Pickleball is a workout. We all know that. Give me a few hours of open play and my Fitbit starts buzzing. The game asks a lot of our legs, our balance and our reactions, and that’s one more reason I love it.
So, here’s the problem. Pickleball uses that quick first step, that balance and whatever we have left from the last time we played. It doesn’t build much of that. That part we have to do ourselves, off the court.
HOW WE GET HURT
Somebody counted ten years of emergency room visits for pickleball injuries, and more than 85% of the injured players were 60 or older. No surprise there. But look at how we get hurt, here in Sarasota like everywhere else. Nearly 2 out of 3 of those visits came from slips, trips, falls and dives. The younger crowd pulls something lunging for the ball. We’re the ones more likely to break something on the way down. In the most recent count, all ages in, fractures made up about a third of the diagnoses.
Yikes! Nobody in those numbers got hurt just for being 65. The chart says slip, trip, fall or dive, and the way I read that, a foot got there a half step late or a leg couldn’t stop, and down they went. A fall can change your life in seconds. I said that back in August. But catching yourself is a skill, and skills can be drilled.
BUILD THE QUICK KIND OF STRENGTH
Strength and quick strength are two different things, and the quick kind goes faster. A study of 100 healthy people between 65 and 89 found that plain strength ran about 1 to 2% lower for every year of age across that range. Leg power, the quick kind, ran closer to 3.5% lower a year, and the gap between the two was clear in the men, less so in the women.
On the court, that quick strength is the first step up to the kitchen and the hard stop once you get there. It’s also the turn and go when a lob sails over your head.
So, what’s the plan? The exercises in my leg strength post (squats, lunges, step-ups, resistance bands) are still the right ones. The change I’d suggest, once the regular version feels easy, is a little speed on the way up. Stand up from the squat like the ball is already on its way, as fast as you can control. Then come back down slowly. Two days a week, 20 minutes, on days you don’t play. A big review of strength training in older people found that most programs ran two to three times a week and had people working hard. That made a big difference in strength and a solid one in getting out of a chair.
Balance needs practice just like your pickleball serve does. Standing on one foot by the kitchen sink at home is a start. What saves you on the court is one fast step that catches you.
Studies have looked at exactly that. Seven of them put people 60 and up through stepping practice. Sometimes on cue, sometimes to catch themselves after a nudge. Those people cut their falls roughly in half. In the studies that measured it, reaction time and balance got better. Strength didn’t budge, so stepping is its own skill. Another review, a huge one with more than 23,000 people, found that balance and functional exercise cut falls by about a quarter. Balance plus strength together probably cuts them by about a third.
What catches you out there? One good step. So here’s a simple court drill, no ball required. Start at the kitchen line with a partner right in front of you. They call out left, right or back (for back, turn and step, never run backwards). You take one fast step that way and get back to your ready position. Ten calls each, then switch. At home, stand next to the kitchen counter, let yourself tip forward just a little, on purpose, and catch yourself with one step. Then do the same to each side a few times. Keep a hand close to the counter every time. And if you’ve had a fall this year, have a physical therapist watch you do this one first. Do it for two minutes while you warm up, before you start dinking.
RESPECT THE DAY AFTER
In June I wrote that recovery takes longer as we get older. Turns out it’s more complicated than that. One look at 36 studies compared older and younger people after the same hard exercise. Muscle function came back no slower in the older group at 24 and 72 hours. The younger group was actually more sore.
So, our muscles come back no slower than the 30-year-olds’ on the next court. The difference is what we do in between. Play a game then sit out two. Don’t play every day. Give yourself one real rest day a week, and walking counts. Walking was number one on my list back in August anyway.
And please get your sleep. One study followed nearly 3,000 women, all 70 or older and most of them in their 80s, for a year. Compare the ones getting 7 to 8 hours with the ones sleeping 5 hours or less a night. The short sleepers had about one and a half times the odds of falling twice or more that year. Perhaps sleep is balance training too. If you want more on recovery and sleep, the sleep and recovery overview on the huuman blog has plenty.
WHAT I’D ADD TO YOUR WEEK
Play 3 days a week and sit out a game now and then.
Do your 2 strength days, 20 minutes each, up fast and down slow, not on court days.
Do 2 minutes of step-and-catch before you dink.
Take one full rest day. Walking is allowed.
Sleep 7 to 8 hours, more after a tournament.
And if anything creaks for more than a few days, see a medical professional instead of playing through it. I know, I know. (I once played on a broken toe. Do as I say…not as I did.)
Ray is 93 and still playing. None of us is promised that. But two short strength days, two minutes of stepping and a good night’s sleep are things we can start this week, and I’d say that’s not much to ask for many more mornings out on the court.
When I first picked up a pickleball paddle, I thought I was signing up for exercise. Like many people, I wanted to stay active, keep moving, and maybe lose a few pounds. What I didn’t realize was that pickleball would teach me some valuable lessons about getting older.
One of the biggest surprises was learning that age doesn’t have to define what you can do. Society often sends the message that after a certain age, you should slow down, sit back, and watch life happen from the sidelines. Then I stepped onto a pickleball court and saw people in their seventies, eighties, and even nineties running, laughing, competing, and enjoying life. It completely changed my perspective on aging.
Pickleball also taught me that staying young has less to do with your birth certificate and more to do with your attitude. I have met players who are eighty years old and act forty, and I’ve met people who are fifty and have already given up on trying new things. The players who seem happiest are the ones who continue to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and stay curious.
Another lesson was the importance of friendship. As we get older, making new friends can become surprisingly difficult. People retire, move away, or become busy with family obligations. Yet pickleball has a way of bringing people together. Some of my closest friendships started with a simple question: “Need a partner?” The court creates connections that often extend far beyond the game itself.
Perhaps the most important lesson pickleball taught me is that purpose matters. Many people struggle after retirement because they lose the routine and social interaction that work once provided. Pickleball gives people a reason to get up in the morning. It provides goals, friendships, laughter, and a sense of belonging. That is powerful at any age.
Of course, getting older still comes with its challenges. The knees may ache a little more. Recovery takes longer. Sometimes the mind knows exactly what to do, but the body doesn’t quite cooperate. Yet pickleball reminds me that perfection isn’t the goal. Participation is. Showing up, having fun, and staying engaged in life are victories in themselves.
What pickleball ultimately taught me is that getting older doesn’t mean the adventure is over. In many ways, it’s just beginning. As long as there is a paddle in my hand, friends on the court, and another game to play, I have something to look forward to tomorrow.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is one of the body’s most important hormones when it comes to health, energy, recovery, and aging. Produced by the pituitary gland, HGH plays a major role in muscle growth, fat metabolism, bone density, and cellular repair. When people talk about “feeling young,” a lot of that vitality is connected to healthy levels of growth hormone circulating through the body.
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As we age, HGH naturally declines. By the time someone reaches their 40s or 50s, levels can be significantly lower than they were in youth. This decline is associated with reduced muscle mass, slower recovery from exercise, increased body fat, and lower energy levels. While some people explore medical treatments, many scientists agree that lifestyle habits can significantly influence natural HGH production.
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This is where pickleball enters the picture.
Pickleball may look like a simple recreational sport, but it actually contains many of the elements known to stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormone. Short bursts of activity, quick movements, and interval-style exertion are all triggers for HGH release.
During a typical pickleball game, players sprint for a shot, recover quickly, reset, and then repeat. These bursts of effort resemble a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which research has shown to stimulate growth hormone release. When your body experiences short, intense bouts of activity followed by recovery periods, the pituitary gland responds by increasing HGH output to help repair tissues and support muscle recovery.
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Another important factor is muscle engagement. Pickleball uses multiple muscle groups at the same time: legs for movement, core for balance, shoulders and arms for paddle control. This full-body involvement signals the body to repair and strengthen muscle fibers after play. Growth hormone plays a key role in that repair process.
Sleep is also deeply connected to HGH production, and regular physical activity like pickleball helps improve sleep quality. The largest release of growth hormone occurs during deep sleep. Players who exercise during the day often fall asleep faster and experience deeper rest, which in turn promotes higher nighttime HGH release.
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There is also a social component that indirectly supports hormone health. Pickleball is one of the most social sports in the world. Laughter, friendly competition, and connection with other players reduce stress hormones like cortisol. High levels of cortisol can suppress growth hormone production. When players are relaxed, engaged, and having fun, the body maintains a more balanced hormonal environment.
For players looking to maximize the HGH benefits from pickleball, a few simple habits can help.
Play with intensity during rallies. Move your feet, chase balls, and avoid standing flat-footed between shots.
Play regularly. Three to five sessions per week provides consistent stimulation for the body.
Strength train a couple times a week. Adding light resistance training supports the same muscle repair systems that rely on growth hormone.
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Prioritize sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep so the body can perform its nightly hormone release.
Finally, avoid excessive sugar and highly processed foods, which can interfere with hormone balance.
The beauty of pickleball is that it doesn’t feel like a workout. People show up to play, laugh with friends, compete a little, and enjoy being outside. Yet beneath the surface, the body is engaging powerful biological systems that promote strength, recovery, and long-term health.
In other words, every time you step onto the pickleball court, you may be doing more than just playing a game. You are giving your body one of the natural signals it needs to stay strong, resilient, and youthful.
Thanks for reading. Share your thoughts.
I love pickleball! Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
So you’re going to the US Pickleball Open. Here’s what you should know.
By Pickleball Terry
If you’re heading to Naples, Florida this April, congratulations—you’ve scored a seat at the most electric event in the sport. The 2026 Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships (April 11–18) isn’t just a tournament; it’s a milestone. This year marks a decade of dinks, and the 10th-anniversary celebration promises to be the biggest yet.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned “Naples Veteran,” here is the ultimate guide to navigating the 2026 Open.
1. The Basics: When and Where
Dates: April 11 – April 18, 2026.
Location: East Naples Community Park (The USOP National Pickleball Center). 3500 Thomasson Dr, Naples, FL 34112
The Vibe: Expect over 3,000 athletes and 50,000+ fans. It’s high-energy, high-humidity, and purely addictive.
2. Tickets: The “Free” Secret
Most people think they need a ticket just to enter. You don’t. * Grounds Access is FREE: You can wander the expo, enjoy the food trucks, and watch pro and amateur matches on 59 of the 60 courts without paying a dime.
Championship Court: Tickets are only required for the Zing Zang Championship Court. These are usually handled via a lottery months in advance, but check the on-site ticket booth early in the morning for any last-minute “no-show” re-sales ($5 surcharge usually applies).
3. Survival Logistics: Parking & Heat
Naples in April is beautiful, but it can be brutal. Good news is that this is in early April so you might luck out and have lower temperatures. I have played in two Opens and did not have a problem with the heat or humidity. I live in Sarasota so I have acclimated to playing in Florida weather. Players that come down from the north are usually blown away by the humidity. I have seen people hanging out in the air conditioned bathrooms just for a break. I recommend bringing a sun umbrella for shade, and a cooler full of ice and water. Ice will hydrate you and the ice will cool you off. I will take a scarf and soak it in the ice water, wring it out and wear around my neck. Instant cooling.
Parking is Cashless: It costs $10/day or $60 for a weekly pass. Park at the onsite lot or the Sugden Park overflow lot. Don’t stress the walk; there are complimentary shuttles. No cash this year. Bring your credit card.
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Hydration is Non-Negotiable: The “Naples Humidifier” is real. Bring a refillable water bottle (glass isn’t allowed). The grounds have hydration stations and “mister” tents—use them before you think you need them. There is a couple of places to find relief from the sun. Inside the big tent where they have the T-shirts and paddles for sale.
The “Pro” Kit: Pack extra socks and shirts. By noon, you’ll likely want a fresh change. I see lots of changes during the day. Swamp feet is real.
4. What to Bring
Bring: A portable chair (bleachers fill up fast), a hat/umbrella for personal shade, and a credit card (the event is largely cashless).
Leave: Your glass bottles and outside alcohol. Also, while dogs are welcome on leashes in the park, they aren’t allowed inside the Championship Court area.
5. Pro-Tip: The Schedule Highlights
If you only have a few days, here’s how to prioritize and just want to be a spectator:
The First Weekend (April 11-12): Focuses on the Junior Championships and pro clinics. It’s great for families.
Friday, April 17: This is “Semifinal Friday.” The intensity is off the charts as pros battle for a spot in the finals.
Championship Saturday, April 18: The grand finale. This is where legends are made on the Zing Zang court.
6. Enjoy the “Party”
Between matches, head over to the Lightstrike Patio. There’s live music every afternoon, great food, and the “Expo Tent” is the best place on earth to test-drive new paddles or snag 10th-anniversary limited edition gear.
For a player, the “check-in” process at the US Open has evolved significantly for the 10th Anniversary in 2026. Gone are the days of standing in long lines every single morning.
The Athlete’s Guide: Nailing the Check-In
If you’re competing, your morning routine is the difference between a focused gold-medal run and a frantic, stressful start. Here is how to handle the “digital-first” check-in process for 2026.
Pick up early: Head to the Athlete Check-In Desk at the USOP National Pickleball Center as soon as you arrive in Naples (even if it’s the day before your event). Buy T-shirts and hats as souvenirs because they well out early.
The Swag Bag: This is where you’ll grab your official 10th-anniversary player shirt and gear. Doing this a day early saves you from carrying a heavy bag around right before your first match.
1. The “Auto Check-In” Revolution
For the 10th anniversary, the US Open has moved to automatic check-in through the Pickleball Den software.
No Daily Desk Visit: You no longer need to visit the physical check-in desk every morning to tell them you’re there.
How it works: As long as you are registered and paid, the system assumes you are ready to play. You just need to be physically present at the park and watching your phone.
2. The Physical Logistics (Credentials & Swag)
While daily check-in is digital, you still need your physical “Athlete Credential” to access player-only areas.
3. Mastering the “Den”
Pickleball Den is your lifeline. Make sure you have the following set up 48 hours before your first serve:
Text Alerts: Double-check that your cell number is correct in your profile. You will receive a text the moment your bracket starts and another when you have a Court Assignment. Once you get texted you have 10 minutes to get to your assigned court. There you warm up until the referee tells you to start. He/she gives you the basics, has one of the players pick a number 1 or 2, and the winner picks if they are going to serve first or the other team is going to serve first, OR, the pick a side they want to play on to start. If you have sun in your eyes, I recommend starting on the side with the sun at your back and try to get as many points as you can before you switch at six. You do get two times out. This year you MUST say TIME OUT before you leave the court. Players used to walk off before the opponents knew what was happening. Oh, and don’t expect to have your court near the last one you played in. Hours later, you will be notified to play in a court that is way on the other side of the property.
The “En-Court” Button: Once your match is called, you’ll use the “En-Court Now” button in the app. This is how you see your opponents’ details and the specific court number.
4. The Paddle “Trap”
Don’t let a “failed” check-in happen at the court.
Approved List Only: For 2026, the US Open is strictly enforcing the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List.
The Pro Tip: Referees may ask you to show a screenshot of your paddle on the approved list if it’s a newer or rare model. Have that screenshot ready in a “Pickleball” photo album on your phone to avoid a delay (or a forfeit).
5. Warm-Up Strategy
With 60 courts, you’d think there’s plenty of room, but warm-up space is a premium. It stinks because I like to play a few warm-up games before I play. Warning! There is a lot of down time meaning sitting on your butt waiting for your next game. This gives you time to walk around, watch your friends play, or shop in the tent. Food is available in a couple of food trucks and there is barbecue chicken for sale in the tent, too.
The “Plexi” Courts: Most matches are played on the permanent asphalt/plexicushion courts. If you can, arrive 90 minutes early to snag a few dinks on the peripheral courts before they are locked down for tournament play. Good luck getting one.
Check the Monitor: There are giant LED “Flight Boards” near the vendor village showing live match progress. If you see your bracket is “On Deck,” stop what you’re doing and head toward your court cluster.
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Tournament days in Naples are marathons, not sprints. If you forget these, you aren’t just uncomfortable—you’re at a competitive disadvantage.
1. The Gear Essentials
Primary & Backup Paddle: Both must be on the USA Pickleball Approved list.
2026 Rule Alert: Referees are performing more “spot checks.” If your primary paddle face delaminates or the grit wears down, you need a legal backup ready to go instantly.
Sunglasses. Oh my goodness, yes! Good ones with UAV protection.
WARNING! The “Visible Ball” Rule Fix: Under the new 2026 Rules (Rule 4.2), carrying a second ball in your pocket is a fault if it is visible to your opponent. If you like to keep a spare, ensure your pockets are deep enough to hide it completely, or leave it at the fence.
2. The Naples “Anti-Humidity” Kit
4–5 Pairs of Performance Socks: The humidity makes your feet sweat faster than you’d believe. Changing your socks between every match prevents “trench foot” and keeps your movement sharp.
Towel or Extra Grips: In the Florida heat, your handle will become a slip-and-slide. Bring a towel or two to wipe off the sweat. An extra grip in case you need one.
Cooling Towel: Keep one in your cooler on ice. Drape it over your neck during changeovers to instantly drop your core temperature.
Electrolyte Heavy-Hitters: Water isn’t enough. Bring salt tabs, liquid IV, or magnesium supplements. Start “pre-hydrating” 24 hours before your first match. Continue to hydrate all day long. There are places to fill up your water bottles around the courts. I have seen an ambulance take a couple of people away because they became over heated. Take care to actively keep yourself cool with ice and drink your water or juices.
“Quick-Burn” Snacks: Bananas, dates, or energy chews. Avoid heavy proteins right before play; your body needs its blood flow in your legs, not your stomach.
Mustard Packets or Pickle Juice: The “Naples Legacy” item. If you feel a cramp coming on, these are the emergency “shut-off” switches for your muscles.
Sunscreen (The “Face Stick” kind): Creamy sunscreens on your forehead will run into your eyes the moment you start sweating. Use a wax-based “stick” for your face and brow, or don’t apply to your forehead. Sunscreen on legs and arms is important also.
4. The “Mental Game” Misc
Portable Power Bank: Since match calls come via text in 2026, a dead phone = a forfeited match. Keep your lifeline charged.
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And sometimes there is rain. Be prepared to have games delayed and even postponed for another day. I know people who took the day off from work to play in the Open but when there division was postponed to the next day, they had to go back to work and couldn’t play. Nor did they get their money refunded. These things will happen.
I live in Sarasota and did stay in Naples to play. It was a blast staying at a motel with other pickleball players. Do I recommend playing in the US Open? Absolutely! What a great experience.
If you want to have another wonderful experience where you play pickleball everyday and go on adventures, then check out my next pickleball trip to Costa Rica this December 14-21, 2026. This my second time leading pickleball lovers to an amazing pickleball resort in beautiful Costa Rica. Go to Pickleballandcostarica.com. Or email me at pickleballterry@sarasotapickleball.com.
Rebuttal: Pickleball Is Not a Drug—It’s a Lifelong Passion With Balance
Headline from the New York Post:
Doctors warned that “pickleball is a drug” as injuries rise among fervent players getting triangle fractures, wearing designer heels—even matching paddle and shoes. New York Post
Here’s how I would reframe this, not dismissing the concerns, but celebrating why that enthusiasm is a gift, and how balancing passion, safety, and joy makes it sustainable. By Pickleball Terry
Passion Isn’t Addiction, it’s Community
What’s being misconstrued: Doctors compare pickleball to “a drug” for the intensity it inspires. Some players are calling it an obsession, prioritizing paddle color over proper gear. New York Post
Rebuttal: Pickleball’s explosive growth—19.8 million Americans played in 2024, up 311% since 2021 New York PostWikipedia+1—shows it offers community, fitness, and fun, especially for those seeking meaningful connections after retirement.
Local angle (Sarasota): Players I know come for the rallies but stay for the post-game friendships and casual chats. It’s a joy that, done responsibly, brings health and happiness and not harm.
Injuries Are Real But Preventable—Like Any Sport
What the article notes: A spike in injuries like ruptures, torn menisci, and wrist fractures, has orthopedic doctors urging warm-ups, cooldowns, and correct footwear. New York Post
Rebuttal: That doesn’t mean the sport is harmful, it means precaution is essential. Like tennis, biking, or golf, pickleball is a fast-paced activity demanding preparation.
What we preach: At Sarasota courts, local coaches are teaching pre-game stretches, proper shoe choice, and knee-strength drills. I know that Coach Julie Stewart and I always start off with warmups. Safe training is sustained playing. Check with Dr. Frank, the Pickleball PT, and he will show you the proper way to warm up. Click Here
Style Can Still Be Smart
Point of tension: The article ridicules players who match paddle colors to shoes—even a patient who wore designer heels to her doctor appointment. New York Post
Rebuttal: Love and pride in your gear isn’t vanity. It’s just showing style. Gear can match identity, but balance means pairing style with stability. No more designer heels mid-rehab; just bright sneakers that support every dink and drive.
Positive angle to uplift: Across the country and beyond, pickleball is making a difference in tough places. In California prisons, pickleball has become a rehabilitative lifeline, improving mental health, connection, and reducing disciplinary incidents. SFGATE
“Enthusiasm isn’t addiction. Pickleball becomes a problem only when it’s done without balance, care, or community. Injuries ease with warm-up.”
Pickleball Terry
Note: SarasotaPickleball.com was rewarded this honor. https://bloggers.feedspot.com/pickleball_blogs/How to Play Aggressive Pickleball (Without Losing Control)If you want to win more pickleball matches, sometimes the best defense is a great offense. Playing aggressively on the court can help you take control, apply pressure, and dominate — but it needs to be smart and strategic.Here’s how to bring aggressive play into your pickleball game without becoming reckless.
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🔥 What Is Aggressive Pickleball?
Aggressive pickleball isn’t just about hitting the ball hard. It’s about:
Taking control of the net
Applying pressure on weak shots
Attacking at the right moments
Moving with purpose and confidence
Finishing points decisively
Aggression is about mindset as much as mechanics.
✅ Benefits of Playing Aggressively
1. Forces Opponent Errors
When you play fast and aggressively, your opponents have less time to react — leading to more unforced errors.
2. You Control the Tempo
Aggressive players dictate how rallies unfold. You’re playing offense, not defense.
Mastering the Third Shot Drop in Pickleball: What It Is, How to Do It, and Why It Matters by Pickleball Terry
If you’re looking to level up your pickleball game, one shot you must understand and practice is the third shot drop. It’s a staple of smart, strategic play—especially in doubles—and often separates casual players from those with a more competitive edge.
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What is the Third Shot Drop?
The third shot drop is exactly what it sounds like: a soft, arcing shot played on the third shot of a rally. Here’s the typical sequence: (Remember: The serving team does the Third Shot Drop.)
Serve (1st shot)
Return of serve (2nd shot)
Third shot drop
After you serve and your opponent returns the ball, you (or your partner) play the third shot. The goal is to gently drop the ball over the net into the opposing team’s non-volley zone (also called the “kitchen”), where it ideally lands softly and is difficult to attack. Sounds easy but it’s not. It’s much easier to drive the ball than to execute a Third Shot Drop. A little too high and you have just given your opponents an easy put-away. Or too soft and whoops! It lands on your side of the net. Plus it takes more brain energy to remember to use this shot successfully. Yes, it’s much easier to just slam the ball back and hope for the best. As you improve and play more advanced players, the Third Shot Drop becomes strategic to the game. You will not be able to drive a ball through advanced players who are stationed at the NVZ (non-volley zone). If you want to move up, it’s going to take more effort in the form of perfecting Third Shot Drop.
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I tell my students that they have to practice the shot a thousand times ( A little dramatic but practice, practice, practice.) before they try to bring it to their game. If they don’t, too many errors and they have a better chance of a drive. But if they want to move up in level, they have to know this shot and be able to execute it.
Why is It So Important?
Pickleball is a game of positioning, and the most advantageous position is at the non-volley zone (NVZ). After serving, however, the serving team is at a disadvantage because they must stay back for the return. A well-executed third-shot drop allows the serving team time to advance to the NVZ safely.
If instead, you drive the ball hard on the third shot, it often results in an easy volley or put-away for your opponents. The drop shot neutralizes the return team’s advantage, forcing them to play a soft shot from below net level, giving you time to move up.
Grip and Stance: Use a continental grip for better touch. Stay low with knees bent, paddle out front, and eyes on the ball.
Contact Point: Hit the ball after it bounces, ideally when it’s on the rise. Make contact in front of your body.
Soft Touch: Think of it like tossing an egg—you want to cradle the ball with a gentle lift, not a swat. The paddle motion is more of a slow upward arc.
Target Area: Aim to land the ball just over the net and into the kitchen. It should bounce low, making it hard for your opponents to attack.
Consistency: This shot takes time to master. Focus on control, not power. Drilling this repeatedly is key.
While the third shot drop is most common after a return of serve, you can also use drop shots later in the rally when you’re pushed to the baseline. It’s especially effective against aggressive players who hug the net and are looking for opportunities to smash.
Final Thoughts
The third shot drop isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamental. By giving your team time to move up and take control of the net, you turn defense into offense. It requires patience, finesse, and practice—but once mastered, it becomes a game-changer.
So the next time you step on the court, don’t just drive the ball—drop it with intention. Your future self (and your partner) will thank you.
Thank you for reading,
Pickleball Terry
SarasotaPickleball.com
10 Ways to Be the Pickleball Partner Everyone Wants
Let’s face it—pickleball is 50% skill, 50% strategy, and 100% about not driving your partner crazy. Here are ten essential ways to be a great partner:
1. Call Your Shots… Nicely
It’s a dink, not a boxing match. Instead of yelling, “I GOT IT!” like you’re trying to scare a bear, use a calm, confident tone. Also goes for “OUT!” (Yes, you can still call a ball OUT before it actually bounces out of bounds. It’s partner’s communication.)
2. Don’t Be a Court Hog
Nobody likes a partner who plays like it’s singles. If you’re sprinting across the court to steal every shot, you’re not impressing anyone. Instead, you’re just auditioning for the next season of Alone. Who wants to play with a court hog in rec play? Or somebody who acts like it’s a life and death situation if they don’t win the game. Don’t be that person. Let your partner play too even if they are way below everyone’s level on the court. EVEN if the opponents know your team’s weakest player and keep hitting to them. It’s rec play. Period!
Missed a shot? No problem. Apologize once and move on. If you keep saying “Sorry!” after every bad hit, your partner might start wondering if they’re playing with someone on a guilt trip. And there is this saying, “There’s no sorry in pickleball.” And this one, “Pickleball means never having to say you’re sorry.” (Okay, I’ll stop now.)
4. Be the Hype Person
Cheer them on like they just hit a winner at Wimbledon, even if the ball barely cleared the net. A good “Nice shot!” can erase a whole morning of double faults. And, hey, who doesn’t love a morale boost? Leave them with a positive experience, and wanting more. Don’t forget paddle taps between shots. Bad or good. Checking with your partner for the correct score. Smiling. No eye rolling. Giving them the silent treatment. Oh my goodness! Stop being the negative Nelly on the court. It’s just pickleball!
If you’re caught camping in the kitchen, don’t argue the call or pretend you don’t know the rule. Your partner is judging you in silence while pretending it’s fine. It’s not fine. Remember the score. Keep your head in the game. Run for a loose ball. Don’t let your partner run for everyone. Know where you are supposed to stand. Be on your toes. Don’t know all these points? Take one of Pickleball Terry’s clinics. I’ll set you straight.
Shouting “YOURS!” doesn’t cut it if both of you are already staring at the ball like it’s a UFO. Try something clearer, like, “I’ll cover the lob, and switch!” Communication saves points and friendships. I also talk to my partner about who takes the middle (forehand) before we start the game. If the person is a lefty, are we going to stack? Plus, talk tips about the opponents. Something like Jenny never comes up to the kitchen, etc. Talking behind your paddles to each other also makes the opponents nervous. 7. Keep the Critiques to Yourself
Unless your partner specifically asks for advice, resist the urge to channel your inner coach. Nobody wants to hear, “You know, you should try slicing your backhand more.” Instead, focus on slicing your attitude. Unsolicited advice is not always welcomed. Here’s an email I received the other day:
My 3 grandsons and myself had the unfortunate experience of encountering “Chuck” at %&(*!@ Park, who claimed to be 80 years old & proceeded to butt into our private games uninvited, to give us a lesson. He was not a teaching pro nor did he have useful advice to offer.
He did not leave. We left & reported him to the office at the community center. He wanted to argue about everything, from outdoor balls vs. indoor balls, paddles, rules, etc. Is he a known persona non grata?
Pickleball is a game of finesse, so don’t roll up looking like you just rolled out of bed. You also don’t have to have matching visors and coordinated outfits? Invest in good court shoes and decent shorts. Bring a towel if you sweat a lot.
9. Ignore the Chaos
A guy yelled at your partner because your ball rolled on his court. You body-bagged a player by accident and they told you off. Some macho player keeps slamming the ball at your partner who happens to be 80 years old. Ignore! Don’t get pulled into their drama. Don’t engage. Just ignore, or if you have to, walk away. Do not embarrass your partner by getting in to a war of words. Take the high road.
Be the partner who shows up with extra protein bar and water, and you’ll achieve legend status. Granola bars, orange slices, maybe even a little pickle (because, you know… pickleball). Water, I always bring an extra water for someone who needs it. Need a ball? I’ll have one. Forget your paddle? I usually have five. Want to move my paddle down so your friend can play with you? No problem.
In Conclusion:
Being a great pickleball partner isn’t about having the fastest serves or the deepest volleys. It’s about teamwork, positivity, and not hogging the court like it’s a one-person show. So next time you hit the court, remember these tips and, above all, have fun. Be the sunshine on the courts!
Thanks for reading,
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