Brains & Balls - by Matty Yavorsky (Paperback)

About the Book

A pickleball strategy book that takes all of the complexities of the sport, and breaks them down into 5 easy-to-understand rules. The use of these Rules is discussed individually and together, and backed by thousands of matches of pickleball data at both amateur and professional levels.

Book Synopsis

Brains & Balls: The 5 Rules of Pickleball Strategy simplifies the complexity of doubles pickleball into five clear, actionable Rules. Backed by data from thousands of amateur and professional matches, these Rules provide a framework for making smarter decisions on court, without melting your brain in the process.

This book breaks down the fundamental principles of pickleball strategy, explores each Rule in depth, and shows how they interact in real-game scenarios. You'll also find insights on decision-making hierarchy, effective court coverage, dink strategy, team communication, and practice drills -- all delivered in short, digestible chapters with a dose of humor to keep things fun.

Whether you're looking to improve your own game, analyze match film more effectively, or coach others with greater confidence, the tools in this book will offer expert strategies to elevate your understanding of the sport.

The book's content is 100% original and authored & illustrated by Matty, who draws from 8 years of playing experience, including competing at the Men's Doubles 5.0 National Championships, and 4 years as a full-time pickleball coach. Brains & Balls is the strategy guide you've been looking for: smart, practical, and actually enjoyable to read.

About the Author

Matty picked up a pickleball paddle in 2018 and, like so many others, never really put it down. What started as a hobby quickly turned into an obsession, and eventually into a career. In 2021, he competed at the USA Pickleball National Championships in the 5.0 Men's Doubles division, proving that all those hours on the court (and more than a few paddle purchases) were worth it.
These days, you'll find him coaching pickleball full-time as the Director of Pickleball at a prominent club in Palm Desert, California, and a Summer Pickleball Pro in Hailey, Idaho. Whether in the desert heat or mountain air, he's spent the last four years helping players sharpen their skills, think more strategically, and - most importantly - have more fun on the court.
Before transitioning to coaching, Matty worked as a Physical Therapist. His background in physical therapy gave him a strong foundation in biomechanics and communication, as well as a skillset for breaking down complex ideas into simple, learnable concepts. This unique combination of mechanical thinking and clear instruction, combined with his exuberance and healthy sense of humor, has become the hallmark of his coaching style, and now, the pages of this book.
When off the pickleball court, Matty can usually be found outdoors hiking, backpacking, and mountain climbing with his wife, Juliana. Together, they've been chasing a long-term goal of summiting the highest point in every state. With just a few peaks left to reach, their journey has taken them to incredible wildernesses all across America.