13yrs ago paddles looked like this

I have a new paddle coming in the mail, but I’m kind of ashamed to admit how excited I am.

On one hand, it’s not the paddle that counts, and I’m always more excited to actually play pickleball than focus on the gear…

...But on the other hand: OOOH, SHINY!

Out of curiosity, I’d like to ask you, our readers, a question: when was the last time you bought a new paddle? 

In today's issue:

• Returning the slice

• Paddle throwback

• MLP shuffle draft results

Let's go!

Simone on Slice

A common piece of advice in pickleball is to slice your return, pushing the ball deep into the court and keeping the bounce low.

What you don't hear is what to do if you're the team receiving that ball. For that, let's consult the Queen of Pickleball, Simone Jardim. Her new video advises players on how to return a sliced ball.

When a ball with slice hits the ground, it is going to skip, kinda like a stone on a lake. The ball will stay lower to the ground than a regular ball will. It will also move laterally.

The direction of the ball's bounce will change depending on whether it was hit with a forehand or backhand.

Jardim recomemeds that you:

Start by identifying their shot. Pay attention to the spin they add, noting if it's from the forehand or backhand

Stay light on your feet. You will need to adjust to the ball after it bounces. Beginners will move with the ball in the air, but won't be prepared to react as the ball bounces.

Create the proper amount of space. Depending on the scenario, the ball could skip toward your body or jump further away from you. You may need to respond by backing up so you don't get jammed, or by moving closer to the ball so it doesn't escape your reach.

Let's look at an example. A forehand slice is coming your way. It is set to bounce on your right side, perfectly lined up for your forehand in this case.

That ball is going skip from right to left. It is going to jam you and make your shot more difficult....that is, if you don't react.

To combat this, leave extra room for the ball to bounce. Then adjust after the bounce to account for how effective their slice was.

Being more proactive on the court will help you level up. If you are still getting sliced to pieces out there, give this technique from Simone a try.

A Paddle for Power AND Spin

After over two years of research and collaboration with top pros like Tyson McGuffin, Selkirk's VANGUARD Power Air addresses the need for both power and spin.

This is the future of pickleball technology. Be a part of it. Learn more here.

More Than Just a Paddle

You may remember our post depicting pickleball in the 1970s. One of the striking images from that collection showed a wooden paddle which looked like it weighed 50lbs. 

But after seeing this post in the Pickleball Underground Facebook group showing a paddle from 2010, we were surprised by how “retro” it looked:

Mind you, the poster Brandon Swanson explains that this paddle was used often and that he had to re-glue the edge guard several times. So it’s bound to look older than it is.

But looking at this paddle in comparison to contemporary ones, we’re reminded of just how far paddle technology has come within the last 13 years. 

You certainly don’t need the most advanced paddle on the market to have fun and play well, though. Just ask Brandon, who says in the post, “We weren’t too fussy in those days…I’ll probably keep this one forever. It’s a reminder of who I am. It reminds me of old friends. Sometimes a paddle is more than a paddle.”

MLP Shuffle Draft Results

The MLP's first Shuffle Draft of the year has begun. If you missed last Friday's newsletter and are unfamiliar, the Shuffle Draft allows teams in the Challenger Level to adjust their roster by dropping one player and entering a draft for a new one.

The trade window for the current draft fully closes on March 10th. But here's what's happened so far:

• Columbus Pickleball Club placed Becky Ryan on the waiver wire, picked Jill Braverman, and traded Jill for Megan Fudge, formerly of Dallas Pickleball Club.

• Miami Pickleball Club placed Matt Manasse on the waiver wire, then selected Brendon Long.

• Dallas Pickleball Club placed Chuck Taylor on the waiver wire, then chose Daniel De La Rosa.

• AZ Drive placed Sarah Burr on the waiver wire, then picked up Heather Nobler.

• D.C. Pickleball Team placed Monica Paolicelli on the waiver wire, then took Amanda Hendry.

• Texas Ranchers placed Steve Deakin on the waiver wire, then selected Scott Doerner.

• Brooklyn Aces placed Cierra Gaytan-Leach on the waiver wire, then chose Hurricane Tyra Black.

There will be no change in Premier Level teams for the first three events in 2023.

Pickleball Wear that Lasts

Think of the last time you found an article of clothing that felt tailor-made for you. Was it made in the USA? Did it last very long?

American Giant wants to help pickleball enthusiasts connect on the court in style by creating a durable and polished collection that’s as inclusive as the sport it’s named for.

Each durable cotton piece is designed to breathe, stretch, and hold up to your hardest-hitting moments on the court. These hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts & tees make excellent gifts, too!

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Make money by listing your home court for rent💸

• The great pickleball war has reached the D.C. area

• Pickleball is growing on Florida's college campuses

• Earn on what you need, spend on what you love...pickleball

• Wellesley, MA in a pickle as neighbors complain of noise created by pickleball games

Highlights

• If you don’t love this, you aren’t a real pickleballer

• So you wanna play singles, do ya??

• Painting the line with a PERFECT two-hander

• And I thought pickleball rallies were intense...

A review from the Dink Fam: