38% to 51%, pros now use this shot half the time

Agassi Open Play Day. Inside pickleball's power struggle.

March 28, 2025

Well, we made it. Another week nearly in the books. In a few short days, it’ll be April—which, we’ll have you know, is National Pickleball Month.

Fitness chain Life Time is celebrating in a big way. It involves a former tennis legend, all 775 of their courts nationwide—and maybe even you.

Details below.

In This Issue:

  • The third shot favored by pros

  • Details: Agassi Open Play Day

  • The battle for control of pickleball

Make every month National Pickleball Month.

Our Picks ☝️

🇬🇧 Blimey: Pickleball Across the Pond

Pickleball participation in England increased 65% over the past three years, thanks largely to adoption among younger generations. How's that for the royal treatment?

🚫 Imposed: Tariffs Pinching Paddle Sales

Trade tensions are hitting Canadian pickleballers where it hurts. A 25% tariff on U.S.-made paddles means higher prices or lower-quality products.

👎 ‘Stupid’: Chelsea Handler Hates Fun

Comedian Chelsea Handler is hilarious but also a pickleball hater, saying it’s not exercise or even a sport: “I have tried [it], and that’s how I know it’s stupid.”

📻 Noted: Open Play Etiquette

Recreational pickleball is fun, social and a great way to blow off steam. Yet playing music during open play is a polarizing topic. So, we want to know…

How do you prefer your open play?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The Approach Shot Pros Favor 51%

Sometimes it’s less about technique and more about mirroring the best players in the world.

According to PPA Tour data, third shot drives increased from 38% in 2023 to 51% in 2024, showing a clear shift among pro players toward a more aggressive approach shot.

Why It Works

  • Drives apply immediate pressure on the returning team, especially when aimed at the opponent’s outside hip or paddle shoulder—the most awkward contact points.

  • These shots tend to force volleys from a higher contact point, giving the serving team more time to crash the net and establish position.

When to Use It

  • Favor the drive when your opponent’s return is short or you're in a strong, balanced position with a clean ball setup.

  • Avoid it against teams with elite hand speed at the net, or when you're off balance—turning a drive into an easy counterattack.

Mix and Misdirect

  • Alternating between drives and drops disrupts your opponent’s rhythm and reduces their anticipation advantage.

  • Studies show players who mixed third shot types won 12–18% more points on serve than players who used the same shot every time.

Play the numbers. Play better.

So Consistent, It's Almost Unfair

We all know the old saying: step on a crack... well, with these Selkirk Pro S1 balls, you won't have to worry about that for a whole year! Selkirk is serious about the durability of these things.

These balls boast a patented 38-hole pattern specifically designed for consistent flight and a predictable bounce. They use a fancy seamless rotomolding technology to make sure the ball is perfectly round and balanced, meaning it plays faster, holds its shape, and lasts longer.

Grab them in a convenient four-pack, a ready-to-play 12-pack, or stock up with the 100-pack. Stop worrying about cracked balls and start focusing on your game.

🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘view entire message’ or click here to read online

Clear Your Schedule—April 12 is Agassi Open Play Day

April is National Pickleball Month. And to celebrate, Life Time and Andre Agassi are teaming up for something mildly unhinged in the best way: fill all 775 of their pickleball courts nationwide at once.

They’re calling it Agassi Open Play Day, and they’re aiming to get tens of thousands of players all on the courts at once. It’s the latest manifestation of Life Time’s pickleball obsession. So far, the company has:

  • Announced $100 million in investments into the sport

  • Filed a patent for "The Ultimate Pickleball" and launched its own proprietary ball

  • Rolled out pickleball at 131 of its locations (75%) as of September 2024

  • Announced that 7% of its membership dues are driven by pickleball, a major driver of its stock value’s appreciation

  • Hosted multiple PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball events

The all-in-on-pickleball fitness chain will debut Agassi Open Play Day on Saturday, April 12, at noon EDT.

Record-breaking? TBD. Extremely on-brand for National Pickleball Month? Absolutely.

Sock Shocks No. 1 Seed at Red Rock Open

The pickleball world was stunned when Jack Sock announced his entry into the pro game. Could a talented tennis star like Sock quickly rise to No. 1?

Sock cracked the singles top 10 in his first year, but his biggest win to date occurred Wednesday. Sock defeated No. 1 seed Federico Staksrud and is on his way to the semifinals in Utah.

Reminder: The PPA Tour is experimenting with a new hybrid format this week, with semifinal matches in all five divisions played Saturday.

Joining Sock on semifinal Saturday is the new duo of Parris Todd and Dekel Bar, the highest seeds to reach the semifinals as the No. 6 seed.

Additional Headlines:

  • 14-year-old Cailyn Campbell (sister of Cason Campbell) upset Mary Brascia in the round of 32.

  • James Ignatowich has his best result of the year, reaching the quarterfinals in singles with wins over Jaume Martinez Vich and Zane Ford.

Men’s Singles Semifinals
(3) Connor Garnett vs. (7) Jack Sock
(2) Hunter Johnson vs. (5) Quang Duong

Women’s Singles Semifinals
(1) Anna Leigh Waters vs. (3) Lea Jansen
(2) Kaitlyn Christian vs. (4) Parris Todd

Mixed Doubles Semifinals
(1) Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson vs. (6) Parris Todd/Dekel Bar
(2) Catherine Parenteau/Christian Alshon vs. (4) Tyra Black/James Ignatowich

Find everything you need to know about the event, including predictions from our guy Erik Tice, here.

Our MUEV Spring Collection Faves

Okay, so last week we told you MUEV's Spring Collection was live. Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and show you some of the pieces we're currently obsessed with.

Ladies, for ultimate comfort and style, we’re loving the Grace Pleated Pant with its flattering wide-leg silhouette. And the Tulip Compression Shorts are a game-changer with their supportive liner and handy side pockets.

Guys, to stay dry and keep your essentials secure, the Flex Bonded Pocket Tee with its zippered pockets is a winner. And you can’t beat the Base Line Short with its stretchy fabric and perfect 6-inch inseam.

Refresh your spring pickleball wardrobe now and don't forget to use code THEDINK at checkout for 20% off your entire MUEV order!

The Battle for Control of Pickleball

The world of racket sports convened in Miami last week for RacquetX, and pickleball turned out in a big way.

Topics ranged from AI's role in athlete recovery to pickleball’s ongoing noise challenges, but one panel particularly caused a stir: “Pickleball at a Crossroads: Navigating the Wild West of Equipment, Standards, and Regulations.”

Featuring representatives from major paddle brands JOOLA, Selkirk and Gearbox, along with governing bodies USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association, the discussion was lively—and occasionally contentious.

  • Tension Over UPA-A's Independence: UPA-A’s Jason Aspes claimed independence from PPA/MLP leadership, but Selkirk’s Tom Barnes immediately called it false—sparking on-stage tension and raising doubts about UPA-A's credibility.

  • Pro Standards Marketed to Amateurs: Panelists questioned why UPA-A-certified paddles—meant for pros—are being sold to amateurs. Moderator Nick Bicanic said flatly: “This is about selling paddles.”

  • Agreement on Standard Unification: Despite friction, USAP and UPA-A leaders agreed their paddle standards are nearly identical—and could be merged. The split appears more political than technical.

Everyone wants pickleball to grow—bigger tournaments, larger crowds, Olympic aspirations—but one thing was unanimous: fragmented paddle standards hurt everyone, and there’s no simple fix.

Headlines & Quick Hits

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