Amy Brown Amy Brown

Twixmas time

Twixtmas Time: What to do with that time between Christmas and the New Year.

10 Fun Ways to Recharge and Refocus Before the New Year

The time between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, and set yourself up for a fantastic 2025. Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of this week:

1. Private Pickleball Lessons

Taking a private pickleball lesson is one of the best ways to fast-track your improvement and build confidence in your game. Here’s why it’s a smart move:

Personalized Feedback

Target Specific Goals

Immediate Game Impact

Damon is just so great to work with

Ready to set up a lesson just check out our availability here!

2. Declutter and Reset

Organize your gear (pickleball paddle, shoes, etc.) and clear out any clutter at home to start the year fresh. Give us your gently used tennis/pickleball shoes, paddles, or rackets for our local youth. Just drop them off in the tub by the Riverview Pickleball Courts.

3. Try a New Activity

Experiment with a fun cross-training workout like yoga, cycling, snowboarding, or dancing! We will be up on the mountain this winter and hope to see you there!

4. Solo Pickleball Practice

Find a wall or rebounder and work on your volleys and dinks. Earn that shirt by being the fastest hands in town by taking on that wall!

5. Reconnect with friends

Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with and invite them to play pickleball or grab coffee. Here I am with my childhood friend Molly in her first tournament. Now we are playing in Arizona together! This sport has rekindled our friendship and somehow she got me to wear a tennis dress for the first time since college.

6. Pickleball Retreat Experience

Turn your love for pickleball into an adventure! While it’s too late to join us in Costa Rica this January, you can still start dreaming of your own pickleball getaway.

  • Palm Springs, California: A hub for pickleball with year-round sunshine.

  • Naples, Florida: Known as the "Pickleball Capital of the World,".

  • Mexico and the Caribbean: Many resorts now offer pickleball facilities.

Planning your retreat around a tournament is another great way to explore new places while challenging yourself on the court.

7. Set Goals

Write down one pickleball goal and one personal goal you want to achieve in the new year.

Enter a Tournament

Win a tournament

Perfect Your Footwork

Increase Speed and Agility

Achieve a Higher DUPR Rating

Volunteer or Mentor

Have More Fun

8. Read or Watch Something Inspiring

Inspiring Sports Books

Open by Andre Agassi

The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
Serve to Win by Novak Djokovic

Inspiring Sports Movies

The Miracle
Remember the Titans
Rocky
A League of Their Own

The Mighty Ducks

9. Treat Yourself

Self-care is essential. Treat yourself to a massage, a spa day, or sports recovery. We are taking this time to stretch more and get treated by our sports therapist.

10. Relax and Reflect

Spend an afternoon journaling about what went well this year and what you’re excited to improve in 2025. Taking time for self-reflection can bring clarity and focus. We are planning out next year’s pickleball events and excited for what is coming up in the future!

Pickleball is about more than the game – it’s about staying active, building community, and having fun. Take this time to refresh, and let’s step into the new year ready to crush it on and off the court!

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Amy Brown Amy Brown

holiday gift ideas

Pickleball Gift Ideas

our top Pickleball Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are here, and it’s time to find the perfect gift for the pickleball enthusiast in your life! Whether they’re a seasoned pro or a newbie just discovering the joy of the game, we’ve curated a list of thoughtful and fun pickleball gifts to make their season merry and bright. 🎁

1. Private Pickleball Lessons

Treat yo’self or a loved one to the gift that keeps on giving, Pickleball private lessons! We have a holiday lesson promo package. Buy 2 and 1 free! You can keep 2 give and give 1 away or any combo that you prefer! Deal lasts till December 2nd! Get yours now! Ready to set up a lesson just check out our availability here!

2. DNA Club Gift Cards

Give the gift of flexibility! A gift card to the DNA Club can be used for lessons, events, tournaments, or even club socials. It’s the perfect way to let them choose how to level up their pickleball.

3. Pickleball Paddle

As you all know my favorite paddle is the Engage MX. If you’re looking for a new paddle, or want an upgrade, I highly recommend this brand. Use promo code 20browna to get 20% off your purchase. They are having a sale so don’t delay. If you are new to the sport or want to give a paddle to a new player, Niupipo sells a 2 pack on Amazon currently for $23!

4. Pickleball Shoes

Most of you have heard my lecture on wearing the appropriate court shoes. Court-specific shoes provide excellent grip and stability. Our favorite shoes are ASICS Gel Resolution. Another shoe that our clients like are Sketchers. After you buy your new kicks give us your gently used tennis shoes for our local youth. Just drop them off in the tub by the Riverview Pickleball Courts.

5. fun Pickleball Apparel

Before you search high and low for fun pickleball outfits, check out the shirts we designed just for you! These exclusive pickleball shirts combine style and comfort, perfect for hitting the court or showing off your pickleball pride. Available now on our new shop page and at the Bethel Bazaar—don’t miss your chance to snag one for yourself or a fellow pickleball fan! Check them out here!

6. Pickleball Retreat Experience

Surprise them with a getaway to play and relax. (We still have 1 room left for our Costa Rica retreat this January—an unforgettable gift for any pickleball lover!) More info here!

This holiday season, give the gift of pickleball joy.

7. Fun Pickleball-Themed Items

Pickleball Christmas Ornaments: Add a touch of pickleball to their holiday decor. Here are a few that we thought were cute, Pickleball Santa and paddle ornaments.

  • Pickleball-Themed Mugs: Perfect for sipping hot cocoa between matches. This one is Amy’s fave!

  • Kitchen Items: Coasters, Towels, Decor

8. Riverview HOliday Membership

Riverview is offering 2 month winter memberships. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, the exclusive pickleball Riverview packages are the perfect way to enjoy unlimited fun on the courts. For more info contact the Riverview Membership Director, Amy Dendas.

Whether it’s lessons, gear, or an unforgettable experience, your thoughtfulness will be a winner on and off the court. 🎄

Have a great gift idea we missed? Share it with us in the comments or stop by one of our events—we’d love to hear from you!

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