The Dink Newsletter
Posts
Don't lose a game like this

Don't lose a game like this

PB reality TV. A bad way to lose the match.

A few weeks ago, we quizzed you on the year that pickleball first landed a major news headline (1975).

Now, can you guess the year it was first featured in a major TV segment?

Locked in? ABC’s Good Morning America aired a live, in-studio segment on pickleball in…2008.

Fifteen years later, the sport is about to land on reality television for the first time. More on that below.

In This Issue:

🧠 Not the way to lose a match
📺 PB reality TV
🎾 Pickle’s home state battle

Let’s go!

Head on a Swivel

There are plenty of ways to embarrass yourself on the pickleball court. Fall into the kitchen after a volley, whiff on the ball you had every intention of hitting…

Well, there is another threat to look out for on the courts: The Nasty Nelson.

For those who don't know, a Nasty Nelson is a serve that is hit into the body of the opposing team. The server intentionally aims at the player that is not returning the serve and is positioned at the kitchen line.

If they are successful, the server wins the point in an albeit unsavory (you could even say nasty) way. Most pickleball players have a decent sense of humor and can laugh at this quirk of the game.

That makes it fun to break out when playing against friends and family. Just look for a time when the opposing player is distracted.

A prime example happened last weekend at the Beer City Open where Zane Navratil connected on a match-winning Nasty Nelson.

Keep your head on a swivel when you're on the courts. This is not the way you want to lose a match. Don't get so caught up in your own strategy that you forget to watch the server.

Feel free to break this out at your friends gathering on Friday night just remember that the tables can turn and to always keep an eye out for the Nasty Nelson headed your way.

Footwear Specifically Designed for Pickleball

That’s right: Selkirk sells shoes now, and they’re designed to help you move faster on the court.

The S01 Pro Court Shoe combines extended sole wraps, a tapered lateral side flair, and a responsive outsole flex plate to withstand the sliding movements you make at the kitchen line.

The S02 Premium Court Shoe offers lifted heel geometry that helps get you there faster, while the aerated midsole keeps you cool and comfortable.

With sizes tailored specifically for men, ranging from 10 to 11.5, it’s time to elevate your game with Selkirk Labs today! Click here to grab a pair.

Pickleball on Reality TV

In order for something to be truly American, it has to feature on reality TV. That’s just the rule.

Consider pickleball well and truly American.

First up: LA Fire & Rescue, from the same producer who brought you Law & Order SVU, follows the day-to-day emergencies and personal stories of the firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards of the LA County Fire Department.

On tonight’s episode:

Inglewood Station 172 tackles a career-defining fire in a warehouse
Calabasas Station 125 responds to a multi-car collision
Station 16 – the “quirky” but sought-after station – plays pickleball to unwind and build teamwork

Catch it tonight on NBC.

Next: the owner of an indoor pickleball facility in Chandler, Arizona is in the process of creating his own reality TV series through his newest venture, Pickleball Kingdom Productions.

According to KTAR news:

He’s currently searching for 8 male and 8 female contestants for a reality competition show
The show will be called Pickleball Paddle Battle
Winners receive a yearlong sponsorship to play pickleball professionally

“Viewers can expect awe-inspiring displays of athleticism, gripping rivalries, and emotional triumphs, all set against the backdrop of the pickleball craze that has swept throughout the world,” the owner says in a statement.

The series is apparently being courted by several networks and streaming services. Applications for contestants remain open through mid-August.

PNW Homecoming

Washington State is the birthplace of pickleball. Last year, pickleball became Washington's official state sport. This year, Washington will host the PPA Tour in the first-ever Seattle Open.

Excitement for the event is on the rise. Multiple broadcast networks will share a piece of the event including ESPN and CBS. Keep your remote handy because here is the broadcast schedule.

Seattle native Riley Newman rejoins the tour and will debut a new partnership with Julian Arnold. He hopes to break a streak of silvers and finally reclaim gold on the men's podium.

Ben Johns will have his hands full in a singles draw that includes JW Johnson, Federico Staksrud, and Connor Garnett.

The women’s doubles field is full of new contenders, but no one has been able to keep up with Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright in 2023.

Be on the lookout for these new duos:

Lucy Kovalova & Jorja Johnson
Lea Jansen & Lacy Schneemann
Jackie Kawamoto & Vivienne David
Jade Kawamoto & Jessie Irvine

Tune in tomorrow for pro singles starting at 1:00 pm ET on PPA TV.

Who SHOULD Play Pickleball?

With the recent news surrounding even more celebrity investment in pickleball, we can’t help but wonder who’s next…and who really should get into it but hasn’t yet.

It feels like certain celebrities are just destined to play. My personal choice would be Nicholas Cage. He’s twitchy. I think it translates.

We thought we’d turn this inner dialog over to our readers:

First up: Who really should play pickleball but doesn't, to the best of your knowledge?

And, similarly: Which non-athlete celebrity would have the best chance of going pro if they took up pickleball?

Answer the questions via this poll.

PCKL Carbon Paddles are Coming... Next Week

One of the biggest complaints we hear about paddle brands is poor communication and service once the paddle gets to the door. Confusion around ship times, poorly communicated delays and being ghosted for repair warranty requests... sound familiar?

PCKL has made it super clear their carbon paddles are available August 1st, paddles will be out on the court soon after and just like all their products, it's backed by a lifetime warranty.

It already is an affordable price plus you can save 15% off if you join the waitlist to get yours next week!

APP Making Global Power Moves

The boys have been out on the road and are back with some classic stories. Thomas went toe-to-toe with Jay Devilliers on the court before attending an Ed Sheeran concert together in Detroit.

Zane ended a match in the most savage way possible. He recounts one of the strangest on-court events that you will ever hear. The discussion leads to the APP’s new strategy which appears to be an international endeavor.

Watch here or listen here.