Summer tournament season is here—and whether it’s your first or fifteenth, a little prep goes a long way.

From intentional drilling to mental preparedness & gear must-haves, we’ve got your full guide to showing up ready. Find it below.

🏆 Prepping for Summer Tourneys

Signed up for a tournament but feeling underprepared? A few focused adjustments can turn those nerves into confidence.

Drills That Matter:

• 🎯 Third shots + dinking: Combine short-court drills to control tempo.

• 💥 Serve + return under pressure: Aim for deep placement using towel targets.

• 🚶‍♂️ Transition zone footwork: Practice moving through the middle with control—doubles matches are won (and lost) here.

Train Smart, Not Hard:

• 🧠 Core + shoulders: Planks and resistance bands prevent fatigue.

• 🦵 Legs: Squats, lunges, or even agility ladders help you move faster and more efficiently.

• ❤️ Cardio: A little walking or cycling builds tournament stamina.

Mindset = Game Time:

• 🎧 Visualize clean shots and calm play.

• 🎯 Focus only on what’s in your control (effort, attitude, response).

• 🔁 Use warmups to calm nerves and settle into your rhythm.

Quick Gear Reminder: Bring what keeps you focused—grip tape, snacks, water, sunscreen, backup paddle.

Want more? 🔗 Full guide here

💡The Modern Guide to Topspin

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Topspin can be a game-changer when used correctly—it helps keep your opponents on their back foot, pushes them deeper in the court, and gives you control of the rally.

Here’s how to integrate more effective topspin into your game without overthinking it:

1. Know When to Use It

If you're in a neutral or offensive position, topspin is a great option. That includes third-shot drops, drives, dinks, and even fourth-shot volleys. But if you’re scrambling or hitting a deep ball at your feet, a flat, controlled shot is safer. Know your comfort level and build up from there.

2. Shorten the Backswing

You don’t need a Rafa Nadal forehand to generate spin. Think small: a short motion that brushes the back of the ball while following through. Skip the extreme wrist flick and use your core and legs instead. Huge backswings = big errors, especially for non-pros.

3. Build It Slowly, Then Mix It Up

Start with topspin fourth-shot volleys to keep opponents back. Work up to adding spin to your drops and drives, and only move into topspin dinks once you’ve developed reliable control. The goal? Build variety, not just spin. The best players know when to switch it up.

Quick Takeaway: Don’t force topspin into every shot. Use it where it fits, keep your motion compact, and build consistency before complexity.

Give Your Junior Player the Court Time They Deserve!

Watching your child fall in love with a sport is special, but finding the right opportunities for them to compete can be a challenge. National Junior Pickleball (NJP) was created by a mom who’s been there, making it easier for kids to play, grow, and connect with others their age.

Sign up today and get your junior athlete in the game!

🌍 Uganda Gears Up for Its Biggest Pickleball Event Yet

Pickleball’s global growth rolls on—and next month, Kampala takes center stage. Over 10 clubs will compete in the third Uganda Pickleball Open, held June 14–15 at the Old Kampala Indoor Arena.

Five events are on deck with medals, certificates, and prize money up for grabs.

Players from across Uganda, plus entries from the UK and Japan, are expected to join. Standouts like Samadi Mulani and William Ochom say they’re preparing to compete at their highest level yet.

“This is going to be the biggest I’ve competed in,” said Mulani. “You work on your weaknesses every day—that’s how you get better.”

The association hopes this event boosts efforts to bring pickleball to schools and districts nationwide.

Around the Picklesphere

🎒 The sleekest pickleball bag ever?
😎 How to win those high-pressure points
😍 That’s my dad!
☀️ Summer court survival guide

$30 vs. $300: What You’re Really Paying for in a Paddle

You can get a paddle for $30 on Amazon—or spend $300 on a sleek carbon-fiber beauty with pro-level polish.

So what’s the actual difference? Is it all hype, or is there real performance packed into that premium price tag?

Let’s break it down:

🎯 The Core of It

Most paddles use a honeycomb core made of polymer, aluminum, or Nomex. Cheaper paddles tend to use lower-grade polymer with inconsistencies, which means smaller sweet spots and a clunkier feel. High-end paddles? They’re packed with engineered polymer that offers more pop, more control, and way more consistency.

🧱 Face Value

Budget paddles usually have fiberglass faces—decent power, but not much touch or spin. Top-tier paddles often use raw carbon fiber, which grips the ball better for spin and offers buttery control. Bonus: raw carbon also reduces fatigue, so you can stay sharp longer.

🔧 Construction Counts

Low-cost paddles are mass-produced and often slapped together. Think glued handles, edge tape, and vibration on off-center hits. High-end paddles are often thermoformed—fused into one solid piece, with injected foam edges for durability and a more stable feel.

💡 So, Do You Need a $300 Paddle?

Not necessarily. If you’re just getting started or play casually, a $30 paddle works fine. But if you’re hitting the courts regularly and want better feel, power, and control, upgrading to the $100–$150 range can make a big difference without the sticker shock.

Think of it this way:

• $30 paddle = ballpoint pen.

• $300 paddle = fountain pen.

  → Both write. But only one makes you feel something while you do it.

🔗 Read this before you buy your next paddle

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