Sydney Steinaker, author of Play Pickleball, has been playing pickleball since summer 2020 and has since become heavily involved in the sport in her quest to turn from beginner to pro. With no tennis or racquet sports background, she has had to learn the basics of pickleball from the ground up. In early 2021, she began traveling the United States for pickleball tournaments, clinics, and events. Because she travels so much for the sport, she has been exposed to amateur and professional pickleball culture in nearly every region of the United States.

When she isn’t playing pickleball, she is making humorous niche content about pickleball on TikTok and Instagram (@sydneysteinaker). Even though her content is for a younger demographic to help spark interest in the sport, she has fans of all ages, from coast to coast, as well as internationally. She also hosts a pickleball-themed podcast called The Basic Dink, which outlines her journey as an amateur player trying to turn pro, along with quirky tournament stories.

Brands she has worked with or has appeared in campaigns for include Fila, Asics, Athleta, Stance, Third Love, Splits59, Eleven by Venus Williams, Franklin Sports, Selkirk Sports, Pickleball Central, In Pickleball Magazine, Racquet Sports Inc., Luxe Pickleball, and many more.

Introduction THE RISE OF PICKLING
The Pickleball Origin Story
Pickleball for All
Chapter 1 PICKLEBALL LINGO
AND EQUIPMENT
Pickle Prep
Basic Terminology
Choosing the Right Paddle
Pickleballs
Portable Nets
Chapter 2 PICKLEBALL BASICS
You Have to Learn
Before You Can Lob
The Court
The Rules of Pickleball
Format and Scoring
Serving
The Return
The Third Shot
Playing Out the Point
Strokes and Shots
Chapter 3 THE AMATEUR
PICKLEBALL SCENE
Grab a Game
Wherever, Whenever
Challenge Courts
Determining Your Skill Level
How to Improve Your Game
Chapter 4 PICKLEBALL FASHION
Who Says Sportswear
Can’t Be Stylish?
Skirts
Men’s Picklewear
The No-Go’s
Shoes
Coordinating Team Outfits
Chapter 5 SO, YOU DECIDED TO SIGN
UP FOR A TOURNAMENT
The Magical World
of Tournaments
Who Should Sign Up
for a Tournament?
Registration
Selecting a Doubles Partner
Tournament Formats
Chapter 6 PREPARING FOR
A TOURNAMENT
Getting Serious
Tip #1: Hydrate
Tip #2: Get Your Sleep On
Tip #3: Commit Carbicide
Tip #4: Skip Leg Day
Tip #5: A Tournament
Isn’t the Place for
Shot Experimentation
Tip #6: Practice,
Practice, Practice
Tip #7: Bring a Change
of Clothes
Chapter 7 NAVIGATING
TOURNAMENT DAY
The Day Has Finally Come
Getting to the Venue
and Parking
Checking In
Orientation
Stretching
Warming Up
Choosing Serve, Side, or Defer
Chapter 8 PLAYING A
TOURNAMENT MATCH
Serving and Receiving
Calling an Out
Calling a Time-Out
What to Do When You Lose
What to Do When You Win
Chapter 9 MEDAL MATCHES
The Format
The Podium
Paddle Posing
Chapter 10 PICKLEBALL LEAGUES
Competing in a League
Finding a League
Starting Your Own League
Chapter 11 ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Mary Brascia
Cierra Gaytan-Leach
Caden Nemoff
Ryan Sherry
Collin Johns
Dekel Bar
Matt Manasse
Parris Todd
AJ Koller
Lacy Schneemann
Resources
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments
About the Author