NATIONAL PICKLEBALL MONTH
Paddle Up: A Pickleball Q&A with Brendan Easterling, Director of Court Sports at Arizona Biltmore
April is National Pickleball Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. — especially here at Arizona Biltmore, where blue skies, iconic courts, and an unbeatable community make every match memorable.
We sat down with Brendan Easterling, our Director of Court Sports, to talk all things pickleball — from beginner tips to advanced strategy and what makes our courts uniquely Biltmore.
Q: For someone new to pickleball, what makes it such an exciting and accessible sport to try?
Brendan: Pickleball is exciting because it’s everywhere right now — courts are popping up all over the country. But even without a formal court, you just need a paddle, a ball, and a bit of space to rally. It’s approachable, social, and something people of all ages and skill levels can jump into. Honestly, even celebrities are getting in on the craze — it’s that relatable.
Q: What are three essential tips for beginners to quickly improve their game on the courts?
Brendan: Every player is unique technically, but we have three core strategies we teach that make a big difference right away:
- Back on the Serve
- Serve and Stay
- Return and Run
These help players understand positioning and movement early on, which is key to building confidence.
Q: Arizona’s climate is perfect for outdoor sports—how should players prepare for a match under the sun at the Biltmore?
Brendan: It’s all about sun protection and hydration. Sunscreen is a must. Sunglasses help a ton, and I’m a big fan of a wide-brimmed hat with neck coverage — it’s functional and keeps you cool out there.
Q: What are some common mistakes beginners make, and how can they be corrected?
Brendan: One common issue is what I call “dancy” feet — players bouncing or moving too much at the kitchen line. Instead, we teach a wide, stable base to hold your position and be ready for any shot. It helps with balance, control, and overall court awareness.
Q: Pickleball has a strong social aspect—how do our courts create a great environment for players to connect?
Brendan: Our setup is one of my favorite features. We have four courts arranged in a square format, rather than a single row. This makes it easy to chat between games, cheer each other on, and strike up conversations — your neighbors are just a few steps away.
Q: For locals looking to level up their game, what are some advanced strategies they can practice?
Brendan: The third shot is the game-changer. It’s what separates intermediate from advanced players. Practicing drop shots with a partner — where one stays at the kitchen line and the other works on their placement — is a great way to build that skill and start owning the pace of play.
Q: If someone is interested in hosting a friendly match or private lesson at Arizona Biltmore, what’s the best way to get started?
Brendan: We recommend starting with a private lesson, especially if it’s your first time playing. It’s the best way to learn the rules, scoring, and fundamentals. After that, most players are ready to jump into our matchplay sessions, where they continue to learn and grow through experience — and have a ton of fun doing it.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, there’s no better place to serve, volley, and connect than at Arizona Biltmore. Join us this April in celebrating National Pickleball Month — your next match is waiting.
