New Data: Here come the millennials

Imagine if counting the number of pickleball players was like counting sheep before bed: assuming it takes the same number of seconds as the total number of players, you’d be counting for…*crunches numbers*…OVER 556 DAYS.

For those of you who can’t do math, that means pickleball’s latest player count clocks in at nearly 50 million — and that’s just the adults.

And how about some more numbers?

Keep scrolling to continue being amazed.

In today's issue:

• Perfecting the kitchen reach

• Staggering pickleball growth

• Another underdog

• Ballpark Festival Series

Onward!

Perfect the Reach

Every inch counts on the pickleball court. Contact closer to the net allows for more aggressive shots directed at your opponents’ feet.

Reaching into the kitchen changes what is possible on the court. If you struggle with power on put aways, use your reach to generate better angles and reduce their reaction time.

When you’re at the line, practice making contact further and further into the kitchen. Pick off more high thirds and put increased pressure on your opponent’s dinks.

The key to an effective reach revolves around your stance. You'll want to stake a wide base and stand on the balls of your feet.

A counterweight is imperative to keep you from falling into the kitchen after your shot. Show the fans what you’re working with and stick that butt out. Bend at the knees and push your behind backward.

Another effective form of counterbalance is to hold your “off” arm behind your body. The twist in your upper body will allow you to maximize your reach.

Compare a smash from the kitchen line to a smash from halfway into the kitchen. You can take a ball nearly two feet lower and put it directly at your opponent’s feet.

It’s time to get comfortable in an awkward position. Put more pressure on your enemies by perfecting the reach.

Soft Touch, Fast Hands, Exceptional Control

Look out for the latest performance paddle company, PCKL. We featured the PCKL Pro Series in our latest review and had this to say, "The large sweet spot is forgiving and will keep your play consistent."

"If you are looking for a higher-end paddle for a budget-friendly price then this is a great option.”

Check out the full review and use code DINK15 to save 15% off sitewide!

Nearly 50 Million Players & Counting

Earlier this year, the APP released its participation research stats from last summer: 36.5 million people, they told us.

A lot can change in a few months. Now, not only do we have a new, larger number, we also know who is playing and where they play.

48.3 million American adults have played pickleball in the last 12 months, the new APP research says, which marks a 35% increase since August of 2022.

The updated study also reveals that the average age of pickleball players is 34.8 years, considerably younger than previously assumed, highlighting the growth of the game among people between 18 and 44.

“More than 70% of avid pickleball players (those who play at least once per month) are between the ages of 18 and 44; 40% are between 25 and 34; and 18% are between 18 and 24,” the APP says.

Since August 2022, there has been an 86% growth in players aged 35-44, and a 32% growth in casual players (those playing at least once per year).

APP’s research also reveals areas of the country where pickleball is played. The full report is available on our blog, but here are the top 3 places:

• New York: 11.3% of the DMA population has played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months (5.5m)

• LA: 9.6% of the DMA population has played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months (4.7m) 

• Dallas-Fort Worth: 5.2% of the DMA population has played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months (2.5m) 

It seems pickleball is like Benjamin Button: it just keeps getting younger.

Another Underdog Qualifies for Championship Sunday

It’s a strange world we are living in where Simone Jardim is slotted as the sixteen seed. Yesterday in Mesa, with a 16 next to her name, Jardim toppled to number one seed Salome Devidze in the second round.

Jardim withdrew in the winner’s bracket final but still ended the day with bronze. Devidze battled back in the loser’s bracket and will have a chance at gold on Championship Sunday.

Devidze will take on Megan Fudge, who upset Parris Todd earlier in the day.

In the men’s draw, the number one seed Hunter Johnson escaped the day undefeated. His opponent on Sunday is the relatively unknown Eduardo Irizarry. Irizarry pieced together seven back draw wins to earn a shot at gold.

Venezuelan former professional tennis player Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez snagged the bronze medal.

For those of you searching for the broadcast, the stream will begin Saturday at 1 pm MST on APPTV. A one-hour Championship Sunday recap special will air on CBS Sports Network on Monday at 9 pm ET.

It’s your life… have fun with Ït.

That’s the motto of Ït, a hat brand dedicated to fun, motivational wear that playfully references not just Pickleball, but hobbies of all kinds.

What is Ït ? Family, giving, humor, inspiration, lifestyle, passion, sports, work, failure, success, sadness or greatness. Your identity is molded by Ït.

Like many of you, the founder of Ït has family and friends battling cancer. That’s why every hat sold benefits charities searching for a cure.

Learn more about them and their line of hats here. Since April is National Pickleball month, enter code Dinkiit5 for a $5 discount at checkout.

2023 Ballpark Festival Series

The people that brought you "The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World" are back with another event announcement. The US Open Pickleball Championships and Pickleball4America have merged and created the 2023 Ballpark Festival Series.

Remember when the NHL launched the Winter Classic in 2008? It featured NHL games played outdoors in baseball and football stadiums. There's something about watching hockey outdoors in frigid temps that you don't forget. Part of it is the spectacle of an ice rink in a massive outdoor stadium. The rest has to do with not being able to feel your hands and feet.

Luckily, the Ballpark Festival Series will not have that same issue. The series will feature professional and amateur pickleball at some of the nation's most iconic stadiums…but in warm weather.

Headlining the series thus far are the historic Fenway Park in Boston and stunning Oracle Park in San Francisco. More details to come on the new series. In the meantime, don't miss this year's US Open Championships April 15-22 in Naples, FL.

High-Quality Pickleball Excursions

World-class pickleball instruction. Beautiful locations. Oh, and world-class pros Dekel Bar & Collin Johns at the helm.

All the travel planning done for you. Learn more — before your favorite location sells out!

Headlines & Quick Hits

• The ball machine that does it all — $100 off with code DINK100

• Rep The Dink, support The Dink: The Dink Shop (featuring new ERNE hoodies!)

• Sorry pickleball players — Darien's courts will be for residents only

• MLP Daytona goes to The Pioneers

Highlights

• Maggie Brascia putting on a singles clinic

• “I just don’t lose to old people”

• Brendon Long takes over for Tyson

• Pickleball chaos 

Homecourt Havens

This SoCal home value increased $1.5M in three years. Who knew adding a pickleball court could make such an impact? 😉 Your homecourt has even more value when you add it to Swimply.

A review from the Dink Fam...