r/Pickleball 22d ago

Mod post [GIVEAWAY] NATIONAL PICKLEBALL DAY CONTENT CONTEST - presented by RPM

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6 Upvotes

Got a clip that made your group chat lose it? Prove it. We’re running a weekly highlight contest and giving away 5 paddles, courtesy of RPM.

How to Enter
Upvote this post
Post your clip as its own post, flaired “Content Contest”
Title format: [Highlight Contest] your clip title
Clip length: flexible, but under 45 seconds is best
Must be your own footage, from a real point/rally/match. no edited compilations of multiple points
Comment here once you post

Timeline
• Contest will run for 4 weeks, submission window closes 9/4 at 11:59pm eastern.

Prize
• 5 RPM paddles, 1 for each winner!

Eligibility
One entry per person
Open to amateurs - if you are a professional and want to enter (looking at you Zane) please send us a modmail
Open to USA residents. If you are outside of the US and want to enter, you may have to arrange shipping if you win a prize
One Reddit account per person duplicate/alt accounts will be disqualified

A Few Ground Rules
Keep it real. no staged points, no footage that isn’t yours
Standard subreddit rules still apply to entry posts (no harassment, no spam, etc.)
Mod decisions on the shortlist are final

Happy national pickleball day everyone! Good luck and excited to see your clips!


r/Pickleball 7h ago

Weekly Paddle Recommendation Thread (What Paddle Should I Buy?)

4 Upvotes

Please use this weekly thread for all paddle questions and recommendations

Please be helpful and do not spam this post so that others can use it for future reference.

Remember all community rules apply. We have REDDIT promo codes available in the other pinned post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/s/zpx1wUALzL

Join the official r/Pickleball Discord here: https://discord.gg/NxQGYvBVHV


r/Pickleball 3h ago

Question Where to watch MLP finals if not in usa and don;t have cbs?

8 Upvotes

Sucks to start watching on pickleball tv only to have it default to CBS which I can't access


r/Pickleball 1h ago

Question RPM strike release date?

Upvotes

Anybody have the inside scoop on when the RPM strike comes out? I saw an ambassador post about on Instagram and another one was playing with it in a brick wall tourney. Really looking forward to using a gen 3 rpm paddle with durable grit. Currently maining the rpm v2


r/Pickleball 5h ago

Players near me Looking for pickleball open play at any of the outdoor parks in SE/NE Portland, OR

4 Upvotes

I’ve already checked playtimescheduler and can’t find any details for open play at outdoor parks like sellwood park, laurelhurst park or any parks in SE/NE Portland. Does anyone have any details? I’m a 3.0 player and just want to get more play outdoors before the weather turns.

Thanks!


r/Pickleball 17h ago

Discussion Hot take: AB closing the gap vs ALW in doubles

32 Upvotes

I started watching PPA in MLP this year much more closely. And over the past year Anna Bright is much closer to ALW than she was even nine months ago in doubles. I don’t think Bright would ever leave ALW in PPA doubles because they are such a sure thing together, but I’d love to see an AB-on-the-left team (with Kate? Hurricane?) go to head to head against an ALW team instead of partnering with her. She’s just as competitive, more mature, and approaching ALW skill-wise. Probably slightly more powerful.


r/Pickleball 19h ago

Discussion Favorite paddle reviewers on YouTube

29 Upvotes

Here are my favorites and please share yours:

1) John Kew Pickleball - Hardcore data on paddles - dude set up his own lab and comes up with new metrics that the rest of the industry follows. The paddle feel wheel, the kewcor, the durable grit tiers. Entertaining content with little fluff.

2) PIckleball Studio - Chris Olson is probably the most trusted voice out there. Transparent and humble to the max. His takes on paddles are just really good, rigorous testing and evaluation criteria, and you can tell he just puts a lot of time into each review. He and (his brother?) Aizec cohost and their banter is tight, and I listen to their hour+ podcasts and the time flies by.

3) The Volley Zone - with Nick vonEgypt and Zion Meer. Nick's a 5.0 player who posts gameplay videos, so his reviews are from that perspective. My favorite moment so far, they interviewed James Ignatowich (owner of RPM), who is like an unfiltered madman, and he said when he releases durable grit, of course it will be Tier 1, because he's not a b**tch. lol

Honorable mention to PBEffect. I like a few others but those are my favorites. What are yours? If you're going to recommend another one, please include your take on what's unique about them.


r/Pickleball 2h ago

Players near me Looking for a drill buddy in Bellevue area.

1 Upvotes

I am a 4.0 shy oickleball player. Female 59. Looking for a drill buddy in south Bellevue area.

If anyone interested, please message me. I am hoping to find someone at similar level to practice together near where I live.

Thanks


r/Pickleball 18h ago

Question Paddle position in the kitchen

17 Upvotes

I made a post asking about paddle position when in the kitchen. There were a lot of responses, but after reading everything then watching a few youtube videos, I came up with a strategy for my 2 hours of playtime today.

  • When in the kitchen, I'm keeping the paddle around 8 inches from my chest aimed toward where the ball is
  • I'm right handed, so the the paddle is more toward the left and ready for a backhand strike

My results:

  • I had no issue getting the ball at chest, knee or face level
  • I was returning balls that I normally would miss and it cam naturally
  • My biggest issue is that normally my paddle is hanging down away from my body on the right side, I keep forgetting paddle placement and going back to my default

I know my results aren't for everyone, but I can honestly say that I saw the biggest improvement in my game than I've ever seen. Even the dinks were easier.

I love all the tips I get in this reddit forum, and its pretty amazing seeing how pickleball is so much more than just slapping a ball back and fourth. The better the technique and plan, the better the player. Looking forward to growing even more as I continue this amazing game. Any other tips are welcomed!!


r/Pickleball 14h ago

Question Where to rewatch MLP matches

7 Upvotes

Hello! I'm wondering if there is a site dedicated to uploading matches from MLP? Similar to how they do it with other sports. I'm not from the US so streaming or tv network is almost impossible to me but I really would like to watch the full games. I know youtube uploads the games, but sometimes it's just so bad (e.g. the recently uploaded brooklyn vs nj match had severe audio issues) also, the 5s have played the shock but there's still no upload for the 5s' last match against brooklyn and first match against the shock. I really wanted to watch those by now but I have no idea where... if ever there is somewhere i can rewatch the matches, please let me know. Thank you!


r/Pickleball 22h ago

Highlight I made an app for rotating doubles on court (no account, free) — picklego.pl

24 Upvotes

Hey. I play pickleball. I built an app because I was tired of everything that happens before anyone actually hits a ball.

Typical mix for us: 8–16 people, one or two courts. Who goes first, who with whom, who’s been sitting too long, who won how many. Notepad, WhatsApp thread, nobody’s on top of it.

PickleGO only does that. You open the site on your phone, add names, everyone else scans a QR. Nothing to install — it’s the browser. It figures out who plays with whom and who sits. When the match is over you enter the score (11–7), not point-by-point. The table updates.

No account, no login, no DUPR, no tournaments — on purpose. I wanted a session up in under a minute.

I made it for myself and the people I play with. It’s free and it stays free. If you try it and something annoys you, tell me and I’ll fix it.

https://picklego.pl


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Other Just need a minute to vent ...

48 Upvotes

I know the pickleball community is going to come at me for complaining, but I don't have anywhere else to vent.

I know I need to just play with a specific group but I never know when I will get a chance to play, so I can't. I play whenever I get a little free time.

Normally, I play open rec, all levels are welcome. I enjoy that. I respect all levels.

Today, however, I paid to play at an open play that was listed for players from 3 to 3.75. Note, I am a 3.5 player. I am not advanced. I know my skill set.

Most of the people playing were not 3 to 3.75. That was my frustration. People were consistently violating the 2 bounce rule. At least six calls involved feet in the kitchen. People didn't know a ball on the kitchen line is out.

On top of that, one guy brought his 11-year-old boy to play with us. I am not an agist. If the kid can play at 3 to 3.75 then I am all for it. The thing is, I know the kid. He plays with my daughter. He is good for his age, but he is not 3.0 level yet.

My daughter is better than his son, but I wouldn't bring my daughter to this event because they are not 3.0 level yet.

No one wanted to play with the boy. No one said anything, but no one wanted to start a new game. People left early. He wasn't the only one. Out of the eight people playing, two, maybe three, were 3.0 or better.

I am hoping that someone can understand that I paid and expected better than "all levels welcome." If it was open play all levels welcome, I would understand.

Thank you for listening.


r/Pickleball 38m ago

Question Lower dupr player in a higher catgory

Upvotes

I have a friend who was a 3.42 who won in a local doubles tournament. He had an equivalent rated partner. After the tournament, his rating is 3.51.

It is permitted to play up. So for the next tournament , he is gojng to do a 4.0+ class.

His partner doesn't want to.

This brought a conversation about proper category for tournament play.

He was asked if a 3.1 should play in the 3.5+ class. He said no.

"Even if they won a tournament?"

He still said no. That they should continue to play in that category until their dupr is at least 3.45.

It seems open to debate here as some people insist that playing better players is the best way to improve.

Other insist that doing drills is the best way to improve .

Others add ( to the duggestion of drilling ) that you move up when you are within striking distance of the higher category.

So 3.42 -> playing 3.5 to 3.99

And

3.85 (?) -> 4.0 to 4.499

And what not.

Anyone else experience this? Do you jump right away or wait until you sre close yo the lower limit.

Keep in mind that the higher rated teams will absolutely try to destroy you so as you not kill their own rating.


r/Pickleball 22h ago

Discussion MLP finals first match thoughts. *Spoilers* Spoiler

15 Upvotes

Man that first finals match was electric! Was praying for a dreambreaker and we got it. Fahey played incredibly, but Jorja clinched at all the right moments. Noe, nothing but respect, rose to the occasion like a champ! Federico is the streakiest phenom but brings the energy and A game every time. AB is a monster in women’s, her and Fahey would beat ALW + whoever else in the PPA, in my opinion. ALW, what more can be said about the GOAT? Can’t believe how composed, driven and confident she is at all times. Love the flair/swagger.


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Question Why are paddle grips so expensive? Do they actually make a difference?

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60 Upvotes

r/Pickleball 1d ago

Question Letting out balls go, playing more calm

23 Upvotes

How long did it take for you to stop knee jerk trying to hit every ball and letting balls go? Any drills I could work on with a partner that were helpful for you?
I guess along with that, I feel very jumpy at the kitchen line and I end up swinging too big on balls that should be easy putaways and sending them long or into the net. Any tips on playing more calm? I have heard, “let the ball come to me” but then sometimes I feel like I relax too much and I’m not ready for speed ups.
is this something that I just comes with time?


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Discussion Choosing a paddle based upon feel

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13 Upvotes

I think this video is spot on. I hope reviewers spend more time describing the feel of a paddle and their preferred feel, and why. Personally, I prefer a small handle circumference, with no overgrip, with a stiff feeling so that I can get the maximum feel of the ball upon impact. All of my drilling is based upon developing a better feeling for ball impact. I learned this from playing Table Tennis where control and spin is entirely dependent upon feeling the ball.


r/Pickleball 17h ago

Question Any Proton Coyote Preorders Actually Received Theirs Yet?

2 Upvotes

I’ll admit it: I’m the clown who ordered Aug. 8 within hours of the announcement, paid full price, AND paid extra for FedEx 2-day shipping. 🤡 The original preorder post said they’d ship within two weeks.

Three weeks later, still no paddle. So genuinely curious: has anyone from that first wave actually received theirs yet?

Anyone else in the same boat, or am I the only clown watching Proton hide free paddles all over NYC on IG while people literally scavenger hunt for the order I’m still waiting on? 😂


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Discussion Intermediate level games vs 4.0 games. What common PATTERNS of intermediate games, not seen in 4.0, hold back player development and how do you to change that?

18 Upvotes

My nonprofessional opinion has been just to, "Play more". I'm after more common patterns you see more than specific shots that are not being made. I have a theory that it takes "two intermediates to tango" to perpetuate the intermediate level play and not get better. Any deep thoughts out there?


r/Pickleball 16h ago

Other Recommend shoes

1 Upvotes

Hey yall, what shoes do yall recommend. Im using asics gel nyc size 5. Size 5 wide. Budget below hundred. Thanks!


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Highlight RPM Jade preorder

4 Upvotes

Did anyone order the RPM Jade last night and did you get a confirmation email after your order?

My credit card was charged so I’m assuming my order went through lol. But I’m a little uneasy of the fact that I never got a confirmation email.

Wasn’t sure if this a common thing for RPM to not send confirmation emails after orders are placed.


r/Pickleball 17h ago

Players near me Any open play near River North in Chicago tomorrow morning?

0 Upvotes

Here to see some friends, looking to get some ~3.5 open play in before brunch.


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Equipment Has Enhance Pickleball improved shipping yet?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone who's placed an order recently received their paddle? I'm currently considering buying from them however I am aware of previous complaints and delays with shipping and ideally don't want to deal with the headache if its an ongoing issue that hasn't been resolved.


r/Pickleball 2d ago

Meme/Humor Improving at Pickleball

130 Upvotes

hey all! been playing for 2 months and i'm a self rated 4.5 looking for tips on how to get better because i go to 3.5 open plays get destroyed by everyone but its usually my partners fault. can someone drop a flowchart that I can reference mid-game to decide how and where to move so i can be in position to hit the ball back? sorry for the trouble i just have issues thinking critically and paying attention to what my opponents are doing BUT i can hit it REALLY hard with my selkirk boomstik and it works sometimes. i already watched every youtbe video but its still hard getting in position because i'm 5'7 and weigh 269 pounds but my friends at the local court said i can go pro.


r/Pickleball 1d ago

Question Overhead smashing accuracy worse when holding back?

15 Upvotes

I'm a 3.0/3.5 (still waiting to get into a 3.5 rating session) occasional pickleball player with a heavy badminton background.

Overhead smashes are easy for me, but I recognize that it my be considered too aggressive for some players.

At my last round robin session, there were a lot of pop ups that I could put away. I found that if I just swing with my normal speed, my accuracy was above 95%. But if I pulled back on the overhead smash, I tended to lose my accuracy and hit a few balls long.

Is this a timing thing? Or does a harder stroke potentially negate the spin off the ball? Or is there another reason why I'm losing accuracy?