You're giving up the kitchen too easily

Summer's here, the outfits are breathable, and the net play is getting spicy. Just don't ask how Pickleballers is going...

Author

Empower Pickleball
May 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

After Memorial Day, it finally feels like summer’s creepin’ in, which means more court time, more sweat, and a decent chance your favorite skort is already in the laundry pile. I logged a few good hours over the long weekend and debuted a new outfit that did its job: comfortable, stayed in place, and didn’t distract me mid-point (we love that).

I’m also prepping for a beach trip in a few weeks and made the questionable choice to download Pickleballers (you’ll read more below). Goodreads was… not kind. But I’m too deep in this sport not to give it a shot. Full review coming later (unless it’s that bad, then we pretend this never happened).

TIPS & TRICKS

Pressure Makes Points

Controlling the kitchen line is one of the most effective ways to shift momentum and end points on your terms. This guide walks through the core volley techniques every player should know, plus offers quick drills to sharpen your reactions and build confidence in faster-paced exchanges. Net play is about reading the play, staying balanced, and putting pressure where it counts.


💡 Why It Matters: Because the net doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

GEAR

Summer 2025 Court Trends to Know

Pickleball apparel is shifting. Players are leaning into breathable layers, smarter footwear, and silhouettes that actually don’t move during play. Across the country, we’re seeing:

  • Cropped tanks, sleeveless polos, and UPF tees built for movement

  • Skorts and shorts with no-slip fits, 4-way stretch, and ball-friendly pockets

  • One-piece dresses designed with built-in shorts you can pull down

  • Prints, pastels, and preppy patterns replacing the basics


💡 Why It Matters: Brands are finally catching up to how people really play, and these are the designs and materials you’ll be seeing more of all summer long.

COMMUNITY

Paddles, Purpose & a Neon Green Bear

Griffin Toren started Killa Dinks as a college sophomore with a simple goal: make pickleball more fun, more expressive, and way more accessible. What started as a youth-focused brand is now helping shift the sport’s culture: building custom paddles for everyone from Apple to Poppi, all while keeping rec players at the center.


💡 Why It Matters: Because growing the game means making space for players of all ages, styles, and price points.

  • New Romance Novel Inspired by Pickleball Hits the Shelves 📝 Ilana Long turned her pandemic pastime into Pickleballers, a comedy-filled love story rooted in real court friendships.

  • Pickleball License Plates Are Coming to Washington 🚘 Starting November, drivers can rep their love for the sport with a new specialty plate, and proceeds will help fund dedicated courts.

  • Very Mediocre, Very Proud 😅 One college player shares how embracing her so-so skills is exactly why she keeps showing up to play.

Aim Small, Win Big

You don’t need a full coaching crew to help with accuracy. The Pickleball Driller is a smart, adjustable training aid that hangs just above the net to help you dial in everything from dinks to deep drives. It straps onto permanent posts (or sturdy portables like C&D nets) and works with solo drills, partner play, or your favorite ball machine. Bonus: it’s also great for adding a little extra challenge to your dinking games.

Built to stay put. Designed to help you get better, faster.

Tiny Tin, Big Save

I threw this tiny Welly kit in my bag last week and already used it twice: once for a mystery court scrape, once because someone forgot hand sanitizer (it was me). The 24-piece tin has just enough bandages, ointment, and wipes to keep the fun going when things get mildly out of hand.

If you bag has room to spare, they also make a bigger 130-piece version with everything from ibuprofen to tape to hydrocortisone. I haven’t committed to that one yet, but it feels like the kind of thing my car should probably have.

Yes, the designs lean a little kid-core, but honestly? A pop of color never hurt anyone.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

From sideline snubs to players who never pass the ball, Gina and Neil are talking about the ball hogs, bullies, and awkward energy that can make rec play feel anything but casual. They share stories, break down common behavior patterns and talk through how to set boundaries and still have fun on the court.

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