Pickleballers Next Door

Mike Paze and Christana Elliott
  • 4.8 (12)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Pickleballers Next Door podcast. Mike & Christana will be traveling around the country recording episodes at pickleball courts inside and outside,  talking to the everyday pickleball player. Find out what they love about pickleball and build a big pickleball community. 

  1. 1d ago

    Pickleball Terms & Slang Episode 72 Explained: A Beginner’s Guide for New Players and Longtime Players Learning the New Lingo

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 72 of Pickleballers Next Door, we are breaking down the pickleball terms, plays, slang, and court language every player should know — whether you are brand new to the game or you have been playing for years and still hear new words flying around the court. Pickleball has its own language, and it can be confusing at first. What is the kitchen? What does it mean to dink, drop, drive, reset, stack, poach, or get caught in a hands battle? And what about all the newer pickleball slang like shake and bake, body bag, chicken wing, banger, Erne, ATP, Bert, and yes — even the helicopter? This episode is designed for beginners who want to feel more confident on the court, but also for experienced players who may know how to play the game but do not always know what the newer pickleball verbage means. We explain the common terms, funny slang, basic plays, and strategy words in a simple and entertaining way so players of all levels can better understand the game. Whether you are stepping on the court for the first time or you have been playing since before pickleball was cool, this episode will help you speak the language of the fastest-growing sport in America. Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    36 min

  2. May 21

    Episode 71 Denver Iconics Open Pickleball Tournament Recap - Jen Hamman, Mario Bosch (Denver Iconics Owners) & Former NFL Players Lamarcus Caradine and Jaret Smith

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we take you inside the exciting Denver Iconics Open pickleball tournament with special guests Jen Hamman and Mario Bosch owners of the Denver Iconics. We break down how the Denver Iconics Open is one of the smoothest-run pickleball tournaments in Colorado and talk about the incredible job Jen Hamman did directing her very first tournament. From player experience and tournament organization to the energy surrounding the Denver Iconics community, this episode gives pickleball fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host a successful competitive event. How Patty Gallegos was the one running it from behind the scenes.  We also chat with Denver Iconics social media manager Andrew about building excitement around pickleball events, growing the sport online, and connecting with the Colorado pickleball community. Former NFL football players Lamarcus Caradine and Jaret Smith join us to talk about competing together at the Denver Iconics Open, transitioning from football to pickleball, and how quickly teamwork and athleticism translate onto the pickleball court. These guys brought competitiveness, chemistry, and great personalities to the tournament. If you love pickleball tournaments, Colorado pickleball events, pro-level competition, athlete crossover stories, and growing pickleball communities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎾 Topics Covered: Denver Iconics Open tournament recapPickleball tournament organization tipsColorado pickleball growthFormer NFL players playing pickleballSocial media and pickleball marketingBehind-the-scenes tournament operationsBuilding a successful pickleball communityhttps://pickleballersnextdoor.com/ https://www.denvericonics.com/ https://proalignsportschiropractic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/iam_doctorc13/ https://www.instagram.com/jeret_smith/ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    1h 1m

  3. May 14

    Episode 70 Michael Zervas - Inside the Newest Pickleball Destination, Fort Collins

    Send us Fan Mail Join Pickleballers Next Door as we talk with Michael Zervas, one of the owners of zero zero Two, the newest pickleball facility in Ft, Collins, Colorado. How Michael and Neil Bellefeuille both serial entrepreneurs had the vision behind zero zero two, and how the massive new 36,000-square-foot pickleball facility is changing the game in Fort Collins, Colorado. Located in southeast Fort Collins near Harmony and Timberline, zero zero two features 11 indoor courts, 6 outdoor courts, a full pro shop, food and beverage options, tournament play, and a player-first experience designed from the ground up. Michael shares how they traveled across the country visiting pickleball clubs, listening to players, and studying what people loved, and what they felt was missing to create a next-generation pickleball club unlike any other. We also dive into the club’s unique design features, including the beautiful vine walls that help with sound reduction while creating an elevated atmosphere and community feel throughout the facility. Plus, we spotlight the upcoming PPA Challenger Series coming to zero zero two on May 29th, 30th, and 31st. Learn how the Challenger Series connects players to the rapidly growing Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), pathway and why this event is a huge opportunity for competitive pickleball in Colorado and beyond. If you’re passionate about pickleball growth, club innovation, tournaments, entrepreneurship, or the future of the sport, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/ https://ppatour.com/tournament/2026/2026-fort-collins-co/ The Fracas in Fort Collins: May 29th to 31st, 2026 The Professional Pickleball Association is proud to bring the inaugural season of the PPA Tour Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA to Fort Collins, Colorado for The Fracas in Fort Collins. The tournament will be held at the Zero Zero Two pickleball facility in Fort Collins, CO, and will provide a showcase of the very best players in the region competing for prize and the chance to win a PPA contract. Come join us to watch professional pickleball in action right here in Fort Collins. Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    41 min

  4. May 7

    Episode 69 🎙️ Pickleballers Next Door - Adaptive Pickleball Fundraiser at Thornton Picklr + Colorado Pickleball Community Updates

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 69 of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana bring you another fun and community-driven episode focused on the incredible people helping grow pickleball across Colorado! 🏓 This week, we welcome special guest Dawn Cerrone from Rocky Mtn Pikl to talk about the exciting fundraising event that happened at The Picklr Thornton benefiting Kids Adaptive Pickleball Play. Dawn shares how the pickleball community is coming together to support adaptive athletes, create more opportunities for kids, and make the sport more inclusive for everyone. Mike and Christana also briefly touch on the excitement surrounding ZeroZeroTwo.Pro, the new pickleball club in Fort Collins, and preview an upcoming full episode where they’ll sit down with the team behind the club for a deeper conversation. They also talk about the Denver Iconics draft, and how more details are to come.  This episode is all about community, inclusion, giving back, and the continued growth of pickleball throughout Colorado. 🎧 In this episode: Adaptive pickleball initiativesKids Adaptive Pickleball Play fundraiserThornton Picklr community eventRocky Mtn Pikl updatesColorado pickleball newsBrief preview of ZeroZeroTwo.Pro in Fort CollinsGrowing pickleball through community and inclusionIf you love hearing positive stories from the pickleball world and want to stay connected to what’s happening in Colorado pickleball, this episode is for you! https://www.rockymountainpikl.com/ https://www.zerozerotwo.pro/ https://www.denvericonics.com/ https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/ Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit  https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    39 min

  5. Apr 30

    Episode 68 Pickleball is More than a Game - It's a Gamechanger Pickleball for Good Fund Visits East and South Africa

    Send us Fan Mail “From local courts to global impact—this is how pickleball is changing lives across continents.” 🎙️Pickleball is no longer just America’s fastest-growing sport—it’s becoming a global movement for connection, community, and impact. In this inspiring follow-up episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we sit down to chat about lessons learned during Susan Swern's 3-week pickleball envoy mission to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa in February 2026. Working alongside leaders like Ruth Rosenquist (Global Pickleball Federation), Collins Munene (Confederation of African Pickleball), GPF member country federation teams, and Memel.Global,  Pickleball for Good Fund is part of a powerful movement bringing the benefits of the sport to under-championed communities across the globe. By delivering equipment, sharing knowledge, visiting government officials and school administrators - and witnessing the joy of students and adults - this trip was definitely her pickleball adventure of a lifetime.  Through organizations like Pickleball for Good and Operation Paddle Lift, Susan delivers equipment, creates access, and builds lasting opportunities for people who may have never had exposure to the sport. 🌍 In this episode, we cover: How pickleball is rapidly expanding internationallyWhat it takes to introduce the sport in developing regionsThe impact of bringing paddles, nets, and knowledgeWhy pickleball is uniquely positioned to build community worldwideThe people behind the movement making it all happenThis is more than a sport—it’s a mission. If you’ve ever wondered how pickleball can make a difference beyond the court, this episode will open your eyes to the global power of play. https://pickleballforgood.org/ https://globalpickleballfederation.org/operation-paddlelift/ https://pickleballersnextdoor.com/ https://oncourtnetworking.com/3rd-shot-englewood-page 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pickleballers Next Door for more behind-the-scenes access to the fastest-growing sport in America! Support the show Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    47 min

  6. Apr 23

    Episode 67 - Pro Pickleball Pay Explosion, Anna Leigh Waters Dominance & DUPR Reset - Denver Iconics, Denver Pickleball Club & Eye Injury Tal

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️Mike and Christana are back with a high-energy catch-up episode diving into everything happening in the world of pickleball right now. From the massive rise in pro player payouts to the continued dominance of world #1 Anna Leigh Waters, the sport is evolving faster than ever.   You can’t talk pickleball without mentioning Kyle Yates—a seasoned pro who’s been competing at the highest level and helping shape the sport for years  They break down what these increasing earnings mean for the future of professional pickleball and how it’s attracting more elite athletes to the game. Locally, they preview upcoming tournaments and buzz surrounding the Denver Iconics and upcoming tournaments ran by Denver Pickleball Club, Deven Gould, highlighting why Colorado continues to be a hotspot for the sport. The episode also touches on an important (and often overlooked) topic: eye injuries in pickleball, especially among older players. Why is this happening, and what should players be doing to protect themselves? Plus, they dive into the controversial DUPR reset-what it is, why there’s a limited window to act, and how it could impact your rating moving forward. Whether you’re a casual player or deep into the competitive scene, this episode keeps you informed, entertained, and ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of pickleball. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pickleballers Next Door for more behind-the-scenes access to the fastest-growing sport in America! www.asweetsip.com www.denvericonics.com www.holeyperformance.com Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    37 min

  7. Apr 16

    Episode 66 - Pickleball is Changing! New 2026 Rules You Need to Know NOW 🎾🔥

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️Pickleball is evolving fast—and the 2026 rule changes are already impacting how the game is played at every level. In Episode 66 of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana break down some of the latest pickleball rules for 2026 and what they mean for everyday players, competitive matches, and the future of the sport. From gameplay adjustments to how rules are shaping strategy, we dive into real conversations happening on the courts right now. Whether you're a beginner trying to keep up or a seasoned player looking for an edge, this episode gives you the insights you need to stay ahead. We also talk about how pickleball continues to grow, evolve, and create new opportunities both on and off the court. 🎾 Are these new rules making the game better—or more complicated? Let us know what you think! 👉 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with your pickleball crew! pickleballersnextdoor.com oncourtnetworking.com Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    40 min

  8. Apr 9

    Epicsode 65 - Denver Iconics Owner Jen Hamman + Patty Gallegos 60+ Masters - Inside Pro Pickleball & Champion Series Pickleball

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️In this exciting episode of Pickleballers Next Door, we sit down with Jen Hamman, owner of the Denver Iconics, and Patti Gallegos, a standout competitor heading into the 60+ Masters division in the Champions Series Pickleball league. We dive deep into the world of professional pickleball, team ownership, and what it takes to compete at a high level—no matter your age. Jen shares behind-the-scenes insight into building the Denver Iconics franchise, team strategy, and the explosive growth of the sport. Patti brings an inspiring perspective on competing in the 60+ Masters division, proving that pickleball truly is a sport for life. 🔥 Topics we cover: The rise of the Denver Iconics in pro pickleballWhat it takes to own and manage a professional pickleball teamChampions Series Pickleball & the 40+, 50+, and 60+ Masters divisionTraining, mindset, and longevity in competitive playThe future of pickleball and opportunities for players of all agesWhether you’re a beginner, competitive player, or pickleball fan, this episode brings real stories, expert insight, and inspiration from the court to your life. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pickleballers Next Door for more behind-the-scenes access to the fastest-growing sport in America! Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.  Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:  IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pickleballers Next Door podcast. Mike & Christana will be traveling around the country recording episodes at pickleball courts inside and outside,  talking to the everyday pickleball player. Find out what they love about pickleball and build a big pickleball community. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Paze and Christana Elliott
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pickleballers Next Door
  • Show Website
    Pickleballers Next Door

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