The #1 doubles mistake (and how to fix it)

The March Madness of college pickleball. A billionaire’s next pickleball move...

Author

Empower Pickleball
March 24, 2026

The madness is upon us. It’s one of the best times of the year for sports fans, as college basketball teams face the threat of elimination round after round in the NCAA Tournament.

But did you know that college pickleball emulates the popular March event with a 64-team tournament of their own? The DUPR Collegiate Pickleball Tour hosts The Nationals April 9-12 in Peachtree Corners, GA, putting a wrap on their 2025-2026 season.

Gear Up:

The new HEAD Triflex Radical Pro paddle is officially here. Enter for your chance to win one for yourself.

Inside:

  • Clog the middle to force your opponent outside

  • One billionaire’s new team-based pickleball league

  • Paddles are evolving; it’s time to catch up

🏆 MLP’s Founder is Building Something New

The rise of Steve Kuhn isn’t just a story—it’s a blueprint for how pickleball became a global, investable sport. From launching DUPR to building Major League Pickleball, Kuhn has consistently pushed the game toward structure, visibility, and scale. In the past, Kuhn:

  • Created DUPR, giving players a universal, trusted rating system

  • Built MLP, turning pro pickleball into a team-based, fan-first product

  • Helped attract major investors and legitimacy to the sport

But his latest project may be the boldest yet.

Enter the Pickleball Champions League—a global, team-driven competition designed to bring together top players from around the world in a high-stakes, international format. It’s a clear step toward making pickleball feel more like global soccer or tennis, with national pride, deeper storylines, and worldwide reach.

👉 Read more about PCL Asia and Kuhn’s ambition to spread the game.

🌎 Around the Picklesphere

🎾 Pickleball Slam 4: Tennis Legends vs Pickleball’s Best
🏰 Major League Pickleball’s landmark event at Disney World
📖 The strategy terms you need to know on the pickleball court
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Be a part of the Empower Pickleball Fam and save 30% with code EMPOWER30

🤔 Own the Middle, Own the Match

The middle is the most attacked and most vulnerable part of the court, creating hesitation and easy openings for opponents. Strong teams don’t avoid it—they control it, turning neutral balls into offensive opportunities.

Forehand Rules + Clear Communication

The golden rule: forehand takes the middle—it’s stronger, more aggressive, and removes indecision.

  • Call “mine” or “yours” early to avoid confusion

  • Decide pre-point who will be more aggressive in the middle

Positioning Wins Points (Before You Even Swing)

Great teams stay connected, moving like they’re tied together to eliminate gaps.

  • Keep about an arm’s length of spacing at the kitchen line

  • Shift together and shade middle on pressure shots

Master this, and you’ll win more points through positioning and clarity alone—no highlight shots required.

👉 Read the full blog to see how clogging the middle can force your opponent into more mistakes.

📱 You run the group. You deserve real tools.

Every pickleball community has that one person. 

The one who sets up the games, manages the texts, and makes sure matchups are fair. 

If that's you, meet Pickleheads Pro.

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Less admin. Better games. Happier players.

Our friends at Pickleheads are giving Empower Pickleball members a free 30-day trial.

 🎁 Code: EMPOWER30 👉 Start your free trial →

🧑‍🧒‍🧒 4 Generations of Paddle Innovation

Pickleball paddles aren’t just evolving—they’re entering distinct “generations” that dramatically change how the game feels. From simple builds to cutting-edge foam cores, each wave brings new levels of power, control, and durability.

  • Gen 1: Classic honeycomb core paddles—reliable, affordable, and beginner-friendly

  • Gen 2: Thermoformed designs that unlock more power and consistency

  • Gen 3: Added foam + “floating core” tech for bigger sweet spots and explosive pop

  • Gen 4: Full foam cores delivering elite durability and long-term performance

The takeaway? Newer doesn’t always mean better—it’s about matching your paddle to your skill level and play style. Beginners often thrive with control-focused options, while advanced players can actually benefit from the added power of newer tech.

👉 The full blog breaks down how paddles have evolved in the last six years and which type might be best for your game.

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