Pro crashes through net during play 😳

Master the return of serve. Jill Braverman shares the Fab 5 story.

June 28, 2024

Just in case you were wondering, it’s illegal to touch the net during a point. If touching the net is a fault, then what Genie Bouchard did yesterday in San Clemente was a downright felony.

During her women’s doubles match, an Anna Bright backhand trickled over the net and into the kitchen. Bouchard lunged forward to get a paddle on the ball.

Momentum got the best of her and the Canadian tennis star barrelled through the net like the Kool-Aid Man. Luckily, no one was hurt, everyone had a good laugh, and play resumed shortly after.

Grab your partner for the Aloha Pickleball Showdown in Austin, Texas, July 13 at Austin Pickle Ranch. Registration closes soon. Register here.

In This Issue:

🎯 Return with a purpose
🔟 Another SportsCenter Top 10 appearance
🎙️ Jill Braverman brings the heat on a new PicklePod
 

Takeoff in 3, 2, 1.

Three Tips to Master the Return

Every point starts with two crucial shots: the serve and the return. While many players focus on their serve, the return often doesn't get the attention it deserves. A weak return can cost you points and lead to big scoring runs for the serving team. 

Here are three actionable tips to improve your returns and give you an edge.

Perfect Your Split Step

The split step is fundamental to a strong pickleball game. It helps you get into a balanced position, ready to move in any direction. 

As your opponent is about to hit their serve, take a small step forward and split step with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your body should be low with bent legs, and your paddle should be in the middle, ready for a forehand or backhand return. 

Stay Low and Shorten Your Swing

One common mistake amateurs make is standing up and taking big swings when returning. 

Stay low, keeping your legs bent and your paddle close to the ground. This position helps you manage deep, heavy serves and odd bounces. 

Keep your swing short. Imagine a hula hoop around your waist, and don't let your paddle move beyond it. 

Aim for Large Targets and Don’t Rush

Instead of rushing to the kitchen after the return, focus on hitting a good, deep shot. 

Visualize a big target and aim for a pre-determined spot – which could be a weaker player or the player better at poaching. Avoid the temptation to hit perfect lines. 

How to Practice

To enhance your accuracy and routine, practice with a partner. Set up a cone near the baseline and sideline, and aim to hit your returns close to it. Repeat this drill from different court positions to improve your precision and consistency.

By incorporating these tips and drills into your practice routine, you'll improve your return game, reduce unforced errors, and increase your chances of winning points. 

Win in Comfort

Let’s take a moment to spotlight a newcomer making waves in our pickleball community. OluKai, stepping beyond the sand and into our courts, has introduced the 'Anau—a shoe that’s quickly becoming a favorite for players who value both style and function.

The 'Anau is crafted for pickleball, featuring high-traction soles for quick moves and smooth transitions. What sets them apart is their versatility—perfect for any part of your day.

They offer the 'Anau in both men’s and women’s styles, ensuring everyone’s covered. Whether you’re scoring points on the court or stepping out casually, these shoes deliver comfort and style for any activity. Dress them up or down; they adapt to your busy lifestyle effortlessly.

Go and give the OluKai 'Anau shoes a try. Your game—and your style—will thank you.

Midseason Magic Ahead for MLP

In the past, every Major League Pickleball event was a meeting between all of the teams in the league. They would consist of a round-robin feeder into a single-elimination bracket.

That all changed this year. Not all teams attend all events in 2024, except for next month’s Mid-Season Tournament. Yesterday, MLP released the bracket and format for the tournament, which takes place in Grand Rapids in mid-July.

It is a double-elimination tournament, with teams seeded based on their current points per match. The winning team at the Premier Level will walk away with $80K.

The Mid-Season Tournament is set for July 10-14 and will coincide with the Beer City Open. The event will be free to attend, so grab a beer and buddy and take in some team pickleball next month.

A Goldin Opportunity

The Orange County Cup is in full swing this week in San Clemente, California. The No. 51 seed in men’s singles has a “Goldin” opportunity to land on the PPA podium.

A Breakout Year
Grayson Goldin is having a breakout year in men’s singles. He’s captured an APP title this year and could land on the PPA podium this weekend. Goldin benefited from a Donald Young upset of Connor Garnett in the Round of 32 and subsequently bet Young in the Round of 16. Goldin will face a familiar foe (and men’s doubles partner) Chris Haworth for a spot in the semifinals.

Patriquin Shocks St. Louis Teammate
Vivian Glozman and Hayden Patriquin surprised the mixed doubles field with an upset win over Anna Bright and James Ignatowich. The No. 16 seed will be rewarded with a shot at Lea Jansen and Riley Newman in the quarterfinals today.

Still Alive in Singles
Rachel Rohrabacher’s singles run is still alive. She will play Catherine Parenteau today and officially joins the club of pros to reach the quarterfinals in all three events.

I Saw You on the ESPN
Wednesday night’s action was broadcast nationally on ESPN2. James Ignatowich wanted a segment just for himself and landed on SportsCenter’s Top 10 with what is becoming his signature shot. Is it time to call this the Iggy?

Check out our complete preview of the event, including how to watch it this weekend in our extensive tournament preview.

Know the Difference

As temperatures rise, so does the competition. This summer, why not take your pickleball game nationwide with National Pickleball? Whether in Texas, Denver, or beyond, it’s your chance to shine.

National Pickleball offers more than just games. Play in your usual doubles format or shake things up by forming a team for some MiLP-style action, with every match counting towards your DUPR rating.

With low registration fees, flexible refunds, and a four-match guarantee, the perks keep coming. You’ll get a free T-shirt, have a shot at custom medals, and access on-site trainers to keep you in peak form.

Register for a National Pickleball tournament today, and turn your competitive spirit into unforgettable memories and possibly some shiny new hardware.

Jill Braverman Brings the Heat to the PicklePod

What happens when a former MLP Challenger Level MVP enters the league mid-season? Jill Braverman shares her take on the initial waiver wire period in Major League Pickleball. Jill, Zane and Thomas also discuss …

➡️ New details emerging on the JOOLA vs USA Pickleball lawsuit
➡️ Jill shares the reason she decided to rejoin MLP
➡️ Will equipment sales follow the same pattern as golf?

Tune in here.

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