cj johnson pickleball

Playing Tip: Pickleball Language Primer

By CJ Johnson / July 12, 2019 /

A game as fast as pickleball requires an abbreviated pickleball language to communicate. One of the first phrases of pickleball language new players learn is the “non-volley zone,” the first 7 feet on each side of the net, is called the “kitchen.” A “dink” is a shot intended to land in the opponents’ kitchen. Yelling…

Read More

Pickleball Offensive Lob-You Need to Hit this Shot

By CJ Johnson / July 6, 2019 /

A pickleball offensive lob is a great strategy to throw your opponents off and win a few extra points. In last weeks post, I answered a question I’m often asked, CJ, what’s the difference between an offensive lob and a defensive lob? This week we are focused solely on the offensive lob; what it is,…

Read More

What 56 FEET of Snow this Past Winter Taught Me About Pickleball

By CJ Johnson / May 17, 2019 /

As you can see in my Youtube Video’s, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to play pickleball. What you don’t see in those videos is what happens the other six months of the year; it snows. And by most people’s standards, it snows a lot! You may be wondering why I live here. Long before…

Read More

Pickleball Foot Pain-Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis

By CJ Johnson / December 8, 2018 /

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Foot pain can keep you off the pickleball courts for a long time.  “Dr. Pickleball,” Allan Rosenthal, DPM, FACFAS is…

Read More

Do You Know How Many Unforced Errors You Make?

By CJ Johnson / November 3, 2018 /

The difference between good pickleball players and great pickleball players are mistakes. In fact, unforced errors are the most common differentiator in pickleball ratings.   Unfortunately, most of us have a small blind spot when it comes to our unforced errors on the pickleball court. An inability to see our mistakes as well as our…

Read More

Rule Review: On the Clock

By betterpickleball / September 12, 2018 /

The clock matters only a couple times in pickleball.  The entire score must be called before the server begins his or her service motion. When all players are in place, and the score has been called, the server is permitted 10 seconds to serve the ball. If you can’t manage that, it’s a fault against you.…

Read More

Rule Review: That’s Handy

By betterpickleball / September 5, 2018 /

Perhaps unique to pickleball, a ball can be hit twice, bounced on your paddle, or “carried,” as long as this occurs during a continuous motion in a single direction.   The ball can also hit your paddle hand and still be returned legally. In fact, the ball doesn’t need to hit the paddle at all as long…

Read More

Playing Tip: Get a Grip on Pickleball Paddle Care

By CJ Johnson / August 30, 2018 /

Taking care of your Pickleball Paddle is going to make it last longer and perform better. Paddles collect particles and body oils just as your sunglasses do. Grips get slippery and wear with time. Here are a few pickleball paddle care basics. Wipe the paddle face weekly with a mild soap and damp cloth. It will…

Read More

Rule Review: Still The Most Misunderstood Rule In Pickleball

By betterpickleball / August 22, 2018 /

During a recent referee training, I asked Mark Peifer, to shoot a rules video. It didn’t take him long to pick a topic, rule 6.D.12.   As a certified referee who officiates at many tournaments, Mark believes 6.D.12 is the most misunderstood rule in pickleball. We briefly discussed what he wanted to say in the video,…

Read More

Rule Review: Why All The Different Pickleballs?

By betterpickleball / August 15, 2018 /

Every player seems to have a preferred ball. While there are some differences, according to the rules there are a few things that all pickleballs have in common. You may think it’s just a whiffle ball, but those yellow rounds meet very specific requirements. The rules dictate the size and weight with only narrow variances. The ball…

Read More