Mastering Pickleball: Game Strategy and Choosing the Right Paddle

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason — it is fun, social, and surprisingly strategic. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player looking to refine your game, understanding key strategies and selecting the right paddle can give you a serious edge on the court.

ONE British Pickleball GP report

On Saturday 26 July 2025, the inaugural ONE British Pickleball GP Grand Finals unfolded at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford. The full‑day event showcased elite pickleball players from the UK and Europe, incorporating a dedicated Under 21 Junior Championship alongside Open divisions for Men's, Women's, Doubles and Mixed competition.

Spectators were treated to live commentary by Sam Basford and Nick Hobbis, guided through matches by MC Chris Beaumont, and accompanied by a DJ and festival‑style atmosphere. Those at home could watch finals matches live streamed on YouTube.

With a prize pool of £10,000 the tournament attracted top‑level competitors aiming to claim the GP title.

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports across all age groups, is as much about strategy and skill as it is about having the right gear. Whether you're a casual weekend warrior or a tournament-level player, the details of your equipment can greatly impact your performance. One of the most overlooked but essential parts of your paddle setup is the undergrip — specifically, the silicone undergrip.

Silicone undergrips are changing the game for pickleball players, offering a range of benefits that go beyond simple comfort. If you’ve ever struggled with grip fatigue, wrist or elbow pains, sweaty palms or inconsistent paddle control, it might be time to take a closer look at this simple but game-changing accessory.

In this post, we’ll break down what a silicone undergrip is, how it works, and most importantly, why it could be the upgrade your paddle — and your performance.

Single Tournament at Legends Tennis Centre, Hertford Heath

We are pleased to announce the summer Pickleball singles tournament taking place on Sunday 13th July 2025 at Legends Sports Centre, Haileybury, College Rd, Hertford Heath, Hertford SG13 7NU.

The event takes place over one day on indoor courts with an acrylic surface using the Franklin X40 ball.

Franklin UK Young Persons Championship 2025

June 28-29, 2025

Telford Pickleball Club hosted 7th Franklin UK Young Persons Championship over the last weekend of June 2025. Doubles and singles events in Open and Junior age categories were hotly contested by competitors aged 8 to 30 years. The event was organised and efficiently run by London Pickleball crew with support from a team of wonderful volunteers and generous sponsors (Franklin Pickleball, UK Pickleball shop, KNOTTY, Thelford Pickleball Centre).

Guide to Choosing Pickleball Paddle

The revolution that started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island continues to captivate millions across Britain and beyond, as pickleball transforms from a backyard invention into one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Yet whilst the rules remain refreshingly simple, selecting your first proper paddle presents a labyrinth of technical specifications that can overwhelm newcomers. Understanding the intricacies of pickleball grips, core materials, and surface technologies becomes essential when transitioning from borrowed equipment to serious play, as the right paddle can dramatically enhance your court performance and enjoyment of this addictive sport.

What began as a family game using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball has evolved into a sophisticated sport demanding equally sophisticated equipment. Today's paddle technology incorporates materials from aerospace engineering, with carbon fibre surfaces and polymer honeycomb cores that would have seemed like science fiction to pickleball's founding fathers. The modern player faces choices between thermoformed constructions, varying core thicknesses, and surface textures that can influence everything from spin generation to power delivery, making the selection process both thrilling and potentially bewildering for those new to the sport.

List of Essential Products for Pickleball Players

What began as a backyard game for three American families in 1965 has evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports across the globe, captivating players from suburban communities to professional tournaments. As millions discover the addictive blend of strategy, athleticism, and social connection that pickleball offers, the importance of proper equipment becomes increasingly apparent. From the weekend warrior seeking to improve their recreational game to the competitive player aiming for tournament success, understanding how pickleball grips and other essential gear can transform performance has become crucial knowledge for anyone stepping onto the court.

The rapid expansion of pickleball has created an entire ecosystem of specialised equipment designed to enhance every aspect of the game. Unlike tennis, where equipment choices might seem overwhelming, pickleball's accessibility extends to its gear requirements — yet the nuanced differences between products can significantly impact both enjoyment and performance. Whether you're a parent introducing your children to the sport or a retiree discovering a new passion, selecting the right equipment represents an investment in both immediate satisfaction and long-term progression within this remarkably inclusive sporting community.

10 Pickleball Game Rules You Should Know

The crisp sound of paddle meeting ball echoes across countless courts every morning, afternoon and evening, as pickleball continues its remarkable rise. What makes this sport irresistible isn't just the satisfying pop when you connect with the balls perfectly, but the way it brings together families and communities in ways few activities can match. From seasoned tennis players looking for a gentler alternative to complete beginners picking up a paddle for the first time, everyone seems to find their groove on the Pickleball court.

Yet beneath the surface of this seemingly simple game lies a web of strategy, technique, and mental acuity that can take years to master. Whether you're a parent hoping to keep up with your teenage children or a retiree discovering a new passion, the journey from recreational player to confident competitor requires more than just enthusiasm. The right accessories, proper technique, and strategic thinking can transform your game overnight, turning frustrating losses into satisfying victories and casual rallies into thrilling competitions.