(DEMO #s AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE) 🆕 Understanding GEN 3 vs. GEN 4 Paddles GEN 3 Paddles GEN 3 paddles introduced a big leap in paddle design. They feature a foam perimeter  built around the outside of the paddle. The inner core is then “floating” inside this frame — similar to how a trampoline is suspended. The result is more power, a larger sweet spot, and improved stability . Shots feel livelier while still offering control at the net. Many brands began shifting to this design because it blends forgiveness with performance. GEN 4 Paddles GEN 4 paddles take the GEN 3 concept even further. While keeping the foam perimeter and floating core idea, they typically add: Refined core materials  for better energy transfer. Enhanced durability  to reduce breakdown over time. More consistent ball response  across the entire face of the paddle. Better sound dampening , making play feel smoother and quieter. Think of GEN 3 as the first major leap forward  in paddle tech, and GEN 4 as the next evolution  — taking those same design principles and fine-tuning them for even more performance. ⚙️ Paddle Technology Generations GEN 1 – Traditional Core + Face Construction:  Simple honeycomb polymer or Nomex core with a fiberglass or graphite face. Feel:  Classic, solid feel but smaller sweet spot. Performance:  Reliable and durable but less power and forgiveness compared to newer tech. Think of it as:  The “original” modern pickleball paddle design most players started with. GEN 2 – Upgraded Core + Surface Construction:  Improved polymer cores with thicker builds (13mm, 16mm, etc.) and the introduction of raw carbon fiber faces . Feel:  More control and spin thanks to gritty surfaces. Performance:  Larger sweet spot than Gen 1, better touch, and more consistent performance. Think of it as:  The first big upgrade — control + spin became the focus. GEN 1 & 2 Interiors (HONEYCOMB CORE) GEN 3 – Foam Perimeter + Floating Core Construction:  A foam edge/perimeter around the paddle, with the inner core “floating” (like a trampoline). Feel:  Bigger sweet spot, more pop, and improved stability. Performance:  A balance of power + forgiveness with better consistency across the face. GEN 3 Interior (FOAM EDGES) GEN 4 – Advanced Foam + Refined Core Tech Construction:  Builds on Gen 3 with denser foam walls, enhanced core tech, and better layering  of carbon/fiberglass. Feel:  Quieter, smoother, and even more consistent. Performance:  Power + spin + control in one — the current cutting edge of paddle tech. GEN 4 Interiors (FOAM CORE) DEMOS Demo #4  – Wilson Vesper Control 17 (Widebody Shape) Demo #10  – Selkirk Labs Boomstick (Widebody Shape) - GEN 4 Demo #12  – Selkirk Labs Boomstick (Elongated Shape) - GEN 4 Demo #16  – SLK ERA Power (Widebody Shape) Demo #18  – SLK ERA Power (Hybrid Shape) Demo #30  – CRBN Square Body TruFoam 2 (Widebody Shape) - GEN 4 Demo #40  – Pickleball Apes Pulse V (Widebody Shape) Demo #42  – Pickleball Apes Pulse S (Hybrid Shape) Demo #44  – Pickleball Apes Pulse E (Elongated Shape) Demo #46  – Pickleball Apes Pulse X (Hybrid Shape) Demo #50  – JOOLA Colin Johns (Widebody Shape) Demo #52  – JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion 16mm (Hybrid Shape) Demo #54  – JOOLA Agassi (Hybrid Shape) Demo #78  – Selkirk Labs 008 Invikta (Elongated Shape, 13mm) - GEN 4 Demo #96  – Selkirk Labs 008 Maxima (Hybrid Shape) - GEN 4

Dear Doylestown Pickleball Community, We’re excited to share that we are moving our group communications over to TeamReach . This change will allow us to: Keep updates and announcements in one easy-to-access place. Improve communication, more streamlined and organized. Ensure you don’t miss important updates about events, leagues, and court availability. 📲 How to Join: Download the free TeamReach  app on your phone or tablet (available on iOS & Android). - https://www.teamreach.com/ Enter our group code: DTOWNPICKL3 You’ll then be able to see all our new upcoming updates and conversations in one spot. We’ll be phasing out communication on BAND, so please make sure to join us on TeamReach as soon as possible to stay connected. Thank you for being part of our community—we look forward to seeing you on TeamReach! – Doylestown Pickleball

Taken the intro class, but not sure what to do now? Try one of our Play with a Coach sessions - a great way to take that next step in your pickleball career and to meet others who are also looking to learn and have fun.

📝 Note that dates/times have changed since the previous post Advanced Novice/Low Intermediate Outdoor: Starts 09.04.25 9:00 AM Indoor: Starts 11.06.25 1:00 PM

🏓 Get Ready for the 2025 Jersey Shore Open! Presented by Pickleball is Life, this premier outdoor tournament is happening September 5–7, 2025, in beautiful Ventnor City, NJ — just steps from the beach! Whether you're a rising junior, weekend warrior, or elite-level baller, there’s a bracket for you. Join us for three action-packed days of fierce competition, community vibes, and non-stop pickleball fun! 🎽 Registration Includes: A premium tournament shirt (choose from short sleeve, racerback, muscle tee, long sleeve*, or quarter zip*). Medals & great prizes (including paddles, bags, water bottles, eyewear) for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Access to our Hospitality Tent with snacks, fruit and electrolyte packets. 💸 Registration Fees $55 through June 1 $60 through July 1 $65 after July 1 🏅 Event Fees: Junior Events (Ages 8–12 & 13–16): just $5 per event. Amateur Events (Age divisions: 9–49, 50–59, 60+; Skill Levels 2.5 – 4.5): $20 per event. Open & Senior Open Events (Skill 4.5+): $60 per event, $40 goes directly into the prize pool! 🗓 Tournament Schedule Friday, Sept 5 Adult Men’s & Women’s Singles Saturday, Sept 6 Adult Men’s & Women’s Doubles Junior Singles & Junior Mixed Doubles Sunday, Sept 7 Adult Mixed Doubles Junior Doubles 🔥 Don’t miss this chance to compete, connect, and play at the shore! Interested in being part of the action? Volunteer Here and help make this event even more amazing! There are skill/age brackets for Singles, Gender Doubles and Mixed Doubles events for Juniors (8-12, 13-16), Amateurs (9-49, 50-59, 60+), Open (All Ages) and Senior Open (50+). Enhancing Your Tournament Experience: With years of experience playing in pickleball tournaments and running them, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible experience for every player. Here’s what you can expect from our tournament: Round Robin Play: All brackets are run as Round Robin, followed by a single-elimination playoff for the top teams, ensuring every player gets 4 to 8 games (see full details below). Dedicated Courts: We assign exclusive courts to each Round Robin bracket, so you won’t need to move between courts and can complete your bracket efficiently. Fair Play: We carefully monitor all brackets to prevent sandbagging by reviewing players' DUPR and tournament histories (see details below). Amazing Prizes: Winners will take home medals and exciting prizes from our sponsors, including paddles, pickleball bags, water bottles, gift certificates for pickleball gear and restaurants, and more! Tournament Shirts: Players can choose from a variety of tournament shirt styles, including short sleeve, racerback, muscle shirt, long sleeve, or quarter-zip. Live Streaming: We know you love to watch your matches! We live stream and record multiple courts on the Pickleball is Life YouTube channel and Facebook Page . Many of the matches will be available to watch after the tournament. Player Hospitality: Enjoy complimentary snacks, fruit, and water in our well-stocked hospitality tent, available to all players. Referees for Key Matches: Referees will be present for Pro and Senior Pro matches, as well as most amateur medal matches, ensuring a professional and fair competition. Convenient Payment Options: We accept Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and credit card payments for easy registration. Food Options: A variety of food vendors will be available for players and spectators to enjoy. Results Tracking: Tournament results will be immediately submitted to DUPR with the exception of the Moneyball (4.5+) division, all other skill levels will count towards DUPR. The Moneyball (4.5+) division is playing for a cash prize, so games will not count towards for DUPR results. Please join the Pickleball is Life DUPR Club . We work hard to ensure every tournament aspect is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable for all participants! More info - https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/jersey-shore-open-a-pickleball-is-life-tournament

This is the best explanation I've seen to explain the kitchen. Please take a minute to watch!! Totally worth it!! 0:00 - Basic Pickleball Kitchen Rules 0:20 - Rule #1: Re-Establishing Your Feet Outside the Pickleball Kitchen 1:20 - Rule #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Go Into the Kitchen 2:26 - Rule #3: Pickleball Erne & ATP Shot Rules 3:42 - Rule #4: Pickleball Momentum & the Pickleball Kitchen

Pickleball may be one of the most fun and accessible sports out there—but just because it’s low impact doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. As the game gets faster and more competitive, players of all levels should start thinking seriously about eye protection on the court. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, wearing safety glasses or sunglasses can help prevent avoidable injuries and enhance your performance. Why Eye Protection Is Important in Pickleball With a small, fast-moving plastic ball and paddles swinging in close quarters—especially during doubles play—there’s real potential for eye injuries. In fact, emergency rooms are seeing an increasing number of sports-related eye injuries tied to paddle sports. Common injuries include: Scratched corneas Eye socket fractures Retinal damage Temporary or permanent vision loss A split-second mishap—a ball deflecting off a paddle, a misjudged overhead slam—can lead to long-term consequences. Wearing proper eyewear is a simple way to stay safe. Sunglasses vs. Safety Glasses: What’s the Difference? Your choice depends on where and how you play: 1. Safety Glasses These are designed for impact protection, making them ideal for indoor courts or shaded outdoor settings. Look for features like: Shatter-resistant lenses (polycarbonate is best) Wraparound or side-shield designs to block stray balls and paddles Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings Comfortable, secure fit even during intense rallies Bonus: Many brands now offer prescription-ready options so you don’t have to choose between vision and protection. 2. Sunglasses If you play outdoors, sunlight can be just as risky as a rogue ball. Glare, squinting, and poor depth perception affect both safety and performance. Outdoor pickleball sunglasses should include: 100% UV protection Polarized lenses to cut glare off courts Impact resistance (some brands combine safety and sun protection) Non-slip grips to stay in place during movement and sweat Top Excuses—And Why You Should Ignore Them “It won’t happen to me.” Eye injuries are unpredictable—and often caused by others’ shots, not your own. “It looks dorky.” Today’s designs are sleek, athletic, and performance-oriented. Some players even look cooler with their shades. “It’s uncomfortable.” Modern sport eyewear is lightweight, breathable, and made for movement. If you wear prescription lenses, consider sport-specific Rx glasses or over-glasses designed for safety and clarity. Tips for Picking the Right Eyewear Choose ANSI Z87.1 certified lenses for true impact protection. Opt for wraparound frames to shield from all angles. Keep a dedicated pair in your pickleball bag so you’re never caught off guard. For youth players or beginners, strongly encourage protective eyewear early—it builds habits and prevents accidents. Final Thoughts Your eyes are one of your most important tools on the pickleball court—don’t leave them unprotected. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, investing in the right eyewear can keep you in the game longer and with more confidence. Play safe. See clearly. Protect your vision.

Let’s Rally for Newtown Middle School – Donate a Pickleball Paddle Today! We’re calling on our amazing pickleball community to help bring the game we love to a new generation of players! Newtown Middle School in the Council Rock School District is looking to introduce pickleball into their physical education program—but they need our help. The goal is to collect 40 paddles (used or new) to give these students a chance to learn, play, and fall in love with the sport. If you have a paddle gathering dust in your bag, or if you’re upgrading and ready to part with your current one, this is your moment to make a difference. ❤️ How You Can Help: Donate any gently used or new paddle Drop-off available at Doylestown Pickleball Store Every paddle gets us closer to introducing more kids to the joy of pickleball—teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun all wrapped into one. Thank you for your support!

Jersey Shore Open, a Pickleball is Life Tournament Sept 5-7 in Ventnor City, NJ (this event is not affiliated with Doylestown Pickleball, please reach out to the tournament director for questions) Get ready for a weekend of intense competition and fun at the Jersey Shore Open Pickleball Tournament, happening Sept 5-7 ! Hosted at the Ventnor City Pickleball courts right next to the beach, this event promises to deliver exciting matches across all skill levels and age brackets. REGISTER HERE at a discounted rate until June 1. Registration includes a tournament shirt, plus medals and amazing prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!   📅 Tournament Schedule: ◾ Friday, Sept 5 : Men’s & Women’s Singles ◾ Saturday, Sept 6 : Men’s & Women’s Doubles, Junior Singles & Junior Mixed ◾ Sunday, Sept 7 : Mixed Doubles & Junior Doubles 🏅 Amateur Brackets: ◾ Junior Events (Ages 8–12 & 13–16): just $5 per event. ◾ Adult Events (Ages: 17–49, 50–59, 60+; Skill Levels 2.5 – 4.5): $20 per event. 💲 Open & Senior Open Brackets (Age 50+): ◾ Skill Level 4.5+ ◾ Entry Fee: $60 (includes $40 towards prize money)

Grab them while they last. $100 off Selkirk Power Air Paddles.

https://www.doylestownpickleball.com/product-page/slk-era-power-widebody It’s time to turn up the power. The SLK ERA Power delivers lively power with a massive sweet spot, serving players with aggressive play styles.  Hard drives. Spin-heavy shots. The type of velocity that catches opponents off guard. It’s designed with a new Dynamic Fusion Core — polypropylene honeycomb surrounded by closed-cell, low-density EVA foam — which offers a stable feel with lasting durability. Its dwell time and spin help you place the ball where you want it in the soft game, just before you flex its power for the put-away. Power that can be heard and felt, keeping up with fast and competitive play. The 3-Layered Face puts emphasis on your shots with stiffness and rigidity for power, while maintaining flex and durability for a consistent feel. This paddle is for the players who don’t hold back, whether in a tournament or recreationally. The players who bring the energy and want their paddle to do the same.  Available in two paddle shapes. Widebody | Longer Handle & Wide Paddle Shape: The widebody shape features a longer handle for added reach and extra space for two-handed backhands. This shape enhances stability and delivers a more consistent, forgiving sweet spot — especially on off-center hits. Ideal for players seeking the largest sweet spot and a consistent feel and performance across the face. Elongated | Longer Handle & Longest Paddle Shape: Give yourself a better chance on balls you have to reach for. The longer handle has ample room for two-handed backhands, while the elongated shape delivers greater plow-through and power on every shot. Tech Specs Elongated Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced Average weight:  7.9- 8.4 oz Grip length: 5.8” Grip circumference:  4.25”  Average swing weight: 118 Average twist weight: 6.6 Paddle height: 16.5” Paddle width: 7.45” Core thickness: 16mm Core material: Polypropylene surrounded by EVA Foam Sweet spot size: 8.5 Warranty: 1-year warranty Ratings: Power: 8.5/10 Spin: 9/10 Control: 7.5/10

Let’s Rally for Newtown Middle School – Donate a Pickleball Paddle Today! We’re calling on our amazing pickleball community to help bring the game we love to a new generation of players! Newtown Middle School in the Council Rock School District is looking to introduce pickleball into their physical education program—but they need our help. The goal is to collect 40 paddles (used or new) to give these students a chance to learn, play, and fall in love with the sport. If you have a paddle gathering dust in your bag, or if you’re upgrading and ready to part with your current one, this is your moment to make a difference. ❤️ How You Can Help: Donate any gently used or new paddle Drop-off available at Doylestown Pickleball Store Every paddle gets us closer to introducing more kids to the joy of pickleball—teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun all wrapped into one. Thank you for your support!