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  • Understanding Pickleball Elbow: Could the Kinetic Arm Help Your Game?

    Understanding Pickleball Elbow: Could the Kinetic Arm Help Your Game?

    If you’ve been playing pickleball regularly, you’ve probably noticed something: your arm doesn’t always feel great after a few hours on the court. That nagging ache in your elbow, the shoulder soreness that lingers for days—these aren’t just minor annoyances. They’re warning signs that many pickleball players ignore until the pain becomes impossible to play through.

    The Growing Problem of Pickleball Arm Injuries

    Pickleball elbow and shoulder pain have become so common that they’re practically synonymous with the sport. The repetitive motion of serves, dinks, and overhead slams creates stress on your joints that builds up over time. Unlike tennis with its longer swing paths, pickleball’s compact strokes happen in rapid succession, often putting your arm in vulnerable positions dozens of times per game.

    The problem isn’t just the repetition—it’s the deceleration. Every time you complete a serve or smash an overhead, your arm has to brake forcefully. That braking force concentrates stress on your elbow and shoulder joints, and over weeks and months of play, it adds up.

    Body Mechanics Come First

    Before we talk about any supportive gear, let me be clear: proper body mechanics are your first line of defense against arm pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort, the first thing you should do is evaluate your technique. Are you using your whole body to generate power, or are you relying too heavily on your arm? Is your grip too tight? Are you staying balanced through your shots?

    Working with a coach to refine your mechanics can often resolve or prevent arm issues entirely. I’ve seen countless players eliminate their pain simply by adjusting their serve motion or learning to engage their core and legs more effectively.

    When Prevention Isn’t Enough

    But here’s the reality: sometimes even players with solid mechanics develop arm pain. Maybe you’re playing four or five times a week. Maybe you came to pickleball later in life and your joints have accumulated decades of wear. Maybe you’re recovering from an old injury. Whatever the reason, if you’re noticing persistent discomfort, it’s time to consider additional support.

    Enter the Kinetic Arm

    The Kinetic Arm is an arm sleeve designed specifically for the demands of pickleball and other racquet sports. Unlike basic compression sleeves, it uses something called MuscleWeb technology—a network of embedded polymers that provide multi-directional support to both your elbow and shoulder simultaneously.

    The key feature here is “multi-joint stabilization.” Because pickleball injuries rarely isolate to just one joint, having support that addresses both your elbow and shoulder in a coordinated way makes sense. The sleeve is designed to help offload those braking forces during deceleration without restricting your natural range of motion.

    According to the company, the technology is backed by over a decade of biomechanics research. The idea is that by providing targeted support during the most vulnerable positions of your swing, the sleeve can reduce stress on your joints while still allowing you to play naturally.

    Who Might Benefit?

    The Kinetic Arm might be worth considering if you:

    • Experience elbow or shoulder pain during or after playing
    • Are recovering from a previous arm injury
    • Play frequently (3+ times per week)
    • Have noticed your arm feeling fatigued during longer sessions
    • Want to take a preventive approach to arm health

    It’s not a substitute for proper technique or rest when you’re injured, but it could be a useful tool in your overall approach to staying healthy on the court.

    The Bottom Line

    Arm pain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of playing pickleball. Start with the fundamentals: work on your mechanics, warm up properly, and listen to your body. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort despite good technique, supportive gear like the Kinetic Arm represents one option worth exploring.

    Your pickleball journey should be measured in years, not cut short by preventable injuries. Whatever approach you take—whether it’s technique refinement, equipment changes, or supportive gear—the goal is the same: keeping you healthy and on the court for the long haul.

    Interested in learning more about the Kinetic Arm? You can find additional information at https://thekineticarm.com?sca_ref=10429260.6JQQheTK2d&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate

  • 🎉 I’m Officially a Selkirk Advocate for Year 2 – And Here’s What’s New!

    🎉 I’m Officially a Selkirk Advocate for Year 2 – And Here’s What’s New!

    I’m honored and excited to announce that Selkirk has renewed my Advocate status for another year—and I’ve been awarded $300 in store credit as a thank-you for reaching my goals!

    This marks a major milestone on my pickleball journey, and I wanted to share a quick recap and how you can benefit too.

    ✅ What I Achieved This Past Year

    • Referral Sales Total: Over $2,000+ generated
    • Demo Days Hosted: 6 community events
    • Paddles Tested and Reviewed: LUXX Control Air, Vanguard Pro, Project 008, SLK Evo Power/Control
    • Store Credit Earned: $58.50 just last month + rolling monthly rewards
    • Affiliate Commissions: Consistently earned 15% credit on customer purchases
      (Paid monthly as store credit — thanks Selkirk!)

    🔁 What’s Next?

    For Year 2, I’m doubling down on:

    • Running more demo days and clinics
    • Publishing more paddle reviews and game tips
    • Supporting new Advocates and facilities

    🎁 Want a Free Selkirk Gift Card?

    If you’re planning to grab a Selkirk paddle or accessory, use my affiliate link below and you’ll receive a digital gift card with your order:

    🔗 Shop Selkirk Gear
    📣 Use Code: ADV-DMARTIN at checkout

    Order ValueFree Gift Card
    $50–$100$10
    $101–$200$20
    $201–$300$30
    $301–$500$40
    $501–$749$50
    $750–$999$80
    $1,000–$1,499$100
    $1,500+$150–$200

    (Gift card is emailed 7–10 business days after the order ships)


    📅 Want to Demo a Paddle?

    Check out my upcoming clinics or message me to test Selkirk paddles before you buy. I’ll match you with the perfect gear for your play style—from beginner to tournament level.

    Feel free to reach out via my Contact Page or stop by one of my community demo days.

    Thanks for supporting me and Selkirk—it’s going to be a big year! 🙌

  • 2025 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook: Key Rules and Guidelines

    2025 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook: Key Rules and Guidelines

    Stay up-to-date with the latest pickleball regulations by exploring the 2025 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook. Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced player seeking clarity on new rule updates, this comprehensive guide ensures you play the game correctly and confidently.

    Key Highlights of the 2025 Rulebook

    • Updated Service Rules: New guidelines for volley and drop serves to enhance consistency and fairness.
    • Equipment Standards: Clarified requirements for paddles, balls, and attire to maintain standard gameplay.
    • Time-Out Regulations: Improved policies for medical, equipment, and standard time-outs to ensure fairness during matches.
    • Expanded Definitions: Detailed explanations of pickleball terminology to reduce confusion in competitive and casual play.

    Why This Rulebook Matters
    As the official guide for sanctioned tournaments and casual games, the 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook outlines every aspect of the sport. Whether you’re a player, coach, or referee, this guide is essential for maintaining fair, enjoyable matches.

    Get your copy of the 2025 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook directly from the USA Pickleball website or contact Coach Dave for guidance on how these updates may affect your gameplay.

    Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
    As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, staying informed about official rules ensures you stay competitive and improve your skills. Bookmark this post for future reference and enhance your pickleball knowledge today!

    Call to Action: Want to refine your skills according to the latest rules? Book a coaching session with Coach Dave today!

  • Achieving PCI Level 1 Certification: A Milestone in My Pickleball Coaching Journey

    Achieving PCI Level 1 Certification: A Milestone in My Pickleball Coaching Journey

    I’m thrilled to share some exciting news — I have officially achieved my Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) Level 1 Certification! This accomplishment marks a significant step in my journey as a pickleball coach, and I couldn’t be more excited to use this knowledge to better serve my students and the pickleball community.

    Why PCI Certification Matters

    The Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) certification is designed to equip coaches with the essential skills, techniques, and teaching strategies to effectively guide players of all levels. Earning this certification is a testament to both knowledge and practical coaching ability — and the journey to achieving it was both rewarding and insightful.

    The PCI program offers an extensive educational experience that blends theory with practical application. Through video submissions, assessments, and comprehensive study materials, I was challenged to refine my coaching techniques, improve my ability to evaluate players, and deliver clear and engaging instruction.

    The Certification Process

    The journey to PCI Level 1 Certification is thorough yet accessible. The process involved four key evaluations:

    1. Knowledge Test: Demonstrating an understanding of coaching fundamentals, game strategy, and key pickleball concepts.
    2. Demonstration Evaluation: Showcasing the ability to effectively demonstrate strokes, footwork, and strategic gameplay.
    3. Playing Skills Evaluation: Proving on-court competency in essential pickleball techniques.
    4. Teaching Evaluation: Displaying strong communication, clear instruction, and organized lesson planning.

    Each step helped me refine my ability to connect with players, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and tailor lessons to their individual needs.

    Key Takeaways from the Certification

    Throughout the process, I gained valuable insights that I look forward to bringing to my coaching sessions. Some key takeaways include:

    Enhanced Teaching Techniques: The program emphasized breaking down complex concepts into simple, digestible instructions — a skill I know will benefit both beginners and experienced players.

    Player Assessment Skills: Learning how to evaluate a player’s performance and identify areas for improvement has been invaluable.

    Confidence in Instruction: PCI’s structured approach helped me refine my communication style, ensuring my instructions are clear, concise, and impactful.

    What This Means for My Students

    With this certification, my goal is to provide even better coaching experiences for my students. Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational skills or an intermediate player striving for strategic improvement, I’m equipped with new tools and techniques to help you grow.

    I’ll be integrating PCI’s best practices into my lessons, from warm-up drills to skill refinement and strategy development. My goal is to create a fun, engaging learning environment where players feel confident improving their game.

    Looking Ahead

    Becoming PCI Level 1 Certified is just the beginning. I’m eager to continue learning, improving my coaching techniques, and supporting players in reaching their goals. As I continue on this journey, I’ll also be exploring additional certifications and educational opportunities to expand my coaching expertise.

    If you’re interested in improving your pickleball game or want to learn more about the PCI program, feel free to reach out — I’d love to share more about my experience.

    Thank You

    I want to thank Pickleball Coaching International for creating such a valuable certification program. Special thanks to Mark Renneson and the PCI team for their support and guidance throughout this process.

    Here’s to helping players unlock their full potential on the court!

    Get in Touch

    If you’re interested in pickleball lessons, game strategy tips, or just want to connect with fellow enthusiasts, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep growing the amazing sport of pickleball together!

  • Teaching Pickleball at Indiana University – A New Chapter Begins! 🏓

    First Day Teaching Pickleball at IU! 🎉

    Yesterday marked an exciting milestone as I officially kicked off my 2nd 8-week pickleball class at Indiana University’s Department of Kinesiology. This class is part of a pilot course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of pickleball — from mastering the basics to developing strategic gameplay.

    Why This Class Matters

    The growing popularity of pickleball makes this course an exciting addition to IU’s curriculum. By teaching students key skills, strategies, and the social benefits of pickleball, we’re shaping a new wave of pickleball enthusiasts who can carry this sport forward — both recreationally and competitively.

    What Students Can Expect

    Throughout the next 8 weeks, students will focus on building strong foundations with lessons that cover: ✅ Proper grip, stance, and paddle control
    Serving techniques and return strategies
    Dinking and net play for strategic positioning
    Doubles teamwork and communication
    Understanding the rules, scoring system, and etiquette

    The Bigger Picture

    This course is part of an ongoing effort to expand pickleball education within university-level kinesiology programs. As pickleball continues to grow, it’s exciting to be part of the movement to introduce the sport to new players and help them build skills that encourage lifelong physical activity.

    I’m thrilled to see how this class will unfold — both for the students and for the broader IU community. Stay tuned for updates as we progress through the semester!

    Have questions about the course or interested in pickleball coaching? Reach out today!

  • 🎉 PickleCon 2025: Don’t Miss One of the Biggest Pickleball Events of the Year! 🏓

    🎉 PickleCon 2025: Don’t Miss One of the Biggest Pickleball Events of the Year! 🏓

    Get ready to experience the ultimate pickleball celebration—bigger and better than ever! Registration for PickleCon 2025 opens on March 3, 2025!

    📍 Location: Kansas City Convention Center
    📅 Dates: August 7-10, 2025

    🌟 Looking Back at PickleCon 2024

    Last year’s PickleCon on August 10, 2024, was absolutely unforgettable! Here’s a quick look at the highlights:

    📸 Memories from PickleCon 2024:

    • 🤝 Met fantastic folks from Selkirk, PIKKL, USA Pickleball, CourtReserve, Gamma, & many other pickleball companies, whose passion for the sport is inspiring.
    • 💬 Connected with incredible industry partners making a difference in the pickleball community.
    • 🌿 Explored sustainable innovations like the Eco Sports “Carbon Killer” paddle and the high-performance paddles from Revolin Sports—where sustainability meets performance!

    PickleCon 2024 was packed with action, learning, and great vibes—and PickleCon 2025 promises to be even more epic!

    🚀 What’s New for PickleCon 2025?

    This year, PickleCon 2025 promises even more excitement, including:
    Tournaments for all levels: Youth, amateur, competitive, and adaptive divisions.
    Skill-Building Clinics from top players and coaches.
    Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball: A fan-favorite—back with more courts!
    Expanded Vendor Village: Find the latest paddles, gear, and accessories.
    Exclusive Panel Discussions with top pros and industry leaders.


    🗓️ Registration Opens March 3, 2025 – Don’t Miss Out!

    Secure your spot early—PickleCon sells out fast!

    https://www.picklecon.com/registration-passes

    📞 For More Info:


    💬 Join Me at PickleCon 2025!

    If PickleCon 2024 taught me anything, it’s that the pickleball community is unstoppable—and PickleCon 2025 is where it all comes together. Hope to see you on the courts or at the vendor booths for another unforgettable celebration of the sport we love! 🙌🏓

    #PickleCon2025 #PickleballCoachDave #Pickleball #KCMO #PickleballCommunity #GameOn

  • Selkirk Labs 008 Paddle Unboxing – The Ultimate Power-Control Hybrid?

    Selkirk Labs 008 Paddle Unboxing – The Ultimate Power-Control Hybrid?

    🎉 Selkirk Labs 008 Paddle Unboxing – The Ultimate Power-Control Hybrid? 🏓

    Hey Pickleballers! 🎾 Today, I’m unboxing the highly-anticipated Selkirk Labs Project 008 (13mm) Paddle. Known for its hybrid design, this paddle blends power and control seamlessly, making it a fantastic option for players of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a weekend warrior, the 008 offers the versatility you need on the court.

    Check out my full unboxing video here: 🎥 Watch the Unboxing on YouTube


    📊 Key Features of the Selkirk Labs 008 (13mm):

    13mm Core: Perfect balance of power and control
    Hybrid Shape: Ideal for all-court play, combining reach and precision
    Spin-Optimized Surface: Extra grab for your slices and topspin shots
    Power Air Technology: Faster swings with reduced drag


    💳 🔥 Want to Buy It AND Earn Rewards? Here’s How:

    Order Here: Selkirk Labs 008 (13mm) Paddle
    Use Referral Code: ADV-DMARTIN at checkout
    Earn Digital Gift Cards with Your Purchase:

    • $50-$100: $10 Gift Card
    • $101-$200: $20 Gift Card
    • $201-$300: $30 Gift Card
    • Over $300: $40 Gift Card
    • Over $500: $50 Gift Card
    • Over $1,000: $100 Gift Card

    🎁 Gift cards are sent 7-10 business days after your order ships!


    🏓 Why I Recommend the Selkirk Labs 008:

    All-Court Versatility: Great for dinking, drives, and everything in between.
    Hybrid Core: The sweet spot between power and control.
    Built for Spin: Perfect for aggressive topspin and slices.
    Selkirk Quality: Premium build with advanced technology.


    💬 What Do You Think?

    Have you tried the Selkirk Labs 008 paddle or another Selkirk Labs model? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let me know if you’d like me to compare this paddle with others like the Selkirk LUXX Control Air or 007 Project Paddle.

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    Leave a Reply

  • First Aid & CPR Training for Pickleball Players 🏓❤️

    First Aid & CPR Training for Pickleball Players 🏓❤️

    Be Prepared On & Off the Court

    As a pickleball coach, player, and advocate for our local community, safety is always a priority. I am AED/CPR certified, ensuring that I can respond in an emergency situation. However, the more people who are trained, the safer our courts and community will be.

    That’s why I want to highlight a great local resource for First Aid & CPR training right here in Bloomington. Adam Hamel of CPR BTown is on a mission to educate our community on life-saving skills. With nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals who have complex medical conditions, Adam provides hands-on, confidence-building CPR and First Aid training for individuals, groups, and organizations.

    Why CPR & First Aid Matter in Pickleball

    Emergencies can happen anywhere, including on the pickleball courts. Whether it’s:
    ✅ A player experiencing a sudden cardiac event
    ✅ A fall or injury on the court
    ✅ A heat-related illness

    Having trained individuals on-site can be the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening situation.

    Get Trained with CPR BTown

    If you or your pickleball group would like to get CPR and First Aid certified, I highly recommend reaching out to CPR BTown for training.

    📍 Local Bloomington-Based Training
    📞 Contact Adam Hamel: 812-345-8755
    🌐 Learn more: www.CPRBtown.com

  • Earn Rewards with PB Vision: Join Coach Dave’s Referral Program

    Earn Rewards with PB Vision: Join Coach Dave’s Referral Program

    Are you ready to elevate your content game and earn rewards while doing it? Coach Dave has partnered with PB Vision to bring you an exciting opportunity to create and share amazing videos while earning video credits for free!

    What is the PB Vision Ambassador Program?

    The PB Vision Ambassador Program is a simple and rewarding way to share PB Vision with your friends, family, and pickleball community. When someone signs up using your referral link or QR code, both you and your friend will receive 15 video credits!

    How Does It Work?

    PB Vision offers two easy ways to share and earn rewards:

    Option 1: Share Your Unique Referral Link

    Use your personal referral link:
    👉 https://pb.vision/?rf=DAVID111780

    • Share this link via email, text, or social media.
    • Pro Tip: Save and share your QR code for even easier access! Players can simply scan the code to visit your referral page.

    Option 2: Tag Friends in Your Videos

    Make use of PB Vision’s tagging feature:

    • Create and upload engaging videos through PB Vision.
    • Tag your friends, and they’ll receive a direct link with your referral code included.

    💡 Bonus Tip: Show off your favorite pickleball moments or highlight key coaching tips in your videos to inspire others to join!

    Why Join the Program?

    Here’s why you don’t want to miss this:

    • Double the Rewards: Both you and your friend earn 15 video credits when they sign up and subscribe.
    • Boost Your Content Game: PB Vision helps you create polished, professional-quality videos effortlessly.
    • Share the Fun: Get your community involved and help them discover this amazing platform.

    How to Get Started

    1. Click this link or scan the QR code below to access your referral page.
    2. Share the link or tag friends in your videos.
    3. Watch your rewards roll in as your friends sign up and start creating!

    Join the Movement Today!

    Let’s grow the pickleball community together while creating unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a player, coach, or content creator, the PB Vision Ambassador Program is your chance to inspire and connect.

    Start sharing and earning today with PB Vision and Coach Dave!