You might have noticed something different when you opened today’s email. We’re excited to launch our updated branding!

Empower Pickleball has always been about celebrating every athlete and their story. As our community grows, so do we. This new look ins’t a reinvention — it’s an evolution. A visual identity that reflects the professional, dynamic, and inclusive brand we’ve become. And we’re just getting stared.

Athletes from other sports are starting to pick up paddles, and it’s giving the game a fresh burst of energy. From football stars to Olympians, we’re seeing how new players are connecting with pickleball — and why it matters for the growth of the sport at every level.

You’ll also find:

• How to build a consistent, game-ready serve

• The latest DUPR updates and what they mean for you

• How to balance your pickleball addiction with what matters in life

• Everything you need to know about choosing the right pickleball

We’d love to hear what you think of the new look! Reply to this email and let us know, and make sure you’re following us on Instagram to see it in action.

🏓 Athletes Are Swapping Helmets for Paddles

AJ Dillon didn’t expect pickleball to become his new obsession. Now the Philadelphia Eagles running back says he wants to be “the LeBron James of pickleball.” He’s not alone — athletes from football, tennis, and beyond are trading their usual gear for paddles and falling hard for the sport.

Why the crossover is happening

Athletes are drawn to pickleball for a few big reasons:

• Low impact, high engagement: Slower ball, smaller court, fewer injuries — but still a fast, competitive game.

• Skill transfer: Footwork, hand-eye coordination, reaction time — football, hockey, and baseball pros already have the tools.

• Social + competitive: Pickleball offers both fun outlets and a strategic challenge.

Who’s Joining In

🏈 NFL & Beyond: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers have all invested in Major League Pickleball teams. AJ Dillon and Matt Leinart are regulars on the court, bringing real visibility from other sports. Leinart (NFL QB) says he uses pickleball to stay sharp and connect with family.

🎾 Tennis & Badminton Crossover: Former tennis pros like Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock have transitioned to pickleball full-time. And Olympic badminton star Gail Emms now competes in mixed doubles in England.

⛷️ Other Athletes: Bode Miller (skiing) and hockey players like Kris Draper have picked up paddles for both training and fun.

Why it matters

When athletes from other sports jump in, it validates what players already know: pickleball is real competition. Their visibility draws in curious fans, fuels media coverage, and brings new energy to local clubs — not just pro tours.

The crossover helps more players find the sport and more communities grow around it. That kind of grassroots ripple effect does more for the sport than any sponsorship deal ever could.

🎥 Watch: The NFL’s Pickleball Craze on YouTube

🌎 Around the Picklesphere

👀 The evolution of paddles through the years
🎬 From Hollywood sets to family pickleball bonds
📣 A new partnership for players and coaches
⚡️ More pop, less stress with these performance insoles

🧠 Bring This to the Court: Build a Consistent, Game-Ready Serve

Bring This to the Court: Serving doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective — it just needs to hold up under pressure. Here’s how to build a serve you can trust.

1️⃣ Mechanics = the backbone of consistency

• Stance & base: Semi-open or semi-closed stance for balance and direction. stay soft in the knees; power starts from your legs.

• Swing path: Think pendulum from your shoulder, not wrist. Keep it low → high and finish toward your target.

• Grip & tension: Firm but relaxed (3-5/10 pressure). Tension kills consistency.

• Contact point: Meet the ball slightly in front, with a compact swing.

2️⃣ Nail your toss — make it boring

Your toss runs the show.

• Release around eye level and keep it smooth (no wrist flicks).

• Visualize the same landing spot every time.

• Drill ideas: 50 toss-only reps, then combine toss + serve for rhythm.

3️⃣ Spin vs. flat — when to use what

• Flat: Reliable, deep, safe. Use when you want control and depth.

• Topspin: Adds lift and margin, great against aggressive returners.

• Keep your motion identical — only change the follow-through so your opponent can’t read it.

4️⃣ Mental game — trust it under pressure

• Say the score first, then serve.

• Build a short ritual: bounce, breathe, visualize, go.

• Under pressure, default to your most reliable serve.

• Confidence beats flair — consistency wins points.

5️⃣ Practice like you play

• Warm up with 50-100 tosses, then 50-100 slow, controlled serves.

• Drill depth and accuracy before adding spin

• Finish with pressure games — “fault = lost point.”

📚 No More Rule Debates

Ever been mid-rally and unsure about a rule? With Ruley, you get instant answers straight from your wrist—like whether you can step into the kitchen after a bounce (spoiler: yes). It’s quick, clear, and keeps the game moving.

👉 Exclusive for Empower readers: Enjoy 3 months free with code EMPOWER on Google Play or the App Store.

📊 Think You’re a 3.5? DUPR Might Disagree

If you’ve noticed your DUPR shifting more than usual lately, it’s not just you. The platform’s updated algorithm now weighs opponent strength, score differentials, and verified matches more heavily — rewarding consistent performance and tightening up inflated ratings.

This shift means players who’ve been “playing up” might see their number settle closer to reality, while steady performers could climb faster. With verified events becoming the 2026 standard, your DUPR is about to matter more than ever.

👉 See how the changes could affect your rating.

⚖️ Your Family Will Thank You for Reading This

We get it — pickleball is irresistible. You schedule your day around it, watch tutorials, follow pro matches, and maybe sneak in a game when you should be… adulting. But no matter how much you love the court, your life outside of it deserves your attention too.

Neil’s tips for keeping the balance:

1. Pickleball is a piece of the pie chart, not the whole chart

2. Family, relationships, and responsibility come first

3. Explore other hobbies

4. Bring your fam

5. Check yourself before your wreck yourself

6. Schedule it

Pickleball is the whipped cream on the iced mocha of life — amazing, but not the main ingredient. Play, enjoy, and grow — but don’t forget what really matters.

👉 Ready the full article.

⚡ Pickleball Balls: What You Really Need to Know

Pickleballs might look the same, but what’s in your bag can totally change your game. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right ball for your style and court.

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoor balls offer more control and touch for finesse play, while outdoor balls are harder, faster, and built for wind and rough courts.

• Durability: Look for seamless, rotationally molded, weather-resistant balls. Store indoors when not playing.

• Spin & Feel: Surface texture and material impact how the ball grips your paddle, affecting spin, pop and overall playability.

• Next-Level Tech: Foam and 3D-printed balls offer quieter, slower, or more precise play and are shaping the future of pickelball.

Pick a ball that fits your court, paddle, and style, then try a few to see what feels right.

👉 Find out about our favorites.