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Pickleball is the new dating app
The missing $60k paddle testing machine. Why you need faster hands.
A $60,000, 167-pound paddle testing machine is missing. It was last seen loaded onto a truck at the conclusion of MLP Austin. The police are hot on its trail. But one question looms: Who would steal the Pickle Press in the first place?
On that topic, if you’re looking to steal someone’s heart on the pickleball court, you may be in luck. On-court romance seems to be a growing trend these days. A few steamy examples, below.
In This Issue:
— Upset alert for MLP Daytona Beach
— The mind-bending math of a pro firefight
— The case of the missing Pickle Press
Single, ready to mingle.
Our Picks ☝️
🦘 Down Under: The Dink MiLP Adds Aussie Events
The Dink Minor League Pickleball is officially heading down under, announcing a slate of eight events in Australia for the 2025 season. The action begins this month — check out the full schedule.
🥱 Can’t Relate: Is Pickleball Burnout Real?
One Reddit user recounts a recent trip to the court and the sudden, overwhelming lack of interest between games. Just like that, they didn’t care anymore, so they left. Same feeling the following day. Sounds like science fiction to us.
🔁 MLP Moves: One Viv for Another
In a win-win for two MLP teams that need a morale boost, the Atlanta Bouncers yesterday traded for Vivienne David, sending Vivian Glozman to the Chicago Slice. For anyone keeping track, we totally called this a few days ago.
⛪️ Raise the Roof: Churches Converting to Pickleball
Churches across the country are shuttering their doors in place of pickleball courts. One such conversion outside of Chicago gives us a glimpse into why. The need for high ceilings has prospective owners targeting old movie theaters and places of worship.
The Mind-Bending Math Behind This 9-Shot Pro Firefight
At a certain point in your pickleball journey, there’s no getting around the importance of hand speed.
For proof, Technical Pickleball analyzed this firefight from a PPA Tour match featuring eight of the fastest hands in the sport. Conclusion: You can hit a shot, your opponent can counter that shot, and you can counter their counter all in the space of about a second.
0.35 seconds: elapsed time between each hit
0.22 seconds: average reaction time
0.13 seconds: average paddle reload time
If you suddenly feel compelled to drill for faster hands, go find a wall and focus on these tips:
1️⃣ Start 10 feet from the wall. Hit forehand volleys at pace. When you can keep the ball in the air for 10 shots, switch to your backhand. Then alternate between the two.
2️⃣ Now take a big step closer to the wall and repeat this drill. Hit the volleys at game speed; this shouldn’t feel easy.
3️⃣ Focus on your reload. After making contact with the ball, immediately snap your paddle back to the ready position in front of your chest.
🏆 Challenge yourself to a little game, seeing how many volleys you can hit consecutively standing as close to the wall as possible. The next time you drill, try to beat your previous number. Practice makes perfect.
Round 'Em Up, It's Metalbone Time
Rafa’s spinning that Metalbone in the air again, and honestly, it’s got us thinking about our own setup.
The Metalbone paddle from adidas is a solid choice if you're looking to fine-tune your game. First up, the customizable weight system. It lets you dial in the paddle’s balance just how you like it.
It also features a Spin Blade Max surface to help you generate more spin, and a new, reinforced core design for better feel and durability.
Feels good, plays better. Might be time to see what the Metalbone can do for your game.
Missing: Pro Pickleball’s $60,000 Paddle Testing Machine
Somewhere near Austin, TX, roughly 10 miles north of downtown, a large black case full of pickleball paddle testing equipment disappeared out of a moving truck and vanished into the night.
That’s not a movie plot, it’s real life: The Pickle Press, the machine that does onsite paddle testing at PPA Tour and MLP events, is gone. It was on a truck one night, destined for Mesa, AZ; sometime the next morning, it wasn’t.
Was it stolen, or did it just go missing? Who would take such a complex and specialized piece of equipment? How did they possibly wrestle the 167-pound case away, undetected? And where is it now?
A police report was filed and we’re told authorities are actively investigating the case’s whereabouts.
Thankfully, there is a backup Pickle Press, so paddles will be tested as usual at this weekend’s MLP Daytona event.
But know this: We’re hot on the case of the missing Pickle Press.
Match Point: Pickleball Is the New Dating App
Pickleball might just be the perfect dating app — only IRL.
You’re constantly meeting new people on the court who already share a common interest. No awkward swipes or forced small talk. Just instant connection and maybe a little off-court chemistry?
We’re not saying your future spouse is one open play away… but romance keeps popping up in the pickleball world:
Top pros Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson are proof that dating a fellow player has perks
Pickleball singles events are coming online across the country, and mixed doubles might just be the most underrated date night idea
A popular pickleball app just added an “Open to Dating” tag
People are even adding pickleball to their weddings and bachelorette parties.
We’re all for getting the most out of your court time. Just keep the flirting off the kitchen line, deal?
We Found the Gummy That Gets It
Mind racing mid-rally? Shoulder barking after game three? We’ve been there.
Bluebird’s Full Spectrum CBD Gummies help take the edge off after long days on the court or when your mind’s racing mid-match. Made with high-quality ingredients and natural flavors, they taste legit with zero weird aftertaste or junky fillers.
You can take one in the morning, one later in the day. Just don’t go over two. Easy to fit into your routine, and it might help to jot down how you’re feeling each day so you can track the difference.
They’re 60% off right now. No code, no hassle. Just a good deal on a great recovery tool.
We’re On Upset Alert at MLP Daytona Beach
The third consecutive weekend for Major League Pickleball goes down in Daytona Beach beginning Friday, with nine Premier Level teams competing in 26 total matches.
Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on.
The St. Louis Shock remain unbeaten, with six matches to play in Daytona. If they can win out, they’ll be undefeated at 14-0 — just like the Dallas Flash.
The New Jersey 5s are favored in all five of their matches. One test could come against the Carolina Hogs, assuming Ben and Collin Johns are motivated to compete.
The LA Mad Drops are playing very well; their women’s team, Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto, just beat Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black in Phoenix, after all. Our bold prediction: LA defeats St. Louis in a Dreambreaker in Daytona.
Headlines & Quick Hits
The Workout Tool Pickleballers Are Using to Build a Better Drive
The Second Coming of Vulcan Pickleball
Laguna Beach Courts Crack Down on Noise Complaints
Highlights
Can two pro women beat two 5.0 men?
Pop-up pickleball around an Indiana courthouse
Every sport, including pickleball, has its boring moments
Watch this ATP—now watch it again
Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered
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