Pickleball Central Newsletter | Issue #017

Who takes the middle? Find out...

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May 27, 2026 9:45am EDT

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COURTSIDE | ISSUE #017

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Franklin Pickleball - Rule the Court - SHOP NOW

AROUND THE POST

Pickleball Headlines and Happenings

Mad Drops take down Sliders, finish first at MLP Dallas

Pro tips to eliminate common pickleball mistakes

How to master the signature shots of your favorite pros

Rachel Rohrabacher’s fiancé, Bobby Edwards, may be the loudest fan in MLP

Is trash talk good for pickleball? Pros weigh in

GEAR REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Honest reviews from experts and players

What's in our Bag - Mixed Doubles Edition - Part 1 - WATCH NOW

In this fun (and honest) mixed doubles edition of “What’s In My Bag,” Chris (VP of Marketing at Pickleball Central) and his wife, Ali, break down all the gear, snacks, accessories, and random essentials they carry to the courts each week.

From paddles and pickleball shoes, to candy, fragrances, and WAY too many pickleballs…

This one gets chaotic fast 😂

WATCH NOW

Stories that go beyond the game

Such a Delight!
Submitted by: Kathy K.

Back in 2010, my husband and I moved from Wisconsin to Virginia to sell his parents' home after they passed away.

The week after we arrived, a local newspaper featured a story about an exciting new sport at the YMCA—pickleball. Curious, we went to check it out. At the Y, they put paddles in our hands, and instantly, we were hooked—we played every day for next ten months, making many new friends along the way.

After we sold the home in Virginia, we loaded our van and drove cross-country to relocate in a California community where my son and his family lived. While traveling to our new life in California, we scoured the internet for pickleball courts in Sonoma County, but we couldn't find anything at the time.

The week after we arrived, a miracle happened: a local Parks & Rec started hosting pickleball in a community nearby—we were thrilled!

Instantly, we started making friends in our new home!

Over the past 15 years, we were fortunate to be able to help develop and grow the sport in nine other county communities. I became so immersed! I volunteered to become a pickleball ambassador eight years ago, and today, my husband and I oversee 26 other ambassadors in four Northern California cities.

Pickleball has been such a delight for me and many others! And what makes it even more special: my seven granddaughters now regularly play pickleball with me!

Got a story to share? We would love to feature it.
Submit your pickleball story here

FROM THE BASELINE

Practical advice for players at every level

Stop the Middle Confusion - For Players 50+

Who takes the ball down the middle on the 4th shot in doubles pickleball?

If you've ever hesitated, collided paddles with your partner, or watched a middle ball drop between you for a loss, this video gives you a clear rule you can use every time...