You’ve heard it said a million times: pickleball is good for your heart AND good for your mental health. Yeah yeah, but how?

From reducing depression to rebuilding confidence, the sport is proving to be a surprising mental health lifeline…just take the below story as an example.

Keep reading for:

• Why drops work better when you do less

• The rise of youth development through the APP Tour

• A luxury pickleball retreat worth signing up for before June 24

💡 Defining The Mental Health Power of Pickleball

Two new stories show just how powerful this sport can be for mental health. From reducing depression to helping people reconnect after trauma, the benefits go way beyond fitness:

📊 The Data: Apple Watch Study Shows Major Mental Health Boost

According to a recent Apple study of pickleball players using Apple Watch, those who play regularly reported 60% lower depressive symptoms compared to other users.

Why? Experts say it comes down to a mix of movement, social bonding, and outdoor exposure. Playing a sport like pickleball releases endorphins, encourages quick thinking, and gets you into the kind of strategic, reactive flow that sharpens your brain and lifts your mood.

Bonus: The average pickleball session clocks in at 90 minutes — that’s already more than half the CDC’s weekly recommendation for exercise. Not bad for a game that feels like recess.

👥 The Real-Life Impact: Pickleball as a Recovery Tool

At the Recovery Center of Hamilton County in Cincinnati, Ohio, a small parking-lot court is changing lives.

Mental health advocate Bill Brown set up a weekly pickleball session for clients struggling with depression and anxiety — and it’s working. “We’ll do whatever we can to reach one person,” he said. And they have.

Participant Judy Lamping put it simply: “It saved my life.”

For others, like Betsy Fischer, pickleball helped pull them out of isolation. “I used to have a hard time even making eye contact. Now I come here every week,” she said.

🧩 Why It Works

• ✅ Movement = mood boost (endorphins, improved sleep, reduced stress)

• ✅ Connection = community and purpose

• ✅ Strategy = cognitive sharpness

• ✅ Routine = structure for healing

Pickleball offers a unique mix of physical, emotional, and social benefits — and sometimes, that combination is exactly what people need to heal.

If you or someone you know is struggling, getting on a court might be more powerful than you think.

Around the Picklesphere

😭 Not having fun in your game lately? Watch this
🧒 The case for kids to play
🏳️‍🌈 Happy pride, picklers!
👟 The real value of a pickleball shoe
🏝️ Only 6 spots left! Join Neil in Turks & Caicos in October.

🧠 Fix Your Drop in 5 Tips

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: A great drop is simple, repeatable, and steady. Whether you're slicing or rolling, the ball should never feel forced.

Common drop shot mistakes:

• Overswinging: A big swing leads to big problems. It’s harder to time, tougher to control, and often too fast. Keep it short, compact, and smooth.

• Too Much Topspin: Some players go full Nadal, trying to rip topspin every time. But excessive spin kills touch. Prioritize height, arc, and softness.

• Off-Balance Hitting: Both feet grounded = better timing and cleaner contact. If you're scrambling or off-kilter, switch to a drive.

A well-placed drop keeps you in control, buys time, and sets up your next move.

BONUS TIP: On your next third shot, try aiming it just to the right or left of the center line in the kitchen; not the line itself, but a foot to either direction. It’s strategically one of the best spots to place your third & eliminates offensive opportunities for your opponents.

Your New Go-To on the Court

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis is here, and it’s bringing power, precision, and control with it. Built with a 100% foam core and 4th Gen technology, this paddle is designed for players who want cleaner shots, smarter plays, and full confidence in their game.

Snag 10% off with code EMPOWER10 at checkout, because the right paddle actually makes a difference.

📺 Gear Review: Incrediwear

Gina and Neil tried Incrediwear’s recovery gear… and now they’re both obsessed. From quicker recovery to all-day comfort, they break down why it’s earned a permanent spot in their post-play routine.

▶️ Watch the full review on YouTube

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month in Pickleball

At its best, pickleball creates space for everyone — no matter your background, identity, or experience level. But for LGBTQ+ players, showing up isn’t always that simple.

This Pride Month, we’re spotlighting how the sport builds belonging, and where we still need to grow. From rainbow grip tape to inclusive leagues, players are making it clear: the court is better when it’s for everyone.

But barriers remain. Players still face:

• apparel policing

• lack of representation

• tournament divisions that don’t account for non-binary identities

Even where inclusive policies exist, the on-the-ground culture doesn’t always follow.

So what can we do? Show up visibly. Start the conversation. Push for real inclusion in clubs, events, and branding.

Pride Month isn’t just a celebration — it’s a reminder that this community is watching, playing, and ready to be heard.

🔗 Full story

🎓 Next Gen, Big Impact: How the APP Tour Built a Future for Youth Pickleball

When the APP Tour launched its Next Gen Series in 2021, it wasn’t just starting another youth bracket — it was laying the foundation for a more inclusive future.

While most tournaments were built around older amateurs and pros, the APP saw potential in younger players — and gave them a place to grow. The Next Gen program is invite-only, designed for players aged 16–23, and combines tournament play with mentorship, coaching, and prize money.

The APP didn’t stop there. The Next Gen U.S. National Team now trains at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, getting elite coaching and international competition opportunities.

“Being part of the team creates friendships, confidence, and top-tier coaching,” said Riley Bohnert, a current member.

Why this matters: Not every player has private lessons or deep pockets — but they all deserve a path. The APP’s investment proves that youth development isn't just about the next pros. It's about building belonging.

👀 Also worth knowing:

• National Junior Pickleball (NJP) runs inclusive events for kids ages 8–18.

• Junior PPA helps young athletes grow through tour-aligned events.

• APP Junior Circuit gives players under 18 ranking points and a shot at the Junior National Championships each December.

If we want pickleball to keep growing, we need to keep showing up for the next generation. 🔗 Learn more

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🌄 Luxe Living: Why I Signed Up for Luxe Pickleball Club

What happens when you mix a modern mountain lodge with private pickleball courts and spa-style bathrooms? You get Luxe Pickleball Club — and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

Launching this fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Luxe Pickleball Club is a high-end retreat for people who love the sport and the lifestyle that comes with it. Think:

• A 4,500+ sq ft private lodge

• A 24/7 indoor climate-controlled pickleball court

• Chef’s kitchen, spa bathrooms, space for 12 guests

• Wine tasting, waterfall hikes, and mountain air

Whether you're planning a group getaway, birthday weekend, or corporate retreat, Luxe is built for recharging — with paddles in hand.

Why I Joined Now

If you're even a little bit tempted, now’s the time. The VIP Founding Member list closes June 24, and it’s free to join. Members get priority booking, early pricing, and first dibs on future locations.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining travel, connection, and competition — Luxe is the paddle-powered vacation you didn’t know you needed. 🔗 Learn more here