4 tips for navigating the transition zone

We found ALW's Times Square billboard. Bloodshed at MLP Daytona Beach.

June 06, 2025

There was bloodshed in Daytona Beach for the first day of MLP, as Allyce Jones gave one point her signature all-out effort and left a bit of her elbow on the court in the process.

She’s fine, but a few of the top teams are not. We dive into the madness below, including the New Jersey 5s taking a tough loss at the hands of an unlikely opponent.

In This Issue:
— The Dink MiLP’s record-setting weekend
— Don’t survive the transition zone, dominate it
— Zane and Erik sound off on the PicklePod

More pickleball, please.

Our Picks ☝️

👀 Debate: Should Pros Protect Their Eyes?

In this week’s PicklePod, one listener wonders why more pros don’t wear protective eyewear. Turns out, it’s kind of like flossing—they know they should, but it’s a heck of a lot easier not to. Zane Navratil answers your questions.

🗽 Surprise: MLP Moves Event to NYC

Major League Pickleball announced a venue change for a marquee summer event: Over July 4th weekend, action will take place on Randall’s Island Park in NYC rather than Washington, DC. Cue the fireworks. 

🎦 CLipTHAT: One Man Wrecking Crew

Sometimes, you get going in a point and just can’t stop. Such was the case for this fella, who took over a mixed doubles rally just long enough to survive the onslaught and win the point. Full heart, fast hands, can’t lose. 

⭐️ Superstar: ALW’s Mass Appeal

Pro pickleball is leaning into its 18-year-old superstar, Anna Leigh Waters. This week alone, she signed with VaynerSports, the agency co-founded by New Jersey 5s owner Gary Vaynerchuk, and popped up on a Times Square billboard. Her larger-than-life summer rolls on.

4 Tips to Dominate the Transition Zone

Beginners are often told to beware of the transition zone—the tricky territory between the baseline and the kitchen line. But as your skills progress, this is where you can set yourself apart and start setting up points for winners.

Catherine Parenteau is an elite transition zone player, a skill she honed during years of playing alongside Anna Leigh Waters. Here, she lays out her top four tips to dominate your way up to the net.

✅ Don’t rush it. Stop and set your feet for every shot on your way to the kitchen. This will help you get set for a short-hop reset or a volley out of the air. Slow down and focus on your court positioning. It’s not a race.

✅ Lead with your legs. Shuffle step laterally as needed rather than reaching or lunging for a ball in the transition zone. You’re not hitting winners from here; stay balanced and expect the ball to come back.

✅ Start with your paddle low. Ready position at the kitchen puts your paddle in front of your chest. But in the transition zone, it should start at your knees or below, since your opponent will be targeting shots at your feet.

✅ Swing small and soft. It’s hard to counter power with power from here. Instead, keep your paddle out in front of your body and prioritize placement, trying to guide transition zone shots back into the kitchen rather than killing them.

Don’t fear the transition zone, use it to your advantage. These tips will help.

Ready For A New Kind of Joyride?

You know that feeling of effortlessly gliding across the court? Imagine that, but on two wheels.

We've been checking out the Velotric Discover 2 eBike, and honestly, this thing is a game-changer for getting around. Less sweat getting to the courts, more energy for the game.

This isn't your average bike. It's built for comfort, turning errands into adventures. Picture cruising to the courts, zipping to coffee, or exploring new spots without breaking a sweat. Plenty of power, great range, and cool colors like mint or cherry crimson. Super easy to use, too.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball’s Record-Setting Weekend

Consider this your sign to get involved with The Dink Minor League Pickleball.

This past weekend, nearly 1,000 players battled it out at 15 stops across the globe — including three in China. From coast to coast (and continent to continent), The Dink MiLP takeover is real.

That record-setting turnout is a testament to the broad appeal of team-based pickleball. We’re now at 126 events on the year, with no signs of slowing down—we’ll host 300 before 2025 comes to a close.

It all culminates at the 2025 The Dink MiLP National Championships, taking place December 3-7 at The Pickler Universe in Dallas, Texas.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Get a team and get involved. 

Why The Picklr Went All-In on Tokyo

The Picklr is already the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, with a whopping 500 global locations and counting.

Not one to rest on his laurels, co-founder and CEO Jorge Barragan is pushing the pace in 2025, recently announcing 20 locations coming to Tokyo, Japan.

A year ago, pickleball in international markets like India, the UK and Australia was viewed as a hobby. Now it’s a full-blown business. And Japan “is a great launch pad for the Asian markets,” Jorge told Zane on this week’s PicklePod.

While Vietnam and Malaysia are leading that charge right now, The Picklr is bullish on building The Picklr Japan into the next global hub—built on the back of its existing tennis infrastructure and mass cultural appeal of racket sports.

Also on this week’s PicklePod:

  • Has Major League Pickleball lost its luster?

  • Why more pros don’t protect their eyes

  • A reward for the missing pro paddle testing machine?

Get Him What He Really Wants This Year

Father’s Day is sneaking up. If you’re gonna show up with something good this year, Selkirk’s got your back.

They’re running 30% off select apparel, hats, and bags—and we’re talking the good stuff. Lightweight shirts, comfy joggers, breathable caps, even a bucket hat if he’s feelin’ breezy. Whole outfit? Done.

And word is... some paddles are on sale too. We won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s worth peeking.

MLP Daytona Beach: Come-from-Behind Upsets & Bloodshed on the Court

If day one was any indication, MLP Daytona is shaping up to be a banger.

The Utah Black Diamonds rolled the New York Hustlers 4-0. No surprise there. But a mixed game between Zane Ford/Dominique Schaefer and Connor Garnett/Allyce Jones was one of the wildest we’ve ever seen. Full splits, an extended injury timeout, countless lobs, and even blood on the court, thanks to the spirited defense of Jones.

Kate Fahey and Anna Bright lost their first women’s doubles game of the season, dropping a tight one to the surging duo of Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto. The LA Mad Drops went on to win the match, capping the upset in a DreamBreaker, 21-12.

The Utah Black Diamonds rebounded after going down 0-2 to push the New Jersey 5s to a DreamBreaker. There, they dominated — at one point, Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong had back-to-back 4-0 sweeps. Final: 21-13.

Ben and Collin Johns lead their Carolina Hogs in two tough matches today against the Texas Ranchers and St. Louis Shock. Will the brothers come to play?

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