NFL legend makes pro pickle debut

Adam here. Since we’ve asked you to spill your awkward pickleball stories (see below), I suppose it is time I share one of mine.

One time, a person I used to play pickleball with tried to set me up with her daughter. I was happily spoken for and uninterested, and explained that to her. But then, she tried to convince me to be her daughter’s friend.

This was already uncomfortable enough for a somewhat awkward person like myself. But then, I see a young lady pacing around the outside of the court…and she looked like the mom I was playing with…

Don’t worry, I wasn’t abducted. Just a little nervous I was about to be caught in a Misery situation.

In today's issue:

• Get the most out of “skinny singles”

• More awkward pickle stories

• APP Mesa guest appearance

• The story behind ANDIAMO!

Vamanos!

Make the Game More Difficult

Why aren’t you playing skinny singles yet? Sure, it’s not as fun as doubles, but it is an incredible to way to improve your game.

There’s no room to lean on or blame your partner. Just mano y mano, duking it out on half the court.

For those unfamiliar with skinny singles, it is an altered version of play where half of the court is deemed out of bounds.

There are a couple of different variations to skinny singles that can be used to mimic gameplay.

1. In version one, the server moves based on their score and the returner stays put. So at 0-0 the point is played diagonally with both players using their respective right side (deuce side) of the court. At 1-0 the server moves to their left side and the point is played straight ahead.

2. In the second version, neither player changes position. The whole game is played either diagonally or straight ahead. This version is great if you and your partner stack or you’d like to isolate specific scenarios.

If you’re just looking to kill time before the rest of your foursome arrives, try out version one. If you’re a tournament player that stacks with their partner, lean into version two.

What to work on?

Precision: half the court means twice as much precision is required. You don’t have the luxury of returning the serve to the middle of the court. The same goes for overheads, drives etc. You must pick your spot and actually hit it.

My favorite part of skinny singles is that it exposes weaknesses. There are fewer variables. No one else to blame. There is no guessing if your partner’s high dink caused you to lose the hands battle. It’s all on you.

No need for small talk the next time you’re waiting on Tina (who is perpetually late). Crank up some skinny singles and start getting better.

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When Pickleball Turns Awkward

Last issue, we asked you to submit your stories about awkward pickleball situations.

We love these, please keep ‘em coming by leaving your comments here.

In the meantime, we felt compelled to share a few choice responses from you:

We hope Paul B. was let off with just a warning:

Darrol S. is like a teen on prom night:

PB Brad is unrecognizable:

APP Tour Moves into Mesa

Have you ever played pickleball with an NFL legend? Well, this weekend is your chance. If you’re playing pro men’s doubles you could find yourself lined up across the net from Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald has partnered with Wes Burrows to take a crack at the pro game. We’re hoping number 11 has made strides since last year’s exhibition against Michael Phelps. It would be an unbelievable moment to have him medal in Mesa.

Parris Todd looks to start the year with three straight gold medal finishes. She is the favorite in a field that also includes Simone Jardim, Salome Devidze and Megan Fudge.

The APP Mesa Open stream will begin Saturday at 1pm MST on APPTV. A one-hour Championship Sunday recap special will air on CBS Sports Network on Monday at 9 pm ET.

The Rise of ANDIAMO!

Pickleball’s most polarizing player Julian Arnold is here to talk all things MLP. His unabashed excitement for the game leaves some fans pining for more and others muting their TVs.

Learn more about how Julian co-founded his paddle company Volair and coined his own catchphrase. MLP Mesa’s Most Valuable Player also shares his insights on how pro pickleball can continue to improve. Andiamo!

Watch here or listen here.

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Headlines & Quick Hits

• Tennis legend John McEnroe BURIES pickleball to Pat McAfee

• Pickleball battle brewing at Chicago’s Bauler Park

• By the numbers: Rally vs Traditional scoring

Highlights

• Not your average teenagers😳

• KOOOOOOP

• Frances Tiafoe = big pickleball guy

• Pickleball in Times Square

A review from the Dink Fam...