“Everyone Was Staring at Me…” — The Pickleball Mistake That’ll Get You Shunned Faster Than a Foot Fault

1️⃣ Don’t Be a Net Hugger

Your partner’s serving and you’re already crowding the kitchen line like a toddler guarding their favorite toy?

Stop. It’s weird. Back up and give 'em room.

2️⃣ If You Step in the Kitchen, Admit It

We saw your toe cross.

Everyone saw.

The only thing worse than stepping in the kitchen? Pretending you didn’t.

Take the L with dignity.

3️⃣ Close Call? Don’t Be a Jerk

Calling a ball “OUT” when it maybe caught the line by a millimeter?

You just made an enemy. And probably a few.

If you're not 100% sure... just play on.

4️⃣ Don’t Blast a Ball at Someone’s Face (Unless They’ve Been Asking For It)

You know what I mean.

There’s playful. And then there’s straight-up hostile.

Choose wisely.

5️⃣ Be the Ball Retriever the World Needs

Ball rolls onto your court? Don’t just look at it like it's a wild raccoon.

Return it. Nicely. Underhand. Like a human being.

6️⃣ Chill With the Rulebook

Nobody wants to play with the self-appointed Pickleball Cop.

Unless it’s a tournament, let the foot faults go, Nancy.

7️⃣ Keep It Moving, Champ

We love your hustle. We do.

But this isn’t a spa retreat.

Water, breathe, play on. Let’s go.

8️⃣ Say “Nice Shot” Even If You’re Dying Inside

Especially then.

It’s what separates the legends from the toddlers.

9️⃣ Don’t Bogart the Court

Crowded public courts = 1 game and out.

You sneak in a 4th game while Grandma Jean’s waiting?

You're dead to us.

🔟 Have Fun

This should go without saying.

But sometimes we all need the reminder.

If you’re not having fun playing pickleball… what even are you doing?

Rooting for ya,
Armando Alejandro
All-American Pickleball Association

Beginner Tip: The “Shake Hands” Grip (AKA the Continental Grip)

If you're brand new to pickleball, start here:

Imagine you're shaking hands with your paddle—seriously.

Hold the paddle as if you're greeting a friend.
Your index knuckle and heel pad should both land on the second bevel (like holding a hammer).
This grip gives you a neutral base—great for forehands, backhands, dinks, volleys, and serves.

✅ Why it's perfect for beginners:
It keeps things simple. You won’t have to constantly adjust your grip between shots, and you’ll have decent control and power right off the bat.

❌ Common mistake:
Don’t grip it like you're trying to choke it out. A light, relaxed grip gives you better touch at the net and more feel on your shots.

📰 Pickleball News 📰

Exciting New Pickleball Center Set to Open in East Texas

A new indoor pickleball center will be opening in East Texas, the first of its kind in the area.

The facility is set to feature six courts plus a training court, along with a full-service pro shop and café.

Pickleball is a popular sport with a growing fan base, and the center aims to provide a dedicated space for players of all skill levels to enjoy the game year-round.

The facility's owner hopes that the center will help to promote the sport and foster a sense of community among players in the region.

Three Ways to Grip Your Pickleball Paddle: Continental, Western, Eastern

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