We’re putting your pickleball strategy skills to the test!

Your Challenge:
Ever noticed skilled players consistently aiming their third shot drop into the opponent’s kitchen? It’s not luck—it’s strategy!

List the top three reasons advanced players intentionally use the third shot drop.

The Prize:
The best answer wins 2 hours of court time for four people at The Replay during non-peak hours.

How to Enter:
✔️ Reply to this newsletter with your top three reasons.
✔️ Submit your answer by April 30.
✔️ Winner will be announced in the next issue!

Think you know the answer? Send us your best shot! 🔥

Congratulations to Martha H, who plays at Caloosa Park, for answering last month’s challenge question—name the top three reasons skilled players consistently target the middle during matches—with this correct answer:

1. Creates Confusion and Forces Errors
2. Reduces Angles for Opponents
3. Maximizes Your Court Coverage and Positioning

Shake N Bake Pickleball

Check out Shake N Bake Pickleball to demo some of the latest paddle releases like the Joola Perseus Pro IV, Agassi Pro, Graf Pro, Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power 14mm, and Franklin C45.  All Subscribers who mention promo code PBCPicklenews will get free Shake N Bake swag with any paddle purchase.

ALL DAY Vitality

Be part of our vibrant future—try our products and follow us on our journey to redefine athletic hydration. Subscribers to Palm Beach County Pickleball News, use PBCP40 as your unique discount for 40% off a single order. Stay Hydrated, Energized, and Ready to Win with All Day Vitality — Specifically Formulated for Pickleball Players.

BZER Sports

The BZER mini training pickleball. Created by two guys from Utah. The original and still the best. Palm Beach County Pickleball News subscribers use code PBC10 for 10% off any BZER product.

PicklView Mobile Device Holder

New from oGrip—the PicklView mobile device holder for all pickleball fans. PicklView products sit snug on any pickleball/tennis net, allowing your MagSafe device to capture photos or videos conveniently while facing your point of view. Palm Beach County Pickleball News subscribers receive 15% off by using code PBC15 at checkout.
_{(The PicklView is fully functional with all mobile devices utilizing MagSafe technology and/or accompanied by a MagSafe phone case. This includes but is not limited to iPhone 12 and later as well as some Android devices.)}

The Victor's Edge® Sports Network

The Victor's Edge® Sports Network (V.E.S.N) is your one-stop shop for Pickleball Live Streaming & On Demand Content Creation. We deploy multiple cameras to capture all the action, and a professional commentator calls the matches. Our broadcasting platform provides international exposure for leagues, venues, and players. Discounted rates are available for Palm Beach County Pickleball subscribers!

Lucy Kitcher Pickleball Vacation

Palm Beach County Pickleball News subscribers receive $100 off on a Lucy Kitcher pickleball vacation when you book a room for two people. Mention “Newsletter” in the comments section of the booking form.

The Palm Beach County Pickleball League is looking for additional HOAs or CCs in Boca, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, or Wellington with Pickleball courts to join the league. If interested, please contact Walter Gassner at [email protected].  The league is registering players and communities throughout the summer for an Oct 11 start. Check out the website at www.pbcPickleballLeague.com.

After three years of teaching pickleball to beginners, I’ve heard this question more times than I can count: "Should I focus on hitting the ball harder to win?"

My answer is always the same: "No, focus on consistency over power."

Here’s the thing: pickleball isn’t about who can hit the hardest or pull off the flashiest shots. It’s a game of control, placement, and strategy. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to smash the ball or go for highlight-reel shots right away, but that’s not how you win games.

Instead, keep it simple. Aim for the kitchen line. Focus on steady, well-placed returns. Prioritize control over power. When you do this, you’ll not only outlast your opponents in rallies, but you’ll also start winning more points.

Remember, pickleball is a marathon, not a sprint. The consistent and strategic player will always have the upper hand over the one who’s just trying to hit the ball as hard as possible. Trust me—mastering this tip will take your game to the next level!

Bob Savar, PPR Certified Instructor and author of six books on pickleball

Patch Reef Covered Pickleball Courts: 18 covered courts and 16 traditional courts are coming to Patch Reef Park.

This city is considering an annual fee to play on tennis, pickleball courts.

Courtesy of Jim Donnelly:

• The lights at Carlin Park and South County Regional should be in by fall.

• We’re hoping to see shade areas installed at Okeeheelee Park and South County Regional by the summer.

• It’s going to be 3-5 years before we see additional pickleball courts at John Prince Park.
  

As more and more of the younger generation pick up the game of Pickleball, the demographics keep changing. Whereas in the past, when seniors played in tournaments, there was a good chance there were other players their age to play against. Nowadays, however…read the entire article

The Most Influential Pickleball Event is Coming to Palm Beach this Summer

Don't miss the biggest Pickleball Event of the year as the World Pickleball Conference rolls into the Palm Beach Convention Center on June 27-29, 2025. Join us for two unforgettable days with industry executives speaking on stage, networking, connections, and breakouts to elevate your business.  Early Bird Tickets are now available at 50% off. https://WorldPickleballConference.com

If you are in the pickleball industry or want to find your entry point, this is the palace to be. The WPC also has the country's largest Pickleball Expo, Multiple Tournaments, Fashion Shows, Demonstrations, Parties, and Celebrity Pro-Ams. Revenues benefit the Veterans Pickleball Association.

 -Wellington-
Saturday, April 5th @ 9:00 am
Thursday, April 10th @ 9:00 am
At the Greenbrier Park Pickleball Courts, 2975 Greenbrier Blvd.

-West Palm Beach- 
Sunday, April 13th @ 10:00 am
At the Palm Springs Pickleball Courts, 226 Cypress Lane

-Lake Worth Beach-
Wednesday, April 23rd @ 5:30 pm
At the Sunset Ridge Park Pickleball Courts, 1400 15th Ave. S

These clinics are for those just starting or who have recently begun to play. 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 provided. Sneakers are required to participate.

• 13 Pickleball Obsessed States And How They Are Changing the Game Forever: Florida isn’t just a retirement hotspot—it’s the unofficial pickleball capital of the country. With year-round sunshine and a massive senior population, the sport has become a way of life here.

• How Pickleball Got Its Name: “Joan [Joel Pritchard’s wife] wrote in 2008 that while they did have a dog named Pickles, he came years after the game was created. She took credit for the game’s name instead, explaining that it reminded her of pickle boats in rowing when oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.”

• Bio Ball: The New Biodegradable Pickleball that Aims to Tackle Plastic Waste

• Pickleball is the Fastest-growing Sport in the United States: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports the popularity of pickleball has grown by 223.5 percent over the last three years, with participation increasing across all age groups…

• Tens of Thousands Anticipated to Play Pickleball Simultaneously across North America during Inaugural Agassi Open Play Day on April 12

• Save 60% on pickleball gear during Amazon Big Spring Sale deals: Save big on pickleball items, including paddles, pickleballs, court shoes, and more during Amazon's Big Spring Sale event.

If you have a friend who might benefit from this newsletter, please forward it to that person and score 90 minutes of court time for four people during non-peak hours at the Boynton Beach Tennis Center. 🏆 Congratulations to Tammy Hartnett of Livingston, NY, who referred two friends and took advantage of free court time at the Boynton Beach Tennis Center.