Pickleball has broken a new barrier!

The PPA Pickleball Tour 2025 video game launched this Wednesday for Xbox and PlayStation.

If you’re a gamer, this might be your best chance to beat the great Anna Leigh Waters! Plus, it’s a great way to get your Pickleball fix on a rainy day.

It’s awesome to see Pickleball officially make its mark in the video game world!

Not sure what to practice to get better?

If you’re new to Pickleball, here are the 5 most important skills to practice:

1. The serve - Aim small, miss small

2. The return of serve - The deeper, the better

3. Footwork - Helps avoid injury

4. Shorten your swing - Gives you more time to react to a shot

5. Third shots - Sets your team up to attack

Of course, don’t ignore dinking practice… it’s the most common shot in Pickleball, and you’ll need a soft touch at the net to sustain long rallies against better players.

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Escape to breathtaking destinations, from tropical islands to serene getaways, providing the perfect backdrop for a week of pickleball, relaxation, and empowerment.

Get $100 OFF your final bill at any retreat by using the code: AIM7 at checkout!

Did You Know? Pickleballs don’t bounce as high when it’s hot outside.

On average, the ball bounces 10% lower as the temperature changes from 60 to 90 degrees!

The heat softens the plastic of the ball. The softer plastic deforms upon impact with the ground, absorbing more energy that would otherwise contribute to the ball's bounce.

This means that summer Pickleball is generally played a little bit lower to the ground!

To avoid lunging for balls at your feet, make sure to use your legs to stay in a low stance and anticipate more shallow bounces when it’s hot outside.

Imagine you’re running a marathon... if reaching the finish line is your only goal, the task can seem extremely daunting, and motivation can fade quickly as you get tired.

Playing a Pickleball tournament or a match against a better opponent can feel the same way.

The good news is, sports scientists have discovered a way to hack your brain and give your body and mind some extra fuel in the form of dopamine. Here’s how it works:

1. Set Small Goals: Pick small, achievable goals for yourself - like winning a point or reaching the next mile marker.

2. Dopamine Release: When you achieve your small goal, celebrate it! This releases dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.

3. Positive Reinforcement: The dopamine boost encourages you to repeat the behaviors that led to success, making you more likely to accomplish your next small goal.

4. Increased Motivation: As dopamine levels rise, so does your motivation. Celebrating small wins keeps your dopamine levels steady, maintaining your drive and enthusiasm.

When you accomplish your small goals, all you need is a small celebration. 

Congratulatory self-talk, bumping paddles with your partner, or a small fist pump is enough to trigger the dopamine release and engage this positive feedback loop.

Next time you step on the court, don’t be afraid to celebrate your small wins - it could be the fuel you need to beat your rivals or win a tournament.

Want to move freely and pain-free on the court?

Mobility training is the answer!

AIM7’s Rehab and Mobility expert, Dr. Kyle Richmond, will help you feel better and unlock your on-court potential.

Download the AIM7 app to get access to Dr. Richmond’s Pickleball mobility programs.