Hi Pickleballers -
We live in San Francisco, which ranks dead last in pickleball courts per capita. We only have 11 dedicated public pickleball courts, with eight more opening in a few weeks. With a population of 815,000, that is 74,000 people per court. Imagine waiting behind 74,000 people to play a single game of pickleball.
We made it work until this fall, and daylight became a problem. Of the 11 dedicated courts, only 5 are lit. We decided to take matters into our own hands and joined a local tennis and pickleball club that has both indoor and outdoor courts.
The good news is we have no trouble finding court time, and the bad news is the players are tough. Of course, it’s not really bad news - it just made us realize we need to get better…a lot better.
Are players hitting the ball harder?
I can’t tell if it’s just the games I’m in or if the average pickleball player is hitting the ball much harder. I also find myself up against tennis converts who have incredible power.
For example, I was playing against an ex-D1 tennis player tonight. He hit the ball so hard, and with so much spin, I couldn’t return anything from mid-court.
Needless to say, you’ll see a theme with our new content. We’re adding more articles on adding power, spin, and speed. We’re also seeking out paddle manufacturers who are designing paddles for these faster-paced games.
SpeedUp Pickleball
These guys designed an aerodynamic paddle with an elongated 6-inch handle for powerful two-hand backhands. The small shape of the 14mm Fire also helps with one-handed backhands. I’ve been playing with it for the past few weeks, and it’s my new favorite paddle. Read more…
SpeedUp Pickleball Paddle Giveaway
We’ve teamed up with SpeedUp to give away 1 x 14mm Fire and 1 x 16mm Ice. They have a 6-inch elongated handle, raw carbon fiber, and thermoformed unibody construction. Enter to win
How to Add More Power to Your Pickleball Game
Adding power usually won’t come naturally from just playing more pickleball. You’ll need to put together a game plan, drill, and train. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on adding power, which includes understanding how each part of your body plays a role. Read more…
Increase Pickleball Topspin
Power and spin go hand in hand. There are a few relatively easy fixes if you’re struggling with your topspin. We’ve outlined some tips to increase your topspin and the best time to use it. Read more…
Pickleball 101
Are you a pickleball evangelist, trying to convert everyone you meet (especially tennis players)? If so, we put together a 101 guide for first-time players. It covers basic rules, scoring, and how to play. Read more…
**Anna Leigh Waters Autographed Paddle Giveaway**
Click here to enter the ALW signed pickleball paddle giveaway. The winner will be announced in The Simply Pickleball newsletter by 12/20/2023.
In Case You Missed It
Tip of the Week
When you’re up against hard-hitting players, keeping your eye on the ball can be tough. The best way to get better is by hitting thousands of shots against the wall at close range. Check out the Dink Master in our Pickleball Training Aids.
Simply Pickleball Discount Codes
Prolite: SIMPLYPB
Vatic Pro: SIMPLY10
Speedup: SIMPLYPB
Bread & Butter: SIMPLYPB
PCKL: SIMPLY15
Spartus: SIMPLYPB
Rally Club Pickleball Clothing: SIMPLY15
Paddles and More: SIMPLY15
Enhance Pickleball: SIMPLYPB
Thank you for reading our newsletter, listening to our podcast, and visiting our website. The growth of the past six months has been incredible, and we appreciate your support!
Please drop a question or comment below. Have a great week on the courts!
Woody
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