World Series viewership in 1973: Nearly 35 million. World Series viewership in 2022: short of 12 million.

NBA Finals viewership in 1974: 32 million. NBA Finals viewership in 2022: 12.4 million.

Clearly, sports TV ratings can drastically change in only 50 years. People are tiring of the same-old, same-old. It’s time for pickleball’s rise, and it is rising…

Our Paddles for Life Giveaway is live, but it’s been hijacked. Tyson McGuffin just couldn’t handle the FOMO…

So now the runner up will receive a Signed Tyson McGuffin Signature Paddle. #1 wins free paddles for life and #3-6 win a Selkirk paddle of their choice. Enter here.

In This Issue:

• Building one of the most-envied shots in PB

• 1.25 million viewers on TV

• AI’s future in pickleball

• Tennis player seeks to steal PB crown

Tune in. Let’s begin.

Rebuild Your Backhand Flick

It is one of the most sought-after techniques in pickleball and is arguably Ben Johns’ most effective shot.

So why aren’t you using it? Oh, that’s right, because it’s also one of the most difficult to execute. But luckily John Cincola is here to fix you like Coldplay’s 2005 smash hit.

When it comes to the backhand flick, Cincola preaches the importance of a compact swing. Don’t overdo it. Some players over-exaggerate the motion and finish with their paddle up in the air like Lady Liberty’s torch.

A shorter swing will also lend to efficiency. By keeping the motion compact, it becomes easier to return the paddle to neutral and prepare for the next ball.

Next, activate your forearm. Start with the paddle tip-down, pointed toward your off-hand hip, and a loosen your grip. As you move the paddle upward in a ‘flicking’ motion, simultaneously flip the paddle 180 degrees while you flex your forearm and tighten your grip.

The forearm rotation is all that is required to brush up the backside of the ball and generate the necessary topspin.

Cincola also harps on the importance of lower body for stability.

Instead of trying to generate power with your legs, keep your knees bent. Exploding out of the squat only lands you out of position for the next shot.

Don’t be deterred if your flick isn’t there yet. It takes time to perfect. Use this simplified motion to rebuild your flick and add a weapon to your game.

Athletic Wear Designed for Pickleball Players

AVI is elevating Pickleball by creating exceptional athletic wear. They believe everyone — from professional athletes to casual enthusiasts — deserves well-constructed, expertly designed clothing made just for their sport.

With pockets created specifically to hold pickleballs, comfortable fabrics, and ultra-lightweight feel, AVI is elevated performance wear for both on AND off the court!

A Place on the TV

Last August, pickleball was stuck in a media rut. PPA’s Summertime Championships received a modest 621K viewers on a CBS broadcast, stoking the notion that pickleball just isn’t television-friendly.

Now, with months of celebrity endorsements, news coverage, and even a few controversies in the rearview, pickleball on major TV networks has crossed an important boundary.

PPA announced its recent OGIO Newport Beach Shootout drew over 1.25 million viewers across CBS, CBS Sports Network, and Tennis Channel.

That’s right, we’re in the millions now.

"This major milestone clearly proves that people are excited about and seeking out pickleball on TV,” says PPA’s Connor Pardoe.

According to the PPA, the tournament outperformed major sporting events throughout the week, including three playoff basketball games and 17 professional baseball games.

Click here for highlights of the event.

Breakout in Sacramento

Need an early candidate for 2023 breakout player of the year? Enter Judit Castillo. After crashing onto the scene at the US Open, Castillo has taken charge at the Sacramento Open.

She fell to Parris Todd in a close US Open final, but flipped the script in Sacramento and bested to number one seed 11-0, 12-10. After that win, she went right ahead and knocked off the two-seed Megan Fudge.

Castillo will have the upper hand on Championship Sunday where she will face Fudge again for the gold medal.

Also picking up a first-time APP medal is Jess Warren. The former D1 tennis player out of Boca Raton scooped up bronze in her first pro singles event.

On the men’s side, the Johnson brothers are at it again They will square off for gold on Sunday.

Yates defeated Hunter in the winner’s bracket final but Hunter has had Yates’ number on Championship Sundays. Will Yates find a way to top Hunter on Sunday or will he keep playing Cal Naughton to Hunter’s Ricky Bobby?

Snagging third in men’s was Brandon Lane.

Look for the weekend broadcast to start up on Saturday at 4pm ET with men’s and women’s doubles. Tune into the event on APP TV.

AI on AI: How PB Benefits

Catherine Parenteau recently tweeted the following question:

While most of the responses on Twitter highlighted live ball-tracking, line calls, and gambling as potential AI utilizations, we thought it would be interesting to consult with AI itself on the matter.

So we asked ChatGPT to “explain how artificial intelligence could be used in the pickleball industry.”

This was its response (edited for brevity):

Player analysis: AI can analyze players' movements and techniques to identify strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, and strategic suggestions.

Equipment optimization: AI can help optimize the design of pickleball equipment, such as paddles and balls, to improve performance. Algorithms can analyze data on factors like weight, size, and shape to identify the optimal design for different play styles.

Automated referee: AI could be used to automate the referee process, removing the need for a human referee. Cameras and sensors could track the ball and players, and AI algorithms could determine whether shots are in or out, calculate scores, and detect violations.

Certainly, there are many more use cases than what ChatGPT highlighted (or should we say: congregated?). But these do appear to be the most promising.

Bread Head is Back!

Bread & Butter's best-selling 16mm style paddle is back in stock and ready for immediate shipping.

This paddle features a T700 carbon fiber face and UV-printed graphics that pay homage to one of the greatest jam bands ever.

The Bread Head paddle has a super plush feel that excels at the kitchen line yet still has enough power to successfully drive the ball. This paddle's first edition sold out just a few short weeks after Bread & Butter's initial launch. Now it's back with a new colorway.

Check out the Bread Head Drip paddle here.

Tennis Player Set to Steal Pickle Crown

Rob and Stone dive in on the pro pickleball doubleheader. The guys had to go in on the drama-filled Newport Beach shootout where paddles were challenged and fingers were waved.

Rob is coming off a US Open weekend and filming a new episode of Destination Pickleball. After playing against Jack Sock in Texas the guys have some bold predictions for Sock’s pickle career.

Listen here. Video coming today on our YouTube channel.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Durham's pickleball problem: too many picklers, not enough courts

• Why Bloomfield has become a hot spot for pickleball - CT Insider

Highlights

• We’re having a hard time keeping up with all this drama😵‍💫

• Open the middle, attack the middle

• Anybody else? Just me? Alright then

• Soft hands on the set up, big erne finish🤙

Homecourt Haven

Miami living. When you live in the sunshine state, you have to take full advantage. Add a court like this your backyard and it's pickle from sun up to sundown.

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...