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Washington State debuted a new batch of specialty license plate designs, including one that pays homage to the sport it helped bring to the world.

This got us thinking: What are some of the best pickleball-themed vanity plate ideas? We’ll start: BNGR4LYF

In This Issue:
— The best Black Friday pickleball shoe deals
— Fix this, win more hands battles
— Preview: USA Pickleball National Championships

You’re so vain.

Our recent article on the counterfeit paddle market has generated considerable buzz, with consumers and brands chiming in from all angles. "This year alone," a major paddle brand CEO told us, "we have invested in the removal of 350 counterfeit resellers across Alibaba and Temu." The problem is only getting bigger. Now who's going to step up and fix it?

Conventional wisdom says a paddle’s sweet spot is in the dead center of its face. But between shapes and core materials, paddle tech has come a long way since then. Now, that perfect impact point could be nearly anywhere. Here’s a detailed look at how four different models measure up.

On Friday we told you about four guys in California attempting to play doubles for 40 hours straight. Well, their Guinness World Record attempt fell short; due to injury, they made it 24 hours before fatigue ruined their fun. Valiant effort, fellas.

News flash: subscribers to this newsletter are more engaged with pro pickleball than your run-of-the-mill rec player (shocking, we know). When we asked, nearly 80% of respondents said they caught at least a few matches of PPA Worlds. We love to see it. Now, who’s turning in to USAP Nationals?

Winning a hands battle isn’t just about fast hands. Before you even make contact with the ball, there are a few steps you can take to set yourself up for success. Just like hosting Thanksgiving dinner, preparation is everything.

Allow APP pro and college wunderkind Jack Munro to show you the way.

1️⃣ When a hands battle heats up, your first and best move is to actively take a big step back off the kitchen line. The extra millisecond of reaction time could be the difference between panic and precision. But it also helps you let out balls go out — the #1 firefight tip most amateurs aren’t taking advantage of enough.

2️⃣ Jack’s next tip is a controversial one: not all chicken wings are bad. When the ball is jammed to your side, you can't generate power or torque. You're stuck. But when you hit a chicken wing out in front of your body, you can use your arm, wrist, and body to snap through it. Suddenly, it's a strong shot.

3️⃣ Finally, stay grounded. Many amateurs (guilty as charged) instinctively jump when a ball is sped up at their body. While this does provide some quick leverage, it leaves you powerless and exposed for the next shot. Instead, try a slide step. Instead of reaching, you move your body and paddle to make contact where you want it. Suddenly, a weak counter becomes a lethal winner.

👉 Watch Jack demonstrate each tip.

Hey Dink fam, Alina here. Remember the Pickleball Girlie Starter Pack from last week? Cute fit, matching paddle, the whole thing. But we missed one piece. A bag.

Franklin’s Flex Pickleball Bag is the one. The pastel pink is unreal and the function is even better. Three paddle pockets so nothing gets scratched, oversized bottle holders for your emotional support Stanley, a luggage strap for travel, and padded shoulder straps which are a must if you are hauling half your life to the courts.

Your Pickleball Girlie Starter Pack is officially complete. You are welcome.

We blow through more shoes than we care to admit. So with Black Friday around the corner, you better believe we’re locked in. This is the time of year to stock up on the good stuff.

We’ve pulled a running list of the best Black Friday pickleball shoe deals of 2025 — bookmark it, because we’ll keep it updated as new ones drop.

And while you’re at it, don’t sleep on your insoles. Seriously. A solid insole can make or break how long you last on court. We’re big fans of VKTRY’s carbon fiber insoles, which return energy, boost speed, and are trusted by pros like Grayson Goldin. (Plus, they come with a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not sold.)

👟 Shop smarter, not harder

Washington State is rolling out a slate of new license plate designs. And true to form, the birthplace of pickleball wasn’t going to miss the chance to show the sport some love.

A pickleball-themed design (rendered above) will join Smokey Bear, Mount St. Helens, honeybees, and a few others as the last new looks until at least 2029.

If you live in The Evergreen State, this is your chance to subtly flex your DUPR. For the rest of us, this got us thinking. What are some of the best pickleball-related vanity plates?

If you’ve got one already, we want to hear it. Reply to this email and tell us — we may give you a shoutout in a future issue.

Morning Brew isn’t your typical business newsletter — mostly because we actually want you to enjoy reading it.

Each morning, we break down the biggest stories in business, tech, and finance with wit, clarity, and just enough personality to make you forget you’re reading the news. Plus, our crosswords and quizzes are a dangerously fun bonus — a little brain boost to go with your morning coffee.

Join over 4 million readers who think staying informed doesn’t have to feel like work.

Try Morning Brew for free

After a weekend without any pro pickleball action, we’re back with the USA Pickleball National Championships, now underway from the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, CA.

Nationals began back in 2009, and remained the largest national tournament for more than a decade. It’s moved around a bit — Arizona; Indian Wells, CA; Farmers Branch, TX — but has always been a marquee tournament for pros and amateurs alike.

This year, the event will be live-streamed on QVC+.

Here’s the pro schedule of play:

Some top APP Tour talent will compete for doubles gold and a share of the $225,000+ total prize purse.

👉 Check out our full event preview for more.

A review from the Dink Fam...

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