Pickleball, Muffins, and an Unexpected Win

Rec play, ladder leagues, and the quiet ways pickleball keeps us connected.

Author

Empower Pickleball
August 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

I got a chance to play a rare singles match with my father-in-law—something I never volunteer for. Let’s just say… he’s probably still recovering. I had him running all over the court while I casually hit a few very controlled two-handed backhands. My partner was stunned they even made it over the net. Smooth like butter.

But honestly, the best part wasn’t the rallies. It was the laughter. The connection. The reminder that some of the best pickleball memories have nothing to do with the score. (Though the post-game naps? Necessary. The in-laws were wiped.)

Got a story where the game meant more than just the win? Hit reply and tell us—we’d love to hear it.

TIPS & TRICKS

Rec Play, but Make It Intentional

You don’t need a lesson or tournament to get better—you just need to show up with a plan. In this article, Neil walks through how to actually use your casual games to sharpen your skills, stay engaged, and still enjoy the fun of rec play. A few smart reminders:

  • Move your feet (yes, even in social games)

  • Mix up pace, tempo, and placement

  • Communicate with your partner—especially if you just met

  • Match the vibe of the group without playing small

Because playing well shouldn’t come at the cost of being someone no one wants to play with.


💡 Why It Matters: Your rec games can be your best training ground—if you let them.

INSIGHTS

What Happens When You Join a Ladder League Alone

She didn’t grow up playing racquet sports. She wasn’t a regular at open play. But she signed up for a summer ladder league anyway—solo. No partner, no familiar faces, just a willingness to show up and see what happened. And like many first-timers, she spent the first few minutes off to the side, wondering if she'd made a mistake.

Then came the matchups, and everything shifted. The group was kind, encouraging, and quick to include her. One player made a point to say hi every week. It didn’t take much—but it made a lasting impact. And it’s exactly the kind of reminder rec players need: small gestures can change how someone feels about the sport entirely.


💡 Why It Matters: Because the difference between showing up and sticking around is usually depends on how welcome you feel.

COMMUNITY

From Drop-In to Don’t-Miss: Why Rec Play Runs the Week

Recreational pickleball has quietly become the thing people center their weeks around. Not because they’re training for medals, but because it offers something we don’t get enough of: regular movement, real connection, and a reason to look forward to Mondays again. From group texts to sideline muffins to the mental health boost that comes from just showing up, rec play is less about the score—and more about everything else it brings with it.


💡 Why It Matters: Because the most important part of the game might be what happens between points.

  • Atlanta’s Pickleball Queens Are Taking Over 👑 What started as a casual Sunday meetup is now a 300+ member community where senior women (and now women of all ages) play, connect, and feel like royalty on the court.

  • Pro Players Form Their Own Association 🧢 Top pros are launching the World Pickleball Players Association to advocate for fair pay, safety, and a unified voice.

  • There’s an App for That—Thanks to a Teen 📱 17-year-old Adam Mendelsohn just launched PicklePalz, a new app that helps players match by skill, schedule, and location.

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.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

From paddle tossers to mid-game storm-offs, Gina and Neil unpack the emotional chaos showing up more often on rec courts. They share their own not-so-proud moments, talk about how reputations get built fast, and explore what it really means to keep your cool when your partner spirals. Because in rec play, you’re not just playing for yourself—you’re shaping the vibe for everyone around you. A must-listen if you’ve ever wanted to walk off mid-match… or watched someone else do it.

📺 Watch it on YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

The Owala Sway (Yes, Another One)

We know, we know—you already have an Owala. So do we. But the new Sway drop? She’s different. They finally added a sturdy, wide bucket handle (thank you), kept the beloved FreeSip spout, made it cupholder-friendly and upped the size game. It’s everything we loved about the OG… but better. Owala actually listened. And we’re not proud to admit this is our third… maybe fourth?

P.S. It’s 20% off sitewide right now, so don’t even pretend you’re not tempted.