In Partnership with

VKTRY: Performance Insoles
Hope Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Health Solutions
Gamma: High Performance Paddles
Natural Action: Water, the Way Nature Intended
LifeWave: Elevate, Activate, Regenerate

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the newsletter! Pickleball keeps us moving, laughing, and sometimes limping home with an ice pack—but that’s part of the fun.

Each issue, I share what’s been helpful for other players and me—whether it’s a paddle that feels right, a tip for handling the Florida heat, or gear that makes long sessions easier.

This one’s got stories, reviews, and a few deals worth checking out. Grab a drink, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s new on and off the court.

See you out there,
—Bob Savar

HYDRATION STATION

Holiday Hydration Event — Pickleball Offer!

I’ll be straight with you—I’m not the type to travel with a bunch of gear, but I do use the Natural Action™ Portable Revitalizer every morning when I make my coffee. It actually makes the water taste smoother, which is huge for someone a little obsessed with good coffee.

And whenever I’m heading out to play or coach pickleball, I use it to revitalize the water I bring along. Honestly, it’s become my secret for staying hydrated without any fuss.

If you want to check it out, here’s your chance: From December 1–31, Natural Action is giving away a free Portable Revitalizer when you make a qualifying purchase. It’s a simple way to upgrade your hydration, whether you’re on the court or just starting your day like me.

Gift included automatically with qualifying purchase. Visit Natural Action today.

THE 4 HIDDEN LAWS OF PICKLEBALL MASTERY

How Freshness, Not Fitness, Wins Matches

Two weeks ago, in Lesson #2, we learned how to train with purpose through The Smart Practice Blueprint — a simple weekly structure that helps you improve faster while actually playing less. If you missed it, you can catch it here. And if you missed lesson #1, click here.

This week’s feature explores Lesson 3: The Rest Routine of High-Level Players — how freshness, not fitness, gives you the real edge on court.

If Lesson 2 was about how to practice smarter, this one is about how to recover like a pro.

Lesson #3 Starts Today: The Rest Routine of High-Level Players

Rest well. Reset fully. Rise stronger. Let’s begin. Remember — “You don’t get better from playing; you get better from recovering from playing.”

QUICK ‘HOW DO YOU HANDLE RECOVERY’ POLL

🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘View entire message’ or click here to read online.

THE HEALING ZONE

Pickleball Pain Happens — But Healing Can Be Smarter

Pickleball may be fun, social, and addictive — but let’s not kid ourselves: it’s also brutal on the body. Lower back pain from constant bending. Shoulder pain from overhead smashes and wild reaches. Knee pain from hard stops, twists, and lunges. It’s no wonder these are the three most common complaints we see from players who swore “just one more game” wouldn’t hurt.

At Hope Health & Wellness, we approach these injuries with a multidisciplinary team. Continue reading the full article to see how we can help relieve your pain.

THE PADDLE LAB

Pickleball Connection

I’ve tried a bunch of paddles, but GAMMA’s new Knockout 16 is a game-changer for me. I get extra power on my drives, but I can still keep my shots under control—no wild swings needed. The spin’s impressive, too, and my arm actually feels good even after long games.

Want to check it out? Use code PBPT20 at GAMMA for 20% off anything (except stringing machines). Might be the boost you’ve been looking for.

THE RECOVERY ZONE

Play Hard. Recover Fast. Stay in the Game — Naturally.

Can light really help your body recover faster after pickleball? Yes — and here’s how. LifeWave’s X39® patches use safe, light-based phototherapy to naturally support your body’s Energy, Stamina, and Recovery.

That means you can feel stronger, heal faster, and stay active longer — without drugs or stimulants. Perfect for post-match soreness and ongoing performance.

Exclusive Offer for our readers: Get a FREE X39® Patch + Quick Start Guide plus a personal wellness consultation. Text PBCX39 to 713-299-7511 or visit: lifewave.com/leahstasney.

BEST RETURN STRATEGIES:
TURN THEIR SERVE INTO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Your return of serve is the ONE shot that decides whether you fight from the baseline…or dictate from the kitchen.

Most players waste it — here are seven pro-level strategies that instantly flip the point in your favor. Click to steal the net every single time.

QUICK ‘RETURN-of-SERVE’ POLL—BE HONEST!

BOOK REVIEW: SHAFTED BY CRYSTAL QUAST

SHAFTED: SERENITY ACRES Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden

📚 Book Spotlight: Shafted: Serenity Acres
Crystal Quast’s latest suburban mystery is like a pickleball rally—fast, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Between shady deals, neighborhood drama, and laugh‑out‑loud twists, it’s a read that keeps you turning the pages.

👉 Looking for your next off‑the‑court read? Check out my review of Shafted: Serenity Acres or grab your copy and enjoy the ride!

THE DINK DILEMMA: WHAT EXPERIENCED PLAYERS REALLY WANT TO KNOW

The Dink Dilemma

If there’s one shot that stirs debate—and a little healthy obsession — it’s the dink. The unassuming soft shot at the net is often called the “great equalizer” of our sport. It looks easy. It’s anything but.

👉 Think you’ve mastered the dink? Think again…read the full article to see why this “easy” shot stirs so much obsession.

THE FOUNDATION

Pickleball Connection

I used to end up with sore feet and knees after a few hours of pickleball, especially with all the quick moves on hard courts. Once I tried VKTRY insoles, I noticed my first steps felt faster, and my legs weren’t as wiped out after long games.

If you’re playing a lot, these insoles are worth a look. I wouldn’t mention them if I didn’t feel the difference myself. If you’re curious, check out VKTRY.com and see if they’re a game-changer for you too.

FOOTWEAR MATTERS

The Shoe That Was Born on the Pickleball Court — Not Borrowed from Tennis

Tired of aching feet and sketchy footing after pickleball? Turns out, the problem might not be you—it could be your shoes. Enter DAPS, a footwear brand born right here in Palm Beach County, and the first designed specifically for pickleball (not borrowed from tennis). 

I’ve been teaching and playing in DAPS for months now, and they just feel right. My feet don’t ache after long sessions. Finally—a shoe made for how we actually play.”

Get 15% off with code PBCPN15 at the DAPS website.

The Boca Open will take place February 26 through March 1, 2026, at Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton. REGISTER HERE.

On Thursday night, Feb 26, is the Ivan Lendl Charity Pickleball Exhibition to support Ivan's charity, the Adaptive Sports Program. To attend and/or donate to this great cause, CLICK HERE.

The inaugural Pickle for Police will be held on January 16th and 17th at Patch Reef Park. There will be three tournaments. Starting Friday is the Corporate Cup Challenge and the first round of the WSOPickle Cup. Saturday will be the WSOPickle Cup finals and the First Responders Cup. All in support of our local law enforcement.

Pickle for Police Sponsorship Packet  (1).pdf

Pickle for Police Sponsorship Packet (1).pdf

4.96 MBPDF File

COURTS, NATIONAL NEWS, and PRO SPOTLIGHT

PICKLEBALL PLANNER

  • Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center–All programs take place at the Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex, 5070 117th Court North.

  • Replay: Challenge Yourself at the Replay Club, Dec 6, 6:00-8:00 pm. Must have a DUPR score of 4.8 or higher.

  • Boca Open, a Pickleball is Life tournament, Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2026, at Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton, FL. It will be under their brand new 18 "covered" courts, which include two stadium courts.

  • Pickle for Police, Jan. 16-17, Patch Reef Park [email protected]

  • Jim Donnelly’s Free ‘Learn-To-Play’ Pickleball Clinics at Wellington, Greenbrier Park, 2975 Greenbrier Blvd.
    Tue, Dec 16th @ 9:00 am, Sat, Jan 10th @ 9:00 am, Sat, Feb 14th @ 9:00 am, Thu, Mar 12th @ 9:00 am, and Sat, April 11th @ 9:00 am
    These clinics are for those just starting or who have recently begun to play. Sign up is required at wellingtonfl.gov/civicrec. On the home page, scroll down under All Activities to Sports (Adult) Free Pickleball Clinics.

LOCAL LEAGUES

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