Connie's corner of happy

Good rallies.
Happy tails.
Best days.

A little place for two of my favorite things: the joy of pickleball and the irresistible charm of puppies.

Let's hit the court ↗Meet the cute side
A little competition. A lot of affection.
MORE COURT TIME   ✦   MORE TAIL WAGS   ✦   MORE LITTLE JOYS
01 / Pickleball

Find your happy place
at the kitchen line.

Good movement, a calm mind, and one more rally. Three simple ideas to bring to your next game.

01

Move with purpose

Advance when your shot gives you time. Settle your feet as your opponent makes contact so you're ready for the next ball.

Court cue: Move. Settle. Read.
02

Stay connected

Shift with your partner as the ball moves across the court. Think of the two of you as a team covering space together.

Court cue: Follow the ball together.
03

Reset the moment

After a tough point, take a breath and pick one clear intention for the next rally. You don't need to fix everything at once.

Court cue: New point. Clear mind.
One thought for your next rally

Connie’s Court Cue

Move. Settle. Read.

Advance when your shot gives you time. Time your split step so you land balanced as your opponent strikes the ball, then react to the shot.

1 of 6
zzOfficial illustration. Unofficial cuteness champion.
02 / Puppies

Small paws.
Big happiness.

Floppy ears, clumsy little steps, and naps that look like a full-time job. Puppies have a way of making an ordinary day feel pretty wonderful.

Consider this your invitation to slow down, enjoy the cute things, and appreciate a good tail wag.

My pickleball bookmarks

Connie’s Pickleball Favorites

Places to play, lessons to learn, matches to watch, and gear to explore. Find your next favorite.

WebsiteConnie’s Pick
Play & compete

One More Pickleball Club

My local St. Cloud pickleball community

Open website
Website
Play & compete

Pickleheads

Find games, courts, groups, and leagues

Open website
Website
Play & compete

Pickleball Tournaments

Tournament registration and events

Open website
Website
Play & compete

USA Pickleball

Official rules and pickleball resources

Open website
Website
Learn & improve

PB Vision

AI-powered match analysis, replays, and statistics

Open website
Website
Learn & improve

The Dink

Strategy articles, drills, and pickleball news

Open website
Website
Learn & improve

Better Pickleball

Skills, techniques, and tactical instruction

Open website
Website
Learn & improve

PrimeTime Pickleball

Coaching videos and training programs

Open website
Website
Watch pickleball

PPA Tour

Professional tournaments, players, and schedules

Open website
Website
Watch pickleball

Major League Pickleball

Team-based professional competition

Open website
Website
Watch pickleball

Pickleball TV

Professional pickleball coverage

Open website
Website
Gear & shopping

Pickleball Central

Paddles, shoes, bags, and equipment

Open website
Website
Gear & shopping

Slinger

Ball machines and training equipment

Open website
YouTubeConnie’s Pick
Learn & improve

John Cincola Pickleball

Excellent for doubles strategy, positioning, shot selection, and understanding why certain plays work.

My pick for tactical decision-making.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Learn & improve

Tanner Pickleball

Practical tips for improving consistency, attacking, defending, and playing smarter doubles.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Learn & improve

Enhance Pickleball

Clear explanations of common mistakes, footwork, and how to win more points with better decisions.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Learn & improve

ThatPickleballGuy

Kyle Koszuta’s entertaining lessons cover strategy, movement, drills, and developing a stronger mental game.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Learn & improve

Briones Pickleball

Great for kitchen-line skills, resets, transition-zone play, and doubles tactics.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Learn & improve

Pickleball Kitchen

Helpful explanations of techniques, mistakes, and ways to improve recreational and competitive play.

Watch on YouTube
YouTube
Watch pickleball

Major League Pickleball on YouTube

Team competition and doubles strategy.

Watch on YouTube

YouTube search links help you find each creator. Links open in a new tab.

A little about me

About Connie

Hi, I’m Connie! I’m happiest with a paddle in my hand or a puppy nearby. Pickleball keeps me moving, learning, and connecting with people. I’m always working on my game, but the laughs and friendships matter just as much as the score.

Paddles & Paws brings together two things that make me smile: good rallies and happy tails. Welcome to my little corner of both!

03 / A little joy break

Your next happy thought.

A great rally and a wagging tail can turn a whole day around.