The 4 Hidden Laws of Pickleball Mastery

If you play pickleball, you’ve probably had days where your game feels sharp and confident — and then other days where nothing seems to work. You’re playing often, you’re trying hard… so why does improvement feel so inconsistent?

Over the next few months, we’re launching a brand-new series inside this newsletter called “The 4 Hidden Laws of Pickleball Mastery: How to Win More by Playing Smarter — Not Harder.”

Every edition, you’ll receive a new lesson designed to help you:

✅ Improve faster while actually playing less
✅ Beat power players with patience and precision
✅ Boost longevity and reduce nagging injuries
✅ Strengthen the mental game most players ignore
✅ Play with more confidence — and more joy

This isn’t theory. It’s what I teach local players every week — and the breakthroughs happen fast when you apply it.

Most players think the solution to plateauing is simple:
“Play more. Grind more. It'll eventually click.”
But what if that belief is the very thing holding you back?

Today, we’ll uncover the Overtraining Trap — and why improvement doesn’t happen during a match…

It happens between them.

If you’ve been sore, frustrated, or stuck at the same level…

This is the shift that will finally set your game free.

Let’s begin.

PS In the next issue, we dive into a “Smart Practice Blueprint” that transforms your game with less pounding and more purpose. Remember, “improvement isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters.”

ThIs video features Dave, who shares his positive experiences with LifeWave patches while playing pickleball in Surprise, Arizona. Dave emphasizes the benefits of LifeWave patches in enhancing recovery, strength, flexibility, and overall movement.

To introduce Palm Beach County Pickleball News readers to the benefits, LifeWave is offering a complimentary wellness sample and consultation. Text ‘PBCX39’ to Leah directly at 713-299-7511 to claim your 1 X 39 Patch + Quick Start Guide or visit Leah’s website.

Are You Paying the Hidden "Energy Tax" on the Court?

You train hard, watch your diet, and use the best gear, but why are you still hitting that mid-game slump? The secret might not be your shoes or your paddle—it's your water.

The Problem: Chaotic Water

Even filtered or bottled water often lacks its natural structure. This disorganized, "chaotic" water forces your body to spend precious metabolic energy just to break it down and absorb it. Every sip is an Energy Tax—energy that should be fueling your next dink or powerful slam is instead wasted "fixing" your water.

The Solution: Structured Water for Peak Performance

The Natural Action™ Portable Unit uses a simple, non-electric vortex process to restore water to its natural, bio-available Structured Water state. This is the water your cells crave. It is instantly absorbed, giving you:

End the Water Energy Tax today with the Natural Action™ Portable Unit—perfect for your pickleball bag. CLAIM YOUR 15% DISCOUNT & FREE SHIPPING WITH CODE pbgnews15.

As a certified pickleball instructor and a competitive player myself, I’ve faced plenty of bangers on the court. You know the type: hard hitters who try to overpower every rally. It can be frustrating if you don’t have the right tools to respond.

That’s why I appreciate this video from Coach Lauralei at Standard Pickleball Academy. She shares clear, practical strategies for handling aggressive players and regaining control of the point.

If you struggle against bangers—or just want to sharpen your defensive skills—this video is well worth your time.

“I’ve been wearing DAPS pickleball shoes lately, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. Whether I’m teaching clinics or playing with friends, my feet feel supported and comfortable—even after hours on the court. And I’ll say this: they look sharp, too. If you’re looking for pickleball shoes that are stable, reliable, and stylish, they’re worth checking out.” Bob Savar

Visit DAPS online. Use code PBCPN15 for 15% off.

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

Pickleball is fun. Shoulder pain is not. But if you’ve spent any time serving, smashing, or lunging for that “hero shot” you probably shouldn’t have gone for, you already know how quickly your shoulder can go from MVP to MIA. At Hope Health & Wellness, we approach shoulder pain with a multidisciplinary team.

Continue reading the full article to see how we address shoulder injuries caused by pickleball.

If you’re looking for a paddle that delivers serious pop without sacrificing control, the GAMMA Knockout is worth a close look.

The BONBON CORE™ foam technology gives it a unique feel—more dwell time, more spin, and noticeably smoother impact. You can really feel the energy transfer through the ball, especially on drives. The T700 carbon face adds grip and precision, while the expansion foam edges help stabilize off-center hits (which we all have from time to time).

What stands out most is the consistency. The solid foam core (no air pockets) means this paddle holds up match after match. At $249.99, it’s priced reasonably for a high-performance paddle built to last.

Learn all about the GAMMA Knockout here.

I’ve taught hundreds of newbies how to play pickleball, and I can tell you the fastest way to improve your game is to master the fundamentals. That’s why I recommend this video, which breaks down three essential tips every novice player should know:

If you’re just starting, this video is a great place to begin.

“Wearing VKTRY Gold Insoles has honestly changed how I feel on the court. I can move quickly during intense rallies without worrying about foot or knee pain, and I don’t have that lingering soreness after teaching clinics or playing with friends. I’ve really noticed the difference in both my energy and recovery after long sessions.” Bob Savar

Risk-free trial: VKTRY offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. If they don’t work for you, send them back—no questions asked. Call 844-393-0775 or visit VKTRYgear.com and use code PALMBEACH to save $30.

Wearing protective eyewear during pickleball play is a hot topic—and one I get asked about often by students. As someone who teaches and plays regularly, I’ve seen firsthand how fast the game moves and how close players can get during rallies. The risk of eye injuries is real, and it’s something we should all be thinking about more seriously.

Recently, I watched a video by Dr. Amanda Nany, who does a great job breaking down the importance of protective eyewear in pickleball. Her message is clear: we need to do better at protecting our eyes.

Here are a few key takeaways from the video:

As an instructor, I’ve started talking more openly about this with my students. I’ve also made the switch myself and now wear pickleball sunglasses from Dink Eyewear. They’re comfortable and designed specifically for the sport. I’ve found they offer the protection I need without compromising visibility or performance.

The truth is, you don’t need to wait for a rule change to start wearing eyeglasses while playing pickleball.

If you’re unsure where to start, I recommend checking out Dink Eyewear or other sports-specific options online. Just make sure they meet ANSI standards and are designed for impact protection—not just vision correction.

Let’s keep growing the game—and let’s do it safely.

The Boca Open will take place February 26 through March 1, 2026, at Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton—now home to 18 brand-new fully covered pickleball courts, in addition to its existing 12 courts. REGISTER HERE. Nearly 600 players compete each year, with Open Division prize money reaching $12,600 one year, and amateurs received over $24,000 in prizes from our sponsors last year.

On Thursday night, Feb 26, we will be hosting the Ivan Lendl Charity Pickleball Exhibition to support Ivan's charity, the Adaptive Sports Program, which serves youth and adults with physical disabilities. To attend and donate to this great cause, CLICK HERE for general or VIP seating, or a ProAm ticket to play a game with Ivan!

Wellington - Greenbrier Park, 2975 Greenbrier Blvd. Wellington Fl.
Saturday, Nov. 8th at 9 AM
This clinic is for those just starting or who have recently begun to play. Paddles and balls provided. Sneakers required.
Sign up at wellingtonfl.gov/civicrec. On the home page scroll down under All Activities to Sports (Adult) Free Pickleball Clinics