Recognized by USA Pickleball as the “ Official Magazine ” of Pickleball
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
PUBLISHER ’ S PLAYBOOK
Welcome to Pickleball Magazine ’ s Special Edition Paddle Guide . As a LevelUp pickleball instructor , one of the most frequent questions I hear from campers is what kind of paddle they should get . USA Pickleball estimates that more than 600 new paddle models will be introduced this year alone , so finding the right paddle for your skill level can be overwhelming .
So how do you find the perfect paddle ? There are several factors to consider — thickness , surface material , weight , dimension and grip size . Not to mention , determining which one you play the best with . For more tips and guidance , see my article , “ How to Pick the Perfect Paddle ,” on page 14 .
Speaking of perfect paddles , in this issue , Carl Schmits , managing director of Equipment Standards and Facilities Development for USA Pickleball , talks about how paddles are USA Pickleball Certified — and what that actually means . Schmits says the certification process ensures that paddles and balls are manufactured to specifications that support one of the USA Pickleball board ’ s objectives of maintaining the integrity and nature of the sport . The mechanics of this process are driven by the organization ’ s Equipment Evaluation Committee formed in 2016 , with the support of National Testing Systems , USA Pickleball ’ s independent third-party lab and testing facility in Baltimore , Maryland .
“ Over time , our rules , specifications , standards and means of testing have evolved in response to , or in anticipation of , innovations in technology , manufacturing / testing processes , and / or policy interpretation ,” says Schmits . “ We ’ ve learned much in observing the evolution of other racket and paddle sports , and how changes in materials and equipment have affected those sports , thus aiding in our decision-making .” See you on the courts — with your favorite paddle !
Wayne Dollard Publisher
PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
ART DIRECTOR Michael Miller
ADVERTISING MANAGER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carl Schmits
CONTRIBUTING CARTOONIST Bob Eckstein
Dollard Publishing Co ., Inc . publishes six issues of Pickleball Magazine per year . Subscriptions are $ 24 per year .
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED . REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS PROHIBITED . © 2023
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MAGAZINE
Launched in 2016 , Pickleball Magazine is recognized by USA Pickleball as the “ Official Magazine ” of pickleball . USA Pickleball is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in the U . S . Pickleball Magazine offers tournament coverage , expert instruction written by professional players , rules , profiles of top pros , the latest equipment and more !
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