Blog

Opinions, hot takes, and the arguments people actually have at open play. Read it, disagree with it, take it to the courts.

Hot Take

Most Rec Players Don't Need Lessons. They Need to Play More.

Clinics and private coaching are booming. But for most people stuck at 3.0–3.5, the $80/hour pro isn't the fix — reps are. An unpopular opinion about how you actually get better.

June 21, 2026 · 5 min read

Hot Take

The Third-Shot Drop Is Overrated for Rec Players

Everyone says you have to master the drop. But at the rec level? Drive the ball. Here's why the soft game gets oversold to people who'd win more by just hitting it.

June 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Culture

Most 4.0s Are Actually 3.5s (And Your DUPR Knows It)

Self-rating is broken and everyone knows it. Why half the 'advanced' players at open play would get bageled by a real 4.0 — and why that's fine, actually.

May 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Gear

You're Probably Overpaying for Your Paddle

The $250 paddle isn't making you better. For 90% of players an $80 paddle is genuinely enough — and here's the uncomfortable math on why the gear hype works.

March 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Hot Take

Bangers Aren't Ruining Pickleball. You Just Can't Handle the Pace.

Every dinker's favorite complaint is the guy who just hits it hard. But if a banger keeps beating you, the problem isn't them — it's your hands. Sorry.

February 9, 2026 · 4 min read