Not even America’s fastest-growing sport is safe from political drama. Florida just passed a law banning new pickleball courts in state parks.

This week’s newsletter serves up protests, power rankings, and one wild pickleball pivot from MLB.

🏞️ Florida Bans Pickleball Courts in State Parks

This week, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 209 in a unanimous 113–0 vote, effectively banning the construction of pickleball courts and other commercial developments in the state’s public parks.

➡️ The bill comes in response to last year’s backlash over a proposal—since withdrawn—that would’ve brought 25 new pickleball courts, golf courses, & even hotels to some of Florida’s most ecologically sensitive parks.

➡️ Leaked development plans sparked protests statewide and raised concerns from environmental groups, residents, and even Indigenous organizations.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ultimately pulled the proposal at the request of Governor Ron DeSantis, who called it “half-baked.” A former DEP cartographer, who leaked the plans to the public, said the proposed construction would have affected at-risk ecosystems and historic lands.

While court expansion remains a key concern in a state with a booming pickleball population, lawmakers say the new legislation offers “common sense” limits to preserve the state’s natural resources.

Seems like this is a bygone issue in Florida…but pickleball development in parks in other places is continuing to boom. 👉️ Here’s why.

🧠 When to Back Off the Kitchen Line

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: It’s drilled into every new player: get to the kitchen line and stay there.

But smart players know there are times when backing off can actually give you an edge. Here are three key situations where stepping off the NVZ might be the better move:

• Covering the Middle: If your opponent is cross-court and you suspect a speed-up aimed between you and your partner, backing up diagonally improves your reaction window and helps cut off the angle.

• Anticipated Attack from Your Corner: If you’re on the left side and the ball is deep in your right corner, step back slightly and prepare with a two-handed grip. It gives you time to adjust if the ball is fired down the line or straight at your body.

• Fourth & Sixth Shots: Too many players rush to the line after a return and try to volley everything. When your opponents are back, you’re often better off letting the ball bounce and driving it deep instead.

Backing off doesn’t mean giving up court control—it means giving yourself time and space to respond. Once you’ve absorbed the pressure, step right back in and reassert control at the line.

Tired of Debating Calls?

You’re not alone. Ruley is the AI-powered app that delivers fast, impartial rule clarifications — straight from the official USA Pickleball playbook. Ask a question in plain English, and Ruley gives you a clear, sourced answer in seconds.

It’s like having a rulebook in your pocket — only smarter, faster, and way less argumentative.

💸 Pickleball Players in NJ Reverse 275% Fee Hike

Ocean City, NJ’s pickleball community scored a major win after successfully opposing a proposed 275% increase in court fees.

The city originally sought to raise the annual pass from $60 to $225. The proposal, part of a broader plan to adjust service fees citywide, faced intense resistance.

Players reached out to city officials, attended council meetings, and met with Mayor Jay Gillian to voice their concerns. Their efforts paid off.

Instead of the original increase, the city council voted 6–1 to adopt reduced pricing:

• $100/year for unlimited indoor/outdoor play

• $90/year for outdoor only

• $25/year for indoor only

The outcome highlights the strength of organized community response. Residents emphasized the sport’s accessibility and the value it brings to Ocean City, especially during peak recreation months.

This isn’t the first time pickleball players have successfully pushed back against steep fee changes, and it likely won’t be the last. As the sport grows, local governments will continue to experiment with pricing structures to meet demand and maintain public facilities.

But Ocean City’s example shows that when the community speaks up, officials do listen.

Around the Picklesphere

🏖️ You, Me, Turks & Caicos…and a Paddle
🎨 The art of resetting
👪️ The family redefining what “life on tour” looks like
👌 No court? No problem — do these drills instead

⚾ MLB's New Favorite Off-Day Sport

A recent ESPN feature confirmed what many already suspected: pickleball is taking over Major League Baseball's off-days—and the competition is intense.

Front office staff, coaches, and support personnel from teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres have traded golf and hoops for tournaments, trash talk, and team-wide bragging rights.

• The Brewers even maintain internal pickleball power rankings.

  • Infield coach Matt Erickson holds the No. 1 spot as “VP of Pickleball Operations.”

  • One scout’s performance? “Tries hard,” according to the rankings.

Some teams have even had to pause play—like the Padres—after things got a bit too competitive.

Players Taking Notice (and Caution)

While the staff battles it out, players are a bit more cautious.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts says he’s sticking to golf these days:

But former All-Star J.D. Martinez is diving in headfirst. He recently signed with JOOLA, is training under pro Eric White, and plans to compete in PPA Challenger Series events and even host his own tournaments.

Pickleball is no longer just a side activity—it’s becoming part of MLB’s clubhouse culture.

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