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After months of pain and confusion, I finally got answers about a foot injury that just wouldn’t go away. It wasn’t what I expected, and the real cause forced me to look way beyond my feet. This is the story of what I discovered, what I went through, and how I’m working my way back to the court.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and entrepreneurs are starting to take serious notice. Among them is Janelle Braverman, a lifelong athlete with sharp business instincts. In a recent YouTube interview with Geoff Bourgeois, CEO of Palmera Pickleball, she shares how she got into the sport and how she plans to invest.

This essay examines how racquet sports reflect societal values, tracing tennis’s elite, solitary roots, pickleball’s community-driven rise, and padel’s balanced fusion of both. Though similar in form, small design differences shape vastly different cultures—individualism in tennis, connection in pickleball, and a hybrid ethos in padel.

Pickleball is the most accessible sport for all ages—benefiting kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike. From boosting brain development and emotional regulation to improving balance, reflexes, and grip strength, pickleball supports lifelong cognitive and physical health. It’s more than a game—it’s community, joy, and personal growth.

Ben and Collin Johns are redefining what it means to be pro athletes—building businesses like Pickleball360 and RacketPro while dominating the PPA Tour. Their work with JOOLA and global expansion efforts show how athlete-led entrepreneurship is shaping the future of pickleball.

Last week at the Punta Gorda PPA Challenger, I faced some of the toughest mental battles of my pickleball journey. From struggling with nerves in singles to finding calm and rhythm in doubles, every match taught me the value of resilience and focus. The weekend wasn’t about the wins or losses; it was about growth, grit, and learning.

Discover how pickleball becomes more than just a game—it's a catalyst for self-awareness, personal growth, and individuation. In this visionary piece from Palmera Pickleball CEO Geoff Bourgeois, explore the deeper psychology behind play, competition, and building a global destination for human development through sport.

A personal recap of the PPA Challenger tournament in Punta Gorda. From early morning matches to silver in 4.0 singles, here’s what Jeremy learned.

Zane Ford’s appearance in mixed doubles at the PPA Challenger in Punta Gorda became a hot topic during a match in the back draw—but was it unethical as claimed or part of the pro system? We dive into the drama, the ladder system, and why PPA Challenger events matter more than people think.

This weekend’s tournament brought intense heat, challenging matches, and valuable takeaways. From a tough singles start to strong teamwork in doubles and mixed play, I faced setbacks with resilience and left more focused than ever. Looking ahead to Orlando with renewed motivation and a clear game plan.

Discover how solo pickleball drills like a focused inside-out forehand session can unlock major breakthroughs in performance. CEO Geoff Bourgeois shares some of his training before the PPA Challenger in Punta Gorda, and why scenario-based repetition is key to mastery.

Cody Brick, founder of Brickwall Pickleball, joins The Palmera Pickleball Show to discuss how he's drawing national attention with his high-energy Moneyball tournaments. Learn how his unique approach is reshaping the competitive pickleball scene.

Every CEO needs an arena. For me, it's the pickleball court. For you, maybe it’s squash, golf, hockey, or shooting hoops. The sport is secondary. What matters is flow—carving out sacred time each week where body and mind align. Because when you're logging 60-90 hour weeks, pushing through on fumes only gets you so far. To lead at the highest level, you need routines that sustain your edge. That’s not a luxury. That’s operational necessity (and security).

Pickleball isn’t just a sport, it’s a cultural shift. This fast-growing paddle game is redefining what makes a sport accessible, inclusive, and fun for all ages. From urban courts to rural communities, pickleball offers affordable, low-impact action that unites families, neighbors, and total strangers. This piece breaks down why it’s the sport everyone should be paying attention to.

Follow my journey to the 2025 Punta Gorda PPA Challenger as I compete in 4.0 pickleball singles, doubles, and mixed with family by my side!

What makes pickleball so addicting? From dopamine and endorphins to social connection and sensory satisfaction, this fast-growing sport hits all the right triggers in your brain and body. Discover why players of all ages can’t get enough of the game that feels like play but works like a workout.

Trying to decide between a 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddle? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down paddle thickness, pros and cons, and which one you should choose.

In every pickleball community, two types of players stand out—those who are obsessed with pickleball and are chasing growth, and those just playing for fun. This piece explores how both mindsets shape the game, why mutual respect matters, and how even small efforts can elevate everyone's experience.

Think pickleball isn’t a real sport? Tell that to the athletes sidelined with tennis elbow, stress fractures, and chronic foot pain. This blog breaks down the real injuries competitive players face—and how to prevent them so you can stay on the court and off the bench.

I don’t play singles because I hate doubles—I play singles because I love running the show. No guesswork, no soft shots unless I feel like it, and definitely no babysitting someone else’s pop-ups. Just me, the court, and a whole lot of forehands down the line.

New to pickleball and wondering which paddle surface is right for you? I discuss carbon fiber, Kevlar, and spray-on grit in plain English so you can pick the paddle that fits your game, your budget, and your vibe.

Pickleball is more than a trending sport—it's a global movement redefining competition, community, and opportunity. In this op-ed, Geoff Bourgeois explores why team sports build better culture than tennis, how pickleball fuses the best of both worlds, and why investors should pay close attention.

Trauma addiction isn’t just psychological—it’s physiological. This in-depth exploration connects the dots between neuroplasticity and trauma, cortisol and PTSD, and how negative self-talk becomes hardwired through myelination trauma loops. Whether you're a high-performance athlete or just beginning your healing trauma habits, this article delivers powerful insights from sports psychology that can help rewire your brain, reclaim peace, and even improve your focus on the pickleball court. A must-read for anyone serious about negative self-talk recovery and performance under pressure.

New to pickleball and confused by the rules? I break down three of the trickiest ones for beginners — the kitchen rule, the double bounce rule, and who makes line calls. These quick tips come from real mistakes I made when I first started, so if you're just learning the game, this post will help you play smarter and with more confidence.

In this detailed comparison of the JOOLA 3S 14mm and JOOLA Pro IV 14mm pickleball paddles, find out which paddle delivers better power, control, durability, and spin. Learn about key upgrades like TFP core technology and if the Pro IV is worth the upgrade.

Team Nicaragua is set to compete at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, with native Nicaraguan athletes joining the roster for the first time. Follow their journey as they prepare to represent their country on the international stage.

Get a firsthand look into the PPA Challenger pickleball tournament in Baton Rouge with a breakdown of key moments, hard-earned lessons, and doubles highlights featuring Austin Bricker. This honest and strategic recap reflects on past tournaments, the mindset going in, and what’s next in the journey to improve as a competitive pickleball player. Watch the full tournament recap now on YouTube.

Looking for an honest review of the Proton Flamingo pickleball paddle? I discuss its impressive spin performance, control, and durability. I also explain why I ultimately stopped using it. From core consistency issues to awkward handling, here's everything you need to know before spending $280.

Where’s the line between hype and poor sportsmanship in pickleball? This post explores the rise of on-court screaming, from pro players like Julian Arnold and Anna Bright to juniors emulating them, and why respectful celebration matters in competitive play.

Here's the science behind waking up and performing on the pickleball court in the early morning. Learn how sleep inertia, cortisol levels, body temperature, and nervous system activation impact early morning drills—and get a proven 5-step routine to boost performance.

A recap of Palmera Pickleball’s spring tour across the U.S., featuring PPA tournaments, travel highlights, training sessions, and venue visits.

Check out our first tutorial video, where Jeremy and Abigail Bourgeois learn through high-impact drills designed to hardwire the split-step into your game.

Being a great doubles partner in pickleball isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset, communication, and support. One bad attitude can sink a match, while positivity can lift a team to victory. In this post, I share real experiences, mindset tips, and what to avoid so you can bring out the best in your teammate—and yourself.

Thirteen-year-old Abigail Bourgeois shares her experience medaling at her first PPA pickleball tournament in Cape Coral, Florida. From battling cold weather and fatigue to learning the importance of prep, hydration, and mental focus, she reflects on her competition experience.

Your attitude might be the most powerful tool in your game. I share practical strategies for staying mentally strong during matches and resetting after frustration.

Body bag shots and Nasty Nelsons aren’t just chaotic fun—they’re strategic weapons in competitive pickleball. In this blog, I break down why these controversial plays deserve respect, how to use them effectively, and when it’s just plain funny to unleash them.

Struggling with nerves on the pickleball court? Learn the science behind performance anxiety, how it affects your body and brain, and the 10-minute warm-up routine I use to activate flow state and overcome mental blocks. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, this evidence-based approach will help you calm your mind, trust your instincts, and play your best pickleball under pressure.

Mid-game coaching in pickleball might seem helpful, but it often backfires—disrupting rhythm, adding pressure, and straining team dynamics. Discover ways to get your partner into a flow state, and optimize for the win even when your partner is struggling.

Singles pickleball is evolving fast—from powerful baseline drives to finesse drop volleys, today’s top players are mastering the full range of strategy and skill.

Standard scoring creates a battlefield of shifting mindsets. It forces players to adapt, control momentum, and think several moves ahead. Rally scoring? It rewards consistency, punishes risk-taking, and flattens every player into the same narrow style.

Tournament play elevates the stakes, and with that, your nervous system shifts into high alert. Performance under pressure becomes a different sport altogether—a test not of your technical ceiling, but of your psychological floor.

Learn how to shift from just hitting the ball to truly playing your opponent. In this pickleball strategy guide, we break down how to read opponents, adjust tactics mid-match, and enhance your drill sessions to train your competitive mindset to win under pressure.

At 15 years old, I competed in my first PPA Challenger Tournament in Columbia, SC. I didn’t come home with any medals—but I left with something even better: lessons in integrity, resilience, and what it really takes to grow as a pickleball player.

Pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a growing wellness trend with surprising health, cognitive, and social benefits. But behind the hype lies a hidden risk: obsession, injury, and imbalance. Discover the paradox of pickleball and how to pursue the game without letting it take over your life.

Drilling builds skill. But winning demands more than clean mechanics—it requires adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to think under pressure. Mastery isn’t just about hitting perfect shots; it’s about training your brain to recognize patterns, quiet the inner critic, and respond instinctively when the stakes are high.