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.  

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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/

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.

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?

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