Looking for a pickleball book that will help you get started?
There are many books about pickleball. Some are easier to read and follow than others. My favorite one is Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0. I like that it includes the basics around etiquette – basics that you sometimes only find out the hard way. Not only that but the diagrams and images are very helpful.
I also find At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy helpful. It’s focused on playing doubles but since that’s what I play – and the majority of players play doubles – not singles, I think it’s an all-around helpful book that is easy to follow and offers a ton of helpful advice. I also like Joe’s videos.
Smart Pickleball is available in Audible format so if listening to a book is your thing, you can get a free trial.
Here’s my review of what I view to be the best pickleball books available.
Pickleball Book: Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0
- Author: Phil Dunmeyer
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
This book is a great resource for players of all skill levels, and it might be the most informative book on pickleball out there.
Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0 provides readers with invaluable information that they can use to improve their game or better understand the sport in general.
For example, the book covers topics like court etiquette, how to act on the court, and how to challenge a game. Additionally, the book includes informative drills that will help players of all skill levels improve their game. So if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pickleball, Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0 is the book for you.
Whether you’re a new player or an experienced one, Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0 is a great resource for improving your game. This comprehensive guide provides readers with all the information they need to raise their skill level and play like a pro. So if you’re looking to take your pickleball game to the next level, be sure to check out Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0.
About the Author Phil Dunmeyer
His experiences in professional baseball, USTA Tournament level tennis and table tennis tournament play have provided him with invaluable insights into higher skill-level playing. 37 years of teaching at a public school has allowed him to motivate others by setting goals that they can reach! With this philosophy he advocates breaking down all skills into incremental steps but still connected so it’s not just about one thing happening instead there are many pieces necessary for success which will take time & effort from everyone involved
Pros
- The author’s credentials as a professional athlete and coach.
- The book is filled with helpful tips and drills.
- The book is easy to follow and understand.
- Available in Kindle and paperback
Cons
- It might be a little too basic for experienced players.
- Some punctuation errors, wording problems, and overuse of quotes.
Pickleball Book: At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy
- Author: Joe Baker
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy is a strategy guide for doubles pickleball players. The book offers pickleball tips and techniques that will help players improve their game, including how to: position themselves on the court, approach the net, hit successful returns, and more, including how to avoid common mistakes.
Written by Joe Baker, a world-renowned pickleball coach and player, the book is filled with valuable information that can help players of all levels improve their game.
The tips and techniques in the book are based on years of coaching and playing experience and will help players achieve a winning doubles strategy.
Additionally, the book includes helpful photos and diagrams that illustrate key concepts and techniques for improving your pickleball game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy will help you take your game to the next level. Even professional players are likely to learn a thing or two from this book.
Pros
- The book is filled with valuable information that can help players of all levels improve their game.
- The tips and techniques on pickleball are easy to understand and implement.
- Includes helpful photos and diagrams that illustrate key concepts and techniques.
- Written in an easy-to-follow sequence that steps players through every phase of the game.
- Written by world-renowned coach and player, Joe Baker.
Cons
1. It doesn’t cover strategies for playing singles.
Pickleball Book: The Art of Pickleball: Techniques and Strategies for Everyone
- Author: Gale Leach
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
If you’re a pickleball player who is looking for ways to improve your game, then you’ll want to read The Art of Pickleball. This book provides techniques and strategies that will help players at all levels of experience improve their pickleball skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, The Art of Pickleball has something to offer you.
In addition to discussing the fundamentals of the game, this book also includes chapters on advanced skills and tactics. So if you’re looking to take your pickleball game to the next level, The Art of Pickleball is a must-read.
The author, Gale H. Leach, is a highly experienced pickleball player who wrote the first edition of this book in 2005 when she couldn’t find a book that she found that would help.
This book will help you master the fundamentals, help you select the right equipment, teach you different strokes and when to use them, improve your doubles play and help you pick up some practice drills that will help you improve your game.
Pros
- The book is filled with photos and illustrations that make it easy to follow.
- Available in paperback, and Kindle.
- The book provides techniques and strategies that will help players at all levels of experience improve their pickleball skills.
- Includes chapters on advanced skills and tactics, making it a great resource for experienced players.
Cons
1. Some readers might find the book too dense with information.
Pickleball Book: Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide
- Author: Prem Carnot
- Format: Paperback, Kindle, Free Audible Trial
The Pickleball Guru, Prem Carnot, presents his vision for the game of pickleball in Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide. He teaches you how to become a smarter player by showing you how to win more points and better strategize your shots. It is filled with helpful pickleball tips, instructions on executing different shots, and drills to help improve your game.
Pickleball is a sport that has exploded in popularity over the past few years. It’s easy to see why: Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong into one fast-paced game anyone can enjoy. The success of pickleball has led many people to want to learn how to play, but for those who want to take their game to the next level, picking up a good book on the subject is essential.
The Pickleball Guru’s Guide to Smart Pickleball is one such book. Written by master pickleball coach and player Prem Carnot, this book takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of the game. From the basics of the serve and return to advanced tactics for winning rallies, Carnot covers it all. He also shares tips from some of his private lessons, providing valuable insights into the mind of a successful pickleball player.
If you’re like most pickleball players, you want to get better. You may have even read a few books on the subject to do just that. But if you’re looking for one book that will take your game to the next level, then look no further than Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide. Prem Carnot uses case studies and personal examples to teach you the difference between just “getting the ball over the net” and playing Smart Pickleball. Not only that but you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes.
Pros
- Available in Kindle, paperback and audiobook.
- Comprehensive, covering all aspects of the game from the basics to advanced tactics.
- Filled with tips and instructions from a master pickleball coach and player.
- Uses case studies and personal examples to teach you how to play Smart Pickleball.
Cons
- The book is filled with a lot of self-promotion.
- The writing style is very conversational making it difficult to follow at times.
Pickleball Book: Pickleball Fundamentals
- Author: USA Pickleball Association & Mary Littlewood
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
Pickleball Fundamentals is about the fundamentals of pickleball and is the first book written and endorsed by the USA Pickleball Association.
It will teach you the basics of the sport so that you can join the fun on the court right away. The basics are well defined, and there are a lot of insights for readers new to pickleball. More than 40 drills and gamelike activities will speed your learning while improving performance.
You’ll also find competitive tactics for various scenarios and strategies for both singles and doubles play. So whether you are new to the sport or one of the growing number of pickleball fanatics, Pickleball Fundamentals is the best way to master the basics and compete with confidence.
This book is a great reference for those who are new to Pickleball with insights for readers just learning about pickleball. After a few games, it is still a good reference.
Pros
- The book is endorsed by the USA Pickleball Association, which gives it credibility as a reputable source of information.
- The book is full of drills and gamelike activities that will improve your performance while you’re learning.
- The book also provides competitive tactics for various scenarios, as well as strategies.
- Available in paperback and Kindle
Cons
- It does not cover the basic rules of the game in depth.
- Mainly geared towards those who are already somewhat familiar with the game.
Pickleball Book: How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z: Illustrated Stroke Techniques and Winning Strategies
- Author Name: Coach Mo and Joe Baker
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
If you’re a pickleball player who wants to improve your game, then you need to read this book. How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z: Illustrated Stroke Techniques and Winning Strategies is a comprehensive guide written by Coach Mo that covers everything from the basics of the game all the way up to playing at a national tournament level. This book is jam-packed with information, and Coach Mo is a natural teacher with the special ability to explain complex concepts so that anyone can understand them. Teaching with homespun anecdotes, imagery, and humour, he makes learning about pickleball fun and engaging. So whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to progress to the next level, this book has something for you.
He teaches how to play pickleball shot-by-shot with detailed explanations of techniques using photographs and diagrams. He explains all the basic rules of the game too as well as how to keep score. If you are looking to improve your game, then this book is for you!
How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A to Z not only covers the basics of the game but also provides detailed instructions for playing at an advanced level.
It is written by Coach Mo who has been teaching and coaching players for many years. In this book, you will learn how to play the game shot-by-shot with diagrams and photographs that illustrate each technique. The basic rules of pickleball are also explained as well as how to keep score.
Pros
- Details and illustrations on the use of strokes
- Simplified and explained in a way that makes it simple to grasp the concepts
- Explains how to progress your game
Pickleball Book: Pickleball Zen and Venus Rising
- Author Name: Paul Hudanich
- Format: Paperback, Kindle
Pickleball Zen is a book series that includes two books: Pickleball Zen and Venus Rising. These books are more about how to train and leverage the mind when playing Pickleball while figuring out how to use your mind to win.
These books are not specifically about the technical skills of playing and winning pickleball but about how to play the mind game which is a critical skill. Wrapping your mind around a winning strategy is critical. Some professional players might find this book helpful.
FAQs For The Best Pickleball Books
What makes the best pickleball gifts?
Books about how to play pickleball and pickleball strategy, make fantastic gifts. Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0 is a great choice for players of all skill levels: beginner, intermediate and even those who are more experienced will find it valuable.
Who is Sarah?
Sarah Ansboury first started playing pickleball in 2014 and quickly started winning gold medals in both Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the 2016 USAPA National Championships.
She also won medals at the US Open in Women’s and Mixed Doubles and won four times at the 2017 USAPA Nationals.
Who Invented Pickleball?
Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell and Barney McCallum invented Pickleball.
While on vacation on Bainbridge Island, not far from Seattle, Washington, they were looking for a fun family activity that everyone could play together. When Joel, William and Barney came home one day to find their kids bored and restless, they set out to create a game that would be challenging but suitable for everyone to play.
They started playing with table tennis paddles and a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net, on the badminton court.
The kids and parents all enjoyed the game and had fun playing throughout the summer.
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