viewing your serve as a weapon and not simply a way to start a point. To do so, you need to focus on three pickleball serve attributes: depth, speed, and spin.
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Advanced techniques for the pickleball third shot drop
The third shot drop in pickleball is crucial in setting players up for winning points. In higher-level play, it's important to get to the net consistently. To do that, you need to understand a few techniques to build a reliable drop shot.
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Dinking in pickleball: The shot that changes everything
Dinking, a short, soft shot intended to pass just over the net and land in the non-volley zone, is a critical part of a successful pickleball game. It allows players to transition from defense to offense, reestablish control, or dictate the pace of the game. To develop this shot effectively, you need to understand eight essential components.
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What is a legal pickleball serve?
Perfecting your serves is an integral part of enjoying (and winning) pickleball matches. There are two types of legal pickleball serves, and 6 key rules that apply to serving.
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