Stronger, Quicker, Safer—Let’s Talk About It

Strength, safety, and showing up for the pickleball community—it’s all inside.

Author

Empower Pickleball
March 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

The breakthrough we’ve been waiting for—actual nice weather—is finally here. 🌞 

If your local courts are anything like ours, they’re packed with players making up for lost time. And if you’re up north like us, I bet you’re squeezing in as many games as possible. This week, we’ve got a few things on our radar that might just change up your game. Let’s get into it.

TIPS & TRICKS

Want to Keep Up? These Drills Will Get You There

Look, we all want to feel quick and powerful on the court—but unless you’re secretly a superhero, that takes a little work. The good news? You don’t need to live in the gym to get there. A few simple drills can help you react faster, move smoother, and feel more in control every time you step on the court.


💡 Why It Matters: Because getting to the ball before it’s too late is kind of important.

GEAR

Protect Your Eyes—or Risk Learning the Hard Way

Michelle Pfeiffer after a pickleball incident

Pickleball is getting faster, which means the ball is coming at you quicker than ever. And if you think an eye injury won’t happen to you, just ask the players who’ve ended up with scratched corneas and black eyes. The good news? It’s preventable—with the right gear. We’re breaking down why eye protection matters and what to look for before your next match.


💡 Why It Matters: Because dodging a ball is one thing—dodging an eye injury is another.

COMMUNITY

How Pickleball is Helping Cancer Survivors

Cancer takes a lot—from physical strength to emotional well-being (not to mention the financial toll). But pickleball? It’s giving some of that back. A new study is showing how the sport is helping cancer survivors regain strength, find community, and even relieve some of the emotional weight of their diagnosis. And beyond that, pickleball fundraisers are stepping up in a big way to support cancer research.


💡 Why It Matters: Because movement, community, and support make all the difference in recovery—and the pickleball world is showing up.

  • Woman’s Travel Tradition Goes Viral 🌍 A pro pickleball player is tracking her travels by embroidering every country’s flag onto a denim jacket, and TikTok is obsessed.

  • CPR Saves a Life on the Court 🚑 A Baytown woman jumped into action after a fellow pickleball player collapsed, performing CPR for seven minutes before using a defibrillator to bring him back.

  • 👬 A Pickleball Friendship That Defies Age 👬 A 56-year-old and an 82-year-old found an unexpected bond through pickleball, proving that the sport is about more than just competition.

Your New Go-To on the Court

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis is here, and it’s bringing power, precision, and control with it. Built with a 100% foam core and 4th Gen technology, this paddle is designed for players who want cleaner shots, smarter plays, and full confidence in their game.

Snag 10% off with code EMPOWER10 at checkout—because the right paddle actually makes a difference.

Snack Bites That Actually Keep Up

We’re always on the hunt for snacks that keep us going on and off the court, and Smash Foods Snack Bites have been a recent favorite. They’re sweet but not too sweet (thanks to dates, not added sugar), have a surprisingly smooth texture—none of that weird chalky or gritty stuff—and are just realllllly easy to snack on.

Are they a little pricey? Sure. But if you’re looking for a solid grab-and-go option without the junk, they’re worth tossing in your cart at least once. Check out their store locator to find them near you or grab a pack on Amazon.

Let’s talk court shoes! 👟 Some players swear by court-specific shoes, while others think any sneaker will do. We want to know—what’s your go-to pickleball shoe, and do you think it really makes a difference? Hit reply and let us know! We might feature your thoughts in next week’s article