Pro pickleball couple raising kids in an RV

Don’t Rush the Net:

Have you ever noticed how often players struggle with their 3rd shot drops, resulting in frustrating side outs?

We've all been there, chasing that elusive perfect drop shot while our partner eagerly rushes to the net. It seems like a common issue among 3.5 players who are determined to nail the ideal shot, regardless of the situation.

But let's take a cue from the pros and observe their patience on the court. They don't rush to the net after every shot. Instead, they gradually work their way in, waiting for the right opportunity. It's time to aim higher with those third shots and have a conversation with your partner about not rushing in after every drop.

Here’s a video of pro player Tyson McGuffin breaking this down for us:

Family First:

Love and pickleball collided when Ryler DeHeart and Megan Fudge, a tennis power couple, decided to spice up their lives. Tired of the racket (pun intended) that came with the pro tennis scene, they sought a sport that would put their family first. Enter pickleball, the dill-lightful game that stole their hearts.

Pickleball quickly became the DeHearts' family affair. They drew court lines on their driveway, turning it into their own pickleball paradise. When they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, they dove headfirst into the pickleball community, meeting other families with a taste for the game.

As pickleball took hold, the DeHearts joined the professional tour with their kiddos in tow. But the constant unpacking and packing became a pickle of its own. Things became clearer when both of them signed a contract and committed to a pickleball team.

That's when Megan had a light bulb moment: an RV. A portable home sweet home that would keep their family bond intact.

Their RV adventure allows the DeHearts to mix work, play, and schooling seamlessly. Homeschooling their kids gives them the freedom to hit the courts from Thursday to Sunday. And while they're smacking pickleballs, Lily and JR cheer them on.

Like us, you’re probably wondering: Will the DeHeart kids choose tennis or pickleball as they grow up? Well, they decided to leave the choice to their children. Their focus is on nurturing their love for sports and ensuring they enjoy the journey, just as their parents do.

1- Richmond, Virginia is about to witness a transformation! An old Macy's store is getting a major facelift. Picture this: the floors get a grind, the ceilings get a scrape, and the walls get a fresh coat of paint. But here's the real twist - brace yourself for 12 new pickleball courts. That's right, pickleball takes over the former shopping haven. As the sport continues to grow, we’re seeing many new courts being built across the country to accommodate this growth.

2- USA Pickleball has announced the appointment of Mike Nealy as its new CEO. Nealy, a respected sports executive, will assume the position in mid-June. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Arizona Sports Foundation, successfully revitalizing the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and earning recognition for its community impact.

3- In a significant move, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) officially becomes the Association of Pickleball Players. This name change represents the organization's commitment to fostering a vibrant pickleball community that embraces players of all ages and skill levels. The rebrand was unveiled at the prestigious USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the Boca Raton APP New York City Open.

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