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

Yes, the pace of play in pickleball is picking up dramatically. It’s not just bangers anymore, either. It seems like everyone is attacking from everywhere all at once these days. Even the most casual of games can feel like a test of wills — and hand speed.

And yet, let’s not overlook the power of patience. Speed-ups are fun. But there’s still something beautiful about methodically building a perfect pickleball point. More on this below.

In This Issue:
— QD’s APP signing, explained
— The perfect drop, by the numbers
— Double-pickles everywhere

Less work, more pickleball.

You’ve heard Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters are dominant. This stat puts it into perspective. In their last four PPA Tour matches, the duo has gone 101-20. Staggeringly, three of those four matches have ended in double pickles. That’s 11-0, 11-0. Thanks for playing.

PicklePod co-host Nico the Lefty is taking in the sights and sounds of PPA Newport Beach, and used the opportunity to hit the court for some pointers from pro Rafa Hewett, who wasted no time. First things first, big guy: wind sprints.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Dallas Flash confirmed what many MLP fans refused to believe: they are officially parting ways with longtime rock Jorja Johnson. “You’re our MVP, our teammate, and our friend. And no amount of money can ever buy that.”

Two of the biggest paddle reviewers in the game, Chris Olson and John Kew, recently sat down together for an epic discussion on the state of paddle tech. The full video is worth a watch, but one segment stood out: the enduring confusion between Gen 3 and Gen 4 construction and performance.

Despite all the headlines of the sport getting faster and more aggressive every day, pickleball at all levels still rewards patience.

Most points aren't won by amazing shots or raw power alone. They're won because someone makes a mistake.

Instead of hunting for the winner on every shot, focus on these fundamentals:

This is called building a point, and it’s a hallmark of any advanced player. It might take your five or more shots to get up to the kitchen. There’s no rush. Play every point on your own terms.

This mindset shift alone can bump up your win rate significantly. You don't need to be the flashiest player on the court. You just need to be the smartest and most consistent.

This is just one of five common mistakes ruining your game without you ever knowing it. The others: Fix your grip. Use your legs. Soften your third shot drop. Stay low at the net.

➡️ Watch and learn.

You track your DUPR rating.
You track your wins.
You probably even know the exact weight of your paddle.

But when it comes to your energy, hormones, recovery, and long-term performance? Most people are just guessing.

Marek Health runs advanced lab testing, pairs you with a dedicated Health Coach, and has licensed medical providers review your results to build a plan around your actual numbers — not averages, not assumptions.

If you care about consistency, clarity, and getting the most out of your time on court, it’s worth seeing what your data actually says.

Stop guessing. Start measuring.

On Wednesday, we told you about a rash of surprise APP Tour signings. Out of nowhere, more than 20 new pro deals were announced via social media.

We were just as surprised as anyone. So we went straight to the source to get some answers.

Duc Duong, Quang’s father and manager, hopped on a special, emergency edition of the PicklePod to shed some light on the situation.

He can’t speak for all newly signed pros, of course, but as far as QD goes, the “multi-year agreement” he signed stipulates just four APP events for 2025. And it’s not exclusive, meaning QD can (and is) participating in other pro tours as well.

As for the other elephant in the room, Duc seems hopeful: Yes, he said, it’s possible QD could one day return to the PPA Tour.

➡️ Never a dull moment.

Pickleball has always relied on the honor system.

But as the sport grows, that system is starting to show some cracks.

On this week’s PicklePod, Zane shares why he’s optimistic about new cheating penalties in pro pickleball — and what those changes could mean for the future of officiating in the sport.

Because when the stakes keep rising, the rules usually follow.

Plus, a candid conversation with former PPA pro and current founder and CEO of meteoric paddle brand RPM, James Ignatowich.

➡️ Watch the full conversation.

DUPR announced plans to introduce a dedicated wheelchair pickleball rating system, with its debut scheduled for the 2026 Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, the event’s 10th anniversary celebration.

The initiative aims to improve competitive fairness and expand inclusion for adaptive athletes across the sport.

The new rating system will integrate directly into DUPR’s existing platform, allowing wheelchair players to be evaluated within the same global ecosystem used by millions of pickleball players worldwide.

“Inclusion is at the heart of pickleball’s growth, and this rating system is a critical step forward,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado.

➡️ Get the full story.

A review from the Dink Fam...

Share the best newsletter in pickleball with your friends and you’ll get 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.