Mornin’. Ever had to play with someone against your will?

For some PPA players, that might be the scenario at this weekend's final tournament of the year.

The inaugural invitational event required top-ranked pros to select their partners from a small pool of qualified players - leaving a few short-straw matchups that we haven’t seen previously. Read more below.

In This Issue:
 
😖 Frustrate your opponents with this drive-drop
🤌 These paddle queuing systems are chef’s kiss
🏃‍♂️ Quick steps save the point

Let’s move.

Not Quite a Drive and Not Quite a Drop

John Isner holds the record for the fastest serve in pro tennis at 152.7 mph. When yielded by his 6'10 frame, the racquet (or paddle) could be considered a deadly weapon.

You might think all of that power would translate to his pickleball game, but not so much. At the PPA Team Championships in Las Vegas, Isner relied less on his power and more on a seemingly proprietary drive-drop combo.

With a check swing, Isner would ‘push’ the ball just over the net, allowing it to drop right at his opponent’s feet. It’s not quite a drive, and it’s not quite a drop. It’s somewhere in between.

We've all heard the third shot drop advice: "It's like underhand tossing a ball into the kitchen" yadda yadda. Isner’s stroke resembled more of a shovel motion, giving the ball the perfect trajectory. 

Check it out here and try it out for yourself:

Focus on that swing path. Isner adds enough slice to make it challenging to return. He then finishes with his paddle out in front instead of over his shoulder.

Remember: with thirds, consistency is key. Top pros land thirds in > 90% of the time; amateurs, not so much.

Stop driving ambitiously into the net. Play a well-placed, consistent ball like Isner does here.

PCKL Wins Cyber Monday

Seen A LOT of paddle deals over the last couple weeks, but PCKL's Cyber Monday deal takes the cake.

Get 50% off any paddle when you buy another paddle of equal or greater value and this includes one of our staff favorites the PCKL Pro Series 13 and 16.

On top of the 30 day trial for every paddle plus free shipping on orders over $75 we are declaring PCKL the winner of Cyber Monday, now go grab a couple paddles!

The Best Paddle Queue Method?

One of the most important inventions in recreational pickleball is the paddle queue. 

If you’re not near a consistently-busy court (though it’s hard to imagine these days): this typically takes the form of a rack with holes into which players who are waiting to play place their paddles to mark their place in line. 

But just like you can always improve your game, you can also perfect paddle queuing systems – it may not sound fun, but it has the potential to benefit toe-tapping players everywhere.

After finding the below ingenious system from Mike Johansen, we asked you to submit your favorite paddle queue systems to us for review.

Featuring two-toned holders, the design makes it easier to tell where the front of the line is because the line actually moves to the front (instead of the front moving down).

Jerry M. says the Sunrise Pickleball Club's solution for two-on/two-off courts uses a lazy Susan wheel with a stop bar and holds 16 paddles:

“Once you drop your paddle into the hole, it stays there until you pull it to play. No constantly sliding or moving from slot to slot. Just rotate the wheel clockwise when players pull their paddles. The paddle closest to the bar is next up,” he explains.

Could use a little polish, but looks great. Of course, the traditional method of simply drilling holes into a piece of wood isn’t exactly broken.

Pick Your Partner Finale

It's time for pool play, and we're not talking Swimply. The last stop on the 2023 PPA Tour is the PPA Finals this week in San Clemente, CA.

This event is invitation only and will only include 8 players in singles and 8 teams in doubles. Unlike other events, the PPA Finals will feature round-robin pool play with two pools of four.

The top two players/teams advance out of pool play into the semifinals.

We will also see some new doubles teams thanks to the unique format where top-seeded players in each division were able to select their partner from those that qualified for the event:

• Vivienne David was a hot commodity for the finals and was selected by both Riley Newman and Anna Bright

• Two vets of the game Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar paired up together

• Matt Wright chose James Ignatowich instead of getting the band back together with Riley Newman

• Dylan Frazier has been all over the map with mixed partners but will get a chance to play with Jessie Irvine

Pool play and new partnerships will create a new viewing experience, but it’s hard to imagine they will change the results.

As points leaders, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters were able to secure their usual partners and are likely to clean up across the board.

This event starts on Thursday and will be available for live streaming on pickleballtv and Tennis Channel.

Plant Powered Performance

Revitalize your pickleball performance with Sap's – the athlete-focused hydration solution.

Engineered for intense activity, Sap's replenishes crucial electrolytes – including sodium, potassium, and calcium – that are depleted during dynamic play. At its heart lies coconut water powder, a natural source of vital electrolytes, which promotes swift hydration and maintains electrolyte balance.

Sap's also incorporates adaptogens such as ginseng, which sharpens your mental focus, and ginger root, aiding in muscle recuperation. Beyond hydration, Sap's with L-Glutamine and a blend of vitamins enhances muscle recovery and boosts immunity, keeping you in top form on the court.

Don't let dehydration slow you down; stay hydrated & competitive with Sap's.

Tales from the Court, Part 12

You might have heard of the “i” formation - but have you ever heard of the “lie-down formation”?

This story comes from Lisa K. Send in your own interesting pickleball stories here.

Final match of the regular season

Week 10 presents us with an interesting match-up between the 3-0 Gilbert Gladiators vs the 0-3 Surprise Stingers…

If the Stingers win, they sneak into the playoffs, and knock the Scottsdale Scorchers out of the playoffs…

If the Stingers win BIG — by at least 18 points — they knock the Gladiators out of the top seed, and the Peoria Pythons close the season in 1st place.  

And that’s the beauty of the Arizona Pickleball League… all the story lines and possibilities that take place as we wind our way toward the close of the regular season, and prepare for the playoffs!

The Gladiators: Ashlee Candelaria, Arielle Butler, Augie Ge, and Craig Johnson.

The Stingers: Alex Walker, Angie Walker, Nico Montoya, and Adrian Legarreta.

HOW TO WATCH: Get your tickets for the regular season finale here or tune in to The Dink’s YouTube Channel – Tue Nov 28 @ 8pm ET.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Add a little more prestige to your game

• Guide to all backhand shots

• ICYMI: Evade your opponent with the banana shot

Highlights

• This is legal?! 👀

• Right-siders: always be ready

• Forehand ATP winner 😮‍💨

• Types of pickleball players 🤦‍♂️

• First time for everything, huh?

A review from the Dink Fam...