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Is the third shot drop dead?
Champions of Economic Impact award. MLP semifinal matchups.
What’s the worst type of pickleball player? Easy, the one who is constantly complaining.
Unless they’re up 10-0 with the serve, they’re not happy. They complain that their partner “isn't playing the right way” or they don’t get the ball hit to them enough.
They complain that there’s no dinking, then proceed to speedup the next three shots or throw up multiple lobs. Remember folks - in most cases, pickleball is just about having fun. Keep it light out there and have a little self-awareness before placing blame.
Reply to this email and let us know who is sucking the fun out of your rec play.
In This Issue:
🫳 Time to put the third shot drop on the shelf
💰 The economic impact of pickleball
📋 Semifinal matches set for MLP Playoffs
Happy Friday folks.
Our Picks ☝️
🤕 Article: What is Pickleball’s Most Common Injury?
A study of 300 emergency room visits from 2001-2017 indicates that tendon issues including strains and sprains are most common. Read more on which common injuries to be wary of on the court.
⏰ Longevity: 95 Years Young
‘Keep moving’ is the key for 95-year-old Lois White. She plays pickleball on Tuesdays and Thursdays as part of her weekly routine. There’s nothing like a little dinking to keep you young.
📋 Record: 300+ Kids Share Pickleball Lesson in Arizona
Mark Miller was on a mission to host the world’s largest pickleball lesson. He and his team taught more than 300 kids to play in the Scottsdale area last weekend.
🎥 Video: NFL Stars vs NBA Stars Ends with Nasty Nelson
Last night’s celebrity showdown featured athletes from the NBA and NFL including Adrian Peterson, Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Terrell Owens, and more. An NBA vs NFL battle ended with a Golden Tate Nasty Nelson on Kris Humphries.
Is the Third Shot Drop Dead?
The third shot drop is widely referred to as the hardest shot in pickleball. If it’s hit too high it’s smashed for a putaway. A little too low, and it’s straight into the net.
Senior Pro Dayne Gingrich argues that the time to prioritize the third shot drop has come and gone. He says “The 3rd shot drop should be put on the back shelf and only used when absolutely necessary. The drive/drop combo is a much better play for all levels.”
The drive/drop combo equates to driving the third shot and dropping the fifth.
It’s simply an easier shot, especially with today’s paddles.
Most players can’t leave a ball, so even when it’s going out, opponents will still hit it.
We have waaaaaaay more opportunities to win the point (clean winner, opponent missed 4th, partner poaches the 5th, get a sitter 5th to attack again, or simply an easier 5th to drop and get us to the line).”
Having said that, the third shot drop is not dead. It is still the best bet when a ball is too low to drive or you’re pushed way behind the baseline. Outside of those cases, you’re likely better suited to drive on your third shot.
That’s great news for the bangers out there. And if you’re a fan of the slow game, it might be time to start ripping the drive, it could lead to some free points.
Keep the Balls Bouncing
With winter on the way, it's smart to have pickleballs that won't quit when it gets cold.
The Pro S1s from Selkirk are just what you need—they're super durable and backed by a year-long warranty against cracking. Plus, if you order a 12-pack, you get free shipping on anything over $35.
Pickleball’s Economic Impact
It might seem like small potatoes. When a public park installs pickleball courts, it can blend in with the tennis courts or basketball courts that are already on-site, but the economic impact of that decision can mean a whole lot more for the community.
Over the past six years, the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, including pro player Andrea Koop, have transformed their local courts into dollars in the pockets of their community.
The Beer City Open started in 2018 as a fundraiser to improve the local courts. This year, the tournament received a Champions of Economic Impact Award from Sports Destination Management.
Mid-Market Champions: 2024 Beer City Open and West Michigan Sports Commission
Total Room Nights: 1,357
Total Economic Impact: $2.4 million
The Beer City Open became so popular that it attracted pro pickleball events including the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Championship. This brought an additional 7000+ spectators and an ESPN 2 broadcast to Belknap Park over the summer.
Restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses benefit immensely from the event. As pickleball continues to grow, these numbers will only go up.
It’s A Whole New World at Worlds
The match of the day yesterday was a surprising upset in men’s doubles. Quang Duong and CJ Klinger were dominant in their 11-1, 11-6 win over the Johns Bros. The new teenage duo is a dangerous matchup for the rest of the draw.
Upsets Across the Board
For the first time in a long time, there will be two brackets without Ben Johns in the quarterfinals. Michael Loyd was responsible for knocking Johns out of contention in men’s singles leaving Ben with only one shot at gold (mixed doubles).
The No. 2 seed in women’s singles, Brooke Buckner was also upset by No. 18 seed Samantha Parker.
Still in the Running
There are six players who are still alive in all three categories. Anna Leigh Waters is the favorite to triple crown again. Lea Jansen has three chances to get back to Championship Sunday. The four remaining players include JW Johnson, Quang Duong, Federico Staksrud, and Catherine Parenteau.
Matches to watch today:
Men’s Singles: Federico Staksrud vs Jaume Martinez Vich
Women’s Singles: Catherine Parenteau vs Kaitlyn Christian
Mixed Doubles: Quang Duong/Anna Bright vs Dekel Bar/Tina Pisnik
Men’s Doubles: CJ Klinger/Quang Duong vs James Ignatowich/Christian Alshon
Women’s Doubles: Lucy Kovalova/Callie Smith vs Lea Jansen/Tina Pisnik
Find full predictions for the World Championships and where to watch each match here.
Menopause Made Easy with Winona
You don’t have to face your menopause symptoms alone. Winona provides personalized, doctor-prescribed, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy delivered right to your door. Their treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain, so you can feel your best throughout this transition.
With their secure online platform, you can skip pharmacy lines and enjoy free, discreet delivery. Their board-certified physicians create customized treatment plans tailored to your needs, providing the support and relief when you need it most through easy online consultations and 24/7 messaging.
Plus, all treatments are plant-derived and bioidentical, meaning they're scientifically designed to be identical to your body's hormones, ensuring natural and effective care.
The 5s Choose Their Semifinal Opponent
The top seeds in both the Premier and Challenger Levels were able to select their semifinal opponents from the two qualifying teams. At the Premier Level, the New Jersey 5s selected the Texas Ranchers. And in Challenger, the Chicago Slice will take on the Atlanta Bouncers.
MLP Premier Level Semifinals
New Jersey 5s vs Texas Ranchers
5's Roster: Anna Leigh Waters, Mari Humberg, Zane Navratil, Will Howells
Ranchers Roster: Etta Wright, Tina Pisnik, Quang Duong, Christian Alshon
St. Louis Shock vs Dallas Flash
Shock Roster: Anna Bright, Kate Fahey, Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio
Flash Roster: Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black, JW Johnson, Augie Ge
MLP Challenger Level Semifinals
Chicago Slice vs Atlanta Bouncers
Slice Roster: Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, Brendon Long, Jack Munro
Bouncers Roster: Susannah Barr, Emily Cederquist, Todd Fought, Jaume Martinez Vich
SoCal Hard Eights vs Miami Pickleball Club
Hard Eights Roster: Erik Lange, Max Manthou, Yana Newell, Irina Tereschenko
Miami Roster: Noe Khlif, Eric Oncins, Bobbi Oshiro, Milan Rane
These teams will square off in a best-of-three series Nov 22-24 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, FL.
Headlines & Quick Hits
Does Remote Coaching Work? This Former Olympic Swimmer Finds Out
PicklePod: 98% of Matches Won Have THIS in Common w/ Dave Fleming
What to Do When Pulled Off the Pickleball Court
ICYMI: Utah Tech Crowned National Champions, College Pickleball Surging
Highlights
Did they know, did they know!? 🫢
A crazy shake and bake to end it 🫣
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