Distractions: penalty or part of the game?

Pro tip: embrace being bad. The Dallas Flash could go undefeated.

June 02, 2025

Pro sports are full of emotion. Pickleball is no exception. But there’s a polarizing rule on the books that’s dampening its enthusiasm. Any action “not common to the game” can be called a distraction, and result in the loss of a point. That includes spirited celebration — just ask Tyson McGuffin.

Our reporter, Erik Tice, experienced a different type of distraction when commentating his first MLP match on Championship Court — producers chirping in his ear while he was trying to sound smart. He dishes on the memorable experience, below.

In This Issue:
— The Dallas Flash remain undefeated
— Pro tips for getting better, faster
— Pickleball commentating: harder than it looks

Bring the noise.

Our Picks ☝️

☀️ South Beach: ALW x SI Swimsuit

A bunch of high-profile women got to meet Anna Leigh Waters at a Sports Illustrated swimsuit party in South Beach, FL, over the weekend, including Alix Earle, Livvy Dunne, and Ilona Maher. Lucky them. 

🌎 Going Global: The Dink Minor League Pickleball

The Dink MiLP is launching 14 new international websites in emerging markets like Vietnam, Spain, Guatemala, and Australia. It’s a testament to the sport’s global appeal and opportunity-rich growth model. Get in on the action. 

💪 Must-See: Pickleball for Your Health

A year ago, Sarah had a goal of losing 100 pounds using one form of exercise: 20 hours per week of pickleball. Incredibly, she’s about to hit that milestone, with no plans of slowing down. See her inspiring one-year progression.

🐔 You Decide: The Cockiest Shot in Pickleball

A flurry of highlight-reel points from this weekend’s MLP event begs the question: What’s the cockiest shot in pickleball? Top contenders include a rally-ending topspin lob, the revenge bodybag, or this game-winning Erne. Drop a reply and let us know what you think.

Pro Tips for Seriously Leveling-Up Your Game

Two years ago, Jack Munro didn’t qualify for APP New York City. Fast forward to today, and he’s got 20 medals to his name, including gold at that very same event.

The youngster has a magical set of hands and a 6.60 DUPR to prove it, but he’s put in the work to get to where he is. If you’re looking to make a run at the pro ranks like he has — or just propel your skillset to the next level — listen up.

✅ Embrace being bad. It’s fun to be the best player on the court, but that’s not how you improve. Get out of your comfort zone and into some games with better players. Observe and emulate their strengths. Pretty soon, they’ll be your strengths, too.

✅ Be your own biggest critic. Watching yourself miss an easy dink or botch an overhead isn’t fun, but it’s the most effective way to diagnose poor technique. Film your sessions. Then watch them back. What do you notice?

✅ Focus on yourself. The kiss of death for most amateur players is unforced errors. You simply can’t play at an elite level if you’re consistently making silly mistakes. Jack notes all of his, then drills those shots extra during his next training session.

✅ Speak up. Schedule games with the best players in your group. Introduce yourself to that stud one court over. Post on social that you’re putting an advanced group together. Make it known you’re looking to level up, and better games will follow.

If there’s a common theme here, it’s this: Getting better has to start with you. There are no shortcuts to becoming great. Do the work, and results will come. Just ask Jack Munro.

Soft Balls in the Summer? Not These.

If you’ve played pickleball outdoors in the summer, you know what happens. The heat rolls in, and your pickleballs start to feel like stress balls. But not these.

We’ve been testing Komodo’s biodegradable BioBall™, and even in the heat, it’s holding strong. Crisp feel, great bounce, and longer play life. Plus, it’s better for the planet.

No waste. No mushy bounce. Just a solid feel and solid performance.

MLP Phoenix: The Best Keep Getting Better

In case you missed it, seven Premier Level MLP teams took the court in Mesa, Arizona, over the weekend.

We were there — here’s what stood out (aside from the 100-degree temps):

The Dallas Flash remain undefeated, winning all six of their matches. Led by MVP-worthy play of Jorja Johnson, they’re now sitting squarely atop the league leaderboard along with the St. Louis Shock. Could they complete a perfect season?

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team had a solid showing at 5-1. Unfortunately, that came at a cost, with one of their top men, Riley Newman, coming up lame with a groin injury. They’ll need him to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Phoenix Flames continue to struggle. Despite some spirited play from Tyson McGuffin and Jack Sock, we are officially declaring them the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention.

Opinion: Commentating on Pro Pickleball Is Harder Than it Looks

[This section was contributed by The Dink’s pro pickleball writer, Erik Tice]

Never did I imagine that Dave Fleming would be asking me to commentate with him, let alone on Championship Court. But that call came for Saturday Night Pickleball in MLP Phoenix, covering the Dallas Flash against the hometown Phoenix Flames.

I am known as a pickleball journalist who uses stats to shape storylines, many of which I keep myself. I figured, if nothing else, I would bring some compelling stats to the table, and go with the flow in terms of my color commentary. I was aided by live stats updated from the Real Clear Stats crew, which were highly valuable.

I was nervous to start, but Dave is a consummate professional. He was encouraging, brought the energy, and made me feel right at home.

Soon enough, I felt confident giving the audience some insight as to how the match was progressing and I was able to break down patterns and changes of strategy.

Commentating is hard. There is a producer in your ear, giving you cues on timing while you are still talking – I did my best to comprehend both things at once and not stutter.

Overall, it was such a fun experience, and I gained a greater appreciation for the professionals in our sport who commentate week in and week out. Thank you all for the work you put in – it is not easy!

Yep, They’re Running It Back

We told you last week SaltStick was handing out free FastChews sample packs. And a bunch of you jumped on it.

Turns out the Dink fam showed up big. So big that SaltStick is running it back. Same deal, same tasty chews, another shot to grab 10 servings. Just cover shipping.

No mixing. No waiting. Just chew and go. FastChews fight cramps, boost hydration, and take the edge off heat. Perfect between games or when the sun’s out for blood.

Fast-acting, science-backed, and tastes like candy with a PhD.

The Polarizing Rule Causing a Raucous in Pro Pickleball

At MLP Phoenix over the weekend, Tyson McGuffin won a Dreambreaker point against Todd Fought.

Nothing to see here, right? Not so fast:

  • Just before hitting the kill-shot, Tyson quite literally screamed across the net

  • Fought was behind the baseline and likely couldn't have made a play on the ball.

  • Still, the referees reviewed the play and called a “distraction” on Tyson

Point: Fought.

A distraction, by rule, refers to “Physical actions by a player that are ‘not common to the game’ that, in the judgment of the referee, interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit the ball.”

By the letter of the law, Tyson’s war cry likely did impact Fought’s concentration. On the other hand, don’t we want this type of emotion on the court? Shouldn’t a pro athlete be able to play through distraction? 

Zane Navratil will discuss this rule, and much more, on the newest PicklePod, dropping later this week.

Headlines & Quick Hits

Highlights

Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered

A review from the Dink Fam...

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Share The Dink Newsletter, Get Rewards

Share the best newsletter in pickleball with your friends and we’ll give you free stuff. What’s not to like?

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving 20% Off Pickleball Gear.

Copy & Paste this link: https://newsletter.thedinkpickleball.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Want to advertise with us?

If your company is interested in reaching an audience of active pickleballers, you may want to give us a shout.

Reply

or to participate.