Pickleball For Dummies

The game with the funny name was created in the 1960's and is, today, the fastest growing sport in America. We take you through the hows of the game. In true Dummies fashion, the material is easy to understand and appropriate for newbies as well as advanced players. We cover it all from scoring, serving, dinking, places to play, and getting more involved in the community. No need to be intimidated — you've got Dummies on your side of the court to give you all the best tips and tricks from expert authors. If you're in a pickle because you don't know anything about this popular game, Pickleball For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know.

Inside:

• Learn the rules and stroke fundamentals
• Intro to the fun, social aspects of the game
• Advanced strategies that will raise an experienced player to next level
• Tips for tournament players and club organizers

Introduction 1

Part 1: Starting Out: Let the Dinking Begin! 5

Chapter 1: Welcome to Your New Favorite Sport 7

Chapter 2: Playing by the Rules 15

Chapter 3: Shifting into Gear: Equipment and Apparel 37

Chapter 4: Heading to the Courts 61

Chapter 5: Transitioning from Other Sports: You Can Do This! 81

Part 2: Getting into the Swing of Things 97

Chapter 6: Building Solid FUNdamentals 99

Chapter 7: Starting the Point: The First Three Shots 119

Chapter 8: Dinking: The Game within a Game 141

Chapter 9: The Big Thrill: Volleys, Smashes, and Lobs 157

Chapter 10: Achy, Breaky: Preventing Injuries and Managing Physical Limitations 177

Part 3: Mastering Pickleball Strategy 191

Chapter 11: Playing Smarter: Basic Doubles Strategies 193

Chapter 12: Diving Deeper: Intermediate to Advanced Doubles Strategies 219

Chapter 13: Going Solo: Singles Strategy 245

Part 4: Improving and Competing: Living with Obsessive Pickleball Disorder (OPD) 257

Chapter 14: Leveling Up: Advanced Skills You’ll Need 259

Chapter 15: Strengthening Your Mental Game: Use Your Noggin! 289

Chapter 16: Improving Your Game: DIY or with an Expert 309

Chapter 17: Playing Tournaments 329

Part 5: Enjoying the Wider World of Pickleball 353

Chapter 18: So Social: Jumping into the Pickleball Scene 355

Chapter 19: Becoming More Involved 373

Part 6: The Part of Tens 385

Chapter 20: Ten Pickleball Pet Peeves 387

Chapter 21: Ten Common Pickleball Mistakes and How to Fix Them 395

Glossary 403

Index 413

Mo Nard and Reine Steel are certified pickleball teaching pros and founders of Positive Dinking pickleball instruction. Reine also created the PlayTime Scheduler website, used by 100,000+ pickleball players. Diana Landau and Carl Landau founded Pickleball Media. Carl hosts the popular podcast I Used to be Somebody.

Dink, drop, and drive your way to pickleball fun

The game with the funny name is the fastest-growing sport in America. People of all ages can enjoy this sport and have tons of fun together. Pickleball For Dummies leads you through fundamentals, strategies, and everything you need to take your game to the next level. We cover it all, with the best tips and tricks for everyone from beginners to advanced players. Discover why pickleball is the new, healthy addiction for millions of people just like you!

Inside…

• Get started with pickleball
• Understand the rules and basics
• Find courts, players, and equipment
• Build solid fundamentals
• Master advanced strategies
• Strengthen your mental game
• Compete in tournaments
• Discover the social side of the game