Smart Players Don't Attack First. They Wait for THIS.

Here's how to know when to actually pull the trigger.

Author

Empower Pickleball
June 09, 2026

John McEnroe called pickleball "that damn stupid pickleball" on live TV—and Genie Bouchard was sitting right there.

McEnroe made the comments during his French Open alternate broadcast when Bouchard, who left tennis to go pro in pickleball, joined as a guest. He couldn't help himself.

Bouchard fired back immediately, pointing out that McEnroe had played it too.

His defense? "They paid me more money for two weekends than I made playing tennis." So apparently it's only stupid when other people do it.

The haters are loud—but they're still showing up to the court.

Inside:

  • The speed-up mistake that's costing you points

  • 5 bag items smarter than any paddle upgrade

  • Your chronic illness doesn't disqualify you from the court

🏆 The St. Louis Shock Just Put the Rest of MLP on Notice

Photo Credit: MLP

The St. Louis Shock dominated their hometown event at Chaifetz Arena this past weekend, winning MLP St. Louis in convincing fashion and cementing themselves as the team to beat in 2026. After finishing third in Dallas and second in Columbus, they came home with something to prove—and delivered.

Here's how it went down:

  • Pool play: The Shock went 4-0, dropping only two games all weekend (both in already-decided matches)

  • The final: A rematch against the LA Mad Drops—the same team that beat them in Dallas—ended in a clean 3-0 sweep: 11-1, 11-3, 11-5

  • Anna Bright and Kate Fahey handled women's doubles with ease, while Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio shut down Ben Johns and Max Freeman in men's doubles

The Mad Drops finished second, but their women's doubles duo of Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto went just 2-4—a real concern going forward. Brooklyn grabbed third despite losing Riley Newman to a foot injury, and Orlando took fourth. Up next: MLP Austin, June 11-14.

👉 See the full league standings here.

🌎 Around the Picklesphere

🎧 Press play on this while you’re driving to the courts
👊 How to break the 3.5 level barrier
🏓 Paddle brands challenging the norm in 2026
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Be a part of the Empower Pickleball Fam and save 30% with code EMPOWER30

🎯 Stop Guessing When to Speed Up—Here's What to Look For

Most players attack out of impatience. The best players attack out of recognition. Speed up when you see these triggers:

  • Ball is floating above net height—this is your green light

  • Opponent's paddle is down or out of position

  • They're in transition or off-balance—a hard ball at their feet is nearly unreturnable

Just as important: know when to hold back. If you're mid-court, hitting a low ball, or your opponent is set and ready, a reset will serve you better than an attack. Speeding up into a prepared player usually hands them the point. Wait for the conditions, then go—that's what separates reactive pickleball from intentional pickleball.

👉 Get the full breakdown—including drills to improve your speedups here.

✨ Recovery Isn't Just Physical

Most athletes think about recovery in terms of hydration, stretching, and rest. But what about creating space to unwind mentally, too?

Founded by former anesthesiologist Dr. Liz Lehman, Aluminate Life is reimagining aromatherapy through doctor-developed, crystal-infused, essential oil-based products designed around emotional intentions. The Signature Collection includes scents created for Focus, Release, Sleep, Energy, Calm, and more, helping you create intentional moments of wellness throughout your day.

Each product is hand-poured in the USA, vegan, cruelty-free, and made without phthalates or parabens.

👉 Shop the Signature Collection and save 25% with code PICKLE25.

🎒 The Pickleball Bag Items Nobody Talks About (But Should)

Everyone has opinions on paddles. Fewer people talk about what's quietly sitting at the bottom of the smartest bags on the court. After a few seasons of trial and error, a handful of unexpected items have earned a permanent spot—and they have nothing to do with your game, until suddenly they have everything to do with it. A few hints:

  • Grip socks—because your foot slides more than you think

  • Anti-chafe balm—runners figured this out years ago, pickleball players are catching up

  • Electrolyte packets—for when "one more game" turns into three hours

The players who stay on the court the longest usually aren't the ones with the newest paddles—they're the ones who figured out the small stuff. There are five items total, and the last two might surprise you.

👉 See all 5 odd things that have earned a permanent spot in my bag.

💪 Pickleball Doesn't Only Belong to Healthy Bodies

Arthritis, diabetes, long COVID, multiple sclerosis, cancer recovery—pickleball courts are full of players managing more than most people see. But you don't have to earn your place on the court. The key isn't pushing through; it's learning to play smarter than the unpredictability of your own body. A few things worth knowing:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider first—especially if you're newly diagnosed or returning after treatment

  • Morning play, doubles over singles, lighter paddles, shorter sessions—there's no wrong version of the game if it keeps you coming back

  • Learn the difference between normal soreness and warning signs that deserve attention (chest pain, dizziness, sudden shortness of breath)

The goal isn't to prove how much you can handle. The goal is finding a version of pickleball that lets you keep showing up—and on the days you can't, that's okay too.

👉 Read the full guide on staying active with a chronic illness.

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