Ever notice how the courts are starting to feel like a mashup of college rec leagues, tactical gear expos, and mid-match therapy sessions? Same. And honestly, that energy kind of sums up this week’s newsletter.

You'll find:

• The collegiate pickleball boom (plus million-dollar courts, scholarships, and club drama)

• Net play tactics that turn chaos into control

• A real talk breakdown on compression sleeves, tape, and braces

Grab some water, swipe on the SPF, and let’s get into it.

🎓 Pickleball Is the Newest Campus Craze

Zumba. Ultimate Frisbee. Quidditch (yes, really). College fitness trends have always had a flair for the unexpected—and right now, pickleball is stealing the spotlight.

From free gear and club sports to million-dollar court builds, schools across the country are betting big on the sport’s staying power. And students? They’re here for it.

The rise of the rec game

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball participation has jumped 233% in three years. Young adults now make up the largest group of players, with 2.3 million in the 25–35 range. While some of that is post-grad, plenty of students are picking up paddles between classes, club meetings, and late-night study sessions.

It makes sense—pickleball is cheap, easy to learn, and most often played in doubles, making it an easy entry point for both seasoned athletes and rec-sport newbies.

So what’s actually happening on campus?

• The University of Alabama spent $1.6M on 10 new courts

• USA Pickleball lists over 200 active collegiate clubs

• Some students are now getting scholarships or NIL deals through their clubs

• The University of Florida’s club jumped from 200 to 400+ members in just two years

And it’s not just the big names. Colleges from Eastern Mennonite to Whittier are building courts, launching tournaments, and using pickleball to boost participation in other intramurals and student events.

What students are saying

At SUNY Brockport, students cite connection, skill-building, and fun as key reasons they’re playing. Not Instagram fame. Not even competition. Just a desire to move, meet people, and master something new—on their own terms.

And when you think about it, that’s kind of the magic of pickleball: low pressure, low cost, low barrier. But high reward.

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

🕶️ The eyewear brand taking your pickleball vision seriously
🎙️ Empower Pickleball CEO gets real on this podcast
🔮 The zodiac just hit the court—see what kind of pickleball player your sign really is

🎯 Win the Net, Win the Match

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: There’s a reason everyone tells you to “get to the kitchen.” The real magic of pickleball happens at the net—but it’s not just about getting there. It’s about knowing what to do once you’re there.

Aggressive net play isn’t about blasting every ball. It’s about pressure. Positioning. Reading the rally and striking at the right time. When you own the kitchen line, you control the pace, force errors, and make your opponents question everything.

Here’s how to show up with intent:

🥊 Punch Volley – Use when the ball comes in fast and high. Paddle up, compact motion, push—not swing.
🛡️ Block Volley – Best for defense. Hold steady, use soft hands, and let the ball’s own pace do the work.
🎯 Roll Volley – Adds topspin and angles. Think of it as a sneaky dink’s older cousin.
⚡ Attack Volley – Punish pop-ups. Stay balanced and swing with control, not chaos.
🎈 Lob Volley – Surprise your opponents mid-rally. Use sparingly. Hit deep and regain space.

Net play is less about hitting winners and more about creating them. Dial in your reflexes, stay loose, and read your opponent’s body language before they even hit the ball. You’re not just another paddle at the line—you’re the one setting the tone.

New Name to Know: Brioti

If you’ve been squinting, fogging up, or second-guessing line calls under bad lighting, Brioti might be your new go-to. Their FOCOS glasses are designed specifically for pickleball—with impact-rated protection, no-slip grip, and lenses that actually help you see the ball better. Indoor or outdoor, bright sun or LED glare, they’ve covered the tricky stuff most brands ignore.

Take a look at Brioti to find your frame and explore their lens lineup. The 4D Boost and 4D Shade options are built for real play. Your eyes (and your net game) deserve better.

🏝️ Curacao Is for Pickleball People

Looking to escape real life and finally fix that third shot drop? All Things Pickleball’s Danea and Barrett are hosting an exclusive getaway in Curacao—and it’s basically your dream vacation with better volleys.

Here’s the setup:
✅ 2-a-days on private courts with expert coaching
✅ Sandals Royal Curacao (yes, it’s all-inclusive)
✅ Only 12 rooms—aka small group, big vibes
✅ Sunset drinks, surprise lobs, and zero guilt about skipping emails

You’ll work on serves, drops, dinks, strategy, and maybe even your tan. Go full throttle or lay low between sessions—your vacation, your rules.

📅 Sept 21–26, 2025
💸 Starting at $4,300 for 2 adults
💥 Military, fire, and police? You get 10% off (thank you!)

The catch? Space is very limited. And the deadline to hold your spot is coming fast.

Grab your paddle. Pack the sunscreen. Say yes to the island life.

🩹 Sleeves, Tape, Braces… What Actually Helps?

If you’ve hit the courts lately, you’ve probably seen at least one player suited up like they’re headed to a CrossFit tournament: compression gear, neon tape, full-on knee armor. So… does any of it actually do anything?

Short answer: sometimes.

✅ Compression sleeves can improve blood flow and reduce soreness
✅ Kinesiology tape can support movement (when applied correctly)
✅ Braces bring the structure when your joints are yelling at you

But none of it’s a magic fix. These tools can help you feel more stable and supported—but they’re not a substitute for good form, smart recovery, and listening to your body.

Curious if they are really worth the hype?
👉 Read the full breakdown here.