The Ace Playbook

Person holding a pickleball paddle near the net
Pickleball Elbow: What the Evidence Says About Causes, Prevention and Treatment
"Pickleball elbow" usually means pain on the outside of the elbow (tennis elbow) or, a little more often in one study, the inside (golfer's elbow). Read more...
Person holding a pickleball paddle by the grip
When to Replace Your Pickleball Grip Tape (and How to Wrap an Overgrip)
Replace your overgrip when it turns slick, changes colour, tears or stops feeling tacky. JOOLA Australia suggests frequent players re-grip every few weeks and casual players every couple of months. Read more...
Person holding a pickleball paddle and a yellow ball
What Weight Pickleball Paddle Should You Get? A Guide in Grams
Most players do well with a midweight paddle. Pickleball Australia puts midweight at 7.7 to 8.2 oz, which is about 218 to 232g, and calls it ideal for most players. Read more...
Person holding a pickleball paddle on a green court
Fibreglass vs Carbon Fibre Pickleball Paddles: What Is the Difference?
Fibreglass faces are more flexible, so they give the ball more pop and power, but sources describe a smaller sweet spot and a harsher feel. Carbon fibre faces are stiffer,... Read more...
Person holding a pickleball paddle and yellow ball on a court
Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners in Australia (Including Under $100)
For most beginners in Australia, a fibreglass or carbon composite paddle between about $65 and $100 is plenty. Look for a midweight paddle (about 218 to 232g), a grip that... Read more...
Pickleball paddle on a court with a yellow ball
14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: Which Core Thickness Should You Choose?
A 16mm paddle is generally softer, more stable and more forgiving. A 14mm paddle generally has more pop on short, fast shots and a slightly smaller sweet spot. Thinner cores... Read more...
Pickleball paddle and ball on a court near the net
Best Pickleball Paddles in Australia (2026): 14 Compared on Price, Specs and Approval
There's no single best pickleball paddle in Australia. The right one depends on what you'll do with it. If you'll play sanctioned tournaments, buy a paddle that's on the USA... Read more...
Pickleball terms decoded: the 15 you keep hearing and what they actually mean
Pickleball terms decoded: the 15 you keep hearing and what they actually mean
New to pickleball or just tired of nodding along? Here are the 15 terms every player hears on court, explained without the condescension. Read more...
Person holding a pickleball paddle on court
How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle
Work through seven steps in order: where you'll play (do you need an approved paddle?), your budget, weight, grip size, shape, core thickness and face material, then try before you... Read more...