Selkirk slaps ultimatum on new governing body

Slow the game down with this drill. USTA President calls pickleball 'obnoxious'

August 28, 2024

The U.S. Open is currently underway in NYC. It’s our nation’s chance to showcase tennis and host the best players in the world.

Last week, you saw tennis GOAT Novak Djokovic embrace the short court of pickleball at the HEAD NYC Mash Up. However, U.S. Tennis Association President Dr. Brian Hainline has a very different outlook on the game.

Earlier this week he was quoted as saying “Quite frankly, it’s obnoxious to hear that pickleball noise.” Hainline is unhappy that pickleball has invaded tennis courts and has pushed for a new offensive to repurpose pickleball courts for the beginner and kid-friendly tennis option, red ball tennis.

In This Issue:

✌️ Use the two-ball drill to slow down the game
🗂️ Selkirk airs grievances against new governing body
🏆 Pro pickleball weekend doubleheader

Get your tea ready.

Slow the Game Down by Playing Faster

As your level of play rises, the pace of the game slows down. Those 4.0 games that used to seem fast and intense will become a walk in the park with predictable shots you know how to counter as you level up.

You will notice the difference if you move from a high-level game back down to a lower level. If high-level games aren’t at your disposal, you can use the two-ball drill to simulate high-speed play.

Jay Devilliers demonstrates how he uses the two-ball drill here.

  • Stand across from your partner at the kitchen line

  • Both you and your partner feed a ball to start the drill

  • Start with cooperative dinking, then make the drill more difficult by moving your partner around and taking balls out of the air

Remember to maintain good form throughout the drill and return to ready position in between shots. As Jay demonstrates you should still be ready for the speedup at any time.

The drill helps train your eyes to move faster from hitting one ball to tracking and hitting another. It will increase your awareness and improve your reaction time.

So if you find yourself stuck at the courts waiting on your perpetually late partners, use this cheat code of a drill and watch the game slow down right before your eyes.

Catch Them If You Can

If you’ve been following pro pickleball this year, you’ve probably noticed Proton pickleball paddles making waves. Their Series 1 paddles are so sought after they’re practically flying off the shelves. But if you've missed out on those, don’t worry — there are more in the lineup that deserve your attention.

Take the Series 2 paddle, for instance. Proton claims it’s the softest paddle on the market, offering a level of control and feel that's hard to match. It's not just about soft play; this paddle is a proven winner, frequently clinching medals at PPA events, particularly among players ranked 3.0-4.0.

Then there’s the Series 3, an elongated control paddle with a gritty, natural texture. Its design ensures longer dwell times and provides ample tack for spinning shots, making it a favorite for pro players like Kaitlyn Christian.

Curious to try one? Head over to Pickleball Central, the exclusive retailer for Proton paddles. And don’t forget to use code PRO-THEDINK for $25 off your paddle.

Selkirk Brings the Receipts Against UPA-A

If we’ve learned one thing in the past couple years, it’s that paddle testing and regulation ain’t easy. The three month old USA Pickleball competitor, the UPA-A, is learning that the hard way. Or maybe they’re just learning that it’s impossible to please everyone…all the time?

In a series of ‘leaked’ letters that surfaced on social media last week, Selkirk leadership aired its numerous grievances with the UPA-A, calling into question everything from its credibility to its competence. Selkirk’s primary concerns:

  • They’re dissatisfied with the “incompetence and unprofessionalism of the PPL (Pickle Pro Labs)”, the organization responsible for paddle testing and equipment standards

  • They feel that a single manufacturer has already received special treatment and alluded to an emerging trend of “anti-competitive and anti-consumer behaviors”

  • The recently announced interim certification was unfairly shared with certain manufacturers before others, and could allow for harmful paddles that are “Gen 3 paddles on steroids”

The letters also raised concerns regarding the organization’s for-profit status, poor communication and professionalism.

Two Sentences of Note:

  1. “This letter may seem harsh, but please keep in mind the gravity of these issues and the critical juncture Pickleball is at. The Selkirk Team has found themselves at an impasse with the UPA-A and outlines two options for moving forward with their continued support.”

  2. “At this time, we believe the UPA-A in its current form and direction is potentially the most dangerous organization to the future of pickleball.”

Selkirk ends the letter by offering two options:

  • Option 1: Restructure the UPA-A and convert to non-profit status

  • Option 2: Return Paddle Certification to USA Pickleball and convert to non-profit status

There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’ll save the analysis for Friday’s issue. In the meantime, keep in mind that the letters offer a healthy amount of unverified claims, anecdotal evidence, and in all likelihood, were intended to be ‘leaked’ for public consumption.

Zane and Thomas will break down the letters in detail on this weekend’s episode of PicklePod, so be sure to tune in.

A Fontainebleau Residency for the PPA

The PPA Tour made headlines earlier in the year announcing the new Fontainebleau Luxury Resort Hotel as a venue for the Las Vegas Cup. Well, the day has finally arrived for pickleball to hit The Strip.

New Courts, New Problems
Although the ballrooms at the resort provide a unique ambiance, the carpeted floors could be a problem when it comes to quality of play. The tour appeared to be using a new roll-out court system that is leaving some courts with wrinkles and playing conditions that don’t match a traditional court. Keep an eye on that throughout the week.

The Progression Draw is Back
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns return to action this week along with the progression draw. The progression draw is used from Cup and Slam level events like this week’s Las Vegas Cup and next month’s Atlanta Slam.

Can Gabe Do It Again?
After a double-gold performance in Utah, Gabe Tardio will look to repeat alongside partners Andrei Daescu and Jessie Irvine.

Catch Erik Tice’s full preview, including new partnerships and podium predictions. Tune into the event on PickleballTV and the PPA’s YouTube.

Get a Grip, and Don’t Slip

You know that moment when you’re about to make the shot of the game, the one that’ll make your partner think you’ve been secretly training with the pros? But then, the unthinkable happens — a slip, a slide, and your golden moment turns into a flubbed shot that you’ll be thinking about all night.

Enter the HEAD Motion Pro Pickleball shoes. These aren’t just shoes — they’re your new best friend on the court. Designed by picklers for picklers, they get the demands of the game. With a grip that holds like a pro and a reinforced toe cap built for those who drag and slide, these shoes are engineered to handle the most intense matches.

Plus, the pickleball-specific outsole extends your reach over the kitchen, making those tricky shots just a bit easier. And with a sock-like fit and a DynaFoam midsole, these shoes are not only super lightweight but also incredibly responsive.

Give the HEAD Motion Pro Pickleball Shoes a try and feel the difference on the court.

APP Back in Action in Sweet Home Chicago

It has been over a month since the APP Tour set participation records at the Newport Beach Open. After a quiet August, the tour returns to action in its current home of Chicago.

Rolling out the Red Carpet
It was Pickleball Night at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday. Reigning men’s singles champion Chris Haworth and APP Executive Vice President of Competition Initiatives Melissa McCurley were honored on field at the game.

Singles Standouts
Chris Haworth aims to take home his fifth men’s singles title of the year in Chicago. He is paired with another singles star, Grayson Goldin, in men’s doubles. Together they will try to break the stigma of only being singles specialists.

Fudge’s Global Pickleball Adventures
Megan Fudge is everywhere. She and her husband Ryler DeHeart are bringing pickleball around the globe this summer. She won two gold medals in last week’s Monsoon Pickleball Championship, one gold medal at the English Open, and is the favorite to win in women’s singles this weekend. Fudge will pair with Jack Munro and Jill Braverman in Chicago.

Mixed Doubles Magic
The mixed doubles field is the least predictable event heading into the weekend. Susannah Barr and Ryler DeHeart are the top seed, but keep an eye out for Yana Newell, who is teamed up with Will Howells.

See which underdogs our guy Erik Tice predicts to make the podium. Singles action begins tomorrow, but streaming will start with mixed doubles on Friday at 1 pm ET on APPTV.

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