Pickleball News: Agassi's Tour, Pro Tips & MLP 2025 Buzz

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Break Free from the Pickleball Plateau: Simple Off-Court Tweaks to Level Up Your Game

Feeling stuck in your pickleball game? You're not alone. Many players reach a point where they stop improving despite consistent play. But Frank Hines, a contributor to The Kitchen, reveals three simple off-court habits to break through: hydration, exercise, and stretching. Surprisingly, 60-75% of people are dehydrated, and simply drinking more water can significantly enhance performance, recovery, mental sharpness, and mood. While pickleball is great exercise, supplementing it with a gym routine 2-3 times a week will lead to noticeable improvement. Lastly, incorporating stretching helps prevent injury and offers a therapeutic mental break. If you're feeling stagnant, it's time to mix up your routine with these easy adaptations.

Agassi Aces Asia: Tennis Legend Takes His Pickleball Passion Global in JOOLA Tour

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi is embarking on the JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour across Asia. Agassi will be competing in a pickleball tournament, with stops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam, before heading to China. "Being on the ground in China and Vietnam to share the joy and passion I feel for pickleball with the community is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up," Agassi stated. This tour underscores Agassi's strong support for pickleball, even suggesting its inclusion in the Olympics could happen sooner than expected. For the past two years, Agassi and his wife, Steffi Graf, have been deeply engaged with the sport.

Titans Clash in Asia: Pickleball and Tennis Stars Unite for the JOOLA Legends Tour

The JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour is bringing together a remarkable lineup of talent from both the pickleball and tennis worlds. Joining tennis icon Andre Agassi on this tour across Vietnam and China are top pickleball pros including Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Tyson McGuffin, Collin Johns, Brooke Buckner, and Chao Yi (Zoey) Wang. This initiative by JOOLA aims to expand the global pickleball community, recognizing Asia as a rapidly growing market. The tour will feature athlete-led clinics, exhibitions, and product demonstrations, showcasing the Agassi Pro and JOOLA Pro IV pickleball paddles. This unique blend of tennis legends and pickleball stars highlights the increasing crossover appeal of the sport.

Olympics Calling? Agassi Foresees Pickleball's Fast-Track to the Games

Tennis legend Andre Agassi is a staunch advocate for pickleball and believes the sport has a bright future, potentially even on the Olympic stage. Speaking at the launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) DUPR India League in December 2024, Agassi stated, "Pickleball is going to add a great deal to sport. The Olympics? I absolutely can see it happening. I think it might even happen sooner than you’re expecting". Agassi's enthusiasm and involvement in events like the JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour further underscore his belief in the sport's growing global significance. His prediction adds considerable weight to the ongoing discussions about pickleball's potential inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Love on the Court: How Pickleball Sparked a Winning Partnership for Agassi and Graf

Pickleball isn't just a sport for Andre Agassi; it's also a shared passion with his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf. Over the past two years, both have become deeply engaged with pickleball, finding it to be a "great outlet" and a "fantastic form of exercise". Their involvement extends beyond casual play, with Agassi participating in the JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour. The couple's shared enthusiasm highlights the social and physical benefits of pickleball, even for elite athletes from other disciplines. Their story illustrates how the sport can foster connections and provide enjoyment for players of all levels.

JOOLA's Asian Invasion: Agassi-Endorsed Gear Set to Ignite Global Pickleball Scene

As part of the JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour in Asia, the company is strategically introducing its latest pickleball equipment to this rapidly growing market. The tour will feature athlete-led clinics, exhibitions, and product demonstrations specifically highlighting the Agassi Pro and JOOLA Pro IV pickleball paddles. This initiative, spearheaded by tennis icon Andre Agassi, aims to capitalize on the increasing enthusiasm for pickleball in Asia. Richard Lee, CEO of JOOLA’s parent company, emphasized JOOLA's commitment to expanding the global pickleball community and being part of Asia's exciting growth in the sport. The introduction of these new paddles, endorsed by a sporting legend, is expected to further fuel the passion for pickleball across the continent.

Pickleball's New Frontier: JOOLA Bets Big on Asia's Exploding Passion for the Sport

JOOLA is making a significant push to expand its presence in Asia, recognizing the continent as one of the "sport’s fastest-growing markets". The JOOLA 2025 Pickleball Legends Tour, featuring Andre Agassi and other top players, is a key part of this strategy. Richard Lee, CEO of JOOLA’s parent company, stated that JOOLA is excited to be part of this growth and is committed to "expanding the global pickleball community" by bringing athletes face-to-face with international fans. The tour, with its clinics, exhibitions, and product demonstrations, aims to introduce more people to the sport and showcase JOOLA's commitment to the Asian pickleball market. This investment signifies the increasing global appeal and commercial potential of pickleball.

Relentless Pursuit of Perfection: Inside the Grueling Daily Grind of Pro Pickleball Duo Blatt & Goldin

Being a professional pickleball player demands intense dedication and a rigorous schedule. For Hannah Blatt and Grayson Goldin, their lives revolve around the sport, spending the bulk of their days on the court rather than in an office. Blatt revealed their demanding routine: "Honestly, we’re on the court two to three times a day and in the gym once a day". Their focus includes singles, mixed, and doubles drills, as well as practice games. This commitment extends beyond the court, with Blatt also incorporating Pilates twice a week. Their story highlights the significant dedication required to compete at the professional level in pickleball.

Unleash Your Inner Attacker: Blatt Fine-Tunes Aggressive Strategy for Mixed Doubles Dominance

Professional pickleball player Hannah Blatt is strategically working to become more aggressive in mixed doubles. Recognizing that many female players in mixed doubles prioritize stability and consistency, Blatt aims to add an element of surprise and power to her game. "It’s nice when you have a girl who’s able to be aggressive as well, pull the trigger, and sit on a shot," she explained. While acknowledging that this approach may lead to more errors initially, Blatt is focused on honing her ability to be both aggressive and consistent. This focused training highlights the nuanced strategies and continuous improvement that professional players like Blatt pursue.

From Baseline to Sideline: Tennis Star Goldin's Coaching Secrets Elevating Blatt's Forehand

The close partnership between professional pickleball player Hannah Blatt and her boyfriend, Grayson Goldin, extends beyond the court. Goldin, a tennis player, actively coaches Blatt, leveraging his racket sport background to enhance her game. Blatt shared that Goldin has been particularly instrumental in improving her forehand, breaking down her drive and teaching her new techniques. Goldin's support continues during tournaments, where he offers advice and support from the sidelines. Blatt values his analytical understanding of the game and his patient coaching style, especially during challenging matches. Their relationship showcases the benefits of cross-sport knowledge and dedicated coaching within the professional pickleball circuit.

Power Up Your Paddle: Callie Jo Smith's Simple Stance Shift for a Killer Pickleball Drive

Pickleball pro Callie Jo Smith recently shared a valuable tip for players looking to enhance their driving power and court positioning. In an Instagram post, Smith advised against the common mistake of standing flat-footed when driving the ball. Instead, she recommends turning sideways and utilizing the power of the hips and legs for added strength. This proper technique not only increases the force behind the shot but also puts players in a better position to react to the next play and move forward on the court more quickly. Smith's insight aims to help players transform their drives into more threatening offensive plays.

Denver's Pickleball Paradise Arrives: Massive Indoor Center Promises Year-Round Play

Pickleball enthusiasts in Denver are in for a treat with the upcoming opening of The Picklr Denver Iliff, set to be the city's largest indoor pickleball centre. Located in the Central Park Shopping Center, this sprawling 32,600-square-foot facility will feature 11 courts, including standard, oversized, and championship courts. Beyond the courts, the centre will offer a pro shop, a lounge, and a mezzanine for spectators. Memberships will be available, providing access to reserved courts, open play, leagues, and tournaments. The Picklr is a growing franchise with existing locations in Loveland and Thornton, and plans for further expansion across the Denver metro area.

Hall of Famer to Helm Denver's New Pickleball Hub: Yates to Lead Training and Growth

Denver's soon-to-open largest indoor pickleball centre, The Picklr Denver Iliff, will have a notable figure at its helm: Pickleball Hall of Famer Kyle Yates will serve as the managing partner. In this role, Yates will be responsible for providing private lessons and instructor training, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to the Denver pickleball community. JP Parker will also be involved as the on-site owner and operator. Yates' involvement underscores the facility's commitment to providing high-quality instruction and fostering the growth of pickleball in the region. The centre is expected to open in the fall.

Singapore to Host Elite Pickleball Coaching Clinic: Elevate Your Skills with Asia's Top Pros

Aspiring and current pickleball coaches in Southeast Asia have an exciting opportunity to enhance their skills. On March 29, 2025, Singapore will host the PPR Level 1 Coach Certification, organized by the Asia Federation Pickleball (AFP). This essential full-day workshop at Dover Court International School is designed for instructors working with beginner and intermediate players. Led by expert clinicians, the interactive experience will equip participants with fundamental teaching techniques and globally recognized credentials. To enroll, a minimum player rating of 3.5 is required. The certification process includes assessments of written knowledge, playing skills, and coaching abilities. This initiative aims to support the rapid growth of pickleball across the region by developing qualified coaches.

UK Pickleballers Swing for Charity: Fleet Aces' Marathon Match Raises Thousands for Comic Relief

The Fleet Aces pickleball club in the UK made a valiant attempt to break the world record for the most players in a single continuous game to raise money for Comic Relief. While they fell short of the record, 120 different players participated over 12 hours, demonstrating a remarkable community effort. The event successfully raised over £3,300 for the charity. The day also featured a skills challenge and a prize raffle, with generous donations from various retailers and businesses. The club expressed gratitude to the Hart Leisure Centre for providing the courts. This event showcases the spirit of the pickleball community and its ability to come together for a good cause.

Agassi's National Call to Arms: Join the Record-Breaking Pickleball Frenzy with Life Time

Tennis legend Andre Agassi is partnering with Life Time to celebrate National Pickleball Month in a big way. On Saturday, April 12th, Life Time facilities across the United States are inviting everyone to participate in the "Agassi Open Play" initiative, aiming to set a Life Time record for the most players competing simultaneously across their over 700 courts nationwide. All Life Time members are encouraged to book a spot via the Life Time app, and non-members can join by contacting a member to reserve a spot. Agassi himself will be playing at the Life Time Green Valley location in Henderson, NV. A portion of every ticket sold will support the Life Time Foundation. Agassi urged everyone to participate in this "epic day for the growth of pickleball".

MLP Mania is Brewing: Pro Pickleball League's Revamped Season Set to Explode in Orlando

The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season is rapidly approaching, with the opening event set to take place in Orlando at the USTA National Campus from April 24-27. This year features a more condensed and dedicated MLP schedule, with all 13 events occurring between April and August, with only two PPA Tour tournaments interspersed. For the first time, all 10 regular season events will be hosted in MLP team markets. Each team will participate in five regular season events, playing a total of 25 matches. This revamped structure promises an exciting and focused season for professional pickleball fans.

Scoring Shake-Up Rocks MLP: Traditional Rules Return for Gender and Mixed Doubles

The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season will see a significant change in its scoring system for gender and mixed doubles games. The league is switching to traditional side-out scoring, where a team can only score a point while serving. These games will be played to 11 points, requiring a winning margin of at least two points. However, the DreamBreaker format will remain the same, using rally scoring played to 21 points with player switches every four points, and the game must be won on serve. This return to traditional scoring for doubles events marks a notable shift for the league.

Road to the MLP Championship: Only the Elite Will Survive the Playoff Battle

The stakes are high for the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season as the league has outlined its playoff qualification criteria. In the Premier Level, only the top 10 teams will advance to the playoffs. Additionally, all six teams in the Challenger Level will also compete in the postseason. Standings points will be awarded in every regular season match: 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for a DreamBreaker win, and 1 point for a DreamBreaker loss. This competitive structure ensures that only the most consistent and high-performing teams will have a shot at the MLP championship title.

Play Like a Pro: Amateurs to Join the MLP Thrills at 2025 Events

In an exciting development for pickleball enthusiasts, Major League Pickleball (MLP) will be hosting amateur tournaments alongside its professional matches at most of its 2025 events. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for amateur players to experience the energy and excitement of professional pickleball firsthand and even compete in the same location. The season-opening event in Orlando will include an amateur tournament, encouraging players of all levels to participate. Registration details for these amateur events will be available, offering a chance to test skills and be part of the MLP atmosphere.

Power Rankings Revealed: Who Are the Early Favorites in the 2025 Major League Pickleball Season?

As the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season approaches, preseason power rankings offer a glimpse into the potential contenders. Alex Lantz of The Kitchen has compiled his initial rankings based on each team's likely top four starters. Topping the list at #1 is the New Jersey 5s, who have strengthened their roster. The Dallas Flash, the 2024 champions, are ranked #2. Other top contenders include the St. Louis Shock (#3) and the Columbus Sliders (#4). The rankings provide insights into team compositions and potential performances, setting the stage for an exciting MLP season with anticipated updates after each event.

College Pickleball Goes March Madness: Top Teams Battle for National Supremacy in Florida

The excitement of March Madness has extended to the pickleball courts with the 2025 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships presented by PB5star. Taking place in Cape Coral, Florida, from March 28-30, this prestigious tournament will host 32 of the nation's top college pickleball teams, along with talented individual players. They will compete for scholarship money, bragging rights, and the title of the best college pickleball program in the U.S.. Defending champions Utah Tech University are among the schools vying for the top spot. Live coverage of the event will be available on APPTV on YouTube.

Unlock the Secrets of Spin: Cincola's Masterclass in Pickleball Paddle Angles and Swings

Level up your pickleball game by mastering the art of spin with insights from John Cincola. Cincola breaks down the fundamentals, starting with understanding paddle face angles: square (vertical), open (facing upward), and closed (facing downward). He then explains the three basic swing paths: high to low, level, and low to high. The key to controlling the ball and spin lies in the relationship between face angle and swing path. For example, a square face angle with a level swing produces a flat shot with little spin. Cincola demonstrates how a slightly closed face angle with a low to high swing generates topspin. Practice these techniques through drop hits and dinking to add a new dimension to your game.

Philippine Beach Games Get Pickled: One-Day Tournament to Showcase Local Talent

The annual Philippine Beach Games (PBG) in Lingayen, Pangasinan this April will feature pickleball for the first time. Nomads MNL is organizing a one-day pickleball tournament on April 12, 2025, at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC). The tournament is open to Novice (skill level 2.0-2.5) and Intermediate (skill level 3.0-3.5) players in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles categories. Matches will use rally scoring, similar to Major League Pickleball (MLP), with games played to 21. Prizes and giveaways worth ₱20,000, including JOOLA paddles and balls, await participants. This event aims to showcase and promote local pickleball talent within the broader Philippine Beach Games.

Pickleball Goes Global for MCPS Students: China Welcomes Maryland Athletes for Cultural Exchange

Thirty-one student-athletes from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland are embarking on a unique pickleball-themed cultural exchange trip to China from April 9-21. The delegation will visit Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, participating in friendly competitions in each city. This initiative, funded by The Ministry of Education of China and the China Education Association for International Exchange, aims to build friendships across borders through sport. MCPS was the first school district in the U.S. to offer pickleball as a varsity sport. The students have been training and learning about Chinese culture in preparation for this enriching experience.

The Pickleball Illusion: Why So Many Players Overestimate Their Skills (It's Science!)

Have you ever felt like you're better at pickleball than your results suggest? You might be experiencing the Dunning-Kruger effect, a common phenomenon where people with low ability in a specific area tend to overestimate their competence. This is particularly prevalent in pickleball because the basic skills are relatively easy to learn, leading to a quick sense of competitiveness. Players may rapidly learn about strategies and techniques but lack the physical ability to execute them, creating an imbalance. The learning journey typically involves stages like "Mt. Stupid" (initial overconfidence), the "Valley of Despair" (realizing limitations), the "Slope of Enlightenment" (focused improvement), and the "Plateau of Sustainability" (realistic self-assessment). So, if you think you're a 4.5 but play like a 3.5, you're not alone – it's just science.