5 symptoms of pickleball delusion

Get the target off your back. New investor joins MLP.

May 24, 2024

Memorial Day weekend means three things …

  • Barbecues

  • Beers

  • Roughly 72 hours straight of pickleball

It has been radio silence when it comes to a decision on the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles that were de-listed last week. For the time being, they are still not allowed at USAP-sanctioned events, but you can expect to still hear the hollow thud at rec games.

If you’re looking for us on Monday, we will be mid-pickleball binge. Enjoy your long weekend and we will see you next Wednesday.

Want to improve your decision-making in pickleball? Here's some advice from Sandra P:

In This Issue:

🎯 Turn targeting into an advantage
🌊 A new wave of pickleball investing
🗽 Updates from New York City

Light it up.

"Squeeze" to Stop the Targeting

Targeting the weaker player is inevitable in pickleball, especially in competitive play. It's a good strategy -- but what if you're on the other end of it?

You squeeze. Let us explain:

Players C & D are targeting Player B and avoiding Player A at the kitchen. So, A-B should shift to their right.

Player A is now responsible for 75 percent or more of the court. Player B's duty becomes hitting consistent shots back, typically crosscourt to player C.

By shifting, A-B have reduced the amount of space that C-D can hit the ball to. They've made the target smaller. C-D now have to be more accurate with their shots to continue to target B. This increases the chance for errors and decreases their comfort level.

The mounting pressure will likely cause C-D to play a ball back crosscourt to stretch Player A out wide. This will open the game back up and level the playing field. If C-D opts for the middle, A-B can dictate where the ball goes next.

If your weaker player is being targeted and you aren't at least occasionally cycling through a squeeze, then you're allowing your opponent to have their way.

If you are B in this scenario, then it's up to you to recognize this, shelf your ego, and allow your partner to assume a higher percentage of the court.

Selkirk’s New AMPED Pro Air Series

The highly anticipated Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Paddle series is here, and we're digging the new vibrant colorways.

These top-tier paddles are available in two shapes: the Invikta, designed for those who crave more power, reach, and spin, and the Epic, which offers a perfect balance of power and control.

Plus, both models now feature the innovative Air Dynamic Throat, enhancing airflow for quicker swing speeds and greater flexibility.

Bay Area Breaks the Mold

Major League Pickleball teams have been a tremendous investment for owners who got in early. One squad cashed in yesterday with an equity stake investment.

The Bay Area Breakers welcomed NextShark, a news platform dedicated to Asian and Asian American communities, to the team’s ownership group.

  • The Breakers were originally founded by Mimi Mercado, David Mercado, and Ritchie Tuazon 

  • The team added NBA Champion Jeremy Lin to the ownership group last year

Team co-owner Geoffrey Nguyen said this about the investment, “Our goal is to build a team that not only excels on the court but also inspires and unites the community. With NextShark’s support, we are excited to elevate the sport of pickleball and make a lasting impact.”

The Breakers have certainly excelled since joining MLP. The squad won two Challenger Level titles last year and have jumped into first place at the Challenger Level to start this year. At this pace, they will be promoted to the Premier Level as early as next season.

Goldin eyes back-to-back titles

Grayson Goldin is quickly becoming a problem for opponents on the APP Tour. Goldin is coming off a men’s singles title in Cincinnati and is looking to go back-to-back in NYC.

Men’s Singles Showdown
Vuk Velickovic came up one win short of another men’s singles final in NYC. He was stopped by tournament favorite Chris Haworth in the semis. Haworth had wins over Will Howells and Frank Anthony Davis earlier in the day and will meet Goldin to decide the men’s champion tonight.

Men’s Singles Final
Chris Haworth vs Grayson Goldin
Bronze: Alexander Crum

Newell’s Time to Shine?
Yana Newell has been a top singles player in the game for a few years now. She will have a chance to shine this weekend in NYC in the women’s singles final.

Newell fought her way to the finals by collecting a key win over Judit Castillo and newcomer Maria Klokotzky. She will face her women’s doubles partner Megan Fudge for gold tonight.

Women’s Singles Final
Megan Fudge vs Yana Newell
Bronze: Bobbi Oshiro

Shuffle the Deck
The APP will debut their NYC Shuffle event to decide the top doubles player in the men’s and women’s game. Keep an eye out for that unique event on Sunday.

Streaming for the NYC Open begins today at 1:00 pm ET on APPTV.

Catch the national broadcast windows:

  • Friday - 6:00-8:00 pm ET, CBS Sports Network

  • Saturday - 7:00-9:00 pm ET, FS1

  • Sunday - 2:30-4:30 pm ET, FS1

We’re Serving Up Surprises

Are you tired of scouring the web for the latest pickleball gear?

Wish someone would just send it straight to your doorstep? Your pickleball fairy godmother has arrived. Pickleball’s #1 subscription box is here.

With The Essentials Box or The Pro Box, you'll score a bunch of pickleball gear without breaking the bank.

Delusions of Pickleball Grandeur

No. 5 – You only play games

Playing games is important, and you will improve. But the number of touches you get for each particular shot and situation in a game is nothing compared to the number you could get when drilling.

Next time you play a game, count the number of third-shot opportunities you get. You might get 10-15 in a 20-minute game, and that's if the other team targets you.

You can get 10-15 times that number in 20 minutes of drilling.

No. 4 - You play the same people

When you repeatedly play the same person or duo, you'll learn how they like to play. We all know that person who drives every single shot. We also all know the person who speeds up every chance they get.

When you know what's coming, it's easier to win. To improve at pickleball, you must mix up who you play with.

No. 3 - You don't make enough mistakes

If you aren't pushing yourself or trying new things, you aren't learning. To improve, you have to learn.

You must allow yourself to mess up every once in a while.

No. 2 - You judge yourself by your best shot

As you go up in levels and play stronger players, you better believe they'll find your worst shot and use it against you repeatedly. So, if you truly want to become a stronger player, you need to find your worst shot and improve it.

No. 1 - Your only consistency is your inconsistency

And the main reason you aren't as good at pickleball as you think is because your pickleball game's only consistency is your inconsistency.

Ever wonder why it’s the same pros winning events every weekend, why the same 5.0s win the local tournaments? You can’t fake it or get lucky when it comes to consistency.

Headlines & Quick Hits

Highlights

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