The only thing stickier than the heat and humidity in Hanoi, Vietnam, were some of the line calls when it mattered most. In the end, the Americans showed up and showed out. But men’s singles was a different story entirely.
In This Issue:
— 5 killer blacked-out paddles
— Keep your eye on the ball
— Never let your guard down
Let’s get into it.
Our Picks 👆
🔥 Best Dressed: PPA MB Hanoi Cup
We welcome some fresh faces to this week’s Best Dressed lineup, including Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall, Aryaan Bhatia, and Wong Hongkit. Who else showed out in the intense humidity of Hanoi, Vietnam? See the pics.
🗓️ Announced: The Dink MiLP Regional Showdowns
The 2026 Regional Showdowns for The Dink Minor League Pickleball are officially on the calendar, giving teams across the country a clear path to qualify for the biggest stage in amateur team pickleball. Mark your calendars, secure your spot.
🌬️ Pickleball Blows: Just Trust Us
You’ve heard it’s allowed, but Eric Oncins went and did it. In a doubles matchup with partner Dylan Frazier against Ben and Gabe in Vietnam, he actually blew a short-angle dink back over the net. And proceeded to win the point.
🤓 Dorks: Do You Initial Your Pickleballs?
Our guy Nico the Lefty called everyone dorks for putting their initials on balls they bring to rec play. But he’s walking it back… a hair. Apparently, it’s fine so long as it’s the coveted Life Time ball. Otherwise, give it a rest.
Pro Tip: Watch the Ball Through Contact
One of the fun parts about pickleball is the variety of scenarios that play out each and every game. No two points are ever the same.
It's fun to think about what shot to hit and where you want the ball to land. But how closely should you be watching the ball all the way through contact?
One Reddit user wondered exactly this, noticing high-level tennis players fixating on the ball until it left their racket.
So he tried it and the results were instantaneous: “My shanks and mishits dropped by about 80-90%, and I started hitting much closer to the sweet spot consistently.”
If you watch high-level pros play, you'll notice this is standard practice. So much so, it seems like more of a rule than a recommendation.
So... why aren't you?
The next time you hit the court, consider this:
Treat every single shot like it's the most important shot of the entire game. Because it is.
Watch the ball as it approaches your paddle and makes contact with the sweet-spot.
Don't break eye contact with the ball until it's left your paddle face.
If this sounds extreme, that's probably because you're not paying close enough attention in your own game. Try it and see what happens.
➡️ This slow-mo video of pros in action shows you how it’s done.
The gap in pickleball gear… finally filled
Pickleball gear keeps getting better.
But most shoes still feel like an afterthought.
Until now.
The Legacy Pro is Selkirk’s take on what a pickleball shoe should actually be—built for speed, stability, and durability on court, without looking like it only belongs there.
It’s performance. It’s lifestyle. It’s both. Which, honestly, feels overdue.
Check out the Legacy Pro and use code ADV-THEDINK and get $30 in Selkirk Bonus Bucks.
Chaos, Controversy, Competition: PPA Hanoi Cup Had It All
PPA Asia’s first tour of the 2026 season is in the books and HOOEEEY was it a doozy.
The PPA MB Hanoi Cup brought more than 800 pros and amateurs together for a hot and humid international affair that seemed to have it all: controversial line calls, enraptured crowds hanging on every point, and some fresh faces battling for podium spots.
In the end, here’s who came out on top:
Men’s Singles: 🥇 Hoang Nam Ly def. 🥈 Hien Truong
Women’s Singles: 🥇 Kaitlyn Christian def. 🥈 Brooke Buckner
Mixed Doubles: 🥇 Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns def. 🥈 Kaitlyn Christian and Christian Alshon
Men’s Doubles: 🥇 Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio def. 🥈 Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin
Women’s Doubles: 🥇 Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright def. 🥈 Tyra Black and Catherine Parenteau
Other storylines from Vietnam:
Anna Leigh didn’t compete in women’s singles
Federico Staksrud failed to medal in men’s singles, losing the bronze match to Dylan Frazier
The men’s singles winner, Hoang Nam Ly, was responsible for a highly contested line call that won him match point against Christian Alshon in the round of 16
Many American pros were tested throughout the tournament, with some falling in early rounds
Still, aside from men’s singles, American players dominated the podiums
The next PPA Asia event takes place May 13-17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Next Few Minutes Could Change Your Life
Sorry for all the drama, but in the time it takes you to read this, you could have filled out our entire 2026 newsletter reader survey.
We’d really appreciate it if you did.
It’s your best opportunity to influence the very content you’re reading right now.
Maybe you want more advanced instructional content
Perhaps you wish we sent a shorter email filled with links to top stories
Or, I dunno, what about just telling us to stop harassing you to fill out this darn survey?
It’s all fair game. But we won’t know what you like, don’t like, or want us to change unless you tell us.
What’s a few minutes amongst friends?
This is why everyone’s talking about foam
CRBN didn’t just drop another paddle—they built a full lineup around their TruFoam core.
The result?
A more forgiving sweet spot. Cleaner contact. And power that doesn’t feel wild.
Then they split it three ways:
Genesis → balanced all-court
Waves → control + touch
Barrage → power + putaways
So instead of adjusting to your paddle… you pick the one built for how you already play.
Shop CRBN TruFoam paddles and use code THEDINK for 10% off at checkout.
If Looks Could Kill: 5 Blacked-Out Paddles That Perform
Pickleball paddle design has come a long way in just a few short years. And let us be the first to say we are here for it.
We're fine with a tasteful pop of color here and there. But it's nice to be able to buy a high-performance paddle that doesn't feel like it was pulled from a Nickelodeon set.
Still, while the industry aesthetic has certainly toned down as of late, some of you may be looking for something even more understated. A paddle that hits the sweet-spot of power, pop, and control — but doesn't scream it with every swing.
We feel you.
Here are five blacked-out paddles for those among us who prefer to play incognito without sacrificing performance.
Bread & Butter Loco
Paddletek Honeyfoam
Luzz Cannon
Head Radical Nite
Diadem Edge 18K
Take a closer look. A few are even on sale or offer a discount when you use our code.
Headlines & Quick Hits
Dinking 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
11 High-Performance Pickleball Paddles Under $150
How to Build a Fool-Proof Serve from Scratch
Highlights
Never, ever let your guard down
Will Ben & Gabe lose a match this season?
One week away from Nationals…
Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered
A review from the Dink Fam...
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