Are You Pulling the Trigger Too Early?

The discipline most players skip, plus what’s changed at tournaments this year.

Author

Empower Pickleball
February 19, 2026

Up north, we’re calling this stretch of sunshine “false spring.”

I got a few outdoor games in this week and was peeling layers off by the second game. Courts were still damp, but the sun did just enough to make it playable. Of course, it drops back into the low 30s next week. The emotional whiplash is unreal.

I’m getting lucky, though—heading somewhere tropical for a quick trip with the in-laws. There are courts at the resort, which means a singles match with my father-in-law feels inevitable. Good thing I packed my paddle.

If you’re navigating false spring or plotting a quiet win of your own against family, this week’s reads will help you play smarter whenever you land.

TIPS & TRICKS

Constructing the Point: How to Know Exactly When to Pull the Trigger

Pickleball is getting faster. Harder. More aggressive. But speed without discipline turns into chaos.

Gina Cilento breaks down what most players miss: power only works when you’ve earned it. High-level play comes down to constructing the rally—understanding when to soften, when to reset, and when a true “green light” ball gives you permission to attack.

Too many players try to turn yellow or red-light balls into green ones. That impatience leads to short points and unforced errors. The soft game stretches opponents, forces them to hit up, and creates the ball you’ve been waiting for. That’s where power actually pays off.

💡 Why It Matters: Because without construction, power is reckless—and reckless doesn’t win long-term.

👉 Learn how to recognize your green-light ball and build points with intention.

EDUCATION

Your First Tournament in 2026? Here Is the New Reality of Competitive Play

If you’re playing in your first major tournament this year, pause for a second.

Modern pickleball tournaments now include:

  • Round robin pool play feeding into playoffs

  • Scores recorded directly into DUPR

  • Games to 15 that compress momentum

  • Double elimination at higher levels

  • Long wait times between matches

  • Shared venues with pros and large crowds

You might play three matches quickly… then sit for two hours. Days run long. Energy management matters as much as shot selection.

Preparation now goes beyond drills. Managing expectations and pacing is part of competing.

💡 Why It Matters: Because walking in prepared for the structure and rhythm changes how you handle the entire day.

👉 Read what’s changed, what to bring, and how to adjust mentally before your first event.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Pickleball in Uganda: How Regina Nakibuule Is Building Community in Kampala

On many afternoons in Kampala, players arrive before the net is fully set up. Paddles are shared. Kids watch carefully before stepping in. Nobody is in a rush—they know someone will organize it.

That someone is Regina Nakibuule.

A former national table tennis player for Uganda, Regina has become one of the leading forces behind pickleball’s growth in her country. She teaches beginners, pairs players, shares limited equipment, and makes sure no one leaves without getting on the court. Recently, the community reached a milestone with the construction of its first dedicated tarmacked pickleball court—a small but meaningful step toward stability.

Her work now extends beyond Kampala. As Director of Sports Development for the Confederation of African Pickleball, she’s helping guide youth programs and league development across multiple countries.

💡 Why It Matters: Because pickleball grows through people willing to build consistency and belonging, not through facilities.

  • KidsMatter Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Simultaneous Pickleball Lesson 🏅 A Naperville, IL, nonprofit brought together hundreds of students for a coordinated 30-minute lesson, nearly doubling the previous record. The event combined pickleball instruction with a focus on youth wellness and mental health.

  • MLP Announces Major Changes Ahead of 2026 Season 🏆 Major League Pickleball will operate as a 20-team league next season after mergers and two teams sitting out. The league is also dropping its tiered division system ahead of the February 27 draft.

  • Typti Launches as a Quieter Alternative to Pickleball 🔇 A new racket sport played on pickleball courts is marketing itself as a low-noise option, using a larger foam ball and modified rules. Backed by high-profile investors, it’s positioning itself as beginner-friendly and facility-ready.

Your Simplest Win of the Day

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Contrast Therapy Is the New Court Recovery Obsession

We talk a lot about recovery. If I want to keep showing up strong, I have to treat my body like it matters.

I finally tried contrast therapy at SweatHouz—alternating infrared sauna and cold plunge in a private suite—and immediately understood the hype. The circulation boost, reduced inflammation, muscle recovery, and mental reset alone make it worth it. Add in the vitamin C shower between rounds and it turns into a full-body reset.

Let’s just say I didn’t leave without signing up for a membership.

👉 If you’re serious about recovery, this might be your next move.

Interested in having your event listed? Reach out to us and let’s chat!