Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play

Pickleball keeps pulling in new players for one simple reason: it’s easy to start and hard to stop. But once the “first game” excitement wears off, a lot of people hit the same wall—How do I actually get better without guessing what to practice next? Ace Pickleball Club (APC) just rolled out a clear answer. On December 17, 2025, Ace Pickleball Club announced the nationwide launch of its new Player Development Series—a four-stage training pathway built to help players learn fundamentals, build consistency, and progress toward competitive play over time.

A four-stage pathway built for real progression

APC’s Player Development Series is structured as a multi-tier program with four progressive levels of instruction, designed to meet players where they are and give them an obvious “next step.” Here’s how the series breaks down:

• Starter Series (available now nationwide): An eight-session program focused on core fundamentals, guided drills, and confidence-building play.
• Essentials Series (select locations now; nationwide in early 2026): Built to help players develop consistency and prepare for intermediate-level games.
• Performance Series (rolling out first half of 2026): Focused on strategy, court awareness, and competitive growth.
• Precision Series (rolling out first half of 2026): The final stage, centered on fine-tuning technique and advanced shot-making.

The big win here is clarity. Instead of bouncing between random clinics or “YouTube tips of the week,” players get a structured development ladder—beginner to advanced—with a consistent framework.

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Beginner-friendly entry point still available (and free)

Alongside the new series, APC will continue offering its Intro to Pickleball clinic at all locations at no cost. This is a smart move because it removes the most common barrier for new players: feeling unprepared. According to APC, the Intro clinic provides everything needed to step onto the court, including:

• Paddles
• Balls
• A welcoming, skilled instructor
• A beginner-friendly introduction to rules, movement, and the spirit of the game

For anyone curious about pickleball but hesitant to jump into open play, that “no-cost, no-pressure” on-ramp matters.

Why APC is betting on development right now

Pickleball’s growth is bringing in players with wildly different goals—some want a fun weekly workout, others want to climb into competitive brackets. Joe Sexton, President of Ace Pickleball Club, said the new series is designed to serve that full range: “Our Player Development Series gives every member a clear next step, whether they’re touching a paddle for the first time or working toward advanced competitive play.” He also emphasized that APC is aiming to strengthen the community-first culture that keeps people coming back.

Included as part of the member experience

APC says the Player Development Series is included as part of the Ace Pickleball Club Member experience, reinforcing its mission to keep the sport accessible, fun, and growth-oriented across ages and skill levels.

About Ace Pickleball Club

Ace Pickleball Club is a national pickleball franchise built around a member-focused model and all-inclusive pricing. APC promotes an “open play on demand” approach—meaning players don’t need to coordinate groups, plan far in advance, or reserve a spot just to get on the court. APC currently has 22 locations open nationwide, with more planned for 2026. Clubs feature professional-grade cushioned courts and a climate-controlled playing environment.

How to learn more or sign up

To learn more or register for a Player Development Series session, visit:

• https://www.acepickleballclub.com/clinics

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Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball

Pickleball’s growth has been loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. Now the equipment side of the sport is starting to consolidate in a way that could shape what players swing next season. On Dec. 19, 2025, Paddletek announced the creation of the Paddletek Group, a new umbrella organization that brings together Paddletek, ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow under one platform. The goal: accelerate innovation in high-performance pickleball paddles (and padel rackets), expand athlete support, and build a bigger engine for growth as both sports continue to surge.

What is the Paddletek Group?

At its core, the Paddletek Group is a multi-brand merger designed to unify product development, athlete partnerships, and go-to-market momentum across several recognized names. The announcement positions the new entity as a “unified platform” for:

• Innovation in performance equipment for pickleball and padel
• Support for sponsored athletes
• Scaling growth as participation expands

In practical terms, it’s a move toward building a larger, more coordinated equipment company that can compete at the top end of the market.

Why this merger matters to players

Most players don’t wake up thinking about corporate structure. They wake up thinking about feel, control, pop, spin, and whether their paddle is helping or hurting them in tight points. This merger matters because it combines two distinct strengths:

• Paddletek’s legacy in performance design and manufacturing
• ProXR’s performance-driven approach

According to the release, the combined platform is built to help “every player elevate their game,” which is a big promise—but also a clear signal that the group is aiming at serious players, not just casual entry-level demand.

A milestone moment for the brand (and the sport)

Curtis Smith, Founder of Paddletek, framed the move as bigger than a business headline. He said the formation of the Paddletek Group “marks an important milestone” for the brand and for pickleball and padel, adding that bringing the brands together “amplifies our ability to innovate to support both recreational and elite players.” That “recreational and elite” line is worth paying attention to. It suggests the group wants to build a product pipeline that spans:

• approachable paddles for the everyday player
• high-performance models for advanced and tournament-level athletes

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The numbers: one million paddles, made in the USA

Paddletek also highlighted a major manufacturing and brand milestone: more than one million paddles sold, with products “proudly made in the USA.” In a category where manufacturing origin is part of the brand story (and sometimes part of the buying decision), that’s not a throwaway detail—it’s a positioning statement. The release also notes that, with the merger, the Paddletek Group becomes the No. 2 paddle brand among advanced players, citing the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

What’s coming next: a new performance paddle line

The most immediate product news is this: the Paddletek Group says it will introduce a new performance paddle line next month, combining “the strength and expertise from both great brands.” While the release doesn’t share specs, pricing, or model names, it does set expectations that this won’t be a minor refresh. It’s being framed as a true “combined” line—likely the first public proof point of what the merger unlocks.

Padel expansion is clearly on the roadmap

Pickleball may be the headline, but padel is not an afterthought here. The group says plans are underway to expand innovation into padel, which is seeing rapid growth globally. For equipment companies, padel represents a bigger international footprint and a different performance profile—meaning more R&D opportunity and, potentially, a broader athlete ecosystem.

The leadership angle: Thirty-5 Capital steps into the spotlight

The release also spotlights Thirty-5 Capital’s role. Ron Saslow, Founder and Managing Partner at Thirty-5 Capital, is named CEO of the Paddletek Group. Saslow described the moment as “exhilarating” given the global growth of pickleball and padel, and said the group brings together “respected brands with complementary strengths, and tremendous technologies to create an even bigger, bolder, better company.” Private equity involvement doesn’t automatically mean “good” or “bad” for players—but it often means the company is gearing up to scale: more product launches, more marketing, more athlete signings, and more distribution.

What to watch as this rolls out

If you’re a player, coach, or gear-head, here are the practical questions this announcement raises:

• Will the new paddle line create a true performance leap, or mostly consolidate existing tech?
• How will athlete rosters evolve across Paddletek and ProXR sponsorships?
• Will “made in the USA” remain central as the group scales?
• How aggressively will the group push into padel, and will that influence pickleball R&D priorities?

Either way, the formation of the Paddletek Group is a clear signal: the performance equipment race is accelerating, and the brands with the deepest innovation pipelines are positioning themselves now for what pickleball becomes next.

Learn more

• Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/
• Thirty-5 Capital: https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/

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Disclosure: This article is based on a press release distributed via PRNewswire on Dec. 19, 2025. Sources: PRNewswire press release page: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-paddletek-group-advancing-the-future-of-performance-pickleball-302646989.html

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Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff

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Pickleball Holiday Gifts

Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for pickleball enthusiasts? Look no further! As “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re shopping for a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider gifting them a high-quality pickleball paddle tailored to their playing style, with options ranging from control paddles to power paddles. Don’t forget to consider factors like weight, grip, and shape. In addition to paddles, there’s a wide array of pickleball-related merchandise available, from apparel to accessories. This holiday season, surprise your pickleball-loving friends and family with the best gear and accessories that’ll enhance their playing experience and keep them entertained for hours on the court.

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