5+ Best Pickleball Books Of All Time

Competition is rising and every pickleball player is doing everything they can to get a competitive edge. You’ve done the drilling, the rec play, and tournaments. You’ve watched the tutorials on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Do you feel like you’ve done it all but your game still has room for improvement? An instructor is a great next step! For some, that might mean setting up lessons at your local court but for the DIYers out there, a great place to fine-tune your skills on the court is off the court. That’s right, even after you’ve left the court, lessons can still be learned, in book form! Taking your court by storm can be a mental sweat just as much as a physical one. While you may have just caught the pickleball bug, others have been researching, studying, and perfecting the game for years (and maybe even decades). These studious players wanted to pass on their knowledge and passion for pickleball to all, from beginners to experienced players. Below, you will find a list of the best pickleball books for all pickleball lovers. Take your game to the next level by hitting the books before you hit the court! Let's dive in.

The Art of Pickleball

A children’s book author by trade, Gale Leach picked up a paddle and never looked back. In 2005, Gale noticed the lack of pickleball books in circulation, so like any great author, she took matters into her own hands and wrote her own pickleball book. The Art of Pickleball is considered a bestseller and a must-read for all levels of pickleball players. In The Art of Pickleball, Leach goes in-depth on all things pickleball, from in-game jargon, equipment, conditioning, and even mental strategies. From seasoned pros to the new competitor, The Art of Pickleball should be on every player's shelf. 

How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A - Z

Endorsed by professional players, How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A - Z is a fantastic guide for players of all levels. Richard Movsessian, known as Coach Mo to pickleball enthusiasts, co-authored the book with Joe Baker and touches on everything from your first serve to the game's origins. How to Play Pickleball: The Complete Guide from A - Z is considered a personal coaching lesson with two of the biggest coaches in the sport. 

At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy

Joe Baker wrote another must-have for any serious pickleball player and their partner. A guide for the game we all know and love, Doubles Pickleball, this book's only focus is on how you and your partner can win each game. This isn’t just a read for pleasure, At the Line Pickleball: The Winning Doubles Pickleball Strategy will test your knowledge with quizzes and recaps to make sure once you are at the court, doubles strategy is second nature for you and your partner. Want to learn more? Our Paddle Experts wrote an article on the Pickleball Doubles. Click the image below to get a breakdown of the rules, strategy, and more!

Mind Game: A Quantum Performance Leap for Pickleball and Tennis 

This book is written by Neil Schulenburg, who is not only a pickleball enthusiast but also a psychotherapist, and dives into the mental side of pickleball. While you will need some pickleball knowledge to keep up with the rules, strategies, and jargon, Mind Game: A Quantum Performance Leap for Pickleball and Tennis helps players understand that pickleball is just as much a mental sport as a physical game. Knowing how your brain is working throughout your games will ultimately help you find more success on the court.

Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide

Want a front-row seat to the most-sold-out pickleball clinic in the United States? Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide introduces readers to Smart Pickleball, by Prem Carnot. Carnot has taught countless players all over North America how to improve their game from the comfort of their couch and translate what they learn into positive results on the court. Unlock your inner Pickleball Guru with Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide.

The Pickleball Bible

A traditional look at pickleball, co-authored by Dr. Rick Lambson and Tim Finge, this book views America’s fastest-growing sport through the lens of an exercise scientist and professional pickleball coach. Using an educational approach the book focuses on rules, techniques, and strategies. The Pickleball Bible acts as a workbook and gives readers the chance to keep track of their progress through a player's journey. 

Pickleball Zen: Improving your Pickleball Game

Paul Hudanich aims to be every reader's pickleball mental coach. Although your skills on the court give you the tools to win, Pickleball Zen: Improving your Pickleball Game will give you the mental edge to take your game to the next court. If you enjoy Pickleball Zen: Improving your Pickleball Game, check out the author's other pickleball guides, Inner Game and Venus Rising to get a new perspective on your game.

Pickleball Fundamentals

Not everyone is going to be a professional right away, so for those who are just getting into pickleball and want to learn more, check out Pickleball Fundamentals by Mary Littlewood. Start your pickleball journey with a fun, fast-paced book introducing you to the great sport of pickleball. Pickleball Fundamentals is endorsed by USA Pickleball and gives new players a great foundation to get out on the court and be successful.

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As the competition rises, get a head start on your pickleball game and become a student of the game we all love with the pickleball books above.  Class is over, now get out on your nearest pickleball court today. We hope that you enjoyed this breakdown of some of the best pickleball books around. If you have any other questions, our Paddle Experts are standing by to help with anything you might need. You can give us a call at 866-382-3465, email at experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. We're JustPaddles and we're with you from Click To Court!