An ATP worthy of Sportscenter's Top 10

The thing about Major League Pickleball is that it leaves you hanging on every point.

Yesterday marked the start of the the celebrity-backed, newly revamped Major League Pickleball's first event of 2023.

And the highlights are already flooding in. Here's Christian Alshon from the Bay Area Breakers cracking Sportscenter's Top 10 with an ATP.

We've told you once. We've told you twice. Now is the time: vote on The Dink Awards, the People's Choice Awards of pickleball.

Let's go!

Pump Those Brakes

You and your partner are back by the baseline. Your opponents get cheeky and sprinkle a drop shot in the kitchen.

The alarms go off and you sprint for the dropper. You make it to the descending ball just in the nick of time.

Here's where things get interesting. The pitfall that beginners fall into is making it all the way to the ball, then popping it up - straight up to their opponent, only to have it smashed back at their face.

In this critical moment, you need to remember three things:

Soften the grip. Your forward momentum is going to make the ball carry farther than expected. Soften your grip and give the shot a little less oomph than on a stationary shot.

Play the angle. Use the width of the court. Push the ball cross-court to allow more room for error.

Pump the brakes. If possible, slow down before hitting the shot. Running through the ball will leave you out of position for the next ball. Slowing down will result in a more controlled shot and easier recovery to stay in the point.

Don't panic next time you see the drop. Stay calm and put this tip back into play.

Find your next game in seconds

All your questions about where, when, and with whom to play pickleball: answered with one app.

Let PicklePlay help you find your next court, event, and even a squad to play with. Learn more here.

Major League Pickleball is Underway

Yesterday the 12 teams of MLP's Challenger Level took over the Legacy Sports Complex in Mesa, AZ. Each team completed three round-robin matches in the group stage. The top six finishers from yesterday advanced to the knockout stage.

• The Bay Area Breakers and Chicago Slice finished on top of the leaderboard and will receive a bye.

• The Utah Black Diamonds/Orlando Squeeze and Atlanta Bouncers/Brooklyn Aces will battle it out in the quarterfinals today.

• The Sam Querrey experiment proved to be only slightly premature as the DC club went 1-2 and narrowly missed advancing.

Today, the league's top players, the Premier Level, begin their journey toward an MLP Championship. Each team will battle in two group-stage matches today and a final group-stage match on Saturday to determine who advances to the knockout stage.

Team standings from this event will contribute to their season-long total to determine next year's Premier Level and draft order. Finish the newsletter then clear your schedule. It's MLP weekend.

Multiple courts will be streamed throughout the weekend. Click here to watch.

Pardon My Take

The Pardon My Take podcast from Barstool Sports is one of the most popular shows in the sports world. It consistently ranks as the #1 podcast in sports on Apple Podcasts. Despite a long delay in discovering America's fastest-growing sport, the hosts, Big Cat and PFT Commenter, have officially bought in. They invested in the DC Pickleball Team and shared the news on a recent episode.

Listener discretion is advised. The language and subject matter is not always fit for the faint of heart.

Power Wheels

Pro pickleball salaries might not compare to those of an NBA or NFL pro but that doesn't mean the best in the game aren't getting hooked up. The top women's player in the game, Anna Leigh Waters, turned 16 yesterday. Happy Birthday, ALW!

For her birthday, Carvana hooked up the freshly licensed driver in a big way. With a brand new car. I wish Carvana was my dad. Now players can take a little more pride in saying they lost to a 16-year-old instead of a 15-year-old. Be safe out there, Anna Leigh!

Athletic Wear Designed for Pickleball Players

AVI is elevating Pickleball by creating exceptional athletic wear. They believe everyone — from professional athletes to casual enthusiasts — deserves well-constructed, expertly designed clothing made just for their sport.

With pockets created specifically to hold pickleballs, comfortable fabrics, and ultra-lightweight feel, AVI is elevated performance wear for both on AND off the court!

Do You Have a Future in Pro?

There are a growing number of players stuck in pro pickleball purgatory: not quite good enough yet to land a spot on any of the pro tours, but consistently defeating 5.0 level opponents.

Now, there’s a new way for you to test your pro-level mettle.

Similar to APP’s Next Gen program, PPA’s new Futures is an amateur/pro hybrid tour focusing on developing the next wave of professional players.

Instead of high-pressure matches with big money on the line, Futures players will be treated to gifts, socials, round robins, and other experiences that will be included with their registration fees.

Plus, there’s a $10,000 purse and 150 player points on the line at every Futures Tour event.

PPA will host 14 Futures events in different areas of the country this year beginning March 2-5 in West Jordan, Utah and March 9-12 in Miami, Florida. Click here for the full schedule.

Everything You Need For Pickleball Under One Roof

Rhino Pickleball has paddles, balls and portable nets perfect for players at all levels. It's the best selection of training aids to support player development.

Up your game with court markers, cones, and other fitness accessories that take drill work to the next level.

The Most Versatile Man in Pickleball

Dylan Frazier caught the pickleball bug harder than anyone ever has. He started as a 13 year old 3.5 player and is now sharing center court with the best in the game. Learn more about Big D and what 2023 looks like for 'The Most Versatile Man in Pickleball' on the latest episode of It Feels Right.

Watch here or listen here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Florida cities learning how to profit from pickleball - Tampa Bay Times

• What happens when the Carolina Hurricanes step foot on the pickleball court

• How pickleball is invading the real estate world

• Noise complaints lead to the demise of Lake Oswego pickleball courts

Highlights

• A solid point at this week's MLP event

• Have your camera ready...

• Pardon My Take joins pickleball

• Absolutely unfair

Homecourt Havens

Check out this tropical color scheme in Palm Springs. Do we like this one, or not so much? As it turns out, you can rent it.

A review from the Dink Fam...