Everyone wants pickleball in the Olympics — and this event might be the closest we’ve come yet. A new partnership between the Pickleball World Cup and the Global Pickleball Federation is setting the stage for the sport’s largest international tournament to date, and it’s happening stateside this fall.

You'll also find:

• How the soft game quietly sets up your biggest winners

• The mindset shifts that turn matches around under pressure

• A hands-on review of training paddles and add-ons

If nothing else, trying out those trainer paddles gave us a whole new appreciation for the size of a normal sweet spot.

🌍 Pickleball’s Global Moment

The Pickleball World Cup is teaming up with the Global Pickleball Federation to host the largest international tournament the sport has ever seen. From October 27-November 2, more than 3,000 athletes from 60+ countries will gather at The FORT in Fort Lauderdale for a week of competition, culture, and national pride.

Building Toward Something Bigger

• Last year’s Cup in Lima, Peru featured 33 nations; this year nearly doubles the field.

• Behind it are siblings Hercilio and Miranda Cabieses, whose foundation has introduced pickleball to more than 50,000 kids and underprivileged communities in Peru.

• GPF’s alignment signals a step closer to Olympic recognition, with its IOC application under review.

What Fans Can Expect

• Players of all ages and abilities — from juniors to para-athletes — will compete under one global framework.

• Broadcast coverage via Telemundo Deportes in the U.S. and international viewers abroad.

• A milestone moment as pickleball celebrates its 60th anniversary on its biggest global stage yet.

Why Fort Lauderdale Will Be the Center of the Pickleball World Cup

The new venue, The FORT, was built for moments like this: world-class courts, international broadcasts, and a showcase of pickleball’s international growth. Fans can expect electrifying play and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the sport’s global future take shape in real time.

👉 Get your tickets to the Pickleball World Cup.

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

🙃 When the progress feels stuck
📋 The to-do list that never stood a chance
🛠️ The training tool built for real pickleball moves
🎒 Why we’re obsessed with this pickleball bag

🎯 Soft Game Secrets

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Big drives get the glory, but the soft shots—dinks, resets, and sneaky pace changes—are the ones that actually set up your winners. The soft game is all about forcing your opponent into awkward spots until they hand you the easy ball. Think less “home run swing,” more “death by a thousand paper cuts.”

A well-paced dink at their shoelaces, a calm reset that takes the sting out of a drive, or a sudden change of pace mid-rally can flip the point in your favor. The goal isn’t to end the rally with the soft shot—it’s to make your opponent give you the next ball you can put away.

How to Work the Soft Game:

🎯 Dink with purpose: Aim low, target the backhand, or drag them wide until they crack.
✋ Reset like a pro: When under fire, soften your hands and drop the ball into the kitchen—instant momentum shift.
🔄 Switch speeds: Keep opponents guessing by mixing in slow dinks with surprise quick shots.
💥 Cash in: Wait for the pop-up, then finish strong.

Drill it in practice with cross-court dink rallies, reset drills against drives, and “surprise pace change” games where one player has to speed up or slow down each rally. Master these, and you’ll control points without breaking a sweat—or your paddle.

😎 Good Rallies Start with Clear Vision

Glare, shifting light, tricky backgrounds — outdoor courts don’t make it easy to track the ball. That’s where RIA Eyewear comes in. Their Court HD+ lenses are built for pickleball, giving you sharp contrast and clarity without the weird distortions of standard polarized shades.

They’re shatterproof, sweat-resistant, and come with or without a prescription. Translation: eyewear that’s comfortable, durable, and actually designed for people who play — not just look like they do.

👉 Check out RIA Eyewear.

🔄 When Plan A Falls Apart

Every player’s been there — your shots aren’t landing, the other side looks unstoppable, and suddenly you’re down big. But being behind doesn’t mean you’re out.

Here’s how to regroup when your first strategy isn’t working:

• Spot what’s really costing you points

• Expose weaknesses on the other side of the net

• Adjust pace, placement, and pressure to shift momentum

• Keep your body language and mindset steady.

It’s not about hitting the perfect shot — it’s about playing smarter.

👉 See how to turn matches around.

🔧 Are Training Paddles Worth It?

Pickleball training paddles promise sharper accuracy, faster hands, and more control — but are they real tools or just another gadget? We put three of the most popular types to test: mini “sweet spot” paddles, weighted setups, and narrow “skinny” paddles.

Some lived up to the hype, others had clear downsides, and a few surprised us with how effective they were. If you’ve ever wondered which training aids are worth your time (and money), this breakdown will give you the honest answers.

👉 Read the full review.