Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2025 i Pickleball Magazine

While pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. the past four years, few could have imagined it would become such a powerful community builder. And as it continues to surge in popularity, a question I hear more and more is: “Should I build a facility?” Last summer, in the south suburbs of Pittsburgh, I broke ground on LevelUp Pickleball Club, designed to include 16 courts, locker rooms, pro shop, full bar/restaurant, event space and much more! It is also the new home of our Pickleball Magazine offices. The club is scheduled to open in the next few weeks, and we couldn’t be more excited. Let me be clear—building a pickleball facility isn’t just about pouring concrete and hanging nets. It’s about building community. It’s about creating a space…

If you’re into pickleball, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about the DiNKR app—and if you haven’t, it’s time to get on board. DiNKR is hands-down one of the most powerful and user-friendly apps out there, whether you’re a casual player, an event coordinator, or running a full-time venue. What sets it apart? It’s not just a scheduling or scoring tool—it’s a complete pickleball community in your pocket. New & Noteworthy: Romantic Connections Feature And here’s a clever little twist… DiNKR also gives users the option to indicate whether they’re open to a romantic connection. Pickleball has always had a strong social side, and DiNKR leans into that with this optional feature that lets users subtly show they’re open to meeting someone special—right on the court. It’s a lighthearted,…

USA Pickleball Launches Free Digital Resources USA Pickleball has announced that the Youth Pickleball Provider (YPP) resource—a robust suite of digital resources—is now free to all USA Pickleball members. The digital resources include: • 20 Comprehensive Lesson Plans—Lesson plans for ages 8-18 that are play-focused with a “learn through playing” approach; 10 lessons for ages 8-12 and 10 lessons for ages 13-18. • Six-Part Instructional Video Series—The youth video series provides youth program managers with videos containing various games, activities, play rotations, and play manager tips. • “Let’s Play Pickleball” Playbook—Designed to help teachers, recreation leaders, after-school staff, and coaches with how to implement pickleball in any recreation setting. • Other Resources—Printable activity cards, newsletters, and digital versions of Pickleball Magazine. With summer camps in full swing and after-school program…

COMBAT PADDLE COMPANY SABER TITANIUM Suggested Retail: $150 Core Material: Polypropylene Surface: Raw Carbon/Titanium Weight (oz): 7.8 Colors: Red, Blue, Orange, Gray FURA EXTREME VELOCITY Suggested Retail: $49.99 Core Material: Fiberglass Surface: X2 Graphite Rough Texture Weight (oz): 8.0 Colors: FURA Blue, Pink GRÜVN CRUZN-16E Suggested Retail: $99 Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Surface: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Weight (oz): 8.1 Colors: Blue CRUSH SPORTS, LLC BLK Suggested Retail: $199 Core Material: Honeycomb Surface: T700 Weight (oz): 8.2 Colors: Black/White Trim GEARBOX GX2 ELONGATED Suggested Retail: $269.99 Core Material: 200 FAW - Toray T700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber Surface: 3K Woven Raw Carbon Weight (oz): 8.0 Colors: Black, Blue Highlight GRÜVN CRUZN-16H Suggested Retail: $99 Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Surface: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Weight (oz): 7.9 Colors: Orange EXTREME ELITE…

ENGAGE PURSUIT PRO1 INNOVATION Look/Cosmetics: 4/5 All-black (Toray T700) carbon paddle face. Nice, cushioned octagonal-shaped grip feels great in your hands. This elongated shape measures 7.4" x 16.6" with a choice of either 12.7 or 15.2mm thickness. This review is focused more on the thinner model, but both paddles offer similar performance, with the thicker model offering more control and the 12.7 offering more power and slightly stiffer feel. My playtest paddle weighed in at 8 oz. Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes: 4.5/5 Engage’s new “SpinCore Technology” is amazing. This paddle whips through the air and delivers incredible topspin and speed on your baseline returns and serves. It’s almost like you don’t want to come into the kitchen because hitting dipping topspin drives are so much fun. This paddle seems designed for aggressive play…

Welcome to the July/August issue of Pickleball Magazine. While pickleball initially gained traction and popularity among older adults, especially in retirement communities, the sport is experiencing a significant shift. Young players are now driving pickleball’s massive explosion. Schools, colleges, and local clubs across the U.S. and globally are now embracing youth programs and competitive leagues. Young adults and children are now pickleball’s fastest-growing demographic, with nearly 2 million teens playing in 2024. Participation among the 13 to 17 age group has more than doubled in the past two years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Gen Z (ages 13-28), who grew up with screens in their hands, are now replacing them with paddles in an effort to detox from digital. More than ever, young people are seeking…

↘ We’d Like to Hear From You! Send your questions to rules@pickleballmagazine.com. “I’m going to play in my first tournament. How do I know if my paddle is legal?” Anyone playing in a USA Pickleball (USAP) sanctioned tournament must ensure that their paddle is USAP approved. This can be done by looking up the paddle on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List. Before the match begins, the referee will ask players to confirm that their paddles are on this list [Rule 2.F.1.]. They will then inspect the paddles to make sure each one has the USAP decal or stamp of approval plus a manufacturer-provided and clearly marked brand and model name/number on the paddle [Rule 2.E.7.]. The referee will touch and visually inspect both sides of the paddle’s hitting surface…

Beaches Turks & Caicos—in a winning stroke—has taken the lead as one of the Caribbean’s prime pickleball getaways. The all-inclusive luxury resort now boasts eight dedicated state-of-the-art pickleball courts, making it a top destination for pickleball enthusiasts. Complimentary group sessions and programs for all skill levels are attracting picklers from across the globe. The experience is accompanied by shaded seating, courtside breakfast and other refreshments, surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Alex Milan, the resort’s fitness program coordinator and an experienced tennis and pickleball instructor, enjoys welcoming new and returning vacationers to the courts. “The influx of guests who want to play pickleball has been significant, and we offer instruction for beginner, intermediate and advanced players,” he says. “We also have the flexibility to convert additional tennis courts…

They can hit perfect serves, dinks and drops, and they have something else in common: They are all too young to drive. When not in school or being homeschooled, their parents drive them far and wide to tournaments. They’ve won a carload of medals. Most have sponsors for their paddles, pickleball clothes and accessories. They are some of the future faces of pickleball. Certainly not all. “They are advanced for their age because they are coming into the game using pro technique,” says Allyce Jones, a pro player who coaches Junior PPA players, including her daughter, Leah. “They are getting lessons and learning how to spin the ball at an early age. It’s also a sport that they can play against adults at an early age, which gives them more…

Karen Kelner decided to make a late change to her travel plans. Kelner lives in Avalon, New Jersey, but spends the winter in Naples, Florida. As she was preparing to make the long trip back home in the spring, she noticed a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament set for May 28-June 1 in Greensboro, North Carolina. And Greensboro, of course, was right on the way home. The 58-year-old former real estate agent joined other amateur pickleball players from across the country inside the Greensboro Complex to compete in the Golden Ticket tournament — one of 19 qualifying tournaments for players hoping to earn a spot in the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships to be held Nov. 15-23 in San Diego. Kelner hit shots, attacked the net and returned enough serves…

Golden Ticket Tournaments AUGUST 13-17 APP Great Lakes Open Golden Ticket for 2026 Nationals Midland, MI • Great Midland Tennis Center North JULY 25-27 World of Pickleball – Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, SD • Linda Erickson Pickleball Complex AUG. 15-17 World of Pickleball Chicago Naperville, IL • Sure Shot Pickleball SEPT. 4-7 APP Breakthrough Series: Boise Boise, ID SEPT. 19-21 World of Pickleball Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI • McDonough Park Pickleball Courts South AUG. 2 Ave Maria Topspin Thrive Tournament Ave Maria, FL • North Park AUG. 22-24 Espire Summer Sports Classic Prescott, AZ • Espire Sports AUG. 22-24 OAP Indoor Summer Tournament Orlando, FL • Orlando Racket Sports East AUG. 1-3 LBI 2025 Pickleball by the Beach Tournament Manahawkin, NJ • The Picklr Manahawkin AUG. 8-11 New Hampshire…

It’s getting hot out there, but let’s be honest: sweltering temperatures are no match for our pickleball addictions! For the love of the game, many of us are still dinking away in heat that would otherwise keep us inside. Yard work? No way. Tournament? Let’s play! All joking aside, exercising in extreme heat can be risky. The early stages of heat illness, or hyperthermia, can cause muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. When hyperthermia progresses to heat stroke, it can lead to brain damage and organ failure. Here are some cool foodie suggestions that may help prevent overheating on the court. Maintain Hydration The human body uses sweat to regulate temperature when it’s hot, and proper hydration is required to sweat efficiently. Some general guidelines for adults include: • Make…

Age: 30 Hometown: Bradenton, FL, now living in Delray Beach, FL College: Florida State, University of Alabama, graduated from University of South Florida Marital Status: Single, dating Hannah Blatt in a “pickleship” Favorite Tournament: US Open Ranking: #2 APP men’s singles, #23 PPA men’s singles Best Shot: Forehand and fastest serve (69 mph) Describe your tennis background. I was ranked #1 in the U.S. in 12s. I received a scholarship at 16 to attend the IMG Tennis Academy. I wanted to be a tennis pro. I played D1 tennis and played against many of today’s top players. I stopped competing at 23 and took a desk job. What drew you to pickleball? I saw an opportunity to make money. I was sitting at a desk and saw pickleball blow up.…

As we reach the midway point of another phenomenal year for pickleball, I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to every player, partner, referee, volunteer, and facility that helped make the 2025 Golden Ticket tournaments such a success. From coast to coast—San Diego to Greensboro and everywhere in between—these events have continued to grow the game and introduce new communities to the joy of pickleball. Golden Ticket tournaments remain the exclusive pathway to the USA Pickleball National Championships, and it’s your passion, dedication, and love for the game that make them truly extraordinary. Looking forward, I’m excited for what’s ahead. This November, the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships will take place at the Barnes Tennis Center in beautiful San Diego, California. With its rich history in racket sports and exceptional…

CourtCruiser Brand: Varsity Cooler Price: $129 varsitycoolers.us The CourtCruiser features two spacious compartments, providing ample space for a variety of items, including drinks, snacks, clothing, balls and accessories. The magnetic top flap makes it easy to access your items on the go, while the side shoe compartment keeps your shoes separate and organized. It’s built for all your pickleball gear and to keep you hydrated on the court. Pickleball Charcuterie Board Brand: DinkCraft Price: Starts at $95 dinkcraft.com This personalized charcuterie board celebrates the sport by adding a touch of fun and meaning to your home or gift-giving. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Use code PBM15 for 15% off. Pickleball Nail Stickers Brand: Jollity & Co. Price: $10 shopjollity.co Add a pop of playful, sporty style to your…

We all know that the serve and return are two of the most important shots in the game, and how well they are executed can significantly impact the outcome of a rally. For starters, the serve is the only way a team can score points, and a strong serve can set the tone for the rest of the match. A good serve can force a weak return, which gives the serving team an advantage. Some tips for serving include: • Aim deep. Focus on keeping your serve as deep in the court as possible. • Aim for your opponent’s backhand. This is often their weaker side. Implementing these strategies can help your team control the point and prevent your opponent from crushing a forehand return. On the flip side of…