PSA: Mother’s Day is Next Weekend 👀

Recovery 101, gift-worthy gear, and how to meet your next favorite doubles partner.

Author

Empower Pickleball
May 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

It’s the first day of May, and I’m typing like I’m down 9-10-2 trying to get this newletter out before the rain hits and ruins my post-work pickleball plans.

The US Open is wrapping up with what looks like record-breaking crowds, and our crew was there for all of it. We’ve got something launching next week that we really think you’re going to love — you’ll be hearing from us in a whole new way. Make sure you’re following us on social so you don’t miss it. 👀

Also: Mother’s Day is next weekend. If you forgot, we’ve got your back. Our gift guide is filled with ideas that are equal parts functional and fabulous — whether you’re shopping for your mom or just playing the long game and gifting yourself.

TIPS & TRICKS

Attack or Chill? Reading the Moment Without Overthinking It

Pace can be your biggest advantage (or your biggest downfall). This article breaks down exactly when to turn up the pressure and when to stay calm and wait it out. From high kitchen balls to deceptive low shots, it’s a smart, clear guide to making better decisions mid-rally.


đź’ˇ Why It Matters: Learning to manage tempo can make your game more efficient, less stressful, and a lot more effective.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Feeling Off Your Game? Recovery Might Be the Missing Piece

Low energy, lingering soreness, trouble focusing—it might not be your paddle, your partners, or your playlist. It could be your recovery routine. From active rest and hydration to mental reset practices and soft tissue care, these small adjustments can make a big difference.


đź’ˇ Why It Matters: Dialing in recovery helps you feel stronger, stay sharper, and actually enjoy the time you spend on court.

COMMUNITY

Making Friends on the Court (Even If You're Traveling Solo)

New courts. New faces. Total social anxiety. Sound familiar? Whether you're playing in a new town or across the country, showing up alone doesn’t mean staying a stranger. These real-player tips make meeting people on the road feel a whole lot easier—without needing to be the loudest person on the baseline.


đź’ˇ Why It Matters: If you love playing but hate the awkward intros, this is your cheat sheet for making connections that actually stick.

  • Women’s Sports Media Deals Are Booming đź’¸ Broadcast contracts are climbing—and so are player salaries, benefits, and league valuations.

  • Louisville Residents Push Back on $65M Park Project 🌳 Locals are fighting to protect public greenspace from a proposed tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park

  • ICYMI: Pickleball Lands in Madagascar đź“Ł Ron Ponder helped turn a one-court, four-paddle setup into the country’s first official tournament—earning Madagascar a spot as the 65th member of the Global Pickleball Federation.

Paddles Fit for a Queen

Yes, performance matters—but so does showing up with something that makes you feel like something. The Pretty Pickleball Company’s Royal Collection is where fairytale design meets carbon fiber strength. Each paddle blends elegance and power, created by a mother-daughter duo who wanted more than just another black-on-black setup.

They're bold, beautiful, and built to play. And the Storybook packaging? Don’t even get us started.

I opened the gift guide looking for my mom.. and now my cart has five things for me.

To be fair, it’s packed with actually good stuff—like Acacia’s new DreamShot shoes (lightweight and cute), Born to Rally’s pickleball jewelry (hello, Mother of Pearl), and those Fenix leather visors that somehow make me feel like I have my life together. Whether you’re shopping for a partner, your mom, or yourself, this list hits.

👉 Peep the full Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Showing up to a new court is one thing, but starting a conversation is another. Some players jump right in. Others linger until someone makes eye contact.

Tell us:

What's your go-to line for meeting new people on court?

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