Let’s just say the courts have been lively lately. Trades are shaking up one league. Doubles teams are melting down mid-point. And somewhere, someone’s still arguing about the kitchen rule. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

You'll find:

• A behind-the-scenes peek at pro pickleball’s biggest trade yet

• Tips to make your doubles team actually function

• A smartwatch app that ends rule debates instantly

Curious? Let’s dive in!

🔁 Ben Johns Got Traded. For Real.

In the biggest shake-up MLP’s seen yet, World #1 Ben Johns is headed to the LA Mad Drops. Carolina sent him (plus Etta Tuionetoa) in a multi-team deal that left LA with a stacked lineup: Ben Johns, Hunter Johnson, Catherine Parenteau, and Jade Kawamoto. Not bad.

If you’re wondering why this matters: the Mad Drops (owned by Drew Brees, Josh Allen, and Rob Dyrdek) just became one of the scariest teams in the league.

Pro pickleball’s growing up fast—trades, contracts, money moves—it’s starting to feel little less ‘beer league,’ a little more ‘prime time.’

Whether you love it or hate it, the playoffs just got way more interesting.

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

🎧 Court etiquette: the unspoken rules you’re probably breaking
📊 3 tiny tweaks = more points (and fewer unforced errors)
🧢 What we’re wearing on court this summer (hint: breathable everything)

🎯 Doubles Wins Start Before the First Point

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Forget the highlight-reel drives for a second. The best doubles teams aren’t flashy—they’re functional. They move together, talk constantly, and trust each other like their rec night depends on it. (Because it does.)

Too often, players fall into the “who’s the alpha” trap—ripping third-shot drives, crowding the middle, or overreaching for balls they have no business taking. But that loses games. Real chemistry starts with intention.

Here’s the playbook:

🧠 Talk before the game — Discuss sides, shot preferences, and sneaky stacking strategies. Get on the same page before the first serve. A 2-minute game plan can solve a dozen miscommunications.
👀 Communicate mid-point — Quick calls like “switch,” “bounce it,” or “I got it” can keep you connected during a rally.
👏 De-brief after — A fast paddle tap, a quick laugh, a low-key “my bad.” Doesn’t need to be deep—just consistent. These micro-moments build rhythm and trust.

Also: move as a unit. If you’re charging the kitchen line like it’s a solo mission, you’re doing it wrong. Cover space together. Trust each other’s shots.

Add in smart footwork, thoughtful shot placement, and a little mutual respect, and you’re already ahead of most teams on the courts. Power gets the “oohs.” Consistency gets the wins.

📚 Want to win more matches with fewer arguments? Read Neil’s full breakdown for doubles success.

🎽 Game-Day Gear That Delivers

Centerline builds apparel made for the demands of pickleball. Breathable fabrics keep you cool in long rallies. GripTek® details help you hold steady through fast hands and tough points. Fits are designed to move with you without getting in the way.

Snag 20% off with code EMPOWER20 at checkout, because the right gear actually makes a difference.

📱Pickleball Rules…On Your Wrist

More courts = more players = more arguments. You’ve probably been there: someone is questioning if a ball was in, someone else insists that serve was illegal, and suddenly everyone’s scrolling the USAP rulebook mid-game like it’s 9th-grade debate club.

Enter Ruley, the smartwatch app that answers rule questions instantly, so you can settle things on the spot and get back to playing.

Here’s how it works:

• Ask a question—literally, just speak it into your watch

• Ruley pulls an official rule-backed answer in seconds

• No more digging through your phone or interrupting the flow of the game

It’s built for all skill levels and scenarios: newer players learning the ropes, tournament teams double-checking specifics, and anyone who’s tired of “that guy” who confidently shouts the wrong rule every other point.

🎁 Use code EMPOWER for 3 months free on Google Play or the App Store.
🔗 Full spotlight here

🇺🇸 A Quick Look at USA Pickleball (USAP)

If you’re new to the sport, you’ve probably heard the name—and if you haven’t, it’s that little stamp on your paddle. But what does it actually mean?

USA Pickleball is the official governing body and nonprofit organization for pickleball in the U.S. They set the rules, sanction tournaments, support grassroots programs, and help grow the sport from local parks to the national stage. If you’ve played a sanctioned tournament, chances are you’re already familiar.

We’re curious — are you a member of USAP?
Just click below and let us know: