The Mistake That’s Quietly Stalling a Lot of Pickleball Games

From how we play, to how we feel, to where the game is headed next.

Author

Empower Pickleball
December 18, 2025

Last week, nearly half of you said you’re watching pickleball as a spectator and actually love following the pros. Same here. Some of us can’t go a day without finding a livestream. Honestly, if someone swapped an NFL game for pickleball on Christmas Day, I wouldn’t be mad about it.

We also mentioned A Pickleball Christmas in an article last week, and yes, I’ll be watching on Saturday when it gets released. Cheesy Lifetime movie? Absolutely. Pickleball involved? Say less. With colder temps rolling in, the plan is fuzzy pajamas, a big blanket, and something warm to drink. I’ll report back with my official thoughts.

One more thing before you go. We won’t be in your inbox next week. We’ll be with our families, probably trying not to sneak away for a quick game. We’ll see you after the New Year. Happy Holidays, and stay safe!

TIPS & TRICKS

When Playing “Safe” or “Hard” Is Holding Your Game Back

Most players don’t realize they’ve boxed themselves into a style until better opponents start exposing it. Relying only on power feels effective… until it doesn’t. Playing everything soft feels smart… until points slip away.

Gina shares how leaning too far in either direction quietly limits your progress and why the players who keep improving aren’t choosing between control or aggression. They’re learning when to use both and, more important, when not to.


💡 Why It Matters: Because versatility—not brute force or caution—is what separates great players from good ones.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why Pickleball Has Become a Mental Reset for So Many Women

If you’re carrying work, family, relationships, and a never-ending mental to-do list, you already know this: feeling better doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you finally claim something that’s yours. For a growing number of women, that something is pickleball.

It’s not just the movement or the social side. It’s the way pickleball fits into real life, pulls you into the moment, and gives you space where you’re not defined by your roles. This piece breaks down why women who play regularly often report feeling more grounded, connected, and mentally lighter—and why the impact goes far beyond the court.


💡 Why It Matters: Because mental wellness isn’t about doing more—it’s about finding something that gives back.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

How One Suitcase Is Helping Pickleball Grow Around the World

Most of us show up to the court without thinking twice about paddles, balls, or nets. But in many parts of the world, the game is ready to grow and the gear simply isn’t there. That’s the gap Susan Swern is stepping into, one suitcase at a time.

As part of Operation PaddleLift™, Susan is traveling to Africa to help deliver pickleball equipment directly to communities that are ready to build programs from the ground up. No middlemen. No waiting lists. Just access, opportunity, and a very real chance to change what pickleball looks like globally.


💡 Why It Matters: Because growing the sport worldwide isn’t about headlines. It’s about getting equipment into the right hands and letting local communities lead.

A Pickleball Shoe Built for Pickleball

Running shoes? Tennis shoes? Forget it. The Winners Edge P-38 Lightning was designed only for pickleball—tested by pros, verified by a podiatrist, and already making its way onto podiums.

Players who’ve switched say the grip feels unreal, the stability has saved them from ankle rolls, and the cushioning keeps knees and joints happier. Premium shoes made to keep you confident and comfortable every time you step on the court.

Use code EMPOWER at checkout for 15% off.

  • When Pickleball Becomes a Relationship Flashpoint 💬 A viral story out of Malaysia sparked debate after a wife claimed her husband used pickleball as an excuse to socialize with other women, highlighting bigger conversations around emotional labor, freedom, and how recreational sports show up differently for men and women.

  • High School Pickleball Is Gaining Real Momentum 🎒 Arizona teens are embracing pickleball through club teams and state championships, strengthening the case for the sport to eventually become a sanctioned high school option, with advocates pointing to accessibility, coed play, and Title IX alignment.

  • Australia’s Pro Pickleball Scene Just Wrapped Its First Full Season 🌏 The PPA Australia Tour closed out a 10-event inaugural season across Australia and New Zealand, signaling real momentum for international women’s pro pickleball and a growing pipeline of talent outside the U.S.

Five Winners. Your Next Five Years of Pickleball, Covered.

We’re closing out the year with our biggest giveaway yet.

Starting now through December 30, we’ve teamed up with Ramsports to give five winners a long-term supply of premium pickleball paddles. The kind of setup that carries you through season after season, no last-minute upgrades required.

If you’re thinking about setting better goals, playing more consistently, or simply upgrading your gear for the long haul, this is your chance.

Designed for the Court, Built for the Rest of the Day

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what we actually wear on the court. Not trend pieces. Not skimpy fits. Just gear that lets us play, move, and head into the rest of our day without changing outfits or feeling overexposed.

That’s why Sol Sister Sport caught my eye. Thoughtful coverage, real sun protection, and silhouettes that feel polished instead of overly athletic. These are the kind of pieces I put on for pickleball and keep on for whatever comes next, without second-guessing it.

Shop the leggings I’ve been hoarding in my cart. →