^{Advertise | The Dink Home | Shop Gear | Subscribe}

Three things in this world we know to be true: Death, taxes, and pickleball players making pickleball their entire identities. The latest evidence? Pickleball gender reveals. Yup, they’re officially a thing. And we’re not even a little bit surprised.

Speaking of big reveals, pro Riley Newman just moved from Arizona into a luxury NYC high-rise, complete with a private health club and pickleball courts. The glitzy photos, below.

In This Issue:
— Anna Leigh Waters slays at the ESPYS
— Getting comfortable in the transition zone
— Our four favorite pickleball gender reveals

Dink. Dink. It’s a boy!

The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Leaderboard just dropped. If your name’s not on it, you’ve got work to do. Nationals are coming this December in Dallas, and there’s $100K up for grabs.

In a candid video posted Wednesday, Zane Navratil reacted to news that his MLP team, the New Jersey 5s, had traded for Noe Khlif. The unexpected move puts the 4-time MLP champ and team captain on the bench.

One disgruntled Reddit user wonders why kids are showing up at his open plays, especially when they’re not at the same level as everyone else. Comments range from “body bag them until they quit” to “open play is open play.” Where do you stand?

A few of us here at The Dink spent some time with the Franklin C45° Dynasty, and our reviews are in. In sum, we love the look and the pop, but some of us felt the spin could be better. One thing is undeniable: With the C45° Series, you can show out as much as you show off.

When you’re first starting out, you’re warned to stay out of “no man’s land,” the tricky territory between the baseline and the kitchen line.

But here’s what you understand as you start getting more advanced: This is exactly the part of the court where many points (and games) are won or lost. The goal isn’t to rush through the transition zone, but to get extra comfortable there.

Master this simple drill, courtesy of pro (and Ben Johns’ MLP partner) Roscoe Bellamy, and you’ll become a reset beast.

1️⃣ Both players start at the kitchen line. One is designated as The Resetter. Switch this role between players with each point.

2️⃣ Start a dink rally. With each successive shot, The Resetter must move back a step until they’re positioned in the heart of the transition zone.

3️⃣ From here, the point is live. Play it just like a real game. The Resetter should fight to regain the kitchen line while their opponent aims to push them deeper toward the baseline.

Play a full game to 11 like this. Then play another. And another.

If this sounds mundane to you, you’re probably not very good at resetting. Drill the hard stuff and the game gets easier. Funny how that works, huh?

Earlier this week, we came across a collection that we think is worth checking out from Original Penguin.

On the men’s side, they’ve got lightweight fabrics, built-in ventilation, and prints that pop just the right amount. For the ladies, they’ve got cool metallic finishes, pleats, and textures that move with you.

Use code OPDINK for 25% off. Some pieces are already marked down, so now’s not a bad time to treat yourself.

In news that should surprise exactly no one, pickleball gender reveals are gaining in popularity.

That’s right. In the never-ending quest to make gender reveals louder, splashier, and somehow more viral, expectant parents are now taking it to the pickleball court.

Because nothing says “we’re having a baby!” like blasting a pink powder ball across the kitchen line.

From a hidden ball trick to an impressive feat of overhead athleticism, here are four we’re loving. Congrats, you crazy kids.

We’re not ones to pry into the private lives of pro pickleball players.

But good news: The New York Post did it for us, posting an inside look at pro Riley Newman’s new luxury NYC apartment.

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team player recently relocated from Arizona to NYC, settling in a luxury building less than a block from the Hudson River. Building amenities include private swimming pools, a health club, a full-size basketball court, and of course, pickleball courts.

Hey, Riley: If you’re looking for some hitting partners, you know who to call.

You’ve got the apparel covered. Now don’t sleep on your shoes.

G-defy is packing some serious comfort tech with their patented VersoShock soles.

They feel like you’re walking on a trampoline without getting that bounce-induced whiplash. They also absorb impact, reduce pain and keep you moving longer.

They just dropped 15 new styles for summer, from court shoes to casual kicks and even hiking sandals. You even get two orthotics included, no matter your arch type.

Use code DINK for 30% off any order over $100. Go on and treat your feet. They deserve nice things too.

Listen. We know we talk about Anna Leigh Waters a lot.

We can’t help it. When you’re 18 years old and setting records at the pace she is, we feel it’s warranted. She’s kind of a big deal.

So here we go again: ALW walked her first-ever red carpet Wednesday night at the ESPYS, a big night she took in alongside 2025 Best Breakthrough Athlete Ilona Maher.

“This was such a huge moment not only for myself, but for the sport of pickleball!” she said on Instagram. “I am so proud that I was able to represent the sport we all know and love at the ESPYS!”

Slay ALW. Slay.

🗽 Our Courted: NYC social pickleball events goes down Saturday, August 2. Get your tickets now »

A review from the Dink Fam...

Share the best newsletter in pickleball with your friends and we’ll give you free stuff. What’s not to like?

{{rp_personalized_text}}

Copy & Paste this link: {{rp_refer_url_no_params}}

If your company is interested in reaching an audience of active pickleballers, you may want to give us a shout.