Have you ever found yourself standing on a pickleball court, paddle in hand, feeling as lost as a ping pong ball in a badminton match? You’re not alone. In fact, just a few short years ago, that was me. Now, I’m here to help you catapult out of that beginner’s trench faster than a pickleball shot off a graphite paddle!
As much as I’d love to say I reached pickleball proficiency purely through raw talent and grit (not to mention a bit of elbow grease), I’ve got to be honest with you – I had some help. And a good chunk of that came from the written wisdom of those who’ve been lobbing and volleying long before I even knew what a pickleball was. Yes, my pickleball pals, I’m talking about books!
So, pull up a chair, grab a pickle (c’mon, you didn’t think I’d let the opportunity pass to slip a pickle joke in there, did you?), and get ready for a tour of the best pickleball books out there. The kind of books that will transform you from a pickleball novice into a skilled player, able to smash, drop, and dink with the best of them. Buckle up, it’s going to be a ride!
My Top Pickleball Book Picks
- Best Overall Pickleball Book: How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z
- Best Book for Beginners: Pickleball For Dummies
- Best Book for Intermediate Players: Pickleball: Tips, Lessons, Strategies, & Myths
- Best Book for High Level Strategy: Pickleball Strategy Book: Improve Your Pickleball Game
- Best Book for Staying Injury Free: Pickleball for Life
Best Overall Pickleball Book
1. How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z
What We Like: written by pickleball legend “Coach Mo” to be a totally comprehensive book on pickleball.
What We Don’t: only available in paperback – no Kindle or Audible option.
Ah, the gem of my pickleball book collection, ‘How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z.’ Don’t let the title’s straightforwardness fool you. This book packs more punch than a power shot at the baseline, and it’s my top pick for the Best Overall Pickleball Book.
Right off the bat, this book throws you into the thick of the game. It’s got you covered from the basic rules and scoring system, right up to strategy and technique for each kind of shot – even ones you didn’t know existed! It’s like having a wise pickleball sensei in paperback form, minus the white beard and mysterious proverbs. The author’s flair for explaining complex concepts in a digestible manner made me feel like I was learning to dance, not just smash a wiffle ball across a net.
Here’s where it gets even better. The author clearly hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner. The book takes you gently by the hand, but isn’t afraid to give you a friendly shove towards improvement. It’s filled with drills and practice suggestions that encourage you to get out there and try, try again. It was like having a supportive coach whispering in my ear, “Come on, you can do this!”
One of the standout features of ‘How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z’ is its emphasis on strategy. No, this isn’t your Grandpa’s chess guide. This is about real, applicable, pickleball-specific tactics that you can implement right away. The book provides detailed strategies for singles and doubles play, handling different kinds of opponents, and even mental game tips to keep your cool when the pressure’s on. This book isn’t just a guide – it’s your golden ticket to pickleball prowess.
See the How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to ZBest Book for Beginners
2. Pickleball For Dummies
What We Like: extremely beginner friendly.
What We Don’t: it’s definitely on the basic side, and has a bit of “fluff” before it gets to the good stuff on improving your game.
Let me tell you about a book that’s as familiar as the smell of new pickleball shoes – yes, it’s ‘Pickleball for Dummies.’ Now, before you start thinking this is a jab at your playing skills, rest assured it’s anything but. This book, my friends, is a lifesaver for those who are just getting started with our beloved sport, and that’s why it gets my gold medal for the Best Book for Beginners.
I can’t emphasize enough how approachable this book is. It starts with the basics – the ‘Pickleball 101’ if you will. How to grip the paddle? Check. How to serve? Check. What’s a kitchen and why should I stay out of it? Double check. It explains all the rules in a way that’s easy to understand and hard to forget, making it an ideal companion for those stepping on the court for the first time.
The beauty of ‘Pickleball for Dummies’ lies in its simplicity and clarity. The book breaks down techniques into bite-sized pieces, each explained with easy-to-understand language, fun diagrams, and even some humor. The result? A crash course that’s as enjoyable as it is educational. It’s as if the book is saying, “Hey there, we’ve all been beginners once. Let’s make your journey a tad easier, shall we?”
But don’t let the title fool you, this book isn’t just for raw beginners. As you progress, ‘Pickleball for Dummies’ evolves with you, offering tips and tactics to improve your game. It’s like a trusty sidekick, ready to give you the lowdown on some more advanced tricks once you’ve got your bearings. And that’s the mark of a true pickleball companion – it meets you where you’re at, and nudges you to go further. For the beginners out there, I say look no further than ‘Pickleball for Dummies’ – your gateway to the amazing world of pickleball.
See the Pickleball For DummiesBest Book for Intermediate Players
3. Pickleball: Tips, Lessons, Strategies, & Myths
What We Like: Coach John Callahan has serious credentials (US Open Gold Medal Winner).
What We Don’t: it doesn’t go extremely in depth into any one topic… more of a broad overview.
This book is like that second bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day – you don’t know you need it until you dive in, and boy, does it hit the spot. It’s my go-to recommendation for those who have moved past the beginner stage and are looking to step up their game. That’s why it clinches the title for Best Book for Intermediate Players.
This book is like a treasure chest, brimming with a wealth of insights. You’ve got your basics down – great! But now, you’re itching to add some finesse to your game, aren’t you? Well, this book’s got you covered like a well-placed lob. It dives into techniques and strategies that’ll leave your opponents scratching their heads. We’re talking about game-changing concepts like deceptive shots, power lobs, and trick serves.
But what I love most about ‘Pickleball: Tips, Lessons, Strategies, & Myths’ is how it challenges and debunks common misconceptions. Think you know everything about pickleball? Well, this book might just have you thinking again. It’s like the Mythbusters of pickleball, providing clear, concise answers to common doubts and misunderstandings. It’s not afraid to tell you when you’re wrong, but it does so in a way that’s constructive, not patronizing.
But wait, there’s more! The book also includes detailed lessons and drills designed specifica