Ben Johns takes us to paddle school

Adam here again. Aren’t you tired of the whole “pickleball just isn’t a spectator sport” line?

I hate football. I hate baseball. The only live sport I’ve ever enjoyed watching was a hockey game in Denver, and that had more to do with the incredible craft beer selection at the rink.

That is, until I discovered pickleball.

If this sport can convert ME, a nerdy, awkward former sports evader, it must be at least marginally successful as a spectator-friendly event.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments here.

We have a new Instagram handle! If you enjoyed following our old account (currently in IG purgatory), give us a follow on our new one: @thedinkpb

In today's issue:

• How to tell if your opponent will beat you

• McGuff on the mound

• Ben Johns on the PicklePod

• Air Force pickler takes medals

• DUPR in Texas

Let’s fly.

The Transition Volley

How do I know if someone is savage when visiting new courts? You might think the guy that’s decked out from head to toe in sponsored apparel is the top dog. But that’s rarely the case.

Chances are they bought all that gear from fromuthpickleball.com and saved 10% with code 10DINK.

Either way, don't judge a book by its cover. But if you’re going to judge something, a good signal to look for is a strong transition backhand volley. When they're in no man's land reaching for a low backhand and still hit a winner, you can be confident that the rest of their game is solid, too.

Example: Greg hits a third and approaches the kitchen line. I do my best to keep him back by aiming my fourth at his feet. Specifically, his left foot if he’s a righty.

He has a choice:

• Either step back and play the ball off the bounce - the safe option

• Or, step into the court and play the ball as a low backhand volley - the high-risk option

In Daytona, I got burned three times by a player stepping into this shot. They sniped a backhand down the middle, each time for a winner. I think he even yawned on the last one.

Needless to say, the match did not go my way. It was, however, a valuable learning experience. My loopy fourth deep in the court would not fly. The right play is to keep the ball lower and disguise where the shot is headed.

The takeaway: if you see someone execute the transition backhand volley with ease, they're most likely a savage.

If you find yourself on the court with a savage, don't be concerned about wins and losses. Note which of your shots are Major League material and which ones belong in the Busch League.

Take the opportunity to test your skills instead of going for highlights.

Your New Favorite Ball

Upgrade your paddle and restock your ball collection without spending a penny.

Penn’s new Pro Penn 40 pickleball is available now here is your chance to try it. Experience the durability, consistency and speed for yourself.

The HEAD Pickleball Package Giveaway includes two Gravity Tour Lite paddles, a HEAD Tour Backpack and a case of new pickleballs. Enter below for a chance to be one of the five lucky recipients.

McGuffin takes the Mound

What can breathe life back into America’s favorite pastime? How about the ‘Most Electrifying Man in Sports’?

Tyson McGuffin was the guest of honor at Pickleball Night in Arizona. McGuffin threw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Diamondbacks took on the Brewers Tuesday night.

Pickleball night also included a pickleball expo in the streets surrounding the stadium. Two temporary courts were set up outside of Chase Field for fans to play pickle and demo equipment.

Another pickleball/baseball crossover is scheduled for April 23rd in Tampa. The Rays are recruiting pickleball fans for their day game against the White Sox.

Ben Johns Says What Everyone is Thinking

Time to check in with pickleball GOAT Ben Johns. Ben went on Twitter to address the rampant paddle delamination issue and it started a fire.

He provides a masterclass on how to test for delamination and where paddle testing could be headed.

We touch on all the controversies facing the pro game, including white paddles, match schedules and rule changes. Ben even provides a history lesson on some of pickleball’s OG’s. You can’t miss this episode with pickleball’s top dog.

Watch here or listen here.

Let's get Filthy

After 6 months of designs, testing, and modifications, Bread & Butter Pickleball is finally ready to launch its latest paddle.

The Filth is a Thermoformed and edge wall inject paddle that measures 16.5" x 7.375" and weighs 8.0 ounces. Bread & Butter only made 1000 paddles with this first production run, not realizing the feedback and hype that spread like wildfire in Reddit, Discord, YouTube, and beyond.

They are almost sold out! Only a handful left for preorder here.

Oregon Airman Inspired by Pickleball

Oregon Air National Guard member, Tech. Sgt Nicole Cooper, lives a life most civilians couldn’t understand.

Her parents and sister often serve as guardians to her daughters while Cooper is serving her country. As a member of the armed forces, she adapts to new challenges all the time.

So it’s no surprise she’s an absolute star on the pickleball court.

Cooper admits that when her parents first introduced her to the sport in 2019, she wasn’t interested in the slightest.

“What kept me coming back for more was the insanely nice community I met,” she says.

Four years later, Cooper has won numerous competitions including the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. There she won two gold medals and one bronze medal.

While Cooper’s family provides support for both her military and pickleball careers, her military leadership is also very supportive.

“It’s very reassuring to see the military giving back, being flexible, and supporting passions [and] goals,” she says.

DUPR Takes Texas

DUPR’s Minor League Pickleball & Collegiate National Championship events both take place in the Lone Star state this weekend.

The Minor League’s Dallas Showdown will play out Saturday & Sunday over 42 Courts and 3 Divisions in the league’s second showdown of the year. They have a breakdown available here.

The best in college pickleball hit the courts today, competing for $22,000 in scholarship money, bids for team nationals in November, and, of course, bragging rights. Find their schedule here.

Consistency, Game After Game

The official ball of both the Amateur Pickleball Association & the Southern Pickleball Association offers enhanced flight, bounce, and playability.

Designed for competitive and tournament play, these high-speed pickleballs are USA Pickleball approved, have a firmer feel off the paddle, and are exceptionally durable, game after game.

Learn more here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Your dog deserves better than kibble

• Pickleball’s popularity presents equity challenges for city governments

• How to make a pickleball court | makeshift court guide

Highlights

• McGuff on the GRIND

• What is the best way to get out of this situation?

• Things got a little heated at MLP Daytona

• Dirk Nowitzki CRUSHES forehand

Homecourt Havens

We may need to go back to the drawing board on this color concept. We’re all for innovative court designs but the checkerboard here might not be a trendsetter.

If you have a homecourt that you’d like to start paying the bills, sign up for Swimply’s pickleball feature: coming soon.

A review from the Dink Fam...