Want Easier Wins? Change the Angle.

Smart shots, good style, and global energy—this week’s lineup covers it all.

Author

Empower Pickleball
November 13, 2025

Like I said last week, my screen time’s been embarrassing—but I’ll call it “research.” Between learning new drills, watching pros slow-mo their serves, and realizing Anna Leigh Waters now has a YouTube channel, I’m convincing myself it all counts as training.

It’s kind of wild watching how fast the sport’s evolving. Everyone’s refining their game, finding new edges, and proving that improvement doesn’t always happen on the court. Sometimes, it starts with curiosity—and a really good Wi-Fi connection.

TIPS & TRICKS

Want Easier Wins? Change the Angle.

Swinging harder isn’t what wins overheads—shaping them does. Angled overheads pull opponents out of position, force weak replies, and open the court in ways a straight blast never will.

Try these simple angles first:

  • Crosscourt: Drag them wide and leave the opposite side wide open.

  • Short diagonal: Drop it in front of a deep defender and watch them scramble.

  • Down the line: Punish players who shade the middle or over-cover crosscourt.

Those three alone will change your game, but the full guide digs into body rotation, predictive placement, depth changes, and the “three-target drill” that builds real overhead control.


💡 Why It Matters: Power ends points sometimes. Angles end points reliably.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Secret to Quicker Reactions

Every rally, sprint, and kitchen-line scramble starts the same way—from the legs. For women, strength isn’t about size or brute force. It’s about balance, control, and the confidence to move without hesitation. Most of us are naturally quad-dominant, which means our glutes and hamstrings don’t always pull their weight—and that can lead to slower first steps and cranky knees.

These six moves (like lateral band walks and heel-elevated squats) target the muscles that matter most for pickleball. No gym needed—just a resistance band, some space, and a little consistency.


💡 Why It Matters: Strong legs are your best defense against fatigue, imbalance, and injury.

PICKLEBALL GEAR

Pickleball Style That Actually Gets It

Some brands make “pickleball clothes.” Civile makes style—the kind you can wear from courtside to coffee without feeling like you forgot to change. Our new Empower Pickleball x Civile collection is built on connection, confidence, and community, featuring pieces that fit your game and your life (and yes, they’re stupid soft).

If you’re shopping for players this holiday season (or just yourself), start here… and there might be an exclusive discount waiting for you inside.


💡 Why It Matters: Because what you wear should feel as good as how you play.

PICKLEBALL NEWS

An Official Way to Show You’re Serious About Pickleball

You’ve got the paddle, the schedule, and maybe even the tan lines to prove your dedication—but now there’s something better: the new Certified Pickleball Player™ Program from the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR).

For the first time, players—not just coaches—can earn an official USA Pickleball-backed certification recognizing their commitment to the game. From a sleek paddle band to an AI game review, this program gives players something real to show for the hours they put in—and a chance to be part of a global map of certified players.


💡 Why It Matters: It’s one more way women can claim space and credibility in a sport we’ve helped build from the ground up.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Asia’s Biggest Pickleball Party Is About to Make History

This weekend, the Philippines will host one of the most ambitious pickleball events ever—the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Manila Sectionals. Thousands of fans are expected to pack the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall for two full days of matches, celebrity charity showdowns, and one huge goal: to set a new world record for the largest live audience ever to watch pickleball.

From Miss Universe Philippines Ariela Arida to actor Daniel Matsunaga, local stars will join international players like Adam Bobrow and Rob Nunnery for the weekend that’s part tournament, part celebration. Add in ₱250,000 in prizes for fan challenges powered by SportsPredict.com, and you’ve got pickleball’s biggest party in Asia.


💡 Why It Matters: Because pickleball’s global growth isn’t just hype—it’s proof that community, connection, and competition translate anywhere.

  • Pickleball Courts Are the New Backyard Flex 🏡 Zillow’s latest report shows a spike in listings boasting private courts, with homeowners paying premium prices to turn their spaces into playable retreats.

  • Pros, Purpose & Pickleball Collide in Delray Beach 💖 The Court of Dreams Pro-Am is bringing pros and amateurs together for a cause that hits home. The March event at the Delray Beach Tennis Center will feature top athletes from major leagues playing alongside locals to raise funds for Special Olympics Florida.

  • Indoor Clubs Are Scaling Fast 📈 Dill Dinkers co-founder and CEO Denise Richards says indoor access is the future. The franchise has 18 locations open and 400 in development after starting franchising in September 2023, all focused on consistent, year-round play and strong local communities.

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, vetted 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. At $150, it’s a premium shoe, but one made to keep you confident and comfortable every time you step on the court.

Use code EMPOWER at checkout for 15% off.

My Feet Haven’t Moved Since I Put These On

I never thought socks could change how my shoes feel—until these. The RTP UltraGrip V2 Ankle Socks have grippers inside and out, which means my feet don’t move. At all. No sliding, blisters, no bruised toenails. Just solid traction and soft compression that somehow still feels breathable.

They were already a hit with pros and trainers, but the new ankle version? Game over. If you’ve ever felt your foot slip mid-point, these fix it.