Can these 5 strategies make you a 5.0?

MLP trade frenzy. Busy college pickleball weekend.

September 30, 2024

As the Major League Pickleball trade deadline passed yesterday, one team capitalized on the opportunity, while some struggling teams seized the chance to shake up their rosters.

A Callie Smith trade started a chain reaction that allowed the Utah Black Diamonds to get paid, not once, not twice, but three times. We break it down below.

In This Issue:

🔁 Players on the move at the Premier Level
đŸ–ïž 5 Advanced Strategies to Become a 5.0 Player
📈 Results from MLP Virginia Beach

School is in session.

Our Picks ☝

📾 Image: Pickleball Returns to the National Mall

X: @TheNationalMall

đŸŽ„ Video: Your Serve is Probably Illegal

But do you know why? → watch this

đŸ« It’s College Pickleball Season!

DUPR Collegiate: Duke, UVA, Liberty, and UNC get the bid

  • The DUPR Virginia Super Regional Qualifier concluded yesterday and awarded 4 bids to the DUPR Collegiate National Championships.

  • The University of Virginia topped the University of North Carolina in the finals to win $2500. All four semifinalists including Duke and Liberty also earned their bid.

APP Collegiate: Grand Canyon advances in APP qualifier

  • Over on the West Coast, the APP held their U.S. Collegiate Championships West Regional Qualifier. Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Utah Tech, Purdue, Loyola Marymount, and GCU all sent teams to compete in Glendale, AZ.

  • Grand Canyon University walked away with the win and the semifinalists snagged automatic bids to the APP National Championships.

5 Advanced Strategies to Reach 5.0

The road to 5.0 is long and arduous. You’ve got to work your way up and take your lumps before you’re ready to run with the big dogs. Here are five tips to help speed up the process:

1. Adopt a Systematic Approach

Enter each game with a systematic approach. If your first strategy fails, know what you’re going to try next. Stay on the same page with your partner so you can attack as a united front. See an example of the systematic approach here.

2. Expand Contact Point Capabilities

Don’t just practice shots that are hit straight at you—focus on the ones that require you to stretch and lunge. Replicating tougher shots in practice means you’re more likely to be game-ready.

3. Neutralize Speedy Attacks

Attacking a 5.0 can feel futile. They seem to be ready for the attack and have an answer for the aggression. Channel that energy and don’t be intimidated by big drives and power play.

Against aggressive drives, hold your position at the line, bend your knees, and block the ball into the open court.

4. Deceptive Speed Ups

If you’re going to attack at higher levels, deception is your friend. Be aware of your body language.

Advanced players will hold their shot until the last second to read their opponent. If they are in position and prepped, settle for a dink. If you catch them leaning or sliding early, fire away.

5. Strategic Lobbing

Regardless of how you feel about them, lobs work. Which is one reason they’re so annoying. If you want to be the best player possible, you must have them in your arsenal.

Master the diagonal lob and give your opponent fits as they try to decide if the ball is landing in and who should run back to cover it.

Your Game, Your Way

Introducing the GAMMA Airbender 10 and 13, the latest additions to the Airbender family. With customizable weight options, you can match these paddles to your playing style. Go for power with the Airbender 10 or choose the Airbender 13 for all-court versatility.

Change your game with the GAMMA Airbender. Shop the paddles today. *accessory kits sold separately

Sell, Sell, Sell for the Black Diamonds

The Utah Black Diamonds became the first team eliminated from the MLP playoffs, and in response, management seized the opportunity to cash in on their players with three trades yesterday.

Utah traded:

  • Callie Smith to Columbus Sliders for Andrea Koop and cash considerations

  • Andrea Koop to Brooklyn Aces for Lina Padegimaite and cash considerations

  • Lina Padegimaite to California Black Bears for Genie Erokhina and cash considerations

But Utah wasn’t the only busy team.

  • Orlando Squeeze traded Parris Todd to Columbus Sliders for Meghan Dizon and cash considerations

  • Carolina Pickleball Club traded Jessie Irvine to Arizona Drive for Kaitlyn Christian

Miami is Back on Top

Virginia Beach warmly welcomed pro pickleball action over the weekend, hosting an MLP Challenger-only event. The PPA Tour will piggyback this event with the Virginia Beach Cup, where qualifier rounds are currently underway.

Inserting Top Talent
When the Fab 5 were inserted into the Challenger Level during the last waiver period, there was no doubt they would have a big impact.

In Virginia Beach, it was two of the five, Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge who topped the player standings chart.

  • Braverman went 10-4 and won 55.08% of points

  • Fudge went 11-3 and won 53.23% of points

Unsurprisingly, it is the five teams that landed the Fab 5 who are now leading the league. Here are the top 5 based on points per match:

  1. Miami Pickleball Club (Bobbi Oshiro)

  2. SoCal Hard Eights (Yana Newell)

  3. Chicago Slice (Megan Fudge)

  4. Atlanta Bouncers (Susannah Barr)

  5. Bay Area Breakers (Jill Braverman)

MLP Virginia Beach Results

The next stop for MLP is Las Vegas on the tail end of the PPA Championships, Oct 14-16.

The Project Roadrunner Is Here

Dink Fam
have you caught wind of Proton’s newest paddle? It’s their Series Four paddle, also known as 'Project Roadrunner,' and it's turning heads in the pickleball world. This isn't just any paddle—it’s crafted from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and Kevlar, built for players who are serious about taking their game to the next level.

The Series Four stands out with its unique hybrid core that perfectly balances power and soft touch, making every shot smooth and powerful. Plus, the edgeless design is not just about looks; it enhances your play by increasing dwell time for better accuracy and control.

And the best part? It's incredibly durable. The combination of carbon fiber reinforced with Kevlar fibers and finished with a ruggedized resin means this paddle can handle intense play while maintaining top-notch spin and performance.

Head over to Pickleball Central to grab this game-changing paddle, and don’t forget to use the code THEDINK to snag $25 off your purchase.

Why Are Your Serves so Illegal?

You know you've made it in pickleball when they change a rule because of you. Will Howells’ performance at MLP NYC was one of the reasons a new rule was in place days after the event.

Learn how Will has adopted pickleball after a tennis career at Notre Dame, find out who is behind the Will Howells fan page on IG, and hear all about The 5s experience in the Big Apple. Catch the premiere now.

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