In the world of pickleball, the ball you choose can make or break your game. That's why we've scoured the market to bring you a roundup of the best pickleball balls available. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the sport, we've got you covered. Franklin Sports X-40 Pickleballs - USA Pickleball Approved - From $29.48 The Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs are a high-quality choice designed for the serious player. Made with superior polyethylene material and exhibiting a unique single-piece design. Officially approved by USAPA and used in the US Open, they promise precision and durability with polyethylene construction. Suitable for both genders and backed by a 90-day limited warranty. Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs - USAPA Approved for Tournament Play - From $31.96 Step up your Pickleball game with the Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Pickleball Balls. USAPA approved and ideal for tournament play, these rotationally molded balls are designed for durability and consistency. Their vibrant neon color ensures visibility while the handy set of 12 stays prepared for action. Onix Pickleball Outdoor Balls - Pure 2 and Dura 40 Options - From $16.99 Improve your pickleball game with Onix Pickleball Outdoor Balls. These plastic, molded balls are perfect for beginners or adults. Coming in a striking yellow color, these balls are light yet sturdy which ensures optimal play outdoors. They come in a 6-pack set, perfect for practice or competitive games. PCKL Optic Speed Pickleball Balls - Indoor or Outdoor Use - From $9.89 Experience enhanced gameplay with PCKL Optic Speed Pickleball Balls, designed for indoor or outdoor use. Enjoy their USAPA tournament-approved quality, ensured by precision-seam welding and crack-resistant plastic. Suitable for all ages, the balls offer uncompromising performance, promising lasting durability with their 75mm diameter.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect paddle cover, and I thought I'd share my findings with you all. After trying out several options and scouring reviews, here are my top picks for the best pickleball paddle covers: 1. Reach Originals - The Original Paddle Cover This meticulously crafted accessory combines style and functionality, offering premium protection for your paddle while making a bold statement on the court. Made from high-quality vegan leather, The Original not only shields your paddle from the elements but also showcases your commitment to sustainable fashion. Its sleek design, featuring a soft fur lining and interior padding, ensures a snug fit for most standard paddles. Weather-resistant and measuring 12.25" x 8.75", this cover is the perfect blend of durability and elegance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, The Original paddle cover is the ideal companion for those who appreciate the finer details in their sporting gear. At just $29.99, it's an affordable luxury that will keep your paddle safe and your style game strong. 2.Franklin Pickleball-X Individual Paddle Cover It's lightweight, affordable, and durable. The neoprene material offers great protection, and it comes with a handy fence hook. It fits most paddle sizes and comes in a sleek black/green color combo. 3. Big Dill Pickleball Co. Paddle Cover If you're looking to support a woman-owned, US-based company, this is a great option. The minimalist design is attractive, and it's made with premium materials. Just keep in mind it doesn't fit wide or long paddles. 4. Pickleball Central Neoprene Paddle Cover 2.0 This is probably the most popular cover out there. It comes in various colors, fits all paddle sizes, and is made by a trusted brand. It's simple but effective. 5. Selkirk Premium Pickleball Paddle Cover For those wanting a more premium option, Selkirk's cover is top-notch. It features a leather exterior and terry cloth interior to prevent scratches. It's a bit pricier, but worth it for serious players.

I've noticed a lot of confusion about the infamous "dink" in pickleball, especially among newcomers. So, let's break it down and serve up some knowledge! TL;DR: A dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen, designed to keep the ball low and make it hard to attack. Here's the full scoop on the pickleball dink: 1. Definition: A dink is a soft, arcing shot that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone (kitchen). 2. Technique: - Hit the ball with a gentle, upward motion - Aim to clear the net by just a few inches - Let the ball drop below net height before hitting it 3. Purpose: - Keep the ball low and hard to attack - Force opponents to hit up on the ball - Set up opportunities for put-away shots 4. When to use it: - When you're at the kitchen line - When the ball is too low for a strong attack - To change the pace of the game 5. Key benefits: - Neutralizes opponents' power - Creates defensive trouble for opponents - Improves your control and touch 6. Common mistakes: - Hitting too hard (it's not a drive or a drop shot) - Aiming too high (should barely clear the net) - Not moving forward after dinking 7. Pro tip: Practice "dink rallies" where you and your partner (or opponent) only hit dinks back and forth. Great for improving control and patience! Fun fact: The term "dink" might come from the soft "dink" sound the ball makes when it's hit gently. Remember, mastering the dink is crucial for advancing your pickleball game. It's the shot that often separates recreational players from more competitive ones. What's your experience with dinking? Any tips for newbies trying to improve their dink game? Share in the comments!

Hey picklers! I've seen this question pop up a lot lately, so I thought I'd break down the costs associated with building a pickleball court. Here's what you need to know: TL;DR: On average, building a pickleball court costs between $20,000 to $50,000, but prices can vary widely based on several factors. Breakdown of costs: 1. Court surface: $15 to $40 per square foot - For a standard 30' x 60' court, that's roughly $27,000 to $72,000 - Concrete is usually the cheapest option, followed by rubber, then asphalt 2. Site preparation: $5,000 to $10,000 - Includes excavation, grading, and drainage 3. Fencing: $3,000 to $6,000 4. Lighting (if needed): $5,000 to $10,000 5. Accessories (net, posts, etc.): $500 to $1,500 Factors affecting cost: 1. Location: Labor and material costs vary by region 2. Surface type: - Concrete: $4 to $8 per sq ft ($5,200 to $10,400 total) - Rubber: $4 to $12 per sq ft ($5,200 to $15,600 total) - Asphalt: $7 to $15 per sq ft ($9,100 to $19,400 total) 3. Additional features: Windscreens, seating, shade structures, etc. 4. Permitting and zoning requirements Pro tips: - Consider converting an existing tennis court (if available) to save money - DIY options like temporary courts or kits can cost as little as $5,000 to $10,000 - Don't forget about ongoing maintenance costs (about $3,000 every 4-8 years for resurfacing) Remember, these are rough estimates. For an accurate quote, it's best to consult with local contractors who specialize in sports court construction. Has anyone here built their own pickleball court? What was your experience like? Share your stories and tips in the comments!

TL;DR: Only the serving team scores, games go to 11 points (win by 2), and in doubles, you call out three numbers before each serve. Here's the full scoop on pickleball scoring: 1. Basic rules: - Games are typically played to 11 points (sometimes 15 or 21 in tournaments) - You must win by 2 points - Only the serving team can score points 2. Doubles scoring: - The score is called out as three numbers: [serving team's score]-[receiving team's score]-[server number] - Example: "4-2-1" means serving team has 4 points, receiving team has 2, and it's the first server 3. Singles scoring: - Only two numbers are called: [server's score]-[receiver's score] 4. Starting the game: - In doubles, the game always starts at 0-0-2 (yes, with the second server!) - In singles, it starts at 0-0 5. Serving rotation in doubles: - Each player on a team gets to serve until they lose a rally - When the first server loses a rally, it goes to their partner (second server) - When the second server loses a rally, the serve goes to the other team 6. Switching sides: - In doubles, partners only switch sides when they win a point while serving - The receiving team doesn't switch 7. Pro tip: Use "Me-You-Who" to remember the order: Your score, Their score, Which server you are Common newbie mistakes: - Forgetting to switch sides after scoring while serving - Mixing up the order of the three numbers - Thinking you can score while receiving (you can't!) Fun fact: Pickleball scoring is similar to old-school table tennis scoring, where only the server could score points. Remember, it might seem complicated at first, but after a few games, it'll become second nature. Don't be afraid to ask more experienced players for help! What tricks do you use to keep track of the score? Any funny scoring mishap stories? Share in the comments.