Books and podcasts to help you learn the game

Each week in this column we highlight videos you can watch online to up your game.

However, some people learn best by reading or listening, and many new pickleball books are released every month. There are also many podcasts! Today we highlight a few titles that might be of interest.

Books

“Pickleball Doubles: Master the Fastest Growing Game of America with Exact Tips, Techniques, and Advance Doubles Strategies to Win the Game with Your Partner” by Dennis Hall, a certified coach from Queens, New York, was released last month. It covers the basics like rules, footwork, and practicing with a wall. Hall helpfully touches on topics like “Why doesn’t the ball go where you’re aiming?” and “How to handle the power player.” This is $7.99 on Amazon for the paperback, or just 99 cents on Kindle.

“Zen and the Art of Pickleball” is another new book released last month. It’s by Mike Leigh, a pickleball instructor from Colorado. Says Leigh: “If you can stay calm, stay focused, stay relaxed during a game of pickleball, you’ll have a lot of success, both internally and externally. I think if you take the messages in this book to heart, you’ll be also happier and enjoying the game of pickleball more.” The book is free with Kindle Unlimited, or $7.99 in paperback.

I take frequent road trips and enjoy listening to audio books. There aren’t many pickleball-related titles available as an audiobook, but this upcoming title caught my eye. “Pickleball Is Life: The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Obsession,” by Erin Hugh, will be released in print and on Audible next month. Interviews with members of three “founding families” from Bainbridge Island, Washington who were instrumental in starting pickleball will be included. Depending on the format, prices start at $11.99 and the release date is October 22.

Also coming next month is “Pickleball For Dummies,” part of the popular “Dummies” line of books. At 448 pages, it appears comprehensive and is written by pickleball instructor Mo Nard and a guy named Carl Landau. From $15.

Pickleball Podcasts

While pickleball audiobooks are rare, podcasts certainly aren’t. Here are three that are worth checking out:

Pickleball problems. Mark Renneson answers your questions about all things pickleball. Recent episodes include topics like good grips and different options for your third shot. Episodes are approximately 20 minutes long. You can even record a question using the voice memo on your phone and email it to mark@thirdshotsports.com

Pickleball Fire Podcast now has 180 episodes. It often features teaching pros and pros and focuses on educational tips, industry news, player profiles and inspirational stories. It has a related magazine and comes out once or twice a week, with 20-30 minute episodes.

Pickleball Therapy comes out weekly and each episode is about 15 minutes long. It’s less pro-focused and more about tips on how to improve your game. It’s run by Tony Roig whose coaching practice caters to people aged 50 and over.

Possibilities to play

Registration for senior games: The Palm Desert Senior Games & International Sports Festival 2023 will take place from January 30 to February 5. Last year’s edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration for various sports (including singles and doubles pickleball) will open on October 3. You can register at https://bit.ly/3djkymL

Round robin: Mary recently broke her leg, but everyone who knows Mary realizes that won’t bring her down. She still holds an indoor round robin on Sunday. Email him at mgbarsaleau@gmail.com to sign up!

Do you have a question or a comment? Email us at pickleball@desertsun.com.