All Things Pickleball!

PBCoR Explained: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Affects Your Pickleball Paddle
|Graham Thurgood
If you’ve been shopping for a new paddle lately, you’ve probably seen a new term pop up: PBCoR .43. It sounds technical, and it is, but it’s also important. PBCoR is now the standard USA Pickleball uses to control paddle power, and it affects what paddles are legal, how the game feels, and where pickleball is headed. Read more...
Should You Add Weight to Your Pickleball Paddle? A Simple, Honest Guide
|Graham Thurgood
Adding weight to a pickleball paddle is one of the easiest ways to change how it feels and plays. It can help. It can also make things worse if you do it wrong. This guide will help you decide if adding weight makes sense for your game and how to do it properly. Read more...
Prepare to Become a BC Pickleball Referee at IPOP
|Graham Thurgood
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a referee, now’s the perfect time. IPOP’s fast-track program is built to make the process smoother, quicker, and more fun—with Michael’s expert mentorship along the way. Read more...
Top Signs You Need a New Pickleball Paddle
|Graham Thurgood
Your pickleball paddle is more than just equipment—it’s an extension of your game. But like all well-used tools, it doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or playing competitively every week, knowing when it’s time to retire your paddle can make all the difference in your performance—and even prevent injury. Read more...
🏓 The Drip Shot: Pickleball’s Sneakiest Strategic Play
|Graham Thurgood
Let’s break down what the drip shot is, why it works, when to use it, and how you can practice it—and then we’ll show you how to book a private coaching session to master it yourself. Read more...
Defending the Kitchen: Tips, Techniques, and Drills to Stay in Control
|Graham Thurgood
The kitchen—also known as the non-volley zone—is one of the most strategic and misunderstood areas on a pickleball court. It’s the 7-foot space on either side of the net where volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) aren’t allowed, and it plays a huge role in both offence and defence. Read more...
Good Vibes Only: Why Pickleball is Great for Mind, Body, and Soul
|Graham Thurgood
At IPOP, we already know pickleball is a blast. But did you know it’s also one of the best things you can do for your mental health? No joke—this paddle-powered phenomenon isn’t just transforming community centers and mall courts, it’s also transforming minds. From boosting mood and reducing depression to building brain power and fostering social bonds, pickleball is emerging as a powerful tool for mental wellness, and now the science is catching up to what many players have already experienced. Let’s dive into why stepping onto a pickleball court... Read more...
Why Making Friends as an Adult Is Hard—But Pickleball Makes It Easier
|Graham Thurgood
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Making friends used to be easier,” you’re not wrong—and you’re definitely not alone. In childhood, friendships practically made themselves. We had school, recess, sports teams, and late-night chats at sleepovers—remember those? But adulthood? It’s meetings, errands, back pain, and asking yourself if it’s too late to cancel plans. While making and maintaining friendships as an adult may seem like it’s objectively harder, it actually is. In fact, it’s been well-documented by psychologists, researchers, and just about every 30-something on Reddit. Go ahead—Google it. But... Read more...
Raising the Bar: Why IPOP Trains Coaches with IPTPA
|Graham Thurgood
At IPOP, we don’t settle. We build world-class facilities. We create bold, inclusive communities. We host unforgettable events. And when it comes to coaching? We partner with the best — so you can become your best. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) as our official coaching certification partner. Because IPOP is the best. Therefore, we want the best coaches. Why? So YOU can become the best player. Simple as that. Read more...
Play Smart This Summer: Cool Courts, Sun Safety, and Serving Up Support for Melanoma Canada
Play Smart This Summer: Cool Courts, Sun Safety, and Serving Up Support for Melanoma Canada
|Graham Thurgood
Pickleball’s popularity is rising fast—but so is the UV index… Here’s why playing indoors at IPOP is the safer summer choice, and how our first-ever tournament raised over $100,000 for... Read more...
Dwell Time For Your Pickleball Paddle—And Why It Matters for Your Game
Dwell Time For Your Pickleball Paddle—And Why It Matters for Your Game
|Graham Thurgood
Ever hit a shot that felt like it melted off your paddle? Or one that rocketed off before you had time to blink? That split-second difference is called dwell time,... Read more...
Playing at IPOP at the Right Level: How to Self-Assess Your Pickleball Rating
Playing at IPOP at the Right Level: How to Self-Assess Your Pickleball Rating
|Graham Thurgood
One of the best ways to keep Open Play fun, fair, and competitive at IPOP is to play with others at your skill level, starting with an honest understanding of... Read more...
Keep Your Eyes on the Game: Why Eye Protection Is Essential in Pickleball
Keep Your Eyes on the Game: Why Eye Protection Is Essential in Pickleball
|Graham Thurgood
Pickleball is all about having fun, staying active, and enjoying the game we love—but what if one mishap could take you off the court indefinitely? Your eyes are one of... Read more...
Why You Should Get Your DUPR Number
Why You Should Get Your DUPR Number
|Graham Thurgood
If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably wondered, “How good am I, really? And how can I tell?” Enter DUPR, the... Read more...
Beginner Pickleball Strategy: 3 Quick Tips to Improve Your Game!
|Graham Thurgood
Starting pickleball can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you're up against more experienced players. To help you level up faster and enjoy the game even more, here are three key strategies every beginner should master. 1. Power Isn’t Everything It’s natural to want to hit the ball as hard as you can, but in pickleball, control beats power every time. Beginners who focus on power often hit balls out of bounds or into the net. Instead, prioritize accuracy and finesse. Here’s how: Master placement over force: Concentrate on... Read more...
Court Etiquette: Learn the Rules Before You Smash!
Court Etiquette: Learn the Rules Before You Smash!
|Graham Thurgood
If you're a beginner, one of the first things you need to learn (before you start smashing the ball around!) is the rules and etiquette of pickleball. Pickleball is more... Read more...
Why Is Pickleball So Noisy? A Deep Dive into the Sounds of the Game
Why Is Pickleball So Noisy? A Deep Dive into the Sounds of the Game
|Graham Thurgood
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, with courts popping up everywhere across North America. It’s fast, fun, and brings people together like few other sports can. But with this incredible growth... Read more...
Welcome to IPOP: Where Everyone Belongs
|Christopher White
IPOP (Inclusive Place Of Pickleball) is transforming how people experience one of North America's fastest-growing sports. Our mission is clear: to elevate pickleball globally through world-class facilities, expert instruction, and inclusive community building. What makes pickleball special? It's the perfect blend of physical activity, social connection, and pure enjoyment. While the sport continues to grow across all age groups, what truly sets it apart is its inclusive nature and ability to bring people together. At IPOP, we believe pickleball is more than just a game—it's a catalyst for positive change.... Read more...
Pickleball Conferences: What, When, and Where for 2025
Pickleball Conferences: What, When, and Where for 2025
|Graham Thurgood
  Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s a booming industry redefining sports, recreation, and community engagement. As the fastest-growing sport in North America, pickleball has sparked a wave of conferences... Read more...
IPOP is Bringing Dedicated Indoor Pickleball to Burnaby and Penticton: A Game-Changer for BC!
IPOP is Bringing Dedicated Indoor Pickleball to Burnaby and Penticton: A Game-Changer for BC!
|Christopher White
If you’ve played pickleball in Canada, particularly in the Greater Vancouver Area, you know there’s a serious shortage of dedicated indoor pickleball courts. This challenge looms largest during the long Canadian... Read more...
Get Ready to Play: Meet Andrea Conti, Your Pickleball Warm-Up Expert!
Get Ready to Play: Meet Andrea Conti, Your Pickleball Warm-Up Expert!
|Christopher White
  Pickleball is all about fun, fitness, staying healthy, and friendly competition, but did you know that a proper warm-up is critical to keeping you injury-free in the game? That’s where Andrea... Read more...
Technology in Pickleball: How the Sport is Evolving Through a High-Tech Makeover
Technology in Pickleball: How the Sport is Evolving Through a High-Tech Makeover
|Christopher White
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in North America, is getting a high-tech upgrade! Technology has been quietly revolutionizing the game while you’ve been perfecting your dinks and smashes. From smart paddles... Read more...