Live from the MLP Draft

Two-handed backhand tips. Eat this before playing.

Today’s the day. Here’s hoping you see this email before the MLP Season 2 draft wraps up. But no worries either way — we’re broadcasting from the draft in NYC live right now on PicklePod.

Obviously, the results set the tone for Pro League pickleball for the rest of the year. Did your picks make the cut? Did ours?

Only time will tell.

In This Issue:

🧠Two-handed backhand tips
 🍌Food for pickleball play
🎾Pro league news

Let’s get moving.

Give Yourself A Hand

We received more Dink Fam questions about the two-handed backhand, so we're here to lend a hand.

The two-handed backhand opens up a realm of possibilities that doesn’t exist when using one hand.

The second hand adds power, control, and makes hitting topspin easier. It does come with the drawback of less reach, but that's a small price to pay.

The most important aspect of the two-hander is that the second-hand does most of the work. It should have a tighter grip on the paddle and control the paddle movement.

The dominant hand remains on the paddle for added stability and to prevent the need for changing hands.

Tyson McGuffin recommends a progression of drills using just the non-dominant hand to practice the stroke.

This helps build muscle memory and trust in the non-dominant hand. The dominant hand can be added back on after consistency is established.

Let your non-dominant in on the fun and add the two-hander to your game. You'll appreciate it the most on backhand drives, topspin dinks, and counterattacks. 

The Perfect Paddle to Get Started

Meet the SLK Latitude 2.0 - the perfect paddle for beginner players getting started on the Pickleball court.

Redesigned with the thicker Rev-Core+ core and SpinFlex surface to give you performance and technology, with a larger sweet spot, more spin, and more control.

Ignite your game with the SLK Latitude 2.0, offering three captivating colors: blue, orange, and green.

Don't miss out—discover the colors that ignite your passion for the game. Click here to uncover the unique features & find the perfect match for your style.

Foods to Fuel Better Pickleball

The good folks at Food Network recently consulted a sports nutritionist to ascertain what pickleball players should incorporate into their diets to achieve better performance.

They separated the list by what to eat before, during, and after play:

Before: If you have hours before playing, eat a full, balanced meal which balances proteins, vegetables, and whole grains (e.g. vegetable omelet with whole grain toast, or salmon with stir-fried vegetables and brown rice).

If you only have an hour or so, they suggest drinking plenty of fluids and snacking on easily-digestible foods (e.g. a banana, rice cakes with peanut butter, or oatmeal).

During: For play which exceeds an hour or in excessive heat, players need the “fuel, fluid and electrolytes” provided by sports drinks, or quick-digesting calories from applesauce, pretzels, or low-fiber cereal.

After: You burn more calories playing pickleball than expected. The other day, I burned over 1,400 after playing for less than two hours. So it’s important to replenish your system.

Food Network’s nutritionist recommends the following formula:

  • 35% healthy carbohydrates such as bread, rice, or potatoes

  • 25% lean protein from chicken, fish, eggs, or tofu

  • 50% with fruits and/or vegetables for a complete and balanced recovery meal

In Pro League News…

MLP & APP both dropped some sponsorship news yesterday:

Today’s MLP Season 2 draft event in NYC won't just mark a change in team rosters. The league will also announce a new “sponsor” at the event: Pickleball Cares.

The nonprofit is a new philanthropic organization (also started by Steve Kuhn) that will provide resources and opportunities for underserved communities through pickleball. More info here.

Meanwhile, APP’s 50+ & 60+ divisions have new names and a new sponsor.

The divisions are no longer called "senior pros" or "super senior pros,” just Champions and Masters, sponsored by the organization known for helping people age: AARP.

AARP will also sponsor the Champions Cup tournament, showcasing players 50 and older, in 2024. More info here.

PCKL Elite 40 Deal is Back!

PCKL balls

We're hearing great things about the Elite 40 so PCKL decided to bring it back!

Players have consistently said the balls are easy to track, withstand hard hitting games and provide excellent feel that results in predictable flight with solid spin response. One reader even told us this the "most awesomest ball" they've ever played.

Now, as an exclusive for Dink readers, you can save 40% when you grab 48 balls and use code DINK15 checkout.

Rocky Mountain Preview

Fans in Denver might still be in the street celebrating the Nugget's first championship in franchise history. Their head coach Michael Malone was seen hitting the pickleball courts shortly after winning a ring and that's where we're headed.

The PPA Tour packed an extra pair of gloves and is en route to the Rockies. Some pros have extended their summer vacation and elected to sit this out resulting in some atypical partnerships.

Dylan Frazier is filling in for James Ignatowich and will pair with Anna Bright and Matt Wright. Frazier and Wright are familiar foes formerly making up the #2 and #3 men's doubles teams. The pair will partner up in the wake of the Newman/Wright split last month.

Two new partnerships sure to make noise in Denver are Lucy Kovalova/Lea Jansen and Jessie Irvine/Etta Wright. They’ll have a mountain of a task to dethrone Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright but if anyone has a chance it’ll be these two teams.

This event is the first to follow to tour's new format essentially eliminating the pro back draw. The new format will consist of a points draw played only by seeds that lose their first-round match.

Tune into the Denver Open all weekend long on the PPA YouTube and catch a special ESPN 2 broadcast from 12-2pm MT on Saturday.

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