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Fix your backhand flick

Fix your backhand flick

Stiller and Roddick bring pickle to the big screen. Psychology Today: How to be a good pickleball partner

September 27, 2024

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Sports and comedy go together like peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, lamb and tuna fish…

There are countless examples of films that have redefined the image of a sport, from Will Ferrell’s Semi-Pro, Talladega Nights, and Blades of Glory, to Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, and classics like Major League and Caddyshack.

Pickleball’s moment in the sun is rapidly approaching with the announcement of a new Ben Stiller film to start production this year. More on that below.

In This Issue:

📋 “The Dink,” an aptly named pickleball movie
🥊 Anna Leigh becomes the game’s top-paid player
📈 Results from MLP Virginia Beach

Hollywood, here we come.

Our Picks ☝️

🧠 Psychology Today: How to Be a Good Pickleball Partner

There’s nothing better than a good partner. To land a great partner, you need to be one yourself. The experts at Psychology Today provided partnership tips that stress the importance of communication, positivity, adaptivity, knowing your role, and enjoyment.

🎥 Video: Collin Shick Lands on Sportscenter’s Top 10

Lightning-fast reactions and cat-like speed, this ATP from Collin Shick earned the No.5 spot on Sportscenter’s Top 10 Countdown.

🤕 Injury: Jay Devilliers Out for the Remainder of the Season

A knee injury has sidelined the ‘Flying Frenchman’ Jay Deveillers for the rest of the 2024 MLP and PPA season. The injury will require a minor surgery to fix. Find out who is a frontrunner to fill in for the Columbus Sliders here. Get well soon, Jay!

💬 Expansion: National Pickleball League Plans to Expand in 2025

The National Pickleball League is a team-based league for pros over the age of 50. The league is currently in its second season. After expanding from 6 to 12 teams this year, the league plans to add two more teams in 2025.

Master the Backhand Flick Like a Pro

The backhand flick is a powerful tool that gives you an upper hand at the net. When performed correctly, it’s nearly impossible for your opponent to counter, and even if they do, you’ll have an easier putaway on the next ball.

Perhaps the best part of learning this technique is that it allows you to attack from below the net – which is becoming more and more important in high-level pickleball.

Here’s how to master it with three tips from Tanner Pickleball:

1. Footwork First

Before you even think about flicking, get your footwork right. Avoid squaring your feet to the net, as it limits your power. Instead, angle your feet outward. This engages your core, allowing you to generate power through your entire body, not just your wrist.

Angle feet outward to generate torque

2. Paddle Position Matters

For a successful flick, start with your paddle down and your elbow up. This setup allows you to use your whole arm rather than just your wrist, which is key to maintaining control and adding power. Think of the wrist movement like throwing an upside-down Frisbee — smooth and compact.

Paddle down, elbow up

3. Drill It In

Try this drill: start with basic dinks and add the flick by "poking" the ball with a flat paddle. Focus on keeping the movement simple and controlled. As you get more comfortable, practice flicking lower and lower balls. When the ball is above the net, aim to place them at your opponent’s feet.

Bonus Tip: Stay Ready

After hitting the flick, return to your ready position quickly. Don’t assume the rally is over—better players will return the ball, and you need to be ready for the next shot.

You can watch the full video with a demonstration from Tanner here.

90 Percent of Pickleball Injuries Happen to Players Over 50

Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active, but as the sport grows, so do the number of injuries—especially for players over 50. In fact, 90% of pickleball-related injuries affect players aged 50 and older, with strains, sprains, and fractures topping the list. While staying fit is important, protecting your health is just as crucial.

Wearing proper shoes, warming up before games, and staying hydrated can help prevent injury. And remember, it’s better to take a break than push through pain. But even with all the right precautions, accidents can happen.

Make sure you’re covered in case something goes wrong on the court. It’s always better to be prepared so you can focus on what you love—playing the game and staying healthy.

Emerge helps your peace of mind off the court, so you can concentrate on your performance while on it.

Pickleball’s First Major Motion Picture

Ben Stiller is bringing pickleball to the big screen. Stiller is set to executive produce and play a supporting role in a new film called … “The Dink” (excellent choice).

The film will star Jake Johnson, best known for his role as Nick Miller in the sitcom New Girl as well as former U.S. Open Tennis Champion Andy Roddick.

According to Variety, “The Dink” will feature Johnson as a “washed-up tennis pro who is trying to save a club in crisis and win his father’s respect. But in the process, he’s forced to break a solemn vow and do the one thing he swore he’d never do: play pickleball.”

The cast also includes Ed Harris (West World) and Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers). Production is set to begin in November in Los Angeles.

If Stiller can bring any of the Dodgeball heat to this one, then be ready for a whole new set of quotes to break out on the courts.

Anna Leigh Waters Could Earn More than $3M

Anna Leigh Waters, the top-ranked female pickleball player, is set to earn over $3 million in 2024, according to her agent. At just 17, Waters has become the face of pickleball, securing major sponsorship deals with brands like FILA, Paddletek, Carvana, and Biofreeze.

These endorsements, combined with her on-court success, contribute to her impressive earnings, making her the highest-paid athlete in the sport, surpassing even male counterparts like Ben Johns.

Waters is smashing records in pro pickleball and quickly becoming one of the most marketable female athletes in sports.

Control the Court

Have you guys tried the Energy Series paddles from Pickleball Apes yet?

These aren't just any paddles; they introduced raw aramid fiber to the pickleball world, offering a sturdy alternative to traditional carbon fiber.

What's to love about the Energy Series? It's all about finding that sweet spot between control and power. The unique aramid fiber surface boosts your ball's spin and speed.

What makes the Energy Series truly special is not just its performance, but the confidence it instills in players. With accolades from numerous paddle reviewers and a hassle-free 30-day return policy, choosing an Energy Series paddle means you're gearing up for success.

Head over to Pickleball Apes and explore how the Energy Series can become your trusted partner on the court.

Virginia is for Dinkers - Day One from MLP

For the next 10 days, Virginia Beach is the home of pro pickleball. The city is hosting its first MLP event this week, followed by the PPA Virginia Beach Cup next week.

Yesterday, eight Challenger Level matches kicked off the pro pickleball action. Two California teams went 2-0 to take an early lead over the rest of the field.

Bay Area Breakdown
The Bay Area Breakers had the hottest start to the 2024 season but then rebuilt their entire team through waivers and trades. The roster changes led to a drop to fifth in the standings, but with two wins yesterday, the Breakers again look like the team to beat.

SoCal Shows Out
The SoCal Hard Eights are currently in first place in the Challenger Level. They added to their point total yesterday, beating the Atlanta Bouncers and Miami Pickleball Club with 3-1 regulation wins.

Find everything you need to know about this week’s event, including predictions from our guy Erik Tice here.