Contents
VOLUME 11 / ISSUE 3 JULY 2026
DEPARTMENTS
8 Publisher’ s Playbook 10 Editor’ s Letter
Avid pickleball player and NFL legend Terrell Owens on a private court in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Photo by Bruce Yeung
12 Dinks:‘ The Dink’ Brings Hollywood— and Pickleball— to Center Court
14 Rules Ref Glenn Jordan Answers Your Questions
16 Sweet Spot: The Hottest Finds in Pickleball by Kate Mohns
FEATURES
30
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42 46 50
T. O. Takes to the Court
Legendary wide receiver Terrell Owens brings NFL fire to the pickleball court. By Matthew Schwartz
A New Third Place
Pickleball courts have become America ' s social club— a growing gathering place for friendship, camaraderie and community beyond home and work. By Julie Talerico
Eyes on the Ball
Why protective eyewear belongs on every pickleball court. By Lydia Hirt
Saved by the Game
Pickleball may have uncovered a heart condition that ultimately saved my life. By Mark Zamiska
Pickleball’ s Big Bang
Sixty years after three friends improvised a new game on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball’ s birthplace has become a bucket-list destination. By Dan Fellner
17 Postcards From the Kitchen: Lone courts in unexpected places
26 Destination Pickleball: Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida by Laura Gainor
54 In the Club: SPORTIME Pickleball, Wayne, New Jersey by Drew Wathey
56 Equipment Reviews by Jack Bandel
58 The Pickleball Doctor: Preventing Falls by Dr. Noe Sariban
62 In the Kitchen: Eat to Compete— Beating Inflammation One Bite at a Time by Brandi Givens, RD, CPT
64 PRO-file: Behind the Scenes with Elsie Hendershot by Alice Tym INSTRUCTION
20 The Secret Behind Every Great Player is Footwork by Kyle McMakin
28 When Should You Play Defensively and Offensively? By Alice Tym
60 How to Put a New Grip on Your Paddle by Alice Tym
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