Hot Takes

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.

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.

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.