Happy Valentine's Day! 🎉

Here at The Pickler we think that spending time on the pickleball court is the perfect way to spread the love! 🥰 Get your blood pumping, release some endorphins, and maybe (just maybe) even let your sweetheart take the win! Will you be spending time on the court with the ones you love today?

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. FIVE TIPS FOR AVOIDING PICKLEBALL INJURIES

Stay injury-free on the pickleball court with these expert tips from physical therapist and athletic trainer Dr. Elizabeth Chaffin! Whether you're a recreational player or a seasoned professional, her key insights and practical advice will help you dodge any potential injuries. 💪

#2. MURMURS FROM THE LOSERS’ BRACKET: INJURED? NO, I'M NOT INJURED

Even injuries can’t keep the most pickleball obsessed players off of the court. After all, you’re still in good enough shape to play as long as you’re more than half non-injured… right? 🩼

Featured Pickleball Tournaments from Pickleball Den​

Barstool Pickleball Open Barstool is setting out to deliver a one-of-a-kind tournament that will bring together Stoolies and Pickleball fanatics alike. MARK YOUR CALENDAR - Registration opens February 15 noon EST for all tournaments: ​The Yards​ ​Pickle Haus​ ​Pickleball 603​ ​Kraken Kourts​ ​Pickleball America​ ​Pickle N Par​

The NCPA is hosting the 2024 National Collegiate Pickleball Championship on March 15-17 in the beautiful San Diego, California. With almost 50 colleges around the nation being represented, this will be the largest collegiate pickleball event to date! Visit ncpaofficial.com for more info on Nationals and the livestream link. Follow NCPA on Instagram for the most up to date info on college pickleball and the NCPA. REGISTER NOW

QUOTES FROM RECENT TOURNAMENTS

#3. DIFFERENT WAYS TO PLAY SKINNY SINGLES

By Greg Hansen

Skinny singles, a unique form of singles in pickleball, offers players an exciting twist to traditional game-play. By dividing the court in half, it introduces a dynamic element to the sport, allowing for strategic maneuvers and enhancing both individual and doubles techniques. Let’s delve into the benefits of skinny singles and explore a more engaging way to play. 👏

​​ENTER THE MINTO US OPEN SWEEPSTAKES​

Don't forget to enter the Minto US Open Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of three grand prizes or weekly instant win prizes. 🙌

The countdown is on for the ​2024 US Open Pickleball Championships!​ 🗓️ Be sure to mark your calendar for The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™ April 13th-April 20th, 2024 in beautiful Naples, Florida! 🥳

#4. QUICK TIP - FOLLOW THE FLIGHT OF THE PICKLEBALL

Following the flight of the pickleball is important because it can be applied after almost any shot on the pickleball court. ✈️ After hitting the pickleball, adjust your angle of attack according to where you hit the ball. In other words, if you hit the pickleball down the line, you should move in down the line. If you hit the ball across the court, you should adjust your angle of attack across the court. By following the flight of the pickleball you will create better angles for yourself and minimize the angles of your opponent. When playing doubles, your partner should adjust their court positioning to coordinate with you as you change your angle of attack. 📐

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

#5. KITCHEN TALK: PICKLEBALL EDITION WITH KAITLIN MILLER

Episode 9: No hands, One Leg, No Problem For Petey Bruce On The Pickleball Court ​ Petey Bruce was born with no hands and one leg. Petey's incredible and inspiring story is a testament to the transformative power of community and the remarkable impact of sports in reshaping lives. ​​​

Episode 10: Michael Loyd's Journey of Faith, Growth, and Second Chances Through Pickleball ​ Michael Loyd went from the corporate world of pickleball to lighting up the pro tour. There's more to his game than just skill – Michael found something special when he picked up that paddle. Tune in as he shares his personal journey of growth. ​​​

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​INTRODUCING THE FS TOUR SERIES​

The FS Tour Series provides competitive athletes of all backgrounds with elite performance elements in a paddle that’s been proven at the highest levels.

#6. RULES REFRESH Q&A - BOUNCING SERVE

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

QUESTION: Can I hit the pickleball and bounce on my side of the net and then over the net like in ping-pong? In other words, can I bounce it over the net?

ANSWER: Based on the way the rule is written, it’s perhaps understandable why you are asking this question, but no; after the paddle contacts the ball on the serve, the ball must travel over the net and into the correct service court. The rule that governs this is Rule 4.A.2 of the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook; “The server must serve to the correct service court (the court diagonally opposite the server). The serve may clear or touch the net and must clear the NVZ and the NVZ lines. The serve may land on any other service court line.” The rulebook makes no allowance for bouncing the ball on the server’s side of the court after the ball is struck on the serve.

​SELKIRK SLK HALO​

In a sea of black paddles, stand out on the court with the new pink or lime green SLK Halo. 🩷💚 The SLK Halo is an exceptional choice for players ranging from beginners to professionals who prioritize exceptional spin and control on the court. Choose the Max shape for the largest sweet spot for balanced players, or the XL shape for an elongated handle and increased spin for power players. 💪

#7. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE PULLED OUT WIDE ON THE PICKLEBALL COURT

Crosscourt dinking is a popular pattern on the pickleball court. Eventually, due to this continuous crosscourt pattern, a crosscourt dink from your opponent may be such a strong shot that it takes you out wide on the pickleball court and out of position. What do you do when you are pulled out wide and out of position? Learn pickleball strategies to combat the aggressive crosscourt dink now! 💪

#8. HEADLINES FROM THE COURT

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

• 👶 Check out the E*Trade baby’s new pastime in his appearance during the airing of Super Bowl LVIII...

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• Reading, writing, math, and pickleball? 🍎 Spokane Public Schools is joining the growing list of districts adding pickleball courts to their campuses.
• Tensions were high and the competition was fierce during Pickleball Slam 2. 🔥 Four former world No. 1 tennis players battled it out on the courts with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf ultimately defeating John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova to claim the $1 million prize. 🏆
• See how one man from Vermont is reinventing the polar plunge, this time with a pickleball twist! The Polar Picklers are embracing the cold weather to stay out on the courts. ❄️
• Two pro pickleballers have joined the ranks of SportCenter’s Top 10 for their must-see shots. Federico Staksrud came in at number 5 while James Ignatowich claimed the top spot. 🙌

​​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. ON THE TOUR - SINGLES SHAKE UP

The PPA Tour headed to Phoenix, AZ for the Desert Ridge Open. 🌵 Men’s and women’s singles received somewhat of a shake up with Jaume Martinez Vich triumphing over Ben Johns to ultimately claim the silver medal. 🥈 Although Ben Johns was defeated in men’s singles for the second event in a row, he claimed the gold in mixed doubles with the help of Anna Leigh Waters, and in men’s doubles with brother Collin. 🥇 With Catherine Parenteau sitting out the women’s singles event, Mary Brascia earned the silver and Kaitlyn Christian earned the bronze. Anna Leigh Waters continued her overall domination as she earned her 24th overall triple crown during the event. 👑

For a full recap on this event, check out the following:

• ​Waters Continues Her Dominance Over Professional Pickleball In Phoenix​

Don't forget to mark your calendars for more pro pickleball action in February! 📆

​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! 💸

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