The fastest human in the world can run 23 miles per hour. A hare, a sparrow, and a gazelle all move at about 35-40 mph. 

Most intermediate pickleball players’ shots can reach speeds up to 40 mph.

It may not seem very fast when you compare it to, say, pro baseball pitches (over double that). But 40 mph is faster than you think.

Now, you can say your shots are at least as fast as a gazelle…and you’re not overcompensating.

In This Issue:

• Perfecting ATPs

• PB can save malls

• This weekend will be very, very fun

• Greg Dow’s mysterious feud

Let’s get into it!

ATP Perfection

The ATP is one of the most beautiful shots in pickleball. It's hard to find one more beautiful than a match-ender to advance to the gold medal.

Check out the view on this stunner from Rob Nunnery at the APP Sacramento Open.

Let's break this shot down so you can start ending matches in style, too.

On this ATP, like any other, the key is patience. Our ATP rule of thumb: wait as long as you can. And then wait a little longer.

Every inch the ball travels outside of the post makes your job easier. Get comfortable letting the ball drop close to the ground.

Crossover Step. Rob steps across his body and loads his weight onto his right foot. On the backhand side, the crossover step allows him to extend his reach out wide and low to the ground.

Follow through. The ball is so low to the ground on this shot that Rob has to lift it and shape it into the back corner. Pay attention to the follow-through on the shot. He lifts up and around the outside of the ball.

What takes this shot to the next level is placement.

Stefan Auvergne plays decent ATP defense in the video above: close to the sideline and deep in the court.

But even in this ideal position, he can't defend Rob's perfect placement in the back corner of the court.

Now get out there and let it fly. The only way to get better at this shot is to practice.

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Malls Need Pickleball

If you’re over the age of 25, you’ve surely noticed malls aren’t what they used to be, much of that due to the convenience of online retail.

Some estimates claim shopping malls across America will contain up to one billion square feet of empty space within 5-10 years…and that estimate was made in 2017.

I was awestruck by that number, so I ran some math: one billion square feet could accommodate well over 555 million pickleball courts.

With a population of 332 million, of which only about 40 million have played pickleball, it’s safe to say America will never need that many places to play.

Still, pickleball’s biggest obstacle to growth is centered around space, and not just dedicated play areas.

The sport requires spaces zoned away from residential areas, preferably close to complementary businesses which might attract sports fans, families, or anyone who just exercised.

It doesn’t take a genius to make the connection.

Malls either host or are geographically close to those complementary businesses, and they feature everything pickleballers want under one roof:

• high ceilings

• accessible locations

• activities for bored tagalong family members

• air conditioning

• plenty of parking

• ample space

Plus, the sooner pickleball players take over disused retail spaces, the sooner they’ll stop butting heads with angry tennis players.

As long as retail real estate conglomerates and municipal leaders work together, clearly malls house the future of pickleball…or is it the other way around?

All Eyes on Charlotte

Tennis star Jack Sock will be the center of attention this weekend in Charlotte. Sock is playing in all three events starting with singles tomorrow where he could square off with James Ignatowich and Dylan Frazier.

In doubles, Sock is receiving the VIP treatment. He is partnered with Tyson McGuffin in men's and Anna Leigh Waters in mixed.

With premium partners comes high expectations. Let us know if you think Sock will reach the podium in Charlotte.

One thing working in Sock's favor is the absence of Ben Johns. That, however, does not mean the men’s singles field isn’t loaded:

• Last year’s champ Ryan Sherry is prepping for another gold medal performance on the court and on the mic.

• Emerging stars like Connor Garnett and Collin Shick make for a treacherous path to Championship Sunday.

• The top seed will be Federico Staksurd, who has made himself comfortable on PPA podiums in 2023.

ALW is the favorite in women’s singles but will need to shake off some rust after a month-long hiatus. Lurking in the draw is last week’s APP Sacramento champion Judit Castillo and the non-delaminated paddle of Salome Devidze.

We will update you with results on Friday and preview more doubles matchups. Tune into singles day starting at 10am ET tomorrow on PPATV and keep an eye out for the special Championship Sunday broadcast from 6-7pm ET on ESPN 2.

Pickleball Jewelry That Really Sparkles

Jeweler Kristina Tamas has been designing and selling jewelry for over 15 years. Now, she’s turned her passion for pickleball into some truly stunning work.

Check out Born to Rally's catalog of pickleball-themed charms, earrings, keychains, bracelets, necklaces and more here.

Greg Dow Got Robbed in Boca

Greg Dow might be the most interesting man in pickle. From getting his bag stolen in Boca to a mysterious feud, Dow will keep you guessing and laughing. Sit back and enjoy one story after another from Greg.

We’ll have the episode on our YouTube channel later today. In the meantime, listen here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Boost your income by renting your home court

• Rating yourself in pickleball: everything you need to know

• Savage pickleball marathon benefits teacher with broken neck

Highlights

• Never leave the house without a portable net and some paddles

• The Paddle Juicer

• Shick shock

• A hands battle you need to see

A review from the Dink Fam...