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Can you spot the fake paddle?
Drake & Michael B. Jordan buy-in. Nail your overheads.
Good morning, we have lots of news to discuss. But first…
$28mil and they can’t even use real paint instead of painter’s tape?
We can’t let that slide, Tyler. Also, nobody can slide, dive, or lob on this court, unless they’re looking to land the ultimate drop (see what we did there?).
In This Issue:
🧠 Treat putaways like throwaways
🐉 Drake, Michael B Jordan, and China: big pro league news
🎾 Fake paddles?!
Let’s get your weekend going with some pickleball.
Go Ahead, Throw Your Paddle
It's alright, we won't tell on you…Okay, don't actually throw your paddle. But you need to have that motion down for this tip.
The most powerful overheads and put-aways come from a throwing motion. It takes a loose arm and a lot of whip.
The key is to create a lag in motion with your paddle.
Your shoulder and elbow rotate forward first and your paddle should trail behind.
Your paddle will accelerate toward the ball faster because of the muscle tension created in the lag.
Right before contact, snap your wrist forward like you're throwing a baseball.
It should feel like you're throwing your paddle at the ball. Or better yet, through the ball.
This acceleration of the paddle is what sends the ball rocketing off pros’ paddles and turns your put-away attempts into put-away winners.
Do yourself a favor and try crushing a few overheads with this throwing motion in mind. Just have your drill partner wear a helmet in case your palm gets too sweaty.
Make Money off Your Home Court
As if you need another reason to add a homecourt to your backyard, now you can share your court with local players when you aren’t using it.
Swimply allows court owners the chance to rent out homecourts and players the opportunity to reserve a private court for their game.
Drake & Michael B. Jordan Buy-In
When it rains pickleball news, it pours pickleball news.
Let’s start with MLP’s Brooklyn Aces (which recently drafted Catherine Parenteau, Andrea Koop, Hayden Patriquin, and Tyler Loong).
The team courted some recognizable new investors: Grammy-award winning artist Drake, and actor/entrepreneur Michael B. Jordan, known for the Black Panther and Creed films.
Jordan is no stranger to sports investing. He's a co-investor in the Alpine F1 Team and A.F.C Bournemouth football club.
But to have Drake involved, too? We’re calling it: "Last Name 'Ever'," "0-100," or "Nice for What" will become the Brooklyn Aces’ official theme song. Bet.
These high-profile names aren’t the only ones on the team’s new investment roster. See the full list here.
Meanwhile: APP Will Broadcast in China
Add this to the list of pickleball “firsts” – a pro league’s event will air in Mainland China.
In case you weren’t aware, China is the world’s largest media market, meaning the matches could be seen by millions of people. The nation is also starting to really come around on pickleball.
Through an extension of its distribution agreement with ESPN in the United States, APP will air a post-tournament recap special from the 2023 Philadelphia Open (August 23-27).
A full list of broadcast dates will be released later.
Johnson and Garnett Win Beer City Gold
The taps are open and the pickleball is flowing at the Beer City Open in Grand Rapids. Jorja Johnson is your women's singles champion but still too young to indulge in the craft beer spoils.
Johnson won gold in a nail-biter against Hurricane Tyra Black 9-11, 11-9, 12-10. Hurricane looks more proficient every time she hits the court and had a strong singles showing here at the BCO.
The Western Michigan crowd got a good look at two men's players that have shot up the ranks in 2023. Connor Garnett defeated Dylan Frazier in the semifinals and went on to win gold.
In the finals, Garnett defeated Jaume Martinez Vich, who upset Jay Devilliers in the semis.
Viewers this weekend will see an interesting mix of PPA pros merged with those featured on the APP tour; notably, Andrei Daescu, who has dominated the APP this year.
Jade and Jackie Kawamoto will be in action in both mixed and women's doubles. Look for them on the podium come Sunday.
If you're in the area, stop by Belknap Park to catch the event live or stream it from home with your favorite IPA on PPATV.
Stay in the game with OS1st
The Official Sock of Major League Pickleball, OS1st compression socks are designed for comfort, injury prevention and improved recovery.
A Growing Number of Pros trust OS1st including Jay Devilliers, Jessie Irvine, James Ignatowich, and Brooke Buckner.
Hear what “Big Poppa Jimmy” said about the sock’s comfort and durability, “I finally found the one sock that can handle split steps as aggressive as mine.”
To learn more about OS1st products visit www.os1st.com.
Spot the Fake
Pickleball Forum member Jerry Phan intentionally purchased a fake paddle to help fellow pickleballers spot fakes on the market.
Introducing: HEN Johns by YOOLA. Can you spot the differences?
Look for:
Difference in shape
Lack of Ben’s signature
Subtle coloration shift
Headlines & Quick Hits
Listen: PicklePod Ep 60, "This is probably going to get me in trouble" w/ King of the Court
ICYMI: 'I don't have time to warm up' is never an acceptable phrase
Highlights
What it’s like to be drafted
Note to self: work on lob defense
Just slap it down
Homecourt Havens
This court is not the focal point of the estate. But tucked away behind the guest house is an arena where you and three friends can throw down all day long.
If you have a homecourt that you’d like to start paying the bills, sign up today for Swimply’s pickleball feature.
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