
POWERED BY Pickleball Bella “ALWAYS PLAY IN STYLE”
Hi Everyone,
What a weekend it’s been! The World Pickleball Convention just wrapped in West Palm Beach, and the energy is still buzzing—so many passionate players, new connections, and game-changing ideas! If you were there, you know how electric it was. If not, don’t worry—we’ve packed this July 1st issue with all the highlights and more.
Dive into our exclusive interview with national champ Brett Noel, explore fresh gear deals, meet inspiring local players like Kathy Brooks, and don’t miss our beginner tips to keep your game sharp. You’re part of something big—this pickleball community is growing fast, and we’re glad you’re in it.
Let’s play!

Get ready for an action-packed lineup today!
Headline News: Pickleball Convention Wraps Up in West Palm Beach
Olympic Frontiers: From Backyard Game to Olympic Stage: The Billion-Dollar Pickleball Revolution
Community Spotlight—Beyond the Scoreboard: Kathy Brooks' Recipe for Pickleball Fun
Court-Side Chronicles: Drop the 3rd, Drip the 5th? An evening debate at Patch Reef Park
Exclusive Deals: Dink™ Eyewear, Diadem Pickleball Complex, VKTRY Insoles, and Pickleball Bella
Game-Changer Spotlight: Master your game with the best Pickleball Instruction strategies! Bob Savar interviews Brett Noel
Book Review: Zero Zero Two: A Pickleball Tale of Trauma, Survival & Forgiveness by Boca Raton’s Caryn Schulsinger
Courts, Big News & Pro Spotlights
Beginner’s Corner: “Don’t Stand and Stare: Move After Every Shot”
Why Your Feet Matter More Than You ThinkPalm Beach County Pickleball Planner
League Updates
Palm Beach County Pickleball Resource Guide

HEADLINE NEWS
Pickleball Convention Wraps Up in West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH – Players gathered here over the weekend for the World Pickleball Convention, meeting at courts and exhibition halls to share their interest in the sport.
The three-day event featured:
1. Gear demonstrations where manufacturers showed new paddles and training tools
2. Skill sessions led by experienced players focusing on dink shots and serve techniques
3. Round-robin play allowing attendees to join games at various skill levels
Convention organizers noted steady growth in participation, with many attendees having transitioned from the sport of tennis. What stood out was the mix of players – from those who had started just last month to others who had played for decades.
The weekend closed with exhibition matches featuring regional tournament players, including several athletes training for Olympic consideration ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
OLYMPIC FRONTIERS
From Backyard Game to Olympic Stage: The Billion-Dollar Pickleball Revolution
As founder of both the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (2015) and World Pickleball Federation, Seymour Rifkind spearheaded the merger that created a unified international governing body essential for Olympic qualification—a lifelong dream stemming from his background coaching Olympic gymnasts.
Rifkind's visionary leadership centers on transforming pickleball from a recreational activity into an Olympic phenomenon through unified governance and explosive international development. Be sure to watch the video!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Beyond the Scoreboard: Kathy Brooks' Recipe for Pickleball Fun
Bob Savar Interviews Kathy Brooks
At Cascades in Boynton Beach, Kathy organizes Monday round-robin games that are truly special. She's built a system—complete with a seamless whiteboard—that ensures well-paired, drama-free play for everyone, from 3.5 to 5.0 players. It's not just about competition; it's about fostering connection and camaraderie, making every player feel welcome regardless of age or skill.
Watch this video to see Kathy's dedication in action and learn how her inclusive approach is building a stronger, more vibrant pickleball community right here in Palm Beach County!
COURT-SIDE CHRONICLES
Drop the 3rd, Drip the 5th? An evening debate at Patch Reef Park

COURTESY PICKLEBALL JOURNEY
The lights had just flickered on at Patch Reef Park when six regulars—Jim, Arnie, Alan, Teresa, Louis, and Jake—wrapped up their games and gathered at a sideline bench for the night’s favorite pastime: strategizing.
Jim sets the bait: “Drop the third, drip the fifth… thoughts?” he asked, twirling his paddle like a baton. By drip, he meant a low-paced, skidding drive that sneaks under paddles, halfway between a dink and a full speed-up. Read the debate/conversation and watch the video, WIN MORE POINTS BY MASTERING YOUR 3rd AND 5th SHOT IN PICKLEBALL!
EXCLUSIVE DEALS
Don't Just Play, Protect: A True Dink™ Eyewear Story!
Don't Just Play, Protect: A True Dink Eyewear Story!
Ever had a pickleball scare that made your heart skip a beat? One player recently shared this nail-biting moment:
"During a match, while we were receiving a serve, my partner accidentally hit the ball with the edge of his paddle. The ball shot off quickly and forcefully, striking the corner of my left eye. It happened so fast, there was no way I could have avoided it. I could have been seriously injured. The impact even dented my goggles. Thank goodness I was wearing them. Anyone experience the same?"
This story is a powerful reminder: your eyes are precious!
At Dink™ Eyewear, we believe you shouldn't have to compromise when it comes to your performance, your eye protection, or your appearance on the court. That's why we've engineered eyewear that truly has your back (and your eyes!).
Our ColorBoost™ lens technology is a game-changer. It maximizes the visibility of the pickleball, giving you faster reaction times. That means you can better dodge those unexpected errant shots (like the one above!) or spot the perfect opportunity for a clean winner.
We've paired this innovative technology with the best in Italian-designed sports frames, offering stylish options created specifically for a woman's face and her fashion sensibilities. So you can look great and play even better, all while keeping your eyes safe.
Don't wait for a close call to prioritize your eye safety. Play smart, play safe, and play in style with Dink™ Eyewear! Shop now at our website and use code pbcp at checkout for 10% off your order.

Five Nights of Pickleball Action at Diadem Complex!
Play Harder at Diadem: Exclusive Pickleball Discounts for Our Subscribers!
Experience fast-paced pickleball action at Diadem Pickleball Complex in Coconut Creek! Five nights of competitive play—sign up now before spots fill up! Palm Beach Pickleball News subscribers get 10% off court reservations (code PBNEWS10) and 5% off Intro to Pickleball Clinics (code LEARN). Offer valid through Sept. 1st! Check the weekly lineup and sign up here.

How Changing Your Insoles Can Keep You On The Pickleball Court
How VKTRY Performance Insoles Help Pickleball Players
Forget everything you think you know about insoles. VKTRY Insoles prioritize performance and protection, utilizing a carbon plate tailored to your specific sport, weight, and age. Their unique design can keep you feeling fresh on the court - here’s how they work.
Palm Beach County Pickleball News subscribers receive a 20% discount when using code PALMBEACH at checkout. Order here.

Meet Pickleball Bella: The Original Women's Pickleball Fashion!
Get ready to elevate your game and your style! Pickleball Bella launched as the first-ever women's labeled pickleball clothing line in the world! We combine our unique, hand-painted prints with high-quality, incredibly comfortable fabrics to create activewear that's not just functional, but a true work of art. Our designs are packed with features you'll appreciate whether you're crushing it on the court or enjoying life off it. Be a Bella, show off your game, and Always Play in Style!
Palm Beach County Pickleball Newsletter subscribers receive 15% off using code PBCPB15 at checkout. Order here.
GAME-CHANGER SPOTLIGHT
Master your game with the best Pickleball Instruction strategies! Bob Savar interviews Brett Noel
In this conversation between Bob Savar and three-time national gold medalist Brett Noel, you'll uncover the essential mindset, drills, and tactics that will elevate your pickleball performance. Brett dives into the evolution of pickleball strategies, his proven methods for teaching beginners, and how to practice smarter, not just harder. Whether you're stuck at 2.5 or climbing to 4.0+, this video is your ultimate guide to rapid improvement. Plus, get access to free books and exclusive resources to supercharge your learning! https://www.facebook.com/CoachablePickleballBootcamps/
BOOK REVIEW
Zero Zero Two: A Pickleball Tale of Trauma, Survival & Forgiveness
by Boca Raton’s Caryn Schulsinger
If you’ve ever stepped onto a pickleball court hoping for more than just a game—maybe a little peace, perhaps a fresh start—Zero Zero Two will speak to you. This heartfelt story follows a woman as she pieces her life back together through the rhythm of rallies, the kindness of strangers, and the quiet power of forgiveness. More than a sports story, it’s about what happens when the game becomes your lifeline.
I just finished Zero Zero Two: A Pickleball Tale of Trauma, Survival & Forgiveness by C.S. Singer (Boca Raton’s Caryn Schulsinger), and if you’ve ever felt the game heal you in ways nothing else could—this one’s for you. Read my review here.
COURTS, BIG NEWS & PRO SPOTLIGHTS
BEGINNER’S CORNER
“Don’t Stand and Stare: Move After Every Shot”
Why Your Feet Matter More Than You Think

Courtesy Pickleball Union
One of the most common mistakes for beginners in pickleball? Hitting the ball... and then freezing.
It’s easy to focus so much on making contact with the ball that you forget the point isn’t over yet. But in pickleball, your position after the shot is just as important as the shot itself. Read my advice, and for further insights, read Pickleball Paddle Position: Are You Doing it Right?
📆 PALM BEACH COUNTY PICKLEBALL PLANNER
Stay in the game with these exciting tournaments, clinics, and open play sessions across Palm Beach County! Plan your next match, improve your game, and take advantage of local pickleball action! View here!
🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘View entire message’ or click here to read online.
LEAGUE UPDATES
Women's POWER Pickleball League: 55+, must be a Palm Beach County resident. Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons. League Contact: Allyn Leeds, President ([email protected])
The Boomer League now has 45 communities and a total of 2,600 players. Plans to have 112 divisions to create even better parity within each division. Added two new communities and considering a division limited to newbies so people can learn how to play and have fun. https://www.boomerpickleballleague.com/index.html
Premier League team registration begins on August 1st; the fall season starts on Wednesday, October 8th. This is a 55+ coed league. www.thepremierpbleague.com
Palm Beach County Pickleball League is formulating the number of Divisions for the Fall season. Captains should notify the League of the number of teams they plan to enter. The deadline is mid-to-late July. Contact Walter Gassner at [email protected]. Players in teams that have already notified him can start registering at any time now by going to the website www.pbcPickleballLeague.com. We’re in our 9th year and remain the largest league, with six new communities joining us this year.
PALM BEACH COUNTY PICKLEBALL RESOURCE GUIDE
Stay in the loop with Palm Beach County’s pickleball scene—top instructors, prime playing spots, active leagues, and must-follow social groups. View here!


