The Dink Newsletter
Posts
The grievance heard around pickleball

The grievance heard around pickleball

Can a 3.5 master the backhand dink? Get to know Big H on PicklePod

August 02, 2024

^Advertise^|^{The Dink Home}^|^{The Pickleball Box}^|^Subscribe

Fire up the barbecue. Kansas City will be the home to all things pickleball for the next 10 days. The home of the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs is also the hometown of Jack Sock.

Sock went 80-0 in his high school tennis career at Blue Valley North. He returns home with his NY Hustlers team to compete in MLP and next week’s Selkirk Kansas City Open.

In This Issue:

🤨 Can a 3.5 master the backhand dink?
📠 The leaked e-mail that had everyone typing
🎙️ Get to know Big H on the PicklePod

Brisket, burnt ends, and backhands.

Can a 3.5 Master the Backhand Dink?

James Ignatowich teaches his two-handed backhand dink

James Ignatowich has one of the best two-handed backhand dinks in all of pickleball. In a recent video, the Selkirk pro with a 6.8 DUPR teaches this shot to Connor Derrickson, fitness expert, and trainer to several pickleball pros; he's also a 3.5-level pickleball player.

Here’s what to focus on if you want a two-handed backhand dink like James.

Rule 1: Cup the ball

One of the first things James emphasizes is the importance of using a cupping motion. Unlike a forehand topspin dink, where you might hit under the ball, the two-handed backhand dink requires you to hit around the outside of the ball.

This is especially useful for cross-court dinks, where the ball will roll away from your opponent. Just be careful not to aim too wide, as this will give your opponent an opportunity for an ATP.

Rule 2: Bend your knees

Executing a successful two-handed backhand dink isn't just about hand positioning; it's also about your body's stance. Bending your knees significantly is crucial since you must get under the ball with your body rather than your paddle.

This means you must really exaggerate your knee bend.

It may feel awkward initially, but this helps you stay low and maintain control over the ball. If you're having trouble, focus on your offhand (the left for right-handers), hitting the side of the ball.

Rule 3: Stay down

Many people make the mistake of lifting their bodies too early and pulling up their heads. You can avoid this by imagining there is something on top of your head, and you're not going to lift it until after you make contact with the ball.

As long as your paddle is on the ball, your body and head should stay down.

Get more tips to master a pro-level two-handed backhand dink by watching the full video here.

Control Your Game Like Never Before

Selkirk has once again stepped up the game with their newly revamped AMPED Control paddles.

They've introduced an Ultra Durable Coating that not only offers more spin and better control but also lasts way longer. Then there’s the FiberFlex+ Face, giving you that soft touch you need to get to the kitchen line faster.

And let’s talk style — these paddles come in some really eye-catching colors. Whether you're into sleek Grey, vibrant Purple, or any of their other color options, there’s something to match everyone's style. They come in three shapes too—Invikta, S2, and Epic—perfect for finding that just-right fit for your game.

Don't just play the game—control it with the AMPED Control.

The Grievance Heard Around Pickleball

Over the past two days the pickleball world has been dissecting the “leaked” e-mail that is believed to be compiled of texts and e-mails collected from Collin Johns. As far as we know, this list wasn't meant for public consumption and not published by Johns himself.

It’s no secret that he and his brother, Ben, are NOT the biggest fans of the team format, and this e-mail lists an alleged eight reasons why he “despises” Major League Pickleball.

You can find the full letter here, but here are five points from the letter that are unique to the MLP format:

Top players like Ben are handicapped and forced to play with weaker players due to the team following a draft format
The rally scoring system is designed to increase the odds of an upset or at least a close match.
It is a “team effort” but a single player can only influence half of the games in a match since they only play 2 out of 4 games.
There is too much weight placed on singles, not all players are proficient in singles. A tied match is settled by a singles Dreambreaker.
MLP is known for a more raucous environment, “Players, owners, GMs, and fans are permitted to behave in the worst ways at MLP.”

Despite being one of the winningest players in the history of the game, CJ takes the brunt of a lot of criticism. This letter had everyone and their mama running to their keyboard to chime in.

That included tennis star James Blake, who said: “Wow, that’s a lot of crying. I guess Tom Hanks line of ‘no crying in baseball’ doesn’t apply to pickleball for this guy.”

One of the most respected responses came from our guy Zane Navratil, who crafted a point-by-point opposition to the letter on the reasons why he loves MLP:

Top players can’t stack the deck against the rest of the field by teaming up with the next best players.
The scoring system ensures that every point matters.
Players not actively playing (should) have an important role in MLP.
Dreambreakers are electric. Enough said.
We play pickleball professionally so that viewers will be entertained, and Major League Pickleball is the most entertaining format that pickleball has to offer.

And finally, MLP team owner and pro player Travis Rettenmaier offered his unfiltered take as only he can.

At the end of the day, pro sports are about entertainment. If nobody watches then nobody gets paid. Nobody wants to see pickleball relegated back to taped lines on high school tennis courts where the winner receives a $200 oversized check.

Kansas City to Host MLP and PPA

With all of the drama surrounding MLP, it should be a fascinating weekend in the nation’s heartland. MLP will make its first appearance in Kansas City, the fourth regular-season stop of the year.

Home Court Advantage
The St. Louis Shock are considered the home team for this event. They gave up the top spot in the team standings in Salt Lake City and will look to move back to the pole position with the help of the hometown crowd.

What to Expect
Ten Premier Level teams and five Challenger Level teams will play a total of 26 matches over the three days, Aug 3-5. Ironically enough, both Collin’s Carolina Club and Zane’s New Jersey 5s squad will be absent from the event.

Excessive Heat Warning
The festivities will move back outdoors to Elite Tennis and Wellness. The teams will face temps in the high 90s throughout the weekend.

Making the Cut
There are clear dividing lines being drawn at the Premier Level. Teams are fighting for the coveted six playoff positions, and for some teams, a spot in the top six is almost out of reach.

Check out our complete MLP preview with predictions from our guy Erik Tice.

MLP is the start of a week-long stretch in Mahomes territory. The event will be followed by the PPA Kansas City Open and PickleCon next week.

Thirsty for a Win?

When it comes to hydration, let’s face it – we all could use a little H2Oomph. That’s where GOODONYA Organic Hydration comes to play.

It was created by Olympic athlete-turned-pickleballer Kris Buchanan, who was searching for an alternative to high-sugar sports drinks on the market and found the solution in six simple ingredients, derived straight from nature.

GOODONYA is crafted with vital minerals and electrolytes that help your body operate optimally, and packs a punch with just 1g of sugar and a light lemonade flavor that’ll transport you back to nostalgic lemonade stand days. It’s the perfect addition for anyone looking to up their hydration game, while still being mindful of what they’re consuming.

It’s simple. Add H2O, and you’re G2G.

Hydrate the right way. Enjoy 20% off your first purchase with code THEDINK20.

Nasty Nelsons, Private Jets, and Big H’s Breakout

Zane Navratil and Hayden Patriquin had the most talked-about moment from MLP Salt Lake City last weekend. It was the first Nasty Nelson in MLP history and prompted an outburst that earned Patriquin an Orange Card.

The guys also discuss the details of a Facebook Group out to combat pickleball noise that is actively working to prevent courts from being built near homes. Zane and Thomas cover the group’s claims of mental disorders, PTSD, and even the end of a marriage.

Watch the new episode here. You’ll become a fan of Hayden.