Still charging the net too early?

Before the rain hit, we got in a few games—and now we’ve got stories, travel dreams, and a little reminder about eye protection.

Author

Empower Pickleball
April 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Snuck in a few games this weekend just before the April showers hit—and honestly, the timing couldn't have been better. The courts were full, the vibes were solid, and yes, I may have gotten a little too competitive with someone twice my age. No regrets.

And now it’s April, which means two things: unpredictable weather and National Pickleball Month. Around here, we’re treating it like a full-blown holiday. We’ve got some extra stories coming your way all month long—including a special edition travel guide for those of you already planning your next pickleball escape.

TIPS & TRICKS

Where You At? (Hopefully Not Out of Position)

Getting to the right spot is one thing—knowing when and why to be there is another. This guide breaks down court positioning from the first serve to the fifth shot, with tips that’ll help you anticipate like a pro and stop getting caught out of position. If your footwork feels more chaotic than controlled, this one’s worth a read.


💡 Why It Matters: Smart positioning means less scrambling and more confidence. Nail your footwork, and everything else starts falling into place.

TRAVEL

Pickleball, Pool Floats & Paradise

If your ideal vacation includes eight king beds, golden hour swims, and courts voted #3 in the world, The Kanini Estate might be your next getaway. Nestled along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, this private villa brings the vibes—with a side of resort-style amenities, panoramic views, and exclusive access to Mauna Lani’s top-tier pickleball club.


💡 Why It Matters: This isn’t just a vacation rental—it’s a dream trip for pickleball lovers who want to play hard and relax harder. Bonus: Empower readers get something special. 👀

COMMUNITY

One Bus, Four Borders & a Whole Lot of Heart

With no national funding and only $2,000 raised by selling land, the Sierra Leone Pickleball team traveled across four countries to compete in Ghana’s All African Games. They faced everything from missed connections to overnight stays without food—but they made it. And they played. This story isn’t about medals—it’s about community, sacrifice, and what it truly means to grow the game.


💡 Why It Matters: It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to have easy access to courts and gear. This is a powerful reminder of how far people will go—literally—for the love of the game.

  • Close Call on the Court 😬 Actress Bhagyashree was injured while playing pickleball & needed 13 stitches just above her eye. She’s recovering well, but if you needed another reason to consider protective eyewear, here it is.

  • More Players, More Injuries 📈 Pickleball-related injuries are on the rise, especially in Canada, where 1.54 million people are now playing. Experts say more players mean more sprains, strains, and even surgeries.

  • Nudists, Billionaires & a Whole Lot of Pickleball 💰 Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story drops April 11 on truTV and Max. The doc dives into the sport’s wild rise—think billionaires, rival leagues, and… senior citizen nudists? We’re in.

For Players Who Can’t Get Enough Court Time

If you're the type who plays ‘just one more game’ five times in a row, VKTRY insoles might be your new obsession. Designed with aerospace-grade carbon fiber (seriously), these shock-absorbing, energy-returning insoles help you stay on the court longer, with less strain on your joints.

Get 20% off your first pair by clicking here.

Pickletini x Aerie Collection

When I first heard Pickletini, I pictured a drink with a salty rim—and honestly, I’m still into that idea. But this collab between Aerie and the apparel brand Pickletini is equally refreshing. The 39-piece collection has some seriously good stuff, but I’m especially eyeing the crochet sets and skorts. They’re cute, comfy, and basically made for post-match hangs—or, let’s be honest, just walking around feeling sporty. Will I pretend I’m playing pickleball while just wearing this to brunch? Absolutely.

What's your go-to backup plan when the weather cancels your pickleball planbs?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Got a weather-proof pickleball routine (or just a funny coping mechanism? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram — we’ll take all the inspo we can get.