In lieu of pickleball-themed emoji (*sigh* Apple let us down again during their latest unveiling event this week), the APP has released a slew of GIFs featuring pro pickleball players.

Now, you can respond to your friends in shorthand with gems like this:

Click here to find the perfect GIF from your favorite APP player.

In This Issue:

• Think of net play like baseball

• Equity in pro pickle

• San Clemente, here we come

• Pickleball feuds

Let’s move.

Lean In for a Better View

When a hitter is in the batter's box, they go through the same routine on nearly every pitch.

One reason for that is because they have less than a second to decide if they're going to swing.

Well, that same concept can be applied to pickleball. When you're at the line, you have to lean in to evaluate a dink. Lean in like you're going to have a speedup opportunity. That way, if the opportunity arises, you’re ready.

Think of the opponent's dink like a pitch. If they leave it in the 'strike zone,' attack that thing like there's no tomorrow.

If they hit an unattackable dink, go into recovery mode. Regain your balance. Move your feet to field the dink and send it back over the net. Then get ready for the next 'pitch.'

You'll be amazed how many more balls are attackable when your knees are bent, your chest is forward, and your paddle is out in front.

The main caveat with this strategy is that you have to know that a dink is coming. It will require some assumptions based on their style of play and body language. The strategy is best suited for cross-court dinking because cross-court attacks are less common.

When you want to put more pressure on the opponent’s soft game, lean in and make the kitchen look like a hot plate.

Control the Court

Get ready to elevate your game and withstand the heat with the new Obsidian paddles from GAMMA Pickleball.

The GAMMA Obsidian pickleball paddles are available in both 13mm and 16mm core thickness and feature a raw carbon hitting surface for massive spin.

Increase your swing speed and power today by purchasing one on www.gammasports.com.

Pro Mixed Doubles Sets a Great Example

Let’s consider for a moment some of the ways in which pickleball is more gender-equitable than other sports:

• Its major tours make a point of offering equal prize pools for women and men

• Mixed doubles is arguably the most popular fixture of pro events

• All genders play together regularly on amateur courts across the world, every single day (“boys clubs” and “girls clubs” are the exception, not the rule)

• Smaller court size literally levels the playing field for different body types and abilities

• Just as much a strategy game as a power game

“The rules and equipment were designed to blur the lines between age and gender,” pro Irina Tereschenko adds in a recent Forbes article about pickleball inclusivity.

Though it may be uncommon, mixed doubles at the pro level (and its popularity among fans) creates a sense of mutual respect between players. It forces them to need each other.

“When men and women play together, men get to know women and respect them as athletes,” several pro players told Forbes.

Most interestingly, the Forbes piece interviewed pro women players about where they think the sport’s culture could improve. Here’s what they hope will change:

• Men crowding women on the court

• Men scoring more, and bigger, endorsements

• More men’s games making it to broadcast

Additionally, the author notes that women pros feel they have to pay more attention to their appearance because of their gender.

“The women pros I talked to told me the pressure isn’t tremendous in pickleball, but it’s certainly there, especially for women who want to…invite more sponsorships and endorsement.”

“Still, the women I talked to felt strongly they did not need to compromise themselves or their values to be successful…”

California Dreamin’

Pack your board shorts and get ready to hit the coast. Pro pickleball is stationed in Southern California for the rest of the month, starting with the Orange County Cup.

The San Clemente stop is almost unanimously listed as the favorite location on tour. Scenic hills and views of the coast are the backdrop for one of pickleball’s premier events.

No Lea Jansen in the singles field means we will not see a rematch from Sunday’s epic final.

The draw does contain Anna Bright, Jorja Johnson and Catherine Parenteau who will all try to dethrone Anna Leigh Waters starting tomorrow.

The list of potential men’s medalists grows deeper and deeper. Players like Collin Schick and Juame Martinez Vich have proven to be legitimate contenders. It will be a war of attrition to see who can find a way to Championship Sunday.

The smart money, as always, is on Ben Johns. But the road to the final gets more daunting with each event. The Federico Staksrud train has lost steam in recent events. Look for him to get back on track in Cali.

Tune in to singles action tomorrow on PPATV and catch our doubles preview in Friday's newsletter.

PCKL Power Series Review is Here!

Get the POWER you need without breaking the bank.

Our latest paddle review is of the PCKL Power Series, a perfect option for someone looking to step up their game with a comfortable corded grip that's light on the hand and surprisingly gritty surface that helps create plenty of spin.

Check out the full review and make sure to use code DINK15 to save 15% off sitewide!

Pickleball Feuds & The Best Comebacks of All Time

Zane and Thomas address the mud that is being slung around the pickleball world. New podcasts and Twitter have provided a platform for players to defend themselves and point fingers, and Zane says he’s “here for it.”

On the heels of an epic comeback from William Sobek, the guys debate the best comebacks of all time. Listener questions are answered in support of Stop Alzheimer’s Now.

Watch here or listen here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Finley Stadium hoping to cash in on pickleball popularity

• The most stunning pickleball courts in the West - Sunset Magazine

• ICYMI: Pickleball slang terms you should know

Highlights

• This house is a prison!

• I-formations on the PPA Tour

• The power of dads

• Casual ERNE defense

A review from the Dink Fam...