Happy Wednesday! 🎉

As the summer sun heats up, ☀️ it's the perfect time to hit the courts and enjoy some sizzling pickleball action. Keep reading for tips to beat the heat and use the sun to your advantage. 👇 Let's celebrate our pickleball dads and wish them a Happy (early) Father's Day!

So, let's dive straight into your pickleball tips, strategies, stories, news, and more... 👏

​Click here to access the online version of this newsletter​

#1. 7 TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT AND YOUR OPPONENTS ON THE PICKLEBALL COURT

Playing outdoors in the heat and bright sun can present some unique challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can still enjoy the game while staying safe and comfortable. Discover how you can use the sun strategically to dominate when the temperature rises. ☀️

2. ESSENTIAL TIPS TO WIN THE DINK BATTLES ON THE PICKLEBALL COURT

JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier secured the gold medal in men's doubles at the PPA Seattle Open. 🥇 Their strategy and determination in winning the dink battles were key factors in their triumph, underlining the crucial role of dinking in the sport of pickleball. How do you make the most out of your dink shot? How can you win the point after putting in all that effort to reach the Kitchen line with your partner? These tips will help you win the dink battles on the court!

FEATURED PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENTS FROM PICKLEBALL DEN​

Get your paddles ready for 2024 Ocean Pines Oktoberfest pickleball tournament! The three-day pickleball tournament takes place October 11-13, 2024 in Ocean Pines, Maryland at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center. Don't miss out on the exciting event with men's and women's doubles, singles, and skinny singles! REGISTER NOW

​​​ ​Barstool Pickleball Open - Pickleball 603​ Barstool is setting out to deliver a pickleball experience that will bring together Stoolies and Pickleball fanatics alike. Get ready for Bartsool's one-of-a-kind tournament in East Hampstead, New Hampshire on July 27. Register now for an experience you won't want to miss! ​Learn more about the other dates of the Barstool Pickleball Open. REGISTER NOW

QUOTES FROM RECENT TOURNAMENTS

#3. MURMURS FROM THE LOSERS’ BRACKET: PRE-SCHOOL PICKLEBALL? FINDING A PLACE FOR GRANDKIDS ON THE COURT

Pickleball courts are no longer just for Medicare experts – now they're a playground for power-hitting Zoom-educated youngsters! With the game making its way into elementary school PE classes and grandparents passing along their pickleball wisdom, we may have future pickleball prodigies on our hands. So, just how young can children be taught to play pickleball? 🍼

#4. RULES REFRESH Q&A - WHY CAN’T I ENFORCE A “VERY CLEAR” FAULT?

By Mark Peifer, USA Pickleball Certified Referee; Past Chairman, USA Pickleball Rules Committee

QUESTION: I’ve read Rule 13.D.1.c, but I don’t understand why, with limited exceptions, I can mention a fault to my opponent if I think they committed it, but I cannot enforce it in non-officiated play. Why can’t I enforce a very clear fault on my opponent? That doesn’t make sense to me.

ANSWER: Let’s first examine the officiated case. When a match has a referee, that official is presumably unbiased and is responsible for making unbiased, objective calls based on their training. The training officials get to make fault calls should not be overlooked as you consider what follows.

On the other hand, individual players are not expected to be unbiased and are not required to be trained to make objective fault calls during play. However, their integrity in making their best attempt to make correct calls is paramount. As you correctly pointed out, Rule 13.D.1.d is applicable. Of note is this:

“…if a player believes an opponent has committed any type of fault other than a service or non-volley zone foot fault as noted in Section 7 – Fault Rules, they may mention the specific fault to the opponent(s), but they have no authority to enforce the fault. The final decision on fault resolution belongs to the player that allegedly committed the fault.”

But what if the player is adamant that someone committed a fault they did not call on themselves? How is that resolved? If the opponents disagree, there has to be a means to resolve the dispute, right? Yes, and there is. More on that in just a moment, but first, let’s look at an example.

For our example, we will use illegal serves and you will be the server. You serve the ball, and your opponent is certain you served above the waist. The best they can do is mention the illegal serve to you, but only you can call it. This is probably a good time to ask this question: Do you really want an untrained opponent to be able to call illegal serves on you? Of course, the rules COULD say that if the person serving the ball disputes the call of their opponent that their serve was illegal, the person serving can overrule the call. How would that play out in reality? (Hint, we might see some illegal spin imparted on the ball before the serve, with no recourse in the rules.). Alternatively, what if the rules permitted the person making the call to have the final say on whether the serve is legal or not? Then we’d probably see some people calling many serves illegal, with no recourse by the server.

How about the ability to call a fault on you because the ball double bounced or better yet, hit you in the arm? How often has an opponent been convinced the ball hit your forearm, but you have the red mark proving the ball hit the back of your hand?

Hopefully, a pattern is beginning to emerge here, explaining why it’s not a particularly good idea to have rules that would allow players to call a fault on their opponents and why Rule 13.D.1.c is written the way it is. It’s not too hard to see where chaos could result on the court.

I promised I would provide the remedy – what you can do - if you are convinced a fault was nevertheless committed by your opponent and they did not call it on themselves.

There is a little-known passage in the Rulebook on Page 1 titled “The Players.” Every player should be familiar with it. Here it is: “Players strive to cooperate when confronted with a situation not covered by the Rulebook. Possible outcomes can be a replay, allowing the rally to stand, or in extreme cases, asking for a referee to resolve a dispute.”

If, after mentioning a fault to your opponent, they disagree, then you are stalemated and you have a situation not covered by the Rulebook. Using the guidance above, in most cases, a replay results. By both parties resolving to replay, there is no clear advantage for either party to cheat, which goes along with the sportsmanship spirit of pickleball overall: to play and make calls with integrity.

#5. KITCHEN TALK: PICKLEBALL EDITION WITH KAITLIN MILLER

Episode 26: Launching the First Pickleball World Cup ​ 19-year-old Miranda Cabieses is the visionary founder of the first-ever Pickleball World Games. Scheduled for October in Lima, Peru, this groundbreaking event is set to bring together pickleball enthusiasts and leaders from around the globe, all while raising funds for underprivileged children. Miranda shares her journey of organizing the World Games, the involvement of international players, and the participation of notable figures from the U.S. pickleball community, including pro player Kyle Yates and commentator Hannah Johns. ​​​

Episode 27: Lee Whitwell's Trailblazing Career in Pickleball ​ Lee Whitwell, better known as Lady Gibraltar, is the number one ranked senior pro pickleball player in the world. As the first woman to transition from the pro level to senior pro with a distinguished career, Lee's story is filled with groundbreaking achievements, including being voted MVP for the inaugural Major League Pickleball season. Known for her dynamic personality and vibrant social media presence, Lee entertains both on and off the court, consistently finding herself on the podium at every tournament. ​​​

​​​

#6. QUICK TIP - GO FOR THE CHICKEN WING

On the pickleball court, placement is often more important than power. Hitting the pickleball hard without control can lead to an easy return for your opponents or hitting the pickleball out of bounds. It’s important to attack the pickleball, but attack with precision! 🎯 A key area to target when attacking on the pickleball court is the chicken wing. By aiming for your opponent's paddle-side shoulder, you can force them into an awkward "chicken wing" position to return the ball. 🐓 The paddle-side shoulder is a challenging spot to defend, as it falls between a backhand and a forehand shot, making it difficult to react to or defend effectively.

Get more tips to play better pickleball with The Pickler’s video series, My Pro Pickleball Coach!

​SELKIRK JACK SOCK LUXX CONTROL AIR INVIKTA PICKLEBALL PADDLE​

Selkirk Sport proudly unveils a collaboration with four-time Grand Slam tennis champion and Olympic gold medalist turned pickleball star, Jack Sock. Jack's preference for the LUXX Control Air stems from its exceptional control capabilities, which enable him to comfortably dictate the pace and flow of a match. This paddle complements his aggressive, offense-driven style by providing the necessary control and spin to execute powerful drives and volleys without overshooting. In competitive play, Jack opts for the LUXX Control Air when his strategy focuses on winning points through precision and placement, strategically dominating the game.

#7. SHOULD YOU TRY A TWO-HANDED BACKHAND IN PICKLEBALL & 9 KEYS TO SUCCESS IF YOU DO

Should you use a two-handed backhand, rather than a one-handed backhand, on the pickleball courts? Learn more about the two-handed backhand - including its advantages, disadvantages & how to execute it - and why you should consider using it.

#8. ON THE TOUR - FIRST DOUBLES VICTORY FOR STAKSRUD AND PATRIQUIN

The PPA Tour headed to Dallas for the PPA Texas Open. 🤠 Men’s singles featured a slew of initial upsets, but the top players still managed to come out on top with Ben Johns taking the gold and reclaiming the #1 spot on tour. 🙌Women’s singles featured a pro-packed semi-final with an uncharacteristic loss by Anna Leigh Waters. Lea Jansen ultimately earned the gold medal over Salome Devidze. Anna Leigh Waters was still able to claim the double double with the gold in women’s doubles with Catherine Parenteau and in mixed doubles with Ben Johns. JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier claimed their third straight gold medal on tour in men’s doubles. 🥇

The Tour then headed to the west coast for the PPA Sacramento Open June 5-9. 🌴 With Ben Johns not participating in men’s singles for this event, Federiko Staksrud secured the gold medal. 💪 With a gold medal in men’s doubles with partner Hayden Patriquin, Staksrud was able to claim the double double at the event. The doubles gold was a first for both Staksrud and Patriquin. Back on the medal stand in women’s singles, Anna Leigh Waters claimed her 26th triple crown. 👑👑👑

For a full recap on these events, check out the following:

• ​Number Ones Both Take Doubles At The Professional Pickleball Association Dallas Open​
• ​First Time Doubles Gold For Patriquin And Staksrud At The Professional Pickleball Association Sacramento Open​

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for more pro pickleball action in June! 📆

​UP YOUR GAME & HAVE A LAUGH!​​

Have a laugh and learn some great tips to take to the pickleball court with longtime humor writer Frank Cerabino's book ​I Dink, Therefore I Am: Coming to Grips with My Pickleball Addiction​! Plus, this book makes a great gift for your favorite player or partner! 📚

#9. HEADLINES FROM THE COURT

Check out the latest headlines to stay in the know on all things pickleball 📢

• Feel good, play good! The Saint Louis University TIP Lab is kicking off a project to reduce pickleball injuries and study the health benefits of the sport. 💪
• 🎵Take me out to the ball game… The Detroit Tigers are hosting their first Pickleball Day! Experience the excitement of the game and take home a piece of the action with a custom Tigers Pickleball Paddle. ⚾

• Pickleball is taking over the world, and most recently, Las Vegas. 🌎The World Pickleball Convention took place in Las Vegas June 6-9, bringing pickleball lovers and players together for an action-packed weekend all about America’s fastest-growing sport.
• Walmart+ members now have a new perk to enjoy! 👏 Walmart+ members, whether seasoned pickleball pros or first timers, now have free access to pickleball courts.

​GRAB 10% OFF!​

Up your game by grabbing 10% off a new paddle, shoes, and more pickleball necessities from Fromuth Pickleball (some exclusions apply) with the code 10PICKLER! 💸

SHARE WITH A FRIEND!

Did you like this free pickleball newsletter? If so, please share it 💗 and help a friend up their pickleball game with tips, strategies, stories, and more! Plus, you can grab free rewards! 🤑

It's easy to share. Click the button below to share via a link, an email, or on social media. Plus, you can see how close you are to your next reward...

Also, don't forget to follow us on all of your favorite social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

​​​​

BALL'S IN YOUR COURT...

​Interested in partnering with us?​