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What Junior Girls, Deaf Players, and Smart Footwork All Have in Common

Smart play in the transition zone, rising stars on the court, and a magnesium spray that lives in my bag.

Author

Empower Pickleball
June 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Currently writing this from a beach chair, halfway through a giant iced coffee and working on a very uneven tan. But just because I’m on vacation doesn’t mean we’re skipping the good stuff.

Today’s newsletter goes out on Juneteenth, a day of reflection, freedom, and joy. We’re thinking about what it means to build spaces (on and off the court) that are truly inclusive. And if the stories in here are any indication, pickleball is moving in the right direction.

TIPS & TRICKS

Zen in the Chaos: How to Rule the Transition Zone

The transition zone might feel like chaos, but it’s where smart players win points. Neil Friedenberg breaks down how to stop rushing, start thinking, and use this overlooked space to your advantage. Because when you move with purpose (not panic) you control the court.

Key takeaways:

  • Use the 3rd shot drop when you're pulled deep or facing heavy spin, but don’t baby the ball.

  • Blast it when you’ve got a clean bounce and want to push pressure. Then move in and stay low.

  • Stay calm, paddle up, and keep your body behind your hands.

  • You don’t have to reach the Kitchen in one go. Reset, regroup, repeat.


💡 Why It Matters: Because most points are won between the baseline and the Kitchen.

INSIGHTS

When You Don’t Need Sound to Make Noise

Deaf pickleball is growing fast, and not just within the Deaf community. From unique hand signals to all-Deaf tournaments, these players are redefining what access and communication can look like on court.

Whether it’s tapping paddles to say thanks or locking eyes before a serve, Deaf players are setting new standards for connection. As more hearing players learn ASL and adopt visual cues, the sport itself is evolving: quieter, maybe, but clearer and more intentional than ever.


💡 Why It Matters: Because inclusion makes the entire game stronger.

COMMUNITY

The Future is Already Here

Pickleball’s fastest-growing players aren’t pros or retirees—they’re junior girls grinding it out on side courts, chasing medals between math tests, and reshaping the sport from the ground up. In this piece, we spotlight rising stars like Jade Rau, Averry Chew, and Ella Cosma, who are competing with adults, collecting sponsorships, and pushing the sport into new territory, all before they can even vote.

Their success is powered by parents driving cross-country, coaches doubling as moms, and a growing community that’s actively creating space for girls to play, lead, and thrive.


💡 Why It Matters: Because the next generation of pickleball is already on the court.

  • Wellness Meets the Court 🧃 Brands like Thrive, FitVine, and Vita Bella are jumping into pickleball with health-first partnerships and player perks.

  • Franklin Drops a Game-Changer 💥 The new C45° Series brings grit, power, and pro-level performance to players craving control and customization.

  • SportsCenter Hits the Court 📺 ESPN is spotlighting the Beer City Open and MLP Midseason Tournament in Michigan as part of its 50-state tour.

No More Rule Debates

Last week, I searched “Can I step into the kitchen if the ball bounces first?” using Ruley mid-match, and got the answer in seconds. This smart, no-nonsense app gives you instant rule clarifications right on your wrist.

Exclusively for our readers: Get 3 months free with code EMPOWER on Google Play/Android or the Apple App Store.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

Sandbagging. Shady ratings. And why playing down doesn’t do you—or the sport—any favors. Gina and Neil unpack the unspoken tension around tournament divisions, plus share personal stories and practical advice for finding the right level of play.

📺 Watch it on YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

The Spray That Lives in My Pickleball Bag

I started using Cymbiotika’s Magnesium Oil Spray before bed and wow, my feet hurt less, I sleep better, and it’s officially part of my nightly routine.

It absorbs fast (no greasy mess), doesn’t sting like other sprays I’ve tried, and genuinely helps with cramps and soreness, especially after long days on court or standing around all day.

I was skeptical, but I get the hype now. 15-20 sprays, rub it in, and let it do it’s thing.