What makes a pro pickleball player stand out from a recreational (rec) player? It’s not just their skill level—it’s their approach to training, strategy, and mental toughness. Pros invest hours in drilling, focusing on fundamentals like footwork and court awareness, and mastering the mental game by staying calm under pressure. The great news? Rec players can adopt many of these habits to elevate their game, from intentional practice to developing a resilient mindset. Pickleball is about progress, not perfection, and learning from the pros can make every match more rewarding.

Picture this: a smaller court, a plastic ball, and paddles that won’t break your wrist. That’s pickleball in a nutshell. It’s a game of strategy, finesse, and a whole lot of laughs.