Most athletes grow up believing sports have an ending. Maybe it's after high school. Maybe it's after college. Maybe it's when work gets busy, kids come along, or your body doesn't recover quite like it used to. For so many people, sports become something they used to do. That was my mindset too. I grew up with softball golve and a lacrosse stick in my hands. I played attack in lacrosse, and I was always ball hungry. I loved the competition, the pressure, and the feeling of b

One of the most common questions players ask—especially when they’re new to padel—is: “What happens when the ball hits right where the glass meets the turf?” It’s a tricky call. The bounce can look strange, the ball might shoot off in an unexpected direction, and players often disagree on whether it was in or out. Understanding how to read this bounce will make your matches smoother and help avoid unnecessary disputes. Padel player getting a ball off the back glass. The Simpl

How Padel Is Speeding Up the Game (and Why We’re Using It) Padel is evolving—and so is the way we score points. To keep matches fast, competitive, and exciting, professional leagues are rethinking how long games should stretch at deuce. One of the most talked-about updates is Star Point scoring , a format now used by the Pro Padel League and recently adopted in our league as well. This change keeps the spirit of traditional padel while adding urgency, strategy, and momentum.

The lob is one of the most misunderstood shots in pickleball. When it’s rushed or random, it’s a gift. When it’s timed and intentional, it can completely flip a point. As Coach Rosa puts it: the lob is most effective when opponents are settled at the kitchen and you’re looking to pull them out of position —not when you’re under pressure. Pickleball player running back to get a lob When the Lob Works Best The key is reading the ball before you lob. High-percentage lobs usual

The Serve — It Can Mean Everything… or Absolutely Nothing In padel, the serve isn’t about power. It’s about intention. Unlike tennis, padel serves are underhand and struck below waist height—so no aces flying past your opponent. But don’t let that fool you. A smart serve can quietly win you the point before it even starts. For high-level players, the serve is a set-up shot . It’s used to: Target a weaker return Pull opponents off the net Create space for your partner Get you

A weeknight of people hanging out at The Heights court side watching a game. For many adults, finding consistent ways to stay active, meet new people, and build routine can be a challenge. That’s where racket sports leagues come in. Whether it’s pickleball leagues, padel leagues, or squash leagues, joining organized weekly play is one of the most effective (and fun) ways to support long-term health and community. At The Heights Racquet & Social Club in Mendota Heights, we run

Just 30 minutes on the court boosts endorphins, sharpens focus, and improves mood — proven to fight stress and seasonal blues Blah — it’s that time of year again. The days get darker, the temps drop, and sometimes your motivation goes with it. Seasonal blues sneak in fast — but the cure might be closer than you think. When your mind starts to feel heavy, movement and connection are your best medicine. Getting on the courts — whether it’s padel, pickleball, or squash — isn’t j

If you play at The Heights, chances are your paddle is getting plenty of action — maybe too much. Between “just one more match” and “we’ll play again after dinner,” it’s easy to forget that your paddle is actually a piece of performance equipment, not a forever item. Here’s what most experts agree on: Player Type / Frequency Estimated Lifespan High-intensity players (4–6+ times a week, lots of smashes) 4–6 months Regular players (2–4 times a week) 6-8 months Occasional play

Full sized gym at The Heights Racquet and Social Club. At The Heights Racquet & Social Club, we’re big believers that staying active isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, balance, and building a lifestyle that keeps you thriving long-term. Whether you’re swinging a padel racquet, chasing down a pickleball, or stepping into a squash rally, every match you play adds up to something much bigger: longevity and mental well-being. Movement = Medicine It’s no secret th

There’s something about fall in Minnesota that feels like the perfect reset. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn gold and red, and...

Padel league match at night inside The Heights Racquet and Social Club. What is Padel? Padel is a racquet sport that blends the best of...