Category: Intermediate and Advanced Play
Blog Posts
This space is where I share tips, guides, and resources to support the pickleball community and our Volleyer customers. The aim is simple: to make the game more enjoyable, keep your gear in top condition, and help players of all levels feel confident on and off the court.
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As pickleball continues to grow rapidly across the UK, more players are looking beyond paddles and technique to find ways to improve performance. One area receiving increasing attention is nutrition, particularly how protein and carbohydrates affect recovery and energy levels. Pickleball may appear less physically demanding than sports such as tennis or squash, but competitive…
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Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and the UK is quickly catching up. What started as a niche activity is now appearing in leisure centres, tennis clubs and community courts across the country. Because the sport is social, easy to learn and suitable for all ages, hosting a pickleball meetup is…
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On the weekend of 21–22 March 2026, the town of Swindon transforms into something altogether extraordinary. What might ordinarily be considered a quiet corner of the West of England becomes a vibrant hub of energy, laughter, and global connection as more than 200 players descend upon the Swindon Pickleball Spring 2026 Festival. Travelling from across…
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If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, paddle weight is one of the most important equipment factors to consider. Even small differences in paddle weight can affect power, control, reaction speed and fatigue during long matches. Before diving into the details, it’s worth mentioning that many competitive players prefer slightly heavier paddles because they…
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Pickleball paddle technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, with manufacturers constantly developing new designs to improve power, control and spin. One of the most noticeable trends among experienced players is the growing popularity of edgeless pickleball paddles. If you’ve been researching new equipment, you may have noticed more paddles being advertised as “edgeless” or…
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Come and play pickleball at The Angmering School in Angmering, England; it’s a really welcoming and easygoing place to get on court. There are three indoor wooden courts with permanent lines, so everything’s set up properly, and portable nets are available, meaning you can just turn up and play. Sessions run on Tuesday evenings from…
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TLA is a top spot for pickleball in Littlehampton, England, and home to the Arun Pickleball Club. The facility features four indoor hard courts with permanent line markings, giving players a consistent and professional playing surface. Nets aren’t provided, so you’ll need to bring your own, but the rest of the setup is straightforward and…
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Keynsham Leisure Centre is a go-to spot for pickleball in Keynsham, England. The centre boasts four indoor wooden courts with permanent line markings, so the setup feels professional and ready for serious play. Portable nets are provided, making it easy to start a game quickly. There’s a small one-time fee to play, keeping it simple…
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White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre is a popular spot for pickleball in Abingdon, England. The centre has four indoor wooden courts, with tape markings set up for pickleball and portable nets ready to go. A one-time fee gets you access, making it an easy and affordable place to drop in for a game. The…
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Bedminster Down School is one of those low-key spots in Bristol where pickleball has really started to catch on. It’s not a flashy venue, but that’s part of the charm—you’ve got two indoor wooden courts with proper, permanent lines, so it feels set up for real play rather than something temporary. The nets are portable,…
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Located in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea), next to Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth Tennis Centre is a fantastic place to play pickleball. The facility offers four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts, all with permanent lines and portable nets available for play. A comprehensive coaching programme caters to all ages and abilities, with sessions…
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Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth, England, is a popular destination for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features four indoor hard courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Amenities include restrooms for player convenience. A one-time fee is required to use the courts, making it an accessible option for both casual and regular…
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Privett Park in England, United Kingdom, is a welcoming spot for pickleball players of all levels. The facility features two dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets, and members of the public can access the courts without booking through the gate nearest the tennis court end of the site. Free sessions are hosted…
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At Places Leisure, we welcome players of all abilities to try pickleball! Our sessions can be easily booked online through our website and take place within leisure facilities that offer changing areas and restrooms for your convenience. If you have any questions about our sessions, our friendly team is always happy to help; just get…
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Totton & Eling Tennis Centre in Totton, England, offers a great setting for pickleball on a hard court surface. The court features permanent lines, and portable nets are available for easy setup. A one-time fee is required to play, making it a convenient option for both casual and regular players. Pickleball Facilities at Totton &…
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The PicklePad is one of Christchurch, England’s most popular venues for pickleball. It features three indoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets, designed exclusively for pickleball. A one-time fee is required to play, and amenities include restrooms for your convenience. Pickleball Facilities at The PicklePad How to Get to The PicklePad Address: 436 Dorchester…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK, with over 10,000 players and a 15% annual growth rate, transforming leisure centres in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow into vibrant hubs for new enthusiasts. For beginners, who make up 40% of UK players, choosing the right paddle is crucial to mastering the 20x44ft court and enjoying this fast-growing…
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Cranford Sports Club in Exmouth, England, is a great place to play pickleball. The facility offers four courts, two indoor and two outdoor, made of wood and hard surfaces. Tape lines have been laid, and portable nets are available for play. Players have access to a variety of amenities, including food, locker rooms, restrooms, drinking…
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Come and play pickleball at Wonford Sports Centre in Exeter. The facility features four indoor wooden courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are available for easy setup. Courts can be reserved in advance, making it convenient to plan your games. Players can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including food, locker rooms, restrooms, and…
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The Manor and Ashbury Resort in Okehampton, England, offers a great venue for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features nine indoor hard courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Amenities include restrooms, lighting, food, and access to drinking water. A one-time fee is required to use the courts. Pickleball Facilities at The…
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Wey Valley Tennis Centre is a top destination for pickleball in Weymouth, England. The venue features four indoor hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets, providing a great space for games and practice. Players pay a one-time fee, and convenient amenities, including restrooms, are available on site. Pickleball Facilities at Wey Valley Tennis Centre…
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North Molton Sports and Community Centre, located near South Molton, England, is a popular destination for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features four indoor wooden courts with permanent lines, and portable nets are provided for play. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including food, locker rooms, and access to drinking water. Best of all, the…
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Chulmleigh College offers a convenient and welcoming pickleball venue in the heart of North Devon, featuring two indoor wooden courts with portable nets, ideal for casual play, practice sessions, and small group games all year round. Pickleball Facilities at Chulmleigh Sports Centre How to Get to Chulmleigh Sports Centre Address: Chulmleigh College, Beacon Rise, Chulmleigh,…
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Streatham Sports Park in Exeter, England, offers a great venue for pickleball enthusiasts. The facility features hard courts with permanent lines and portable nets, making it ideal for both casual play and organized matches. A one-time fee is required to play, and the park provides convenient amenities such as restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience.…
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Bodmin Leisure Centre is a venue for pickleball in Bodmin, England, featuring four indoor wood courts with permanent markings. Portable nets are available for play, and a one-off fee is required. The centre also provides facilities such as changing rooms, accessible toilets, and on-site parking, making it suitable for players of all ages and abilities.…
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Play pickleball in St Austell at St Austell Leisure Centre, one of Cornwall’s top destinations for indoor pickleball. With 3 indoor wood courts, permanent lines, and portable nets, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. A one-time fee is required to play. Pickleball Facilities at St Austell Leisure Centre How to Get to St…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK. Once a niche American pastime, it’s now being played in leisure centres, sports clubs, and community courts nationwide. With more people picking up a paddle, players are seeking gear that gives them consistency, control, and spin — without breaking the bank. Among the most talked-about brands is JOOLA, famous…
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Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Over the past few years, community courts, leisure centres and dedicated pickleball clubs have appeared across the country, from London to Manchester and beyond. As more people discover the sport, many players quickly realise that the paddle they use can have a major impact on…
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Liskeard Leisure Centre offers three indoor wood courts suitable for pickleball, badminton, and other indoor sports. The courts have permanent markings, with portable nets provided for pickleball play. A one-off fee is required, and the centre provides a range of facilities, including changing rooms, accessible toilets, and on-site parking, making it a convenient choice for…
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Pickleball is booming across the UK. From community halls in Manchester to seaside courts in Brighton, and from Glasgow clubs to student unions in Cardiff, more people are discovering the fun and challenge of this fast-paced sport. If you are just starting, or looking to sharpen your game, there is one rule that often causes…
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On a bright autumn morning in Hertfordshire, something remarkable unfolded across the courts of St Albans and Harpenden. What began as a community gathering around one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK turned into an inspiring display of endurance, generosity, and community spirit. The St Albans & Harpenden Pickleball Bonanza – Charity Playathon brought…
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In September 2025, the courts at Holywood Pickleball Club came alive with the familiar rhythm of paddles striking balls, players calling scores, and spectators cheering from the sidelines. Yet this particular club tournament carried a purpose that extended far beyond the lines of the court. The Holywood Pickleball Club Charity Tournament was organised as a…
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On 11–12 July 2026, the courts at Loughborough University were alive with energy, laughter, and the rhythmic pop of pickleballs striking paddles. But this was no ordinary weekend of sport; it was the UK Deaf Open Pickleball Festival, a two-day celebration designed to bring together deaf and hard-of-hearing players from across the UK. Organised by…
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On 26 July 2025, the courts at Surrey Sports Park were alive with energy, intensity, and the unmistakable pop of pickleballs in flight. The ONE British Pickleball GP brought together some of the UK’s top talent alongside players from across Europe, creating a high-level showcase of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit. Unlike grassroots tournaments or…
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In the crisp winter air of the West Country, the courts were alive with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable pop of pickleballs striking paddles. On a chilly weekend in 2025, players, coaches, and spectators flocked to the West Country Winter Championships, a tournament that has quickly earned its place as a standout on the UK…