Hey!
Before we jump into the news, I want to share an article I wrote on the backhand: “The Backhand: Why You Run Around It (And How 4.0 Players Make It a Weapon).” It’s about the backhand—but not the way you might expect. This isn’t about technique. It’s about something most players overlook entirely: the decision to use it.
This week, something related—but bigger: court gravity. Today’s article, “Why You Keep Getting Pulled Off the Court (And How 4.0 Players Stay Centered),” looks at a force every player feels, but most don’t recognize. It’s about the hidden cost of drifting—and how to stop it.
Court Gravity: Why You Keep Getting Pulled Off the Court
Now let’s get to today’s issue!
Bob
RESOURCES
Local Events
The Replay Club, 6600 High Ridge Rd, Boynton Beach (561) 484-7287
Replay Sports and Social Club is a place where you can compete, sweat, and socialize.
Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center–All programs take place at the Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex, 5070 117th Court North.
Paddles for a Purpose: June 26 at the Replay: Charity pickleball tournament hosted by the Palm Beach Royals. All money raised goes directly to the Center for Family Services. Enjoy food, drinks, raffles, and fun competition! Call Lindsey at 561-616-1257.
State Masters Pickleball League. Fall 2026 season now forming. www.statemasters.com.
The Palms Indoor Pickleball: Located in the heart of the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), we’ve created a premium, 24/7 indoor pickleball destination designed to blend community, wellness, and modern coastal style. League kicks off May 9th. Questions? Text Coach Will at 561.563.0446.
Palm Beach area Picklers! WPT is headed to the Palm Beach Open. The Palm Beach Open tournament is open to all skill levels and ages, with play sorted by both when and where possible.
When: May 1-3, 2026. Where: Palm Beach Gardens PickleballHump Day Tournament: May 20 at Diadem Pickleball Complex. Contact Eric Rudolph at 305-299-3010.
The Star Classic Pickleball for a Purpose, Delray Beach Tennis Center, May 16. www.ourstarfoundation.org/thestarclassic2026.
Local Leagues
The Boomer League—Boomer league finished its 5th season with the highest total of players ever and the most teams, and now 51 communities involved —and growing. For fall, we hope to add 6 communities and as many as 14 more teams. We stand for parity in divisions to create a fun, social Thursday experience. We will be the featire of two local television segments. Thanks to all our players. And hats off to all the leagues. We all serve a purpose for this “on-fire” recreational sport. Be safe. Enjoy summer. We start again on October 1. League entry will start on August 1. And HYDRATION is imperative now!
Premier League—Join our co-ed (gender neutral) Pickleball league for players age 55 and over in Palm Beach County including the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach area. We have multiple divisions to accommodate all skill levels. Free agents and hybrid teams are welcome, as well as community-based teams. Our league plays WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS in the fall and winter seasons and SATURDAYS in our spring season (March - May)
Palm Beach County Pickleball League—The Palm Beach County Pickleball League has just completed its 10th anniversary after completing its Winter 2026 season. We are now organizing the Fall 2026 season. It remains the largest and longest-standing Pickleball League in Florida, with over 1,800 active players. We will have 12 to 13 divisions in the fall. Letters of “Intent to Play” will go out on August 1, with a deadline of September 7, to all interested communities. The first date of play will be September 10, and the season will continue for seven weeks, culminating in the finals on December 12. Registration is now open on the website.
Coach’s Corner: Good Advice… But Not the Whole Picture
10 Pickleball Tips I Wish I Knew When I First Started (that no one talks about!!!!)
Most players think they need better shots—but that’s not what’s keeping them stuck. This breakdown shows why good technique isn’t translating into better results, and what’s actually missing between 3.5 and 4.0. If you’ve ever felt like you’re close but can’t quite break through, this will click. Read the full article—and if you want the next step delivered every Sunday, subscribe to The Next Step to 4.0.
Stop Wasting Practice Time: Try This Plan with John Cincola
If you only watch one practice video this month, make it this one. John Cincola breaks down exactly why most players waste their practice time and shows a simple, structured 60‑minute plan that actually moves your game forward. It’s clear, practical, and immediately usable — the kind of session that turns random drilling into real improvement. This is one of the better practice blueprints I’ve seen, and it’s worth every minute.
Why “I Became a 5.0 in 90 Days” Videos Get It Wrong (And What They Accidentally Get Right)
Show a handful of drills
Package them as a breakthrough
Promise transformation if you “just do these every day.”
There’s nothing wrong with drills.
But the way these videos frame improvement is the problem.
They treat 5.0 like a checklist, not a skill ecosystem.
And that’s where players get misled.
For a better plan, try my free ebook, “The 3.5 to 4.0 Transition Blueprint (5-Day Pickleball Training System).”
Power that finishes points
Built for players who like to dictate the pace, the GAMMA Knockout Pickleball Paddle is designed to deliver aggressive performance with lasting durability.
Featuring BONBON CORE™ foam technology, the Knockout generates explosive energy while absorbing vibration for a smoother, more consistent feel. A T700 raw carbon fiber face enhances spin and responsiveness, helping you shape shots without sacrificing power.
Its crush-resistant core is built to maintain performance game after game, without breaking down over time.
If you want to apply pressure, control rallies, and finish points with authority, the Knockout is built for your game.
Use code PBPT20 to save 20% at GAMMA Sports.
Diadem Pickleball Complex now offers new pros and clinics!
That’s right—if you haven’t heard yet, DPC Coconut Creek is rolling out a brand-new 2026 clinic lineup featuring PPA pros Juan Benitez and Nicole Conard, alongside DPC Director Gene DeVito and teaching pros Amore Cook and Madison Henry.
With daily rotating clinics, they cover everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced, pro-focused topics—there’s truly something for every level. Additionally, DPC now hosts 4 amateur tournaments each month, in addition to its highly popular seasonal six-week leagues.
What are you waiting for? Jump on PlayByPoint and check the schedule for Diadem Pickleball Complex – Coconut Creek today. www.diadempickleballcomplex.com
Share it with a friend and help grow our pickleball community.
THAT’S A WRAP
Before you go: Here’s how I can help
TRAINING RESOURCE FOR 3.0-3.5 PLAYERS
If you're stuck at 3.0-3.5 despite practicing regularly, I just created a free 5-day course showing the systematic path to 4.0. One skill per day for 5 days, delivered to your inbox. By Day 5, you'll have a complete 30-day practice plan.
Download Day 1: thenextstepto4point0.substack.com
See you on the courts,
—Bob
