We know many of you are shopping for pickleballers right now (and if you are, we have the perfect gift) — but ideally, this time of year should also be about giving. 

Zane Navratil and Altaf Merchant are taking that notion seriously. They’re hoping to raise a total of $250,000 for Stop Alzheimer’s Now, a nonprofit seeking a cure. Every penny of every donation goes directly to research.

Larger donors will receive signed paddles, exclusive clinic spots with Zane and Altaf, and even courtside tickets at the Pickleball Slam in February. 

Make a difference this holiday season and consider the campaign here.

In This Issue:
 
🔎 How to spot the GOATs
🍕 Chicago steals MLP season 2 title
⛓️ Pickle behind bars

Let’s go.

We are stunned by the reaction to the launch of The Pickleball Box. We knew pickleballers would like this…but man, it’s clear we should have launched this way sooner. You’ll need to act fast if you want to receive the first box before the holidays.

Spot a Savage

How do you know if someone is savage when visiting new courts? You might think it’s whoever is decked out from head to toe in sponsored apparel is the top dog. But that’s rarely the case.

(Chances are they bought all that gear from fromuthpickleball.com and saved 10% with code 10DINK, btw).

Either way, don't judge a book by its cover. But if you’re going to judge something, a good signal to look for is a strong transition backhand volley.

When they're in no man's land reaching for a low backhand and still hit a winner, you can be confident that the rest of their game is solid, too.

Example: Greg hits a third and approaches the kitchen line. I do my best to keep him back by aiming my fourth at his feet. Specifically, his left foot, if he’s a righty.

He has a choice:

• Either step back and play the ball off the bounce - the safe option

• Or, step into the court and play the ball as a low backhand volley - the high-risk option

The takeaway: if you see someone execute the transition backhand volley with ease, they're most likely a savage.

If you find yourself on the court with a savage, don't be concerned about wins and losses. Note which of your shots are Major League material and which ones belong in the Busch League.

Take the opportunity to test your skills instead of going for highlights. Read more here.

Show Your Love of the Game

The Selkirk Prestige Collection is here to make a statement on and off the court.

It's packed with the revolutionary Power Air technology, and features a stunning array of apparel from the Stretch-Wik and Pro-Lines, all adorned in the eye-catching Prestige colorway.

Dive into Selkirk's world of quality and style today, and set yourself apart on the court with the Prestige Collection.

The Comeback Champs

It feels like deja vu — like MLP Daytona all over again. In fact, it feels like any pickleball competition ever. If you give Ben Johns enough time, he will find a way to win.

Major League Pickleball decided to forego the third event of season two in favor of an invite-only playoff of the league’s best. Everyone was anticipating another final between the D.C. Pickleball Team and the Orlando Squeeze.

On Monday, the Squeeze beat D.C. to earn a spot in the final. That forced D.C. to play the Chicago Slice for the remaining spot.

D.C. took a 2-0 lead , winning both women's and men's doubles. The Slice rallied back and won both mixed doubles games and the singles dreambreaker by two points each. This punched their ticket into the finals against the Squeeze.

The Finals

Again in the finals, the Slice dropped games one and two and had their backs against the wall.

• Lacy Schneemann and Erik Lange had a huge comeback win in mixed doubles to breathe life back into the team

• Jessie Irvine and Ben Johns took care of game four to force another Dreambreaker for the Slice

• The Slice were outgunned on paper but heroic efforts from Schneemann, Lange, and Irvine carried them to a 21-18 championship win

Schneemann earned MVP honors and the Chicago Slice, a team that could have been left out of the playoffs, beat the two defending champs to claim the season two crown. Read more here.

Prison Pickle

The power of exercise, teamwork, and competition cannot be overstated – especially if you’re a prisoner.

The Arlington County Detention Facility recently installed a permanent pickleball court in a rehabilitative effort between the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and Parks Department.

There, two dozen inmates recently took part in an inaugural tournament.

“Participants learned, practiced and played for three days, reviewing the rules and demonstrations from Parks and Rec, culminating in a pickleball tournament where they had the opportunity to form teams and compete in doubles matches,” a Sheriff’s Office representative told ARL Now.

The sheriff himself made a presentation after the tournament – likely because he’d suggested building the court when he originally campaigned for his role.

“...Each morning when staff arrived, the individuals were already practicing and playing,” the representative said.

“...Several [inmates] not only thanked staff for providing them this opportunity but also were given locations where they will be able to play in Arlington upon release.”

We're stoked to see pickleball continuing to grow, including prisons (although based on the picture, we're sad there's no opportunities for ATPs).

Plant Powered Performance

Revitalize your pickleball performance with Sap's – the athlete-focused hydration solution.

Engineered for intense activity, Sap's replenishes crucial electrolytes – including sodium, potassium, and calcium – that are depleted during dynamic play. At its heart lies coconut water powder, a natural source of vital electrolytes, which promotes swift hydration and maintains electrolyte balance.

Sap's also incorporates adaptogens such as ginseng, which sharpens your mental focus, and ginger root, aiding in muscle recuperation. Beyond hydration, Sap's with L-Glutamine and a blend of vitamins enhances muscle recovery and boosts immunity, keeping you in top form on the court.

Don't let dehydration slow you down; stay hydrated & competitive with Sap's.

Pay cut or punishment

What’s good for the game might not be best for all involved. Rob and Stone weigh in on the MLP/PPA pay cut and the awkward compromise that it has caused.

The boys take a closer look at the final events of 2023 and provide a forecast for MLP in 2024.

Watch it here or listen here.

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Master the Court in Style

• Which city will win a Picklr facility? Time to vote

• Is this the Best Pickleball Gift Ever?

• ICYMI: APP Tour announces teams format play for pro players

Highlights

• Chicago never quit

• The CJ-Arnold feud is heating up 🔥

• Rent the most exclusive pickleball courts

• Overpowered his opponent 🔥

• Cities battling it out for a pickleball facility

A review from the Dink Fam...