Why Doing Less Wins More Games

Control the rally, invest wisely, and meet the coach expanding Special Olympics pickleball in Florida.

Author

Empower Pickleball
February 26, 2026

Thankfully, my paddle cleared TSA this week and was deemed not a security threat. đźš©

One woman wasn’t so lucky after her bag was pulled and an agent questioned whether her pickleball paddle could be used as a "weapon." (Fair.) Another TSA agent stepped in, declared it the fastest growing sport in America, and balance was restored.

Let’s talk about control—on the court, not at Gate B12.

TIPS & TRICKS

Why Doing Less is Actually the Ultimate Pickleball Strategy

Pickleball feels fast right now. Players are swinging harder, moving more, forcing attacks earlier.

Senior Pro Gina Cilento argues the opposite approach wins more often. The calmest player controls the rally. The player who resets instead of reacting. The one who plants before hitting, keeps the paddle out front, and waits for a true attackable ball.

Overplaying looks aggressive. It usually ends in errors.

đź’ˇ Why It Matters: Because discipline, balance, and tempo control beat panic and power over time.

👉 Read why doing less might change your entire game.

PICKLEBALL GUIDE

Should You Hire a Pro? The Real Pros and Cons of Private Pickleball Lessons

At some point, almost every player hits a plateau. You’re playing 3-4 times a week, but your drop still floats and the same opponents keep targeting you. That's usually when the $100 lesson question starts to feel real.

Private lessons can dramatically shorten the learning curve—but only if you practice afterward. Clinics often deliver more value early on. And not every good player is a good coach.

đź’ˇ Why It Matters: Because knowing when to invest in instruction can save you months of frustration—and a lot of wasted reps.

👉 Decide if a private lesson is the right move for your game right now.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Coach “Tree” Capozzoli Is Growing Special Olympics Pickleball in Florida

Four years ago, Theresa “Coach Tree” Capozzoli started a Special Olympics pickleball program in Manatee County with seven athletes. Today, she coaches 28 competitors across local, regional, and state events—and was recently selected as head coach for Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Her program blends structured training, real competition, and consistent leadership—creating a space where athletes are coached, challenged, and taken seriously.

đź’ˇ Why It Matters: Because expanding the game also means expanding who has access to high-level coaching and competition.

  • Entrepreneurs Are Recycling Broken Pickleballs on the Gulf Coast ♻️ Two Florida-based founders launched BounceBack, placing collection bins at local courts to recycle cracked pickleballs into new ones. They’ve already diverted more than 1,000 pounds of plastic from landfills and are working to bring 100% recycled balls to market later this year.

  • Agassi Sports Entertainment Plans “World Series of Pickleball” in Las Vegas đźŽ° Agassi Sports Entertainment announced plans to launch a new Las Vegas–based global championship called the World Series of Pickleball. The proposed event would combine open competition, team play, celebrity involvement, and large prize purses into a high-production championship platform.

  • Anywhere Pickleball Launches Campaign to Send 1,000 Paddles to Ukraine 🇺🇦 San Diego–based Anywhere Pickleball announced a “Gift & Get” initiative aimed at delivering 1,000 pro-level paddles to Ukrainian veterans, adaptive athletes, and youth programs. For every Freedom Fighter paddle activated in the U.S., a matching paddle will be sent to the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation for community distribution.

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This Might Be the Cutest Post-Game Host Move Ever

I don't know about you, but I love a subtle theme moment. This pickleball paddle-shaped snack tray from Uncommon Goods is equal parts ridiculous and adorable. Chip compartments, built-in dip bowl, the whole thing.

If you're hosting open play, book club, or “we swear we’re just watching the pros,” this is the kind of detail that makes people laugh and immediately ask where you got it.

Interested in having your event listed? Reach out to us and let’s chat!