Pickleball’s star power just got a boost from Hollywood. Ryan Reynolds and Warner Bros. are betting big on the sport’s future by turning studio sound stages into movie-themed courts.

But they aren’t the only ones in Hollywood spending the big 💵 on pickleball…

🎬 Hollywood-Themed Pickleball Parties

Ryan Reynolds is reportedly teaming up with Warner Bros. to transform underused studio sound stages into a new entertainment venture: Maximum Effort Pickleball.

The project will include movie-themed courts (sci-fi, noir, & maybe rom-com?), celebrity tournaments, fan events, & even corporate league nights.

➡️ Warner Bros. plans to rent the space by the hour, complete with Reynolds-narrated warm-up sessions and immersive set designs for each theme.

More of Hollywood seems interested in investing in pickleball of late:

• Vince Vaughn: acquired a majority stake in the Coachella Valley Scorpions, a team in the National Pickleball League. Vaughn's involvement is expected to boost the team's profile and the league's growth in Southern California.

• Jamie Foxx: beyond hosting lavish pickleball parties at his Los Angeles residence, Foxx co-founded "The Best Paddle," a pickleball equipment brand.

• Drake & Michael B. Jordan: both invested in the Brooklyn Aces, a Major League Pickleball team.

• Movie Theater Chains: in response to declining attendance, major theater chains invested $2.2 billion to modernize facilities, with plans to incorporate pickleball courts & other entertainment options to attract diverse audiences.

🔁 Master the ATP: Around-the-Post

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: The ATP (Around the Post) is one of the impressive-looking shots in pickleball…and you’re probably thinking, “Why do I need to master a flashy shot like this?”

Unlike most shots, the ATP doesn’t go over the net. It travels around it, using the angle created when your opponent hits a wide shot. It’s a great way to apply pressure, and it’s not even that risky to pull off once you get the hang of it.

To execute it cleanly:

• Anticipate wide angles early. If you see a sharp cross-court dink coming, prep your body to MOVE.

• Sprint to the sideline and get low.

• Wait until the ball travels outside the court space, near the post. Patience = key.

• Swing compact and clean, keeping the ball low.

• Recover to position immediately; you’ll need to defend that return, if there is one.

The ATP flips defense into offense. When your opponent thinks they’ve pulled you off the court, this shot slingshots the pressure right back. But it’s risky—mistime it, and you're giving up a free point.

Want to defend it? Recognize the setup and shift back off the kitchen line with paddle low and eyes sharp. Know that if someone’s setting up an ATP, they’re leaving part of the court exposed—stay ready to counter.

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% of your first pair by clicking here.

💐Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is coming up, and if your mom loves pickleball, we’ve got some great gift ideas she’ll love:

Born to Rally: Mother of Pearl jewelry for everyday sparkle with a pickleball theme. It’s subtle but special—perfect for post-match brunches or everyday wear.

Pickleball Bella: High-performance skorts and apparel in hand-painted prints that feel just as good as they look on the court.

Civile Apparel: Loungewear for the dinker who also enjoys a well-earned drink.

Onyx Cool: Doctor-recommended recovery wraps for hard-playing moms. Stay cool, calm, and ready for the next match.

🔗 Click here for the full guide with discount codes.

PS: Don’t miss our Mother’s Day Giveaway in partnership with Born to Rally and The Pretty Pickleball Company — pickleball gifts, no purchase necessary.

Around the Picklesphere

🏃 Why your pickleball game needs recovery 
🧊 Chill or attack?
🌺 Golden skies. Morning court sessions. Late-night dips.
❗️ Big news at Empower!

🏋️‍♀️ Summer Cross-Training Tips for Pickleball Players

Want to play more and hurt less this summer? Start thinking beyond the court.

Pickleball is fun—but it’s tough on joints. Without cross-training and recovery, all those pivots and lunges can lead to injury. These quick off-court tips will help you stay strong and court-ready all season.

Quick Cross-Training Fixes

• Lateral lunges: Boost side-to-side strength

• Agility drills: Chalk lines or speed ladder = better footwork

• Core work: Planks, crunches, med ball slams

• Resistance bands: Shoulder protection made simple

Stretch It Out

• Hip flexors & hamstrings: Avoid stiffness from squats and dinks

• Thoracic spine: Rotate better, smash harder

• Calves: Loose calves = fewer Achilles issues

Recovery That Works

• Hydrate like it’s your job

• Foam roll (yes, really)

• Sleep 7–9 hours

• Active recovery: Walk, bike, yoga

Bonus Summer Tips

• Play early or late to avoid heat

• Apply sunscreen like you mean it

• Moisture-wicking gear = a must

Bottom line: Train smart, recover well, & play strong all summer. 🔗 Full summer training guide

TAKE ACTION

If you like what you see here, follow us on Instagram and share this newsletter with your friends.