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- š„³ The world's biggest pickleball party turns 10 this week
š„³ The world's biggest pickleball party turns 10 this week
Plus, even The Villages has a noise problem now. It's National Pickleball Month, somethingās happening near you, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
April 07, 2026
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
ā” Relentless from start to finish
š„³ The world's biggest pickleball party turns 10 this week
š Even The Villages has a noise problem now
ā¤ļø It's National Pickleball Month! Somethingās happening near you
ā” Relentless from start to finish
This weekās epic point is non-stop action. Big slams, clutch resets, and an all-out firefight that wonāt quit.
Both teams keep throwing punchesā¦ but somehow, everything keeps coming back.
Fast, furious, and impossible to look away.
Have a filthy point caught on cam? šø
Reply to this email or submit yours to [email protected]. The most epic one will feature in next weekās newsletter!
And if we pick your submission, weāll send you a free Pickleheads t-shirt š
Pickleball players make nearly twice as many friends!
A national survey discovered pickleball players make nearly twice as many friends through exercise as people who do other activities.
It's not just a sportā¦ it's a social life!
š„³ The world's biggest pickleball party turns 10 this week
The US Open Pickleball Championships kicks off this Saturday in Naples, Floridaā¦ and this year, it's something special.
The tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary with 55,000+ fans expected on-site, players from all 50 states competing, and a festival atmosphere that has made it the standard-bearer for what pickleball can be at its best.
What started as a bold idea in East Naples is now the most prestigious pickleball event on the planet.
Here's what makes this different from other pro events: the US Open is genuinely built for all levels. Amateur players enter through a lottery system and compete on the same courts, in the same venue, in the same week as the pros. The premium bleacher packages are already sold out.
Ten years in, this tournament still sells the dream better than anyone ā that if you pick up a paddle, you belong.
Have you ever played in or attended the US Open? |
š Even The Villages has a noise problem now
The Villages, Floridaās legendary retirement community with over 200 pickleball courts ā where the sport is practically a second religion ā is now dealing with noise complaints.
Hundreds of residents signed a petition last month asking Sumter County to address the sound from courts near the Saluki Recreation Center. The county says it can't enforce a noise ordinance due to a development agreement.
The suggested fix? $200 quieter paddles, which residents immediately rejected. If pickleball's spiritual home can't figure out the noise problem, what hope does anyone else have? Read more
ā¤ļø It's National Pickleball Month! Somethingās happening near you
April is National Pickleball Month. USA Pickleball has mobilized ambassadors, clubs, parks, and facilities across the country to run beginner-friendly clinics, open play sessions, and community tournaments all month long.
If you've been meaning to bring a friend to pickleball, this is the month to do it. Find an event near you.
šŗļø The road to nationals just got wider
USA Pickleball has expanded its Golden Ticket tournament schedule, giving rec players a genuine shot at qualifying for the National Championships.
More cities, more events, coast-to-coast, and a simplified pathway for 70+ players who just need to play in one qualifying event to earn early registration.
The path to nationals has never been more accessible. Full details.
Got a burning pickleball question? About rules, our app, the sport, a news story, anything goes.
If so, click Yes! Drop it in the comments and we'll pick our favorite to answer in next week's newsletter.
Got a question for us? |
š¤ āOn the serve, a player hits the opponent in front of him instead of across. Is that a fault? Because heās supposed to serve diagonally?ā ā Janet, New Brunswick, CA
Nope ā it's actually a point for the server!
What you're describing has a name: the Nasty Nelson.
Under Rule 4.A.3, if a serve clears the net and hits either opponent before bouncing, regardless of where the ball was heading, the serving team wins the point. The receiving team can't be "protected" by the diagonal service rule if the ball makes contact with them first.
Legal? Yes. Unsportsmanlike in rec play? Many would say yes. But by the book, it's completely legal.
During a rally, a player rolls their ankle and goes down in pain. Can their partner call "stop" to end the rally? |
On the serve, the server visibly adds spin to the ball while releasing it for the toss. What happens? |
You're unsure if your shot landed in or out, so you ask your opponent "did that catch the line?" They say "out." Can you overrule them? |
Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear: catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:
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What do you think of the Pickleheads Newsletter? Let us know how we can be even better in the comments. |
