Back before the paddle craze really took off, a mere two years ago, mind you, a paddle debuted that helped set the standard for what budget performance could look and feel like. It was the humble Jelly Bean. And everyone loved it.
Paddle nerds, rejoice. Next month it’s coming back. This time in new shapes, brighter colors, and boasting 11SIX24’s highly lauded HexGrit surface. See it for yourself below. Just try not to drool too much.
In This Issue:
— RPM fires back at JOOLA
— Do this now: the Rubber Band Drill
— Jelly Bean 2: return of a king
Vibes: immaculate.
Our Picks 👆
🥶 Anna Bright: ‘We Deliberately Iced Anna Leigh’
By now, we all know that Kate and Anna beat ALW and Jorja by effectively refusing to let Anna Leigh play. The strategy went viral. AB readily admits this in her latest newsletter. But that’s all she’s going to say about the matter: She doesn’t want to give any ”bulletin board material” to the 5s.
🔥 Paddle Suits: RPM Fires Back at JOOLA
RPM is officially the first paddle brand of the 11 JOOLA sued for patent infringement to go on the offensive and strike back. Basically, they’re challenging the merits of the patent itself and also asking for their legal fees to be covered. Gutsy. Reviewer John Kew has the inside scoop.
👀 ‘The Dink’: ‘One of the Worst Movies’ Ever?
Now that Ben Stiller’s ‘The Dink’ pickleball movie is out to the masses, you just know the PicklePod guys have some thoughts. Nico remained fairly diplomatic, but Zane doesn’t pull any punches, calling it one of the worst movies he’s ever seen. Agree or disagree?
🔇 Turn That Down: MLP Orlando’s Music Problem
Music blasting at center court at MLP Orlando is making it pretty hard for the athletes to focus on nearby grandstand. It’s so loud the refs have to literally yell the scores before each serve.
Struggling With Your Resets? Act Like a Rubber Band
Here’s a simple but killer drill to work into your next practice session.
It’s called the Rubber Band Drill, and it comes from everyone’s favorite pro content creator, Tanner Tomassi.
The premise is super simple:
You and a partner start at the kitchen line
Your partner feeds hard balls at you, wherever they want
You must take a step back after each successful reset
Once you’ve hit the baseline, make your way back to the kitchen
Switch roles after completing a full cycle
This forces you to work on resets from all zones of the court, but also while you’re moving rather than simply standing still, mimicking real gameplay.
If you’re rolling your eyes and assuming this is too easy for you, we assure you it is not. See how long it takes to successfully complete a full trip to the baseline and back. And remember, your partner isn’t floating you softballs — these should be coming with pace and spin.
Your Feet Run Hot by Game Three
Summer pickleball catches up with you from the ground up. An hour into a session, your feet are warm, the shoes start to feel heavy, and you're moving a half-step slower without quite knowing why.
Selkirk built the CourtStrike Pro 3.0 around exactly that. The whole update is about running lighter and cooler: a breathable mesh upper, a lighter insole board that moves more air, and an interior lining that helps keep your feet from overheating.
Same lateral support and same outsole that earned the shoe its reputation, just cooler underfoot. Plus, Jack Sock calls it the best he's worn.
Shop the CourtStrike Pro 3.0 (and don’t forget to use code ADV-THEDINK for $20 back).
The Jelly Bean Returns
Two years ago this month, 11SIX24 debuted the Jelly Bean, a sleek-looking pickleball paddle that was high on performance and low on price.
It became an instant darling of reviewers and a favorite among rec players looking for a quality option that didn't break the bank.
On August 21, it's coming back. Brighter and better than ever.
Here’s what we know about Jelly Bean 2:
It’ll come in the brand’s four signature shapes: Hurache-X, Vapor, Ultré and Pegasus
All models are 16mm and UPA-A approved
It will retail for $169.99 in three distinct new designs (even less with code THEDINK)
As for feel, expect less power and more dwell compared to the Power 2 lineup thanks to a softer, denser foam core.
Ready to Graduate from Rec Night?
If you've maxed out on open play and want something with actual stakes, The Dink Minor League Pickleball is the on-ramp.
It's real team competition for amateurs: DUPR divisions so you're matched with players at your level, a full day of guaranteed games, and a shot at Championships if your squad's good enough.
Grab three or four friends, pick the format that fits your crew, and you're playing tournament-style, Dreambreaker and all.
No pro card required, just a team and a little nerve. We broke down exactly how it works, across all three formats.
Gear That Plays As Good As It Looks
Court-ready, coffee-shop-ready, everything in between.
Shop CityPickle's apparel, paddles, and accessories, from Varley and Splits59 to JOOLA and Franklin. The kind of setup that holds up whether you're winning points or running errands after.
Now through August 31, our readers save 30% with code DINK30 at checkout.
Fed Makes His 5s Debut
Yesterday, under the bright lights of the ESPN Wide World of Sports arena, Federico Staksrud donned a New Jersey 5s jersey for the first time.
It was a pretty momentous occasion for the longtime Orlando Squeeze member. And a positively joyous turn of events if you’re a NJ fan.
The 5s swept the Hogs in pretty convincing fashion, seeing Fed paired alongside Will Howells in men’s and Jorja Johnson in mixed.
It’s possible these pairings change against stronger opponents. Can you imagine a 5s vs. Shock matchup that pits Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud against Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin?
Goosebumps, baby. Goosebumps.
➡️ Much more from MLP Orlando right here.
Headlines & Quick Hits
Lea Jansen Breaks Down Her Go-To Drill with Tina Pisnik
The 3-Step System for Instant Depth to Every Serve
Pickleball and the Pursuit of Flow
Highlights
The top doubles players on each continent
JLG’s backhand should be studied
Pro gets bagged, retaliates
Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered
A review from the Dink Fam...
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