Play Smarter, Not Harder — Lesson 2 Drops Today

Two weeks ago, in Lesson #1, we kicked off our new series by exploring a simple but powerful truth: Playing more doesn’t always make you better.

If you missed the first lesson, you can read it here.

Now it’s time to take the next step. This week’s feature dives into Lesson 2: The Smart Practice Blueprint — a proven structure for improving faster while actually playing less.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to organize your week for skill growth and recovery
✅ Which days to play, drill, and rest
✅ The three simple drills that build confidence and control faster than endless games

If Lesson 1 was about when not to play, this one is about how to practice when you do.

Play smarter. Play fresher. Improve faster.

Let’s begin.

PS Remember, “Champions don’t do more. They do what matters — with intention.”

Every athlete knows the feeling — you’re cruising through your morning matches, sharp and energized, when suddenly your legs feel like lead, your focus fades, and your shots start slipping. You haven’t lost your fitness — you’ve lost your hydration.

Read the full story: The hydration secret top players swear by.

Every pickleball player has had that moment—the quick cut that didn’t feel quite right, the sudden slide that nearly sent you into the fence, or the dull ache in your knees after just one too many games.

You tell yourself it’s just part of getting older, or that you “need to stretch more.”
But what if the problem isn’t you at all? What if it’s your shoes? Read the whole story here.

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

Pickleball may be fun, social, and addictive — but let’s not kid ourselves: it’s also brutal on the body. Lower back pain from constant bending. Shoulder pain from overhead smashes and wild reaches. Knee pain from hard stops, twists, and lunges. It’s no wonder these are the three most common complaints we see from players who swore “just one more game” wouldn’t hurt.

At Hope Health & Wellness, we approach these injuries with a multidisciplinary team. Continue reading the full article to see how we can help relieve your pain.

If you’ve played enough pickleball, you know the feeling of almost.
Almost winning the point. Almost clearing the net. Almost hitting the perfect passing shot — until it sails just long.

Discover how the Knockout bridges the gap between power and precision—read the full story here.

Every pickleball player knows the feeling: just one more match, one more point, one more swing you probably shouldn’t have taken.

For 72-year-old player Thomesa Lyndon, that moment came chasing a high lob. She lost her footing, took a hard fall — and came away with a fractured wrist and a concussion — the kind of injuries that can sideline even the most passionate players for weeks or months.

But Thomesa’s story didn’t end there. Read the full story and see how light therapy can speed recovery for pickleball players.

Think power wins games? That dinks are just filler? You’re not alone—but you’re wrong. In this issue, we bust the biggest beginner myths and share what actually works on the court. Whether you're new to the game or stuck at a plateau, this one's for you.

👉 Read the full article and level up your game.

At $333, the Boomstik promises explosive power—but in practice, it’s heavy, one-dimensional, and overpriced. I finally tried Selkirk’s much-hyped Boomstik paddle—and wow, it lives up to its name. Heavy in the hand, unique in sound, and packed with raw power, it’s a true weapon. But here’s the trade-off: that extra pop comes at the expense of finesse and control.

👉 Read my full review to see if the Boomstik fits your game.

If you’ve ever finished a great match only to wake up with sore feet or stiff knees, you’re not alone. Pickleball demands constant sprinting, lunging, and twisting — but your biggest performance upgrade might be something you can’t even see.

Discover the hidden edge that helps players move stronger and recover faster — read the full story.

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!

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