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Voting has wrapped on The Nike Dink Awards. We’re tallying up the 13K+ votes and will announce the winners next week. Thank you to everyone who voted and stay tuned to see if you’re one of ten winners of a new Project 007 paddle and performance outfit from Selkirk.

Until then, weigh in on this poll to let us know which paddle you prefer when playing doubles.

In This Issue:

🔺 Food Pyramids? OUT. Pickleball Pyramids? IN
🏰 Singles results from The Fort
🎙️ Can’t miss Collin Johns on PicklePod

Let the weekend begin.

Our Picks ☝️

📖 Rules: UPA-A Releases Regulations for Pro Paddle Certification

Last year the UPA-A decided to take paddle regulation into their own hands. Yesterday, they released the official rulebook for UPA-A pro events that will go into effect on September 15, 2025.

The institution of output-based regulation is a major step in limiting the paddle arms race. Two significant limits set by the UPA-A include:

• Maximum Paddle Efficiency Factor (PEF) ≤ 0.385*

• Maximum Spin Rate ≤ 2100 RPM

Now it’s time to see which paddles fall within the new statutes.

📲 Milestone: DUPR App Reaches 5 Million Matches

On Wednesday we told you about DUPR reaching the 1 million users milestone. Yesterday, they reached another. Over 5 million matches have officially been logged in the app.

📋 Rankings: Federico Staksrud Takes the No.1 Spot

Federico Staksrud took the game by storm unseating Ben Johns as the No. 1 ranked singles player. He’s coming for a new crown in 2025. Thanks to results from the Daytona Beach Open and The Masters, Fed is currently the No. 1 ranked men’s doubles player on the PPA Tour.

🎰 Lottery: 6,029 Players Register for U.S. Open Lottery

Want to attend the biggest pickleball party in the world? You’ll need lady luck on your side. A record-breaking 6,029 players registered for the U.S. Open lottery. The first batch of winners will be announced on January 21.

Pickleball Skill Hierarchy

Welcome to the Pickleball Pyramid, the only triangle in your life that won’t ask you to buy overpriced vitamins or recruit your Aunt Linda. No, this is not one of Rodney Grubbs’ schemes (sorry, Rod).

New evidence is published yearly that debunks the Food Pyramid, but can the Pickleball Skill Pyramid hold up to skeptics?

The concept above is credited to Coach John Van Handel via Kelly Maciuba and depicts how skills should be developed to become a more complete player. What the image lacks in style it makes up for in substance and is a good way to visualize your training goals.

• We all want to hit a rocket drive or use spin to break our opponent’s ankles but until you’ve mastered the basics, those shots are going to do more damage than good.

• If you’re looking to add a new skill to your game, like a two-handed backhand, start at the bottom of the pyramid and master the base layers before attempting to add power.

Of course, this model comes with some criticism. Some believe that spin should top power on the pyramid. And coach Morgan Evans eloquently suggested, “All these things are branches on a tree but none of them are the trunk or the roots.”

What’s your take? Do you think skill development should follow this hierarchy?

Leave Your Old Shoes at the Door

Dink fam—Selkirk just changed the game with their latest shoe drop, the CourtStrike and CourtStrike Pro. Here’s why you should be paying attention.

Selkirk’s CourtStrike isn’t just another shoe. It’s designed from the ground up for the pickleball court, offering the kind of support and comfort that keeps you moving fast and playing hard. It features a lightweight performance mesh upper that breathes well under pressure, keeping you cool when the match heats up.

For those who play every game like they’re playing for gold, the CourtStrike Pro steps it up. It's equipped with 360-Degree 3D-Printed Overlays for extra stability to support your quickest moves and toughest plays. Its robust engineered mesh upper withstands the rigors of intense play.

Priced at $100 for the CourtStrike and $120 for the Pro, both models come packed with features that punch above their weight.

Lace up with Selkirk’s CourtStrike shoes, and let's see what you can really do on the court.

Billionaire Island to Outlaw Pickleball?

Looks like Nantucket might be serving up a major L for pickleball fans. The island’s Select Board is actually considering a total ban on pickleball courts after noise complaints from residents.

While some board members admit the “pop-pop” can be a bit much, is a ban the only solution? Planning Board Chair Dave Iverson called the proposal "half-baked," pushing instead for smarter court placement with proper noise control measures.

The proposal was weighed during a recent board meeting, and if approved, would go into effect across all zoning districts.

This debate isn’t just local—pickleball noise complaints are popping up all across the country and we spoke to a group actively fighting for quiet.

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Welcome to the Party

Another pro tennis player has crossed into the pickleball ranks. Not only is she competing, but she might just win. Let’s check in on the APP Fort Lauderdale Open.

A Spot on Championship Sunday
Sofia Sewing racked up 4 ITF titles and earned an ITF junior No.9 world ranking. She competed in 5 domestic pro events last year and won gold in women’s singles at the PWR India Masters.

Yesterday, Sewing gritted through her four singles matches to earn a spot in Championship Sunday. She’ll take on the No.1 seed, Megan Fudge, for gold.

We Meet Again
There’s no change at the top in men’s singles. No. 1 Chris Haworth and No. 2 Grayson Goldin will have another meeting on Sunday for the title. They won’t however be partnering in doubles.

Haworth will partner with Rob Nunnery while Goldin is bringing in the relatively unknown Stephen Madonia.

An Uphill Battle
Will Howells and Jill Braverman are favorites in the mixed doubles field. A couple of MLP teammates Megan Fudge/Jack Munro from the Chicago Slice will attempt to unseat the favorites as well as Yana Newell/Erik Lange from the SoCal Hard Eights.

The APP is also debuting its new global headquarters, a 43-court facility called The Fort. Find a complete preview of the event including where to watch matches and gold medal predictions here.

Nike Hits the Pickleball Court

Ever wonder what would happen if Nike took a swing at pickleball? Wonder no more. As the proud title sponsor of the Dink Awards, Nike is sprinting into the pickleball scene with style and innovation that’s shaking up the game.

Check out their sharp-looking shorts, polos, or skirts, and top it off with a Nike pickleball bucket hat to shield those victory smiles from the sun.

Wearing Nike is not just about looking good (though you totally will); it's about feeling unbeatable, too. Because when you step onto the court decked out in Nike from head to toe, you're not just playing—you’re making a statement.

Slide over to Nike's website and gear up with the confidence of the swoosh on your side.

Why The World’s No.1 Team Called it Quits

It’s a can’t miss episode when Collin Johns comes on the pod. We ask him what the deciding factor was in the Johns Bros break up, what went into choosing Gabe as Ben’s new partner, and all about the unwritten rules that the pros standby.

Plus, what’s a CJ episode without a little strategy talk? He provides high-level analysis on neutralizing opponents. Watch the episode here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Australia, India, and Asia - The New "Tour Wars" Frontiers

• The State of the Right Side — An Interview with Dylan Frazier

• PPA Masters Recap - ALW wins 3x, the Johns Bros go out with a bang, and Fed wins 3 Medals

• The Complete Buyers' Guide to Pickleball Bags 2025

Highlights

• She’s still got it 🩰

• Left him too much space 🧑‍🚀

Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered

• The 'correct' paddle shape

• Attack from the wings for better offense

• 3 easy tips to land more lobs

A review from the Dink Fam...

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