InPickleball_Newsletter_01-04-24

THE QUICK AND EASY WAY TO FIND A COURT

One of the biggest problems players face? Finding courts to play on. Fortunately, there’s an app for that. PicklePlay will direct you to courts and clubs in your area and also help you locate nearby tournaments and events. You can even use it to find players at your same skill level. Best of all, it’s free! Speaking of courts, if your community needs more of them, learn how to get more courts built in your area to help accommodate the influx of new players.

BUILD YOUR CORE POWER

The key to a better game is a strong core, says Fernando Chavez, a personal trainer in Long Beach, California, and a pickleball player. A strong core stabilizes you and helps you rotate, he explains. That, in turn, will help you drive from the baseline and return high balls. Chavez created a quick, three-move core workout that will not only strengthen your midsection, but also help prevent lower back injuries. Do the routine two to three times a week for optimal results.

Keeping up with pickleball rules—and rule changes— can be a challenge. In fact, we’re just a few days into the new year and there are already 7 significant rule changes for 2024. One you’ll particularly want to be aware of involves updated paddle specifications. Check out the newest rules and get up to speed.

IMPROVE YOUR COVERAGE

Pickleball partners can get in each other’s way on the court—and that creates opportunities for your opponents, says pickleball coach CJ Johnson. Get too close together, and the sides of the court are exposed; move too far apart and the middle is wide open. Moving from the baseline to the non-volley zone (NVZ) with your partner is like doing a dance, Johnson explains. Her doubles drill will help you coordinate as a team, stop invading each other’s space, and step up your court coverage.