Deco
Founder & Editor
Deco (Declan Martin) is the founder and editor of US Pickleball Court and The Pickleball Court. He builds catalog-backed buying guides for paddles, court shoes, balls, bags, apparel, accessories, and portable nets, plus pro tour news and where-to-play coverage for US and Canadian players. Focus: verified facts, clear product comparisons, and honest disclosures — not hype.
Guides by Deco
guides · informational
How We Define Beginner → Pro Skill TiersA clear explainer of beginner, improver, intermediate, advanced, and pro tiers on The Pickleball Court — so product labels match how you actually play.
Updated August 3, 2026
paddles · informational
Foam-Core Pickleball Paddles ExplainedPolymer honeycomb vs full-foam and Quad Density foam marketing — what changes on court, what is hype, and how to shop honestly.
Updated August 3, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100Compare $30–$100 pickleball paddles by job — driveway starter, weekly club paddle, and value carbon — with catalog picks and an honest checklist.
Updated August 3, 2026
accessories · buying guide
Pickleball Accessories Buying GuideOvergrips, edge guard tape, and tungsten tape — the small pickleball accessories that make a real difference in feel and paddle life.
Updated July 25, 2026
apparel · buying guide
Pickleball Apparel Essentials: What to Wear on CourtPractical guidance on pickleball apparel — from arm sleeves to court skorts — for comfort and performance.
Updated July 25, 2026
bags · buying guide
Best Pickleball Bags: Backpacks, Slings & Tour BagsWhich style of pickleball bag fits your game — from a minimalist sling to a full tour bag.
Updated July 25, 2026
balls · buying guide
Best Pickleball Balls: Indoor vs Outdoor Buying GuideHow to pick the right pickleball ball for indoor or outdoor play, and which ones we recommend for US courts.
Updated July 25, 2026
guides · buying guide
Best Pickleball Gear for SeniorsSenior-friendly pickleball paddle, shoe, and net recommendations focused on joint comfort, forgiveness, and easy setup.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles 2026: Curated PicksOur 2026 shortlist of JOOLA, Selkirk, and Six Zero paddles for beginners, control, power, and spin players in the US.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles for BeginnersForgiving, confidence-building pickleball paddles for new US players — with catalog picks and a clear buying checklist.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles for ControlControl-oriented pickleball paddles for soft-game players who win with dinks, drops, and resets.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles for PowerPower-focused pickleball paddles for drivers and put-away artists — plus who should not buy a power frame yet.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
Best Pickleball Paddles for SpinSpin-friendly pickleball paddles with carbon surfaces for players who roll, shape, and dip the ball off the bounce.
Updated July 25, 2026
shoes · buying guide
Best Pickleball Shoes 2026: Joint-Friendly Court PicksCompare Skechers and ASICS pickleball court shoes for US hard courts, lateral support, and joint-friendly cushioning.
Updated July 25, 2026
shoes · buying guide
Best Pickleball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis / Bad KneesCourt shoe guidance for pickleball players managing plantar fascia irritation or knee stress — comfort, support, and honest limits.
Updated July 25, 2026
shoes · buying guide
Best Pickleball Shoes for Wide FeetHow to choose pickleball court shoes for wide feet, with Skechers and ASICS catalog options and a fit checklist.
Updated July 25, 2026
nets · buying guide
Best Portable Pickleball Nets (2026)Compare Franklin, ONIX, Rally, and Selkirk portable pickleball nets for US driveways, parks, and backyard courts.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · informational
Carbon Fiber vs Fiberglass Pickleball PaddlesUnderstand carbon fiber vs fiberglass pickleball paddle faces — spin, power, durability feel, and who should buy which.
Updated July 25, 2026
nets · comparison
Franklin vs ONIX vs Rally vs Selkirk NetsSide-by-side comparison of Franklin, ONIX, Rally, and Selkirk portable pickleball nets for home and park courts in the US.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · buying guide
How to Choose a Pickleball PaddleLearn weight, grip, core thickness, face materials, and shapes so you can buy your first or next pickleball paddle with confidence.
Updated July 25, 2026
paddles · comparison
JOOLA vs Selkirk vs Six Zero PaddlesCompare JOOLA, Selkirk, and Six Zero pickleball paddle brands by feel, player fit, and popular US catalog models.
Updated July 25, 2026
rules · how to
Pickleball Court Dimensions & How to Set Up a NetPickleball court dimensions, kitchen lines, and a practical portable net setup guide for driveways and parks in the US.
Updated July 25, 2026
rules · how to
Pickleball Rules for Beginners: A Simple GuideA clear beginner explainer of pickleball scoring, the kitchen, double-bounce rule, and common faults — without legal jargon.
Updated July 25, 2026
rules · informational
Pickleball Terms Glossary: Dink, Kitchen, Erne & MoreA practical pickleball glossary covering dink, kitchen, erne, ATP, third-shot drop, and other terms new players hear on court.
Updated July 25, 2026
guides · informational
Pickleball vs Tennis: Key Differences ExplainedCourt size, gear, pacing, and skills that transfer — a clear pickleball vs tennis comparison for curious athletes.
Updated July 25, 2026
shoes · comparison
Skechers vs ASICS Pickleball ShoesA practical Skechers vs ASICS court shoe comparison for pickleball players focused on comfort, stability, and US hard courts.
Updated July 25, 2026
News & updates
August 9, 2026
Inside MLP's Biggest Franchises: Valuations, Growth, and the Teams to KnowMajor League Pickleball's top franchises are now valued in the eight figures, with league-wide revenue and viewership climbing fast. Here's a look at the teams driving that growth.
August 9, 2026
Where to Play Pickleball in Los Angeles Right NowSix verified LA spots to play pickleball, from free lighted public courts to dedicated clubs, with addresses, court counts, and links to each venue's own site.
August 9, 2026
MLP Dallas Playoffs Results, and a 15-Year-Old to WatchFour teams punched their tickets to Newport Beach out of the MLP Playoffs in Dallas, and 15-year-old Cailyn Campbell gave fans one more reason to watch the SoCal Hard Eights.
August 8, 2026
US Pickleball: PPA Goes Global, MLP Playoffs BeginThe PPA Tour unveiled a worldwide ranking system and launched PPA Tour Europe, while the MLP Playoffs opened in Dallas with a stacked Round 1 field.
August 3, 2026
Gear Roundup: Onix Theory Foam Under $100Onix launched the Theory foam-core paddle as a sub-$100 play, 11SIX24 teased Jelly Bean 2 for late August, and budget foam continues to redefine what recreational buyers should expect from mid-tier specs.
August 3, 2026
US Pickleball: Nationals Ahead, Foam Paddles WinA look at the biggest US pickleball storylines this week — the Veolia National Championships coming to North Carolina, why foam-core paddles keep showing up on the winner's podium, and the sponsor move still shaping the pro tour.
May 12, 2026
Selkirk acquires Bread & ButterSelkirk Sport acquired Bread & Butter Pickleball in May 2026. The brands say they will keep designing paddles independently while sharing Selkirk's distribution and operations — a clear signal of consolidation in a crowded paddle market.
April 15, 2026
Engage ships its second full-foam paddle, the X2Engage followed 2025's Profoam with the X2, a full-foam paddle built around a Quad Density foam core. Pro Eric Oncins switched to the X2 in early 2026 and climbed into the top 10 in men's and mixed doubles on the PPA Tour — a useful signal that foam-core designs keep gaining traction at the competitive end of the market.
March 1, 2026
JOOLA Refreshes the Pro V Line for 2026JOOLA's 2026 Pro V update — Ben Johns' signature series — adds KineticFrame technology designed to flex and store energy on contact, then release it into the ball. The refresh keeps JOOLA in the premium all-court conversation even as foam-core competitors push durability claims.
January 20, 2026
Li-Ning enters the U.S. pro paddle marketChinese sporting-goods giant Li-Ning launched two paddles aimed at competitive U.S. players in early 2026. The entry is part of a wider wave of new-brand and crossover athletic brands testing the pro paddle market this year.
January 8, 2026
Anna Leigh Waters leaves Paddletek for FranklinThe sport's top women's player ended her longtime Paddletek sponsorship and signed a long-term deal with Franklin Pickleball in early 2026 — one of the biggest sponsor moves of the year. Franklin plans to build signature gear around Waters, including paddles in its C45 carbon-fiber line.