In Partnership with
VKTRY: Performance Insoles
Hope Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Health Solutions
Diadem Pickleball Complex
GAMMA: High Performance Paddles
LifeWave: Elevate, Activate, Regenerate

Hey!

Before you jump into this week’s Palm Beach County Pickleball News, I want to share something a little different—a new take on how we approach the game we all love. If you’ve ever felt burnt out chasing ratings or stressed trying to perfect every shot, you’ll want to check out my latest article: “The Anti-Hustle Pickleball Aspiration Manifesto: Why Slowing Down Might Be Your Secret Weapon.”

This piece is for anyone who’s forgotten to have fun along the way, and for everyone who believes pickleball should be about more than just wins and losses. Give it a read, let me know what you think, and—most importantly—enjoy your time on the court.

Now let’s get to today’s issue!

Bob

You’re Not Stuck Because You Need More Drills

Why most 3.0-3.5 players do everything right—and still don’t improve

A few weeks ago, I watched a player doing everything right.
He was drilling. Working on his footwork. Fixing his backhand.
If you had seen him practice, you’d say: “He’s about to break through.”
Then the games started. And he lost. Not because his mechanics failed.
Because his decisions did.
Read the full article here.

How to Break the 3.5 Barrier in Pickleball

This article, How to Break the 3.5 Barrier in Pickleball in Empower Pickleball, advises you to slow down, dink more, and play safer.

And for some players, that works.

But if you’ve been doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck at 3.0–3.5, it might not be a discipline problem… it might be the advice itself.

Instead of treating patience and the soft game as the only path forward, it challenges what many players are told—and shows where that thinking can actually hold you back. Because at the recreational level, games aren’t clean and controlled. They’re chaotic. And players who learn how to handle that chaos—by mixing control with smart aggression—are often the ones who break through.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing “the right way” but not getting better results, this will give you a clearer path forward.

You may not need more patience.

You may need a different gear. Read here.

Naples hosts 10th annual US Open Pickleball Championships

For the past nine years, Naples has hosted the biggest pickleball party in the world, but in year 10, it's taking the party up a notch.

U.S. Open President and Tournament Director Ben Weinberger said, “We attracted 3,750 athletes this year to the U.S. Open, 55,000-plus spectators, so it really is the biggest stage in all of pickleball, and we couldn’t be more excited to host it here in Naples, Florida!"

The tournament will be taking place until Saturday, April 18. 

Admission to the event is free to all fans, with the exception of the Zing Zang Championship Court. For more information…https://www.usopenpickleball.com/.

Play with Power. Show Up in Style.

This month, elevate your game with the Rainmaker Bundle from GAMMA Sports—built for players who want performance and standout design.

The GAMMA Rainmaker Bundle includes two carbon fiber Rainmaker paddles, customized in your choice of colors, delivering a winning combination of control, power, and feel every time you step on the court.

You’ll also get a FREE 3-pack of Chuck outdoor pickleballs and a GAMMA pickleball sling bag—everything you need to play in one complete setup.

Whether you’re splitting the set or upgrading your own gear, this bundle brings premium performance and style together at an unbeatable value.

Now on sale for just $179.99

Step on the court ready to play—and stand out. 

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

Outlast Your Opponent

Outlast Your Opponent:
Competitive edge / endurance focus
Win the Long Game. In pickleball, it’s not just about skill—it’s about stamina.
LifeWave patches support:
• Sustained energy through long matches
• Faster bounce-back between games
• Improved resilience under pressure
When others slow down… you’re just getting started. Stay sharp. Stay strong. Stay in control. Get started today with the X39!  
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Schedule a FREE Consult with Leah to learn more.
https://calendly.com/leahstasney/30minconsultation

Sponsor Spotlight: Tools That Help You Play Better (Without the Hype)

The companies that support this newsletter all have one thing in common: they help you feel better on the court and enjoy the game longer.

VKTRY Performance Insoles provide your feet with more support and spring, so quick moves feel easier and long sessions don’t leave you feeling worn out.

GAMMA paddles (especially the Knockout) are built for players who want dependable touch and put-away power without fighting their equipment.

LifeWave patches are used by players seeking more energy, improved mobility, and faster recovery between sessions—without pills or supplements.

Hope Health and Wellness helps players address the aches and nagging issues that come with frequent play, so small problems don’t turn into time off the court.

Supporting these partners helps keep this newsletter free—and gives you tools that actually show up when you play. Thanks for taking a look.

RESOURCES

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Enjoyed this edition? 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.

See you on the courts,

—Bob

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