Seattle’s pickleball scene just hit a bit of a snag — and the birds of Lincoln Park are behind it.

Keep reading to learn more…

Bird-Neighbors Have More Say Than Human-Neighbors

After nearly a year of pushback from conservationists, Seattle has scrapped plans to install six pickleball courts on a disused tennis pad in West Seattle’s Lincoln Park.

The decision follows concerns about how the sport’s signature pop-pop-pop and potential lighting would impact the area’s thriving bird population.

“It’s the birdiest park in Seattle,” said Kersti Muul, wildlife biologist and member of Birds Connect Seattle. “We have over 160 species documented here.”

The park serves as nesting grounds and a training ground for young birds learning to fly and hunt — something a busy pickleball court might disrupt.

Seattle Parks and Rec announced it’s exploring other sites for more courts in West Seattle but hasn’t yet said where or how many.

Pickleball players aren’t thrilled. “It is a very big disappointment,” said Greg Tuke, who co-leads a campaign pushing for more spaces to play in a city that lags behind in terms of total courts.

For now, it’s a rare win for wildlife—but the pickleball is the official state sport of Washington, so it’s only a matter of time until a different location is found.

Block or Counter That Speedup?

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Knowing when to block vs. when to counter can be the difference between staying in a rally or giving up an easy point.

Both shots are useful against fast-paced balls at the kitchen line, but they serve different purposes depending on your positioning, timing, & paddle height:

📌 When to Counter:

A counter shot is an offensive reply to an opponent’s aggressive shot. Use it when:

• You’re ready and waiting. If you anticipate a speed-up, meet it with a solid, controlled punch back.

• The ball hits high. If your paddle contact is at or above shoulder height, you've got leverage. Time to strike back and apply pressure.

• You want to push them back. If your opponent is at the baseline and you're feeling confident, a counter can exploit that space.

📌 When to Block:

A block is a defensive move meant to absorb power and reset the point. Use it when:

• You’re surprised. Didn’t see that speed-up coming? Stay calm and block it back into the kitchen.

• Contact is low. If the ball is below net height, go for a soft block to neutralize the rally.

• You’re out of position. If you’re off-balance or backing up, a block keeps the ball in play without overreaching.

👟 Pro Tips for a Better Block:

✔ Keep your grip loose (2–3 out of 10) to absorb pace.
✔ Tilt your paddle slightly upward for net clearance.
✔ Make contact close to your body for better control.
✔ Think “cushion,” not “punch.” Let the ball come to you.

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.

Put THIS in Your Bag: Underrated Gear, Part 2

Eye Protection: Why It’s a Must

Last time, we talked about proper pickleball shoes. This week, we’re moving up the body to something a lot of players still don’t think about until it’s too late.

Let’s talk about your eyes.

Pickleball has gotten faster thanks to upgraded paddle tech and stronger players. That means more spin, more speed, and more potential for injury.

And while eye injuries might sound rare, they’re becoming alarmingly common.

👁 The Risks Are Real

A ball at the NVZ can come off a paddle faster than your reflexes can react.

Corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, & even vision loss have happened—just ask the Reddit user who now wears goggles every match after a direct hit, or actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who posted a photo of her own pickleball black eye.

Even pro tennis player Genie Bouchard had to seek medical attention after taking a shot to the eye.

👓 Why Protective Eyewear Matters

Good eye protection isn’t just about safety—it can actually improve your game:

✔ Reduces glare for better outdoor visibility
✔ Enhances contrast to help you track the ball
✔ Improves depth perception and reaction time

👁‍🗨 What to Look For

Go for polycarbonate safety goggles with front and side coverage. Bonus points if they offer UV protection, especially for outdoor players.

🔗 Ready to protect your game face? We’ve got more info here.

Around the Picklesphere

🏓 The difference between a $30 & a $300 paddle
✍️ Unwritten pickleball etiquette
🦩 I need a pickleball getaway like this
🎒 What a pro keeps in their bag

Floridian Schools Clean Up

The University of Florida is officially on top of the college pickleball world.

At the 2025 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, the Gators squad—Jake Bower, Christian Franke, Zoe Routson, & Martine Sundsten—battled through a stacked field of 32 elite college teams and emerged victorious after a nail-biter final against the University of Texas.

With the match tied 4-4, it all came down to total points—and Florida edged out Texas with 53.2% of the overall score, clinching the national title.

Routson, still buzzing post-win, summed it up: “I manifested every day that we would take home a collegiate win—and we finally did. It means more than the world.”

Looks like Floridian college kids ALL won, in a sense: Florida Atlantic rounded out the podium with a bronze finish over Florida (Orange).

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