In Partnership with
VKTRY: Shop Performance Insoles
Hope Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Health Solutions
DAPS: Pickleball’s First Real Shoe
Gamma: High Performance Pickleball Paddles

Hi everyone,

As we head into October, I’ve been thinking about all the little things that can quietly affect how we play—things we don’t always notice until they start showing up in our game.

This issue touches on a few of those: from sneakers designed specifically for pickleball (yes, there is a difference), to common knee injuries I keep hearing about on the courts, to a few simple shifts in strategy that can make a big difference.

We’re also introducing our new paddle partner, Gamma, and exploring an interesting take on hydration I didn’t expect to be sharing here.

Hope you find something in this one that helps you play a little smarter—or just enjoy the game a bit more

Bob Savar

In today’s issue:

  • DAPS: Pickleball Sneakers Designed for the Court

  • New Poll: What Part of Strategy Trips You Up?

  • Knee Pain: The #1 Pickleball Injury & How to Prevent It

  • GAMMA Spotlight: Our Official Paddle Partner Is Here

  • Hydration Upgrade: Why Structured Water May Be the Edge You Need

  • Tactical Coaching Tips, League News, Local Events, and More

PICKLEBALL SNEAKERS: WHY EVERY PLAYER NEEDS DAPS

Bob Savar interviews Keith Goldberg about DAPS, a local brand specializing in pickleball sneakers. Keith explains the unique features of their sneakers designed specifically for pickleball, differentiating them from traditional tennis shoes. He discusses their development process, the materials used, and the emphasis on performance and comfort. The conversation also covers product details, pricing, and where consumers can purchase the sneakers, reflecting the brand's commitment to catering to pickleball athletes.

Learn why these aren’t your average court kicks. DAPS builds the best pickleball shoes for players who move hard, cut sharp, and demand traction that actually holds up. Whether you’re grinding through a tournament or showing up at your local open play, we’ve got you locked in - with the grippiest grip, supportiest support, and style that’s undeniable. Visit the DAPS online. Use code PBCPN15 for 15% off.

POLL: WHAT PART OF STRATEGY GIVES YOU THE MOST TROUBLE?

Poll Winner Announcement

Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent poll about fitness challenges on the pickleball court! We’re excited to announce that the winner of the free 1-hour lesson in Delray Beach with a local pro is Shari Portnoy—congratulations! 

Sometimes it’s not your shots holding you back—it’s the strategy behind them. Do you wrestle with positioning, partner communication, or deciding when to go on the attack? Vote for your top challenge below and enter to win a free one-hour private lesson in Delray Beach!

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

PICKLEBALL AND KNEE PAIN: THE #1 INJURY ON THE COURT SPONSORED BY HOPE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The pickleball courts are packed, and so are the physical therapy clinics. The knee is one of the most common casualties of the game's quick stops, pivots, and lunges. If you've felt that familiar ache, you're not alone. At Hope Health & Wellness, we've brought together a multidisciplinary team to tackle knee pain head-on.

Ready to get back on the court? Read the full article to learn how we can help.

GAME, SET, ‘GAMMA’! WELCOME TO OUR OFFICIAL PICKLEBALL PADDLE PARTNER

We’re excited to welcome GAMMA as the Official Paddle Partner of Palm Beach County Pickleball News! Known for their cutting-edge technology and commitment to performance, Gamma paddles are trusted by players of all levels—from casual weekend warriors to seasoned competitors.

Whether you're looking for more control, power, or comfort on the court, Gamma’s innovative designs deliver a paddle for every play style.

Keep an eye out for exclusive spotlights, pro tips, and subscriber-only discounts throughout the season as we team up with Gamma to help elevate your game! Learn all about GAMMA’S innovative line of paddles here.

“IT HAS BEEN SO AMAZING! NATURAL ACTION™ HAS CHANGED MY LIFE”…CHRIS SINGLETON

“Get ready to elevate your game of Pickleball with the power of Structured Water!“ Former professional athlete Chris Singleton knows that peak performance demands optimal hydration, and he is calling Structured Water “a game changer for the court.” Listen to Chris here.

“This fast-paced, social, and addictive sport requires quick reflexes and sustained energy, and proper hydration with Structured Water—which delivers enhanced cellular absorption and superior hydration—can help you feel lighter, more energized, and recover faster after a tough match.”

Don't just play. Dominate the court by integrating superior hydration into your routine, just like Chris. Learn more about Performance Hydration here.

COACH’S CORNER
Tactical Tips: Communicate Like You Mean It

Image courtesy of Selkirk TV

If you’ve played pickleball for a while, you may have noticed that your game improves quickly at first, then levels off. Many players hit this plateau and wonder if it’s their paddle, their footwork, or their swing. But often, the real key to breaking through isn’t about technique at all—it’s about tactics.

Tactical shifts are small adjustments in the way you think about the game. They help you make smarter choices on the court so you can win more rallies, reduce errors, and keep the fun going longer.

Last issue we analyzed Prioritizing Smart Tactics. Today, we focus on Communicate Like You Mean It.

Pickleball is often described as a game of strategy, patience, and placement—but when you’re playing doubles, there’s another ingredient that can make or break your success: communication. Even players with sharp skills can fall apart if they don’t talk to each other on the court. A missed call, a moment’s hesitation, or an awkward “I thought it was yours!” can turn a winning rally into a gift for the other team.

Your Invitation

So here’s your challenge: commit to trying just one new tactic every other week. By the end of this series, you’ll have eight powerful tools to make you a smarter, tougher player on the court. Your 2nd Tactical Tip is right here!

GETTING TO THE KITCHEN WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT LATER WITH VKTRY INSOLES

Once you've played a dozen games of pickleball, you realize something quite important. Most points are decided at the kitchen line. You want to get there first, and you don't want your opponents to get back into the rally once you arrive. 

But there's a problem. Whether it's singles or doubles, rushing forward point after point takes it out of you. You have to play on your toes, and drive through your heels, and sometimes the hard bones at these extremities don't appreciate the focused exercise! Bruising can occur after just a few points. Then the pain starts...You stop committing to points, and your play can suffer.

With a bit of extra support, you can stay in the game longer with less stress and feel more explosive at the same time. VKTRY Insoles are designed exactly for this problem. Each time you flex your foot, ready to hit the kitchen line, the carbon plate inside the insole will react. It compresses, taking pressure off your toes and heels and allows you to play more comfortably for longer. 

If you're on the fence, VKTRY has a 90-day money back guarantee. If you're unsatisfied for any reason, you can send them back and get all your money back. No questions asked.

Give VKTRY a call at 844-393-0775 or visit their website and save $30 with code PALMBEACH

PICKLEBALL PADDLES: WHY SHORTER = SMARTER

Image courtesy of Calvin Keeney

As someone who coaches players of all levels, I always emphasize that paddle choice is deeply personal—but informed by strategy. Let’s break down the pros and cons of elongated and standard/wider paddles so you can decide what aligns with your game.

Jim Donnelly’s Free ‘Learn-To-Play’ Pickleball Clinic

Wellington - Greenbrier Park
2975 Greenbrier Blvd.
Saturday, Oct. 4th @ 9:00 am

These clinics are designed for those who are just starting or have recently begun playing. They cover equipment, rules, basic strategies, scoring, and serving, and will have you playing pickleball in about 45 minutes.  No registration is necessary.  Paddles and balls will be available for those without equipment. Sneakers are required to participate.

BEGINNER’S CORNER
Still Stuck at Beginner Level? 3 Tweaks That Will Change Your Game Overnight

Photo courtesy Enhance Pickleball

  1. Whenever your opponent is about to hit the ball, you should already be stopped, with your feet set and knees bent, balanced ready to move in any direction. Generally, this means that when your opponent is at the kitchen line, as your shot is crossing the net, you need to stop running and be ready.

  2. Always hit your third shot at the opponent who is running to the kitchen line. I see so many players lose easy points by hitting at the player standing at the net.

  3. Don't worry too much about hitting your serve and return hard/fast. Instead, work more on hitting a slightly slower, consistently deep ball. A deep, high return to the middle of the court will keep your opponents back longer and give you more time to get to the kitchen line.

COURTS, NATIONAL NEWS, and PRO SPOTLIGHT

EVENT CALENDAR

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!

LEAGUE UPDATES

  • Women's POWER Pickleball League: The Women’s POWER Pickleball League is starting its 11th season in October 2025. Celebrating 55+ women playing pickleball, using the sport both as physical fitness and for building social relationships and networks! Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons. Visit pwrpickleball.com for more information, or contact League President Allyn Leeds at [email protected].

  • The Boomer League sign-ups have started. If you live in a 55+ community and want to play in a great, fun, social, yet competitive league, ask your pro or the person in charge of pickleball teams for information on how to sign up. You must be a member of your community to play. The Boomer League offers numerous benefits, including restaurant discounts, medical supply discounts, and access to medical advisors specializing in sports medicine. For the fall league we have 84 teams with over 1500 participating members. Winter sign commences in mid-October.

  • Premier League team registration begins on August 1st; the fall season starts on Wednesday, October 8th. This is a 55+ coed league.

  • Palm Beach County Pickleball League: Our 15th season starts October 11th.  With 82 teams divided amongst 11 Divisions, it should be one of the best seasons ever.   We have over 40 more teams coming in January.  If you are interested in playing on Saturdays, contact the League Coordinator, Walter Gassner at [email protected].

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!

WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE 2.5 AND 3.0 PLAYERS MAKE WHEN PLAYING UP?

When you play a better opponent, the natural instinct is to hit the ball harder and win points as quickly as possible. It’s very common to see players at this level hammering the ball when they’re not established at the kitchen line and their opponent is. You’re beating yourself by doing this. You will NOT win games by hitting the ball hard at an opponent who is at the kitchen line waiting for it. And the fact that you’re standing at mid-court when doing this makes it super easy for your opponent to block the ball and hit it back at your feet. Even if you return the ball, they’ll just continue to do this until you inevitably miss.

The solution? Slow down! Remember that a drop shot to the kitchen is your friend. It’s the safe zone that neutralizes a strong opponent and gives you time to get to the kitchen line yourself.

If you’ve been frustrated playing a better opponent that feels impossible to beat, chances are you’re forcing the issue, and the above scenario describes at least a portion of the game. Slow down, use the kitchen, hit to their backhand and you’ll immediately be more competitive!

What did you think of this email?🧐

Vote to help us improve!

Login or Subscribe to participate