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,
“Is Pickleball Dying?” This headline, which appeared in numerous newspapers and popular pickleball newsletters, uses a click-bait formula to raise alarm → imply controversy → drive curiosity. Whether pickleball’s boom is fading—or if the headlines are just noise? Tap here to read the full breakdown.
Free Guide: Break Through the 3.0-3.5 Plateau
I just released a new free guide for players stuck at the 3.0–3.5 plateau. It breaks down the 10 most common mistakes—and the exact fixes that actually work. If you want more consistency, fewer errors, and a clearer path to improvement, grab your copy here.
See you out there,
—Bob Savar
41 SERVES, 1 MINUTE
On December 9, 2025, Lori Sabatose shattered the Guinness World Record for women’s pickleball serves at Huntington Lakes in Delray Beach, delivering 41 successful serves in one minute—surpassing the previous record of 25. Driven by her mother, Wendy Cohn of Jupiter, FL, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, Lori’s achievement doubles as a fundraising campaign to support research and care for the condition. The Parkinson’s Foundation has established a donation link in Wendy’s name. Lori hopes her feat inspires her daughter and granddaughter to embrace perseverance, proving that “anything is possible with hard work.” (Second from the right—that’s me, the official timekeeper.)
PICKLEBALL’S HIDDEN CHALLENGE: THE RISE OF INJURIES AND WHY RECOVERY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Hydration is recovery’s secret weapon.
Pickleball is booming—but with more play comes more injuries. Our latest article explores why recovery is becoming the sport’s hottest topic, and how smarter habits (and better hydration) can keep you on the court longer.”
Natural Action’s structured water technology supports your body’s natural ability to recover, energize, and stay resilient. For pickleball players, that means less fatigue, better hydration, and more time on the court..
Natural Action™ is giving away a free Portable Revitalizer with a qualifying purchase. It’s a simple way to upgrade your hydration, whether you’re on the court or just starting your day.
Gift included automatically with qualifying purchase. Visit Natural Action today.
🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘View entire message’ or click here to read online.
PICKLEBALL ELBOW VS TENNIS ELBOW: WHY THEY’RE NOT THE SAME INJURY
Most people assume elbow pain from pickleball is “just tennis elbow.” It isn’t. Pickleball creates an entirely different mechanical load on the forearm, wrist, and elbow, and treating it the same way leads to poor outcomes, delayed healing, and chronic disability.
This is one of the most misdiagnosed and mistreated injuries in the sport. Two Different Sports. Two Different Mechanics. Two Different Injuries. Read more!
Sponsored by Hope Health & Wellness.
GEAR COMPARISON: TOP 10 PICKLEBALL PADDLES 2026
Sponsored by GAMMA’s The Knockout
Knock out the competition with GAMMA’s The Knockout!
Explosive power for finishing rallies
Spin that keeps opponents guessing
Cushioned comfort for confident play
👉 Elevate your game today with the paddle everyone’s talking about.
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.
Read the gear comparison article here.
WHY PLAYERS HATE THIS NEW RULE
Pickleball thrives on innovation, but the recent ban on the drop serve has sparked one of the sport’s biggest controversies. What looked like a minor adjustment has become a flashpoint between players, officials, and fans. Discover why the new drop serve ban has pro players fired up—and what it means for your game.
Sponsored by LifeWave
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 Palm Beach County Pickleball News readers:
FREE X39® Patch + Quick Start Guide
Personal wellness consultation
Text PBCX39 to 713-299-7511 or visit Leah’s store.
SERENITY ACRES HOLIDAY COLORING BOOK
SERENITY ACRES HOLIDAY COLORING BOOK
An adult holiday coloring book based on the darkly funny murder mystery series Serenity Acres, Vols. 1 and 2. Enter the twisted world of Serenity Acres, where every neighbor is a hot mess with a secret to hide Grab your copy and enjoy the ride.
5 MISTAKES EVERY PICKLEBALL PLAYER MAKES (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)
Pickleball is one of those games that feels simple at first—paddle, ball, net, go. But once you’ve played a few matches, you realize there’s a lot more going on. Whether you’re brand new or have been playing for years, certain habits can sneak in and hold back your progress. Let’s break down five common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Sponsored by VKTRY Performance Insoles
Holiday Sale: Gold VKs only $119 (save $30)
Risk-Free: 120‑day money‑back guarantee on all orders
Performance Boost: More energy, stability, and confidence on the court
Step into your next match with VKTRY and feel the difference: carbon fiber insoles designed to fuel the demands of elite performance.
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.
COURTS, NATIONAL NEWS, and PRO SPOTLIGHT
Pickleball fee complaints don't sway Palm Beach Gardens council: Palm Beach Gardens won't change its pickleball fees at the Burns Road Community Center in the wake of complaints that they've become too expensive, especially for people who don't live within the city limits.
Pickleball-Owl AI to bring electronic line-calling to pro pickleball, eyes wider sporting impact: Major League Pickleball is set to introduce electronic line-calling for its matches next season, following a deal with technology firm Owl AI.
PICKLEBALL PLANNER
Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center–All programs take place at the Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex, 5070 117th Court North.
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, Thur, 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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