Hollywood gave pickleball its close-up this week, and a few familiar faces from our community were there to see it. The Power of Pickleball documentary premiered at Fox Studios — and we got the first scoop on what went down.

You'll also find:

• How to spot an opponent’s tells in the first five points

• The training aids that keep your game sharp through winter

• Three quick warm-ups that actually make a difference

And don’t scroll too fast… today’s the final day to enter our giveaway with Engage. Keep reading for your shot at playing with the newest tech before it even launches.

📽️ Lights, Camera, Pickleball: The Power of Pickleball Premieres

Pickleball has officially hit the big screen. The Power of Pickleball — a feature-length documentary directed by filmmaker Alexander Jeffrey — premiered Friday at Fox Studios in Los Angeles with 250 VIP guests in attendance. The film tells the story of pickleball’s humble beginnings, its booming professional scene, and the community spirit that keeps players coming back for “one more game.”

A story that spans generations

The documentary goes all the way back to Bainbridge Island in the 1960s, weaving in interviews with founders’ children, historians, and inventors. From there, it traces the sport’s rapid growth into a global phenomenon and one of the fastest-growing pro circuits in the world.

The heart of the game

Beyond the pros and the tournaments, the film highlights what makes pickleball different: the warm, welcoming communities it brings together. Expect stories that tug at the heartstrings, along with appearances from top professional players and community leaders.

Filmed where it all began

Jeffrey and his team even shot on the original Bainbridge Island court — the birthplace of the sport — to capture the roots of a game that’s now played everywhere from small-town parks to stadium arenas.

📍 Where to watch
The Power of Pickleball is expected to tour cities across the country. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming showings — and maybe a chance to catch it near you.

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

👟 The pickleball shoe that finally clicked
📓 A day in the life: pickleball player edition
❄️ The recovery hack every player should know

👀 Read Your Opponent in the First 5 Points

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: The game isn’t just about how you play — it’s about how fast you can figure them out. According to longtime coach Neil Friedenberg, the first five points reveal more than most players realize.

Here’s what to watch:

🎯 Paddle angles – Open face usually means soft dinks; closed face signals drives and topspin.
🎾 Sports background – Tennis, racquetball, ping pong… each leaves a trail of habits you can exploit.
👣 Warm-up scan – Weak side, pace, and confidence at the kitchen all show up before the score hits 1–0.
😬 Body language – Shoulders slumping or over-celebrating little points? That’s nerves you can press.

And that’s just the start. From partner dynamics to pressure moments, Neil lays out seven cues that help you crack the code early.

👉 See his full breakdown here.

🚀 For Players Who Never Say No to One More Game

If you’re squeezing in every rally you can, VKTRY insoles are built for the way you play. Made with carbon fiber tech (yes, the aerospace kind), they help absorb impact, return energy, and reduce joint stress—so you can stay out there longer without feeling wrecked after. No slipping, no shifting, just support that actually holds up.

👉 Get 20% off your first pair by clicking here.

🔥 Keep Your Game Hot When the Courts Get Cold

Less court time doesn’t have to mean rusty swings. With the right training aids, you can groove your shots, speed up your hands, and keep confidence high all winter long.

• Ball machines that feed you perfect reps

• Targets that sharpen your accuracy + placement

• Weighted paddles and shadow drills for faster hands

• Rebounders + agility tools that keep footwork sharp

👉 See the full list of training aids worth adding to your bag.

🎁 Last Chance: Win Engage’s New Gen4 Paddles

We’re teaming up with Engage Pickleball to give three players early access to the Pursuit Alpha & Alpha Pro — Engage’s brand-new Gen4 paddle that doesn’t officially launch until tomorrow, September 3. Winners will be the very first to play with them.

⏰ Giveaway closes tonight at 11:59 PM PST. Don’t miss it.
👉 Enter now for your shot at Engage’s newest tech.

🤸 3 Dynamic Warm-Ups You’ll Actually Do

If your “warm-up” is two dinks and go, you’re not alone — but your knees, back, and first few points will thank you for a little more prep. These three routines are quick, simple, and don’t require gear (or yoga poses you’ll never try).

Why They Work:

⚡ Car-to-Court (3 min) – A brisk lap, ankle rocks, leg swings, and shuffles to shake off the drive and wake up your feet.
🦵 Kitchen-Ready Mobility (5 min) – Lunges with twists, side lunges, shoulder taps, and pogo bounces to loosen hips and shoulders.
🏃 Match-Day Pop (6 min) – Jog, skips, calf pops, shuffles, and shadow swings to get springy and game-ready.

Pro tip: Even two minutes of intentional movement makes a difference. Faster reactions, less soreness, and a body that’s ready before the first rally.

👉 Try the full warm-up breakdown here.