Senior Pickleball Tips

Episodes

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  76. Senior Pickleball Academy Podcast - change of name! 20.10.2026 6m

  We have changed the name of the podcast! It was called the Senior Pickleball TIPS Podcast but it is now the Senior Pickleball ACADEMY Podcast! Listen in and find out why we've changed it to align better with our Senior Pickleball Academy and find out how the Academy can help YOU with your shot technique, doubles strategy, mental strength, understanding intricate rules & regulations, risk-reward balance, fitness & keeping injury-free and pretty much everything you need to improve your game as a senior player. Inside the Academy we also have some great challenges, including the very popular 30-day Doubles Strategy Challenge and the 5-day 'Beat the Bangers' Challenge (let's face it - we've all been there!!!). All of the podcasts are there for easy reference which include interviews with amazing people within the 'Pickleverse' as well as each of the '10 Essential Shots'. My brother Terry and I urge you to join the Senior Pickleball Academy which we know will improve YOUR game. Click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about    
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  75. Dr Doug Rowles & VAIR+ Pickleball Accident Insurance 15.10.2026 27m

  In this episode Paddy talks to Dr Doug Rowles, an orthopaedic surgeon, about the most common serious injuries in pickleball and how to avoid them. They talk about various things including the importance of the warm-up before you play. Paddy describes how at the English Open (largest indoor tournament in the world with 3,500 players) he saw very few people warming up and was surprised at this lack or preparation. They discuss why this is and repeat the importance of warm-up to prevent injuries, especially in senior players.  They describe and talk about VAIR, an alternative free rating system, and VAIR+ with its video analysis (where you send in your own video from your phone and get analysis for you and your other three pickle buddies), amazing discounts for pickleball gear and holidays and their latest inclusive offering from Dr Doug - on-court accident insurance.  So consider joining the free VAIR offering and the VAIR+ offering for only $59/year. (YES, for a year!)  Click here for the FREE VAIR Rating system: https://app.vairified.com/?ambassador=7223709 Click here for VAIR+ for $59/year: https://app.vairified.com/vair-plus?ambassador=7223709 To join the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  74. Third Shot for Advanced Beginners - Pickleball 06.10.2026 18m

  Advanced beginners need to try and master their third shot. Without it - they just won't improve. Simple as that.  The third shot can be tricky - do you drive it or drop it? If your third shot drop isn't so great, what do you do? Just drive the whole time? In this episode Paddy unlocks the secrets of the third shot.  When to drive When to drop How to decide between the two How to improve your third shot drop How your third shot will affect your partner How you should both react to a good/bad third shot It's all here in this episode. So buckle up and take a step towards improving YOUR third shot and see your game improve greatly in the next month or so. The third shot and everything pickleball for seniors is developed further at our FREE Senior Pickleball Academy. Check it out here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  73. Third Shot for New Beginners - Pickleball 29.09.2026 12m

  If you're a new beginner (upto a DUPR level of 2.4) and you're wondering what all the fuss is about - regarding this difficult 'third shot' everyone is talking about - then this is the episode for you! Paddy previously revisited the serve and the return for new AND advanced beginners together in the same episode - but he had a load of requests to do these revisits to the 10 essential shots as separate episodes. So here is the third shot for new beginners and the next one will be for advanced beginners. But, if you are at a higher level than new beginner - it is still worth listening to this and 'get back to basics' as it were. Would do you no harm whatsoever! So, for new beginners, Paddy explains the third short: what it is when to drive or try a drop the difficulty level of the third shot drop why simply driving it most of the time is perfectly fine why it's worth trying the third shot drop sometimes So give it a listen, get to understand all about this 'tricky' shot and see your game improve as you keep trying the drop in your own rec play. Join the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  72. Recycling Pickleballs with Millie Smythe 22.09.2026 17m

  In this episode Paddy interviews Millie Smythe, an enterprising young woman who started a pickleball recycling company based in the UK. She plays in various pro leagues around the world and is currently 'living the dream' in a campervan on the Gold Coast in Australia. She has played all over SE Asia (especially Vietnam which she loves) and runs her company remotely from her van! Follow Millie's journey both in pickleball and sustainability, how she has cleverly mixed the two and is saving the planet at the same time! And find out how your club in the UK can help by collecting old pickleballs and turning them into useful sustainable products. Check out Millie's website here: https://www.wearecrackd.com/about Her Instagram: https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkEJYC_LBqZAIArmUM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1791193346/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fsmythmillie%2f/RK=2/RS=OENsC0rqNn9SIYLkGqoc8PPMI_c- Join Senior Pickleball Academy for FREE: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  71. Return of Serve - Intermediates Pickleball 15.09.2026 37m

  Paddy always says that the return of serve is THE most important shot in pickleball. Indeed the return is far more important than the serve as the returners have the advantage in the rally. So, if you're an low- or high-intermediate player, you need to press every advantage you can get from this shot. As an intermediate player you have a set of skills and you can use these skills to do just this - and make the absolute most of your return of serve! We've all come off the court and been beaten because we did not return well enough! In this episode Paddy explains again why the return is THE most important shot and then goes through how to maximise on that fact. Yes, it's a lot about DEPTH, but there are other factors too you need to know about and include in your game. If you're an intermediate pickleball player you need to listen to this episode! To join Paddy's FREE Senior Pickleball Academy click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  70. The Return of Serve - Beginners Pickleball 08.09.2026 29m

  Paddy believes that the return of serve is THE most important shot in pickleball - at ALL levels. And this includes new and advanced beginners (2.0-2.9). Unlike tennis where the serve pretty much dictates the rally, in pickleball it is the return of serve that stes up the whole rally. With a bad return, the serving pair have the advantage, but with a good deep return this advantage goes to the returners. Paddy describes everything you need to know (as a beginner) about the return - ready position, how to get properly ready for that serve about to come to you and how to hit the return so that you can follow it in to the kitchen line. And how you can do this, as a senior, to give you time to get forward. If you're a beginner, this is YOUR opportunity to learn about the most important shot in the sport. Undertake Paddy's simple advice and it will definitely help you to win more games! Join Paddy's FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about    
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  69. Pickleball in India with Bhushan Akut 01.09.2026 29m

  Bhushan (known as Bhush to his friends) has done most things in Indian racquet sports. He represented India first in badminton, then tennis and now pickleball. He's in their 60+ team going to the World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam shortly. An amazing sportsman, he also knows pretty much everything about senior pickleball in India where the sport has exploded. He chats to Paddy about how he got into pickleball and simply became addicted. He won his first tournament and basically just kept on winning. He plays all over the world including at the English Open and you will not see a finer player. he expalins the huge growth of the sport in India and elsewhere in Asia. Bhush also gives his 'Top 5 Tips for Seniors' - so don't miss the end! To join the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about UPDATE - Bhush won an impressive TRIPLE GOLD in the 60+ categories - 4.0+ Singles, 4.5+ Men's Doubles & 4.5+ Mixed Doubles, the first amongst the Only 2 out of 4000+ athletes competing in the Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam 2026
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  68. Road to my Singles Final - EO Pickleball 25.08.2026 30m

  In this episode Paddy recounts his experiences of his run to the English Open (EO) final in the 3.5 65+ category. The EO at the NEC in Birmingham was massive with 3,500 competitors from 53 countries - a major event on the pickleball world calendar. He shares his thoughts of how he tries to be mentally tough on and off the court - what works (and what doesn't!). Listen to how he navigates his way through the tournament, how he deals with each opponent and what he focuses on when he's on court playing highly competitative singles. Paddy takes you through the early preliminary round robin and then the semi-final and then final.  Share with him his highs and his lows, his victories and when he finds himself lacking. His honest recollections and reflections are an insight on competitive singles in a major international tournament. Well worth a listen for all senior players, especially those interested in competitions. What happens in the final? You'll have to give it a listen to find out! To join the (free) Senior Pickleball Academy go here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about To check out Friday paddles go here: https://www.fridaypickle.com/PADDY10 (Or here for Friday UK: https://pkbrsports.com/ and use the code PADDY10)      
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  67. Friday Pickleball - New Partnership & the EO 18.08.2026 17m

  Paddy chats to 'Dan Friday' who runs Pickle Bros and now distributes Friday paddles to the UK market, and they announce a partnership, working together to promote Friday in the UK. Paddy already has a partnership with Friday US, but having a distributor in the UK is welcome news for UK-based people as it will prevent heavy shipping fees and the possibility of customs duty being added to the purchase. Dan explains his introduction to this crazy sport, how he became addicted and (after quite a lot of involvement in quite a few paddle brands) chose Friday to 'get his teeth into'. His company Pickle Bros is now working with Paddy to 'spread the Friday love', especially in the UK. Listen out to hear his plans for his 'Friday Campervan' !!! They chat about the English Open (3,500 competitors from 53 different countries) where they met up last week and comment on its 'incredibleness' with a shout out to everyone to come and meet them there next year! So come and meet a 'top bloke' and get to know about a top brand! Friday UK - https://pkbrsports.com/   and use the code PADDY10 for 10% discount Friday (US & Worldwide) - https://www.fridaypickle.com/PADDY10 Check out our FREE Senior Pickleball Academy: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  66. The Serve - Pickleball Intermediates 11.08.2026 25m

  This is the second episode revisiting the serve - but this time for intermediate players. In time we'll revisit all the ten 'essential shots' focusing on beginners and then focusing on intermediates. We'll look at the return of serve next going right through to the reset shot. In this episode Paddy explains the step-up from being a beginner and what's expected with the intermediate serve. Where to serve, how to serve with speed or spin, maintaining your all-important serving routine, how not to be distracted with everuthing around you in tournament play etc..etc.. If you're a low or high intermediate player, you need to listen to this to get a full understanding of your serve and how it can play a vital part in starting the rally and allowing you to play in YOUR way. Please consider joining the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  65. The Serve - Pickleball Beginners 04.08.2026 21m

  One of our very early episodes was about the first of our 'Essential Shots' - the serve. But that was sometime ago and it's definitely time for a revisit! But this time we'll look at the serve from a beginners' point of view (and the next episode from an intermediates' point of view). And indeed, in time, we'll go through each of the ten 'essential shots' through the lens of beginners and then intermediates - to narrow down more specific and relevant content for YOU. In this episode Paddy makes some suggestions to new beginners about what they should be focusing (and what they should NOT be focusing on!!!). He goes through serving technique, serving routines and even drills to undertake (find yourself a large towel!). In the second part of this episode Paddy goes onto advanced beginners and goes one step further. What is expected of them when they serve, where should they aim for and how fast should they serve. All this is golddust for both new and advanced beginners and we suggest that you listen to both parts of this episode. To join our FREE Senior Pickleball Academy click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about    
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  64. Scoreboard IQ - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.6 28.07.2026 16m

  To win more games it is essential to have a high scoreboard IQ. A very common mistake among senior pickleballers is that they play the same way throughout a game no matter what the score is. Paddy explains the importance of understanding what to do at different parts of games that you play in. What do you do at 6-7? At 8-8? At 1-8? At 9-2? Or even at 10-10? There are times to play it safe and there are times to 'go for it'. Understand how your opponents are feeling at different score points - and exploit these feelings. Paddy even shares his own high-pressure, tournament experiences. Learn about your options dependant on what the score is at that time. This really could make a real difference to the numbers of games you win. Learn more about pickleball strategies, especially as they affect us seniors - check out the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  63. Partner Communications - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.5 21.07.2026 16m

  This is the fifth part of our series on 'Instant Strategies' where you can better your game by 20% (at least) by following these (non-technique) strategies. Here Paddy talks about the importance of communication between partners - whether you've never met your partner before or have a regular partner - the strategies are the same.  He describes how you can both help each other to stay calm, focused and so win more rallies (and have more fun!). From simple things like calling the ball (when there is even a little bit of doubt about who should take it) to always encouraging each other, even after every point - Paddy systematically goes through each aspect of partner communications. There are examples of real-life situations. Paddy shares a time when he was not supported by his partner, how he felt and how that negatively affected him mentally and emotionally. And, for good measure, describes a positive example as well. So get to learn all about how to talk to your partner as well as other things like paddle-tapping and don't forget that goldfish!!! To learn more about partner communications and everything to do about senior pickleball, check out the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  62. VAIR - A Better Pickleball Rating System (with Rommie Maxey) 14.07.2026 16m

  Part two of the interview with Rommie Maxey. He and Paddy concentrate on VAIR - a better rating system - with which Rommie is heavily involved. VAIR does many things - including levelling up players of different ages. So seniors can now play people much younger than they are - on a levelled-up rating. Also there are ratings for gender, mixed and singles at both rec and competition play. Therefore, you don't have to worry about your rating dropping when playing rec play. VAIR is already being used for the US Wheelchair Pickleball Association, US universities and colleges and various other competitions. As Rommie says 'VAIR is fair'. Join for FREE below. Paddy and Rommie also discuss VAIR+ that analyses a 10-15 minute video from your phone and gives you analytics that describe what you do well, what you need improvement on and how to improve your game. Rommie describes other benefits of VAIR+ including some heavy discounts on pickleball gear and FREE health/accident insurance for when you're playing pickleball! VAIR+ costs just $49/year. Check it out below. Get a FREE VAIR rating here: https://app.vairified.com/?ambassador=7223709 Check out VAIR+ here: https://app.vairified.com/vair-plus?ambassador=7223709
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  61. Meet Rommie Maxey, Pickleball Champion & Entrepreneur 07.07.2026 20m

  Paddy chats with Rommie Maxey - 6-times US National Champion, sits on six US national pickleball boards, involved in Olympic discussions, part owner of the Houston Hammers, coach to over 40 US national champions and over 14,000 recreational players. He is basically a 'Big Cheese in the Pickleverse' and (more importantly) a lovely gentleman. They talk about how Rommie became a national champion after playing for only a year and how the sport change his life and led him into a whole new world.  But it's senior pickleball that drives him and they discuss its growth in US and worldwide, the Olympic issue and other interesting topics and important topics - such as 'why don't we have a pickleball emoji' ???!!! At the end Paddy could not resist in taking the opportunity to ask Rommie for his Top 3 Tips for senior pickleballers. So wait to the end and learn from a very experienced and wise man. IMPORTANT - in the next episode Rommie is talking about his involvement in a new free rating system called VAIR and how it is better and more resilient than what we use at the moment (eg. no sandbagging, different ratings for rec and comp play etc...). So DON'T MISS THE NEXT EPISODE! If you are itching to find out about VAIR right now click here: https://app.vairified.com/?ambassador=7223709 To check out the new FREE Senior Pickleball Academy click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  60. Mindfullness - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.4 30.06.2026 19m

  Instant Strategies are things we can all do with our game, which do not involve improving shot technique, that WILL DEFINITELY ENSURE YOU WIN 20% MORE GAMES (if you endavour to undertake all of them). In the fourth part of the series we look at mindfullness and discover the importance of goldfish (!!??). Mindfullness sounds like a fancy word. But it's very simple - it's all about being present in the moment. Paddy goes through just how important mindfullness is in pickleball - but, more importantly, describes how we can all be more mindful when we play. He systematically goes through everything YOU need as a senior, to be more mindful on court and, basically, win more games.  Here is your chance to declutter your mind when on court and allow yourself to play better, more freely and with far more focus. Learn to be a goldfish! Join the FREE Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  59. The 5 Don'ts - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.3 23.06.2026 19m

  If you want to improve the number of pickleball games you win - then take up these instant strategies to increase the games you win (pretty much overnight) by 20% - or even more! This week we look at five things that Paddy tells you NOT to do. You may love to do these things, but they are detrimental to the number of points you are winning. Each one may bring you the odd point and you may feel great undertaking them but, in the long-run, in the context of the whole game/match, they will lose you points. So get to understand what these 5 'don'ts' are - stop using them in your game - and at any level up to 4.0, you will win more games. NOTE - please don't think that Paddy says NEVER to use these shots - of course, to love a sport more we need to try everything that we can - but we are looking at these shots STATISTICALLY and solely in the context of winning more competitive games - not necessarily in regard to having fun in rec play! To check out our new (FREE) Senior Pickleball Academy click here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about
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  58. Serving - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.2 16.06.2026 16m

  Instant Strategies are things we can all do with our game, which do not involve improving shot technique, that WILL DEFINITELY ENSURE YOU WIN 20% MORE GAMES. In the second part of the series, Paddy talks about the serve. How you NEED to have a consistent serve that goes in 99% of the time and a good default serve. He explains why this is necessary and, very importantly, (as seniors) how we can achieve this. Paddy also talks about an interesting observation whereas the serve is only really a weapon at the advanced beginner and low intermediate levels - listen to his thoughts on this. A must-listen for all senior pickleball players who want to win more games (that's ALL of us isn't it !!). Go and check out our (FREE) Senior Pickleball Academy here: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about  
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  57. Consistency - Instant Pickleball Strategy No.1 09.06.2026 22m

  'Instant Strategies' are things that you can do, that do not involve shot technique or talent, but are workable aspects that you can bring into your game immediately.  By undertaking these Instant Strategies you will increase the numbers of games you win by 20%. That is not a guarantee (!!!), but Paddy believes that if you bring all these into your game - you WILL WIN MORE GAMES - at least another 20% more games! But beware, you will have heard many of these before. The trick is to not just know about these - but to really LISTEN to them and take them in. (Many of us seniors hear things, but don't listen to them - Hearing is passive and happens without trying. Listening is active and needs focus and effort.) The first in this series is Consistency which should be the cornerstone for all of our pickleball. Paddy explores first what brings inconsistency into our pickleball, and then rounds up with 9 simple (but effective) tips and hints on how to tighten up your consistency. For extra help with your pickleball game please join us at the (FREE) Senior Pickleball Academy. Click here and check it out: https://www.skool.com/senior-pickleball-academy-9457/about