Tempers flare at MLP Orlando

How to choose the perfect paddle shape. A powerful new partnership emerges.

April 28, 2025

Major League Pickleball wrapped its opening weekend in Orlando—and the 90-degree heat wasn’t the only thing causing the mercury to rise.

After a spicy mixed doubles matchup, Hayden Patriquin said something that set Anna Leigh Waters off. So much so, she got into his face at the bench after their paddle tap. The Shock took the match 3-1, but this fire is still smoldering. We get into it, below.

In This Issue:

  • Highs and lows of MLP opening weekend

  • How to choose the perfect paddle shape

  • What Hayden said to ALW

You might need a cold towel for this one.

Our Picks ☝️

🍎 MiLP: Ballin’ in the Big Apple

The Dink Minor League Pickleball NYC Spring Championship popped off over the weekend, with hordes of amateurs competing for the title. If stare-downs were worth points, this guy would’ve taken gold.

📔 Confusion: Where’s the Rulebook?

From a vague new serving standard to questionable foot faults, there was a lot of confusion around the rules at MLP Orlando. So much so, one pro even took to X to clarify how he should be serving the following day.

✍🏼 Humble: Pros, They’re Just Like Us

There’s got to be a good story behind Christian Alshon autographing a giant pickleball for none other than…Jame Ignatowich? We just don’t know it—yet.

😳 Intrigue: A New Partnership Emerges

Rumors, confirmed: After their respective partners left to team up with each other, Rachel Rohrabacher and Catherine Parenteau have joined forces to form a powerful new partnership.

Video: Which Paddle Shape Is Right for You?

By now, you know the three most common paddle shapes: widebody, elongated and hybrid.

Here’s something you might not know: By rule, a paddle’s total length plus its width cannot exceed 24 inches. And the maximum allowable length is 17 inches.

For you math whizzes, that means the most elongated of paddles can be no wider than 7 inches. A widebody, on the other hand, might come in at 8.5 inches wide and 15.5 inches long. You get the idea.

But how do you know which shape is right for you? Prolific paddle reviewer Chris Olson recently broke down the pros and cons of each one.

Here’s what you need to know:

Elongated — common dimension: 16.5” L x 7.5” W

👍 Pros: Longer reach; more leverage means more power; often feature longer handles

👎 Cons: Smaller sweet spot; less maneuverable in the hand

Widebody — common dimensions: 16” L × 8” W

👍 Pros: More surface area; increased stability and larger sweet spot; more maneuverable

👎 Cons: Tend to have shorter handles; can feel clunky; sacrifice reach

Hybrid — common dimensions: 16.25” L x 7.75” W

👍 Pros: Nice balance between reach, sweet spot and hand-speed

👎 Cons: Not offered by every brand; doesn’t excel in any one thing

Elongated paddles are the most common shape in the market—and favored among tennis converts—but there’s a growing push among rec players toward the stability and larger sweet spot of a widebody (pro James Ignatowich has said more than once he’s considering making the switch).

Our recommendation: Try each shape and be honest about what suits your game the best. The truth might surprise you.

You’ve Seen It. Now You Can Swing It.

If you’ve watched Megan Fudge or Will Howells this year, you’ve already seen what the Franklin C45° can do.

This hybrid beast brings the heat with a 14mm double thermoformed core for next-level durability, and a T700 Carbon Fiber face laid at a 45° angle for unreal spin and consistent feel across the whole paddle.

Less vibration, more control, and yeah—that electric blue doesn’t hurt either.

What Got ALW So Heated?

There were many amazing moments from MLP’s kickoff event over the weekend in Orlando—scroll down for more on that.

But it didn’t take a hot mic to pick up the heated exchange between Hayden Patriquin and Anna Leigh Waters at the conclusion of their mixed doubles game. By all accounts, Hayden called ALW a couple of very naughty words.

ALW was incensed. Post paddle-tap, she pursued Big H to his bench and confronted him with some choice words of her own.

Hayden was asked about it in the post-match interview.

❝

“Some words were said. Some words that shouldn’t have been said. I mean it is what it is, it’s the heat of the moment. You know, you can call me whatever. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done it. I said it.”

Major League Pickleball issued the following “statement” Monday afternoon:

Pickleball: Not Just for Physical Health?

According to a study, pickleball players experience depression at a rate 60% lower than the general population.

Researchers surveyed over 18,000 recreational athletes, and the findings are telling—the more often you play, the bigger the potential mental health boost.

Quick Hits:

  • Social interaction + movement + fun = serious mental health gains

  • Built-in community helps fend off loneliness

  • Frequent play = stronger benefits

This isn’t just about cardio — it’s about connection, playfulness, and showing up for your own happiness.

Need more proof?

  • A 2023 meta-analysis found social sports cut depression symptoms by up to 34% compared to solo workouts

  • The U.S. Surgeon General says loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

Pickleball builds community by design — open plays, leagues, tournaments — and it’s paying off big time.

Next time you’re on the court chasing down a drop shot, know this: you’re not just working out—you’re potentially rewiring your brain for the better.

The Shock Looked Good This Weekend. Here’s Why.

Dink fam, did you catch the St. Louis Shock at MLP Orlando? Yeah, those clean uniforms? All MUEV.

And not gonna lie—they were one of the sharpest teams on the court.

Here’s the cool part: you don’t have to just watch. You can wear what the pros wear—MUEV’s collection is live and waiting.

And because you’re rolling with us, use code THEDINK for 20% off.

Style like a Shock player. Play like yourself.

The Highs and Lows of MLP Orlando

The Dink team was in attendance all weekend in Orlando, catching the sights and sounds of Major League Pickleball’s kickoff event.

From blinding court colors to the f-bomb heard ‘round the world, there was a lot to take in.

Our pro pickle expert, Erik Tice, has a full analysis here—but let’s get into a few of the juiciest highlights.

Jorja Johnson

The Dallas Flash picked up where they left off, winning all four of their matches in regulation. Jorja Johnson, in particular, was a beast, going 8-0 with a combined score of 88-15.

New Blood

Eric Oncins finished 7th in overall player standings and looked dominant in his starting role with the Texas Ranchers, who went 3-1. His game looked every bit the match for doubles partner Christian Alshon.

Samantha Parker was equally impressive in her debut with the Orlando Squeeze, winning a highlight mixed match with partner Dylan Frazier against Quang Duong and Catherine Parenteau of the LA Mad Drops.

Calling Foul

A new service rule means players can toss the ball upwards, rather than being required to drop it, but only the equivalent of one ball’s height. Not surprisingly, this resulted in a ton of service fault calls and disagreements amongst players and referees.

Highs and Lows

  • It was oppressively hot all weekend, with very little shade for spectators

  • The court colors (below) were fun in person, but made viewing online a challenge

  • The parity between a few top teams and everyone else is apparent, and potentially a problem

  • The switch to side-out scoring is polarizing—you love it, or despise it

  • The vibes were immaculate, the venue was packed all weekend

All this, and much more, in our full event recap.

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