Ah, the good ol’ school days… hopscotch chalk on the blacktop, jump rope chants, tetherball rivalries, and handball showdowns at recess. These days, we can’t help but wonder — do kids get to bring paddles to school now? With pickleball popping up in PE programs across the country, we’d like to think so.

On the courts, everyone has a role — the teacher’s pet who always nails the drill, the class clown who goes for the behind-the-back shot, and the overachiever chasing down every ball like it’s extra credit. Whether you’re acing the “test” with a perfect serve or just here for the recess rallies, pickleball is the game that makes everyone feel like part of the class.

September is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, drill the fundamentals, and set the tone for a winning season ahead.

Find your favorite pen, and take notes — here's what we have in today's issue:

👜 Pack it smart — Lighthouse Sports pickleball bags are high-quality, loaded with pockets, and customizable with your initials, logo, or even a favorite image.

🎨 Get organized with color — Today's PlayTime Scheduler Tips & Tricks breaks down how Regions, Areas, and Locations are organized, and what those colors really mean for your court searches.
 

🏔️ Pickleball + adventure — RISE Pickleball Camps bring clinics with Head Pro Rob Davidson, USAPA Nationals Gold Medalist & US Open Gold Medalist, all in the stunning Montana outdoors.
 

🎥 Lob 101 — Our Paddle Pointer by Selkirk TV teaches you how to defend against the pickleball lob like a pro.
 

☀️ Cool, stylish, and holiday-ready —  from stylish pickleball tops to a brand-new eco-friendly crossbody bag — Pickleball Sun Tops has you covered and protected.
 

🏆 Victory spotlight — A round of applause for Art, who scored the ERNE Dink + Drop Pro for posting our 2 millionth session! He paid it forward by sharing his new machine with his fellow Gold Dust Picklers. Way to go, champ!
 

👑 Demo before you buy — Royal Pickleball lets you test top paddles at demo locations nationwide.

📊 Top 10 — Which regions have the most Power?! Power Users, that is. 😎 

📲 Map your match — UTR Sports challenges you to post your scores on social media, track your rating, and rep your hometown pride.

⚡ Feel the Power — Big congrats to Jacob H. from Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA Metro region, last month’s survey winner! He scored a free Power User subscription for a year — now that’s powerful.
 
👇 Pop quiz: What’s the best newsletter in pickleball? (Hint: you’re reading it!)