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Pickleball blazes trail in sports equality
Net play is like baseball. Pickleball feuds.
In lieu of pickleball-themed emoji (*sigh* Apple let us down again during their latest unveiling event this week), the APP has released a slew of GIFs featuring pro pickleball players.
Now, you can respond to your friends in shorthand with gems like this:
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Click here to find the perfect GIF from your favorite APP player.
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In This Issue:
Think of net play like baseball
Equity in pro pickle
San Clemente, here we come
Pickleball feuds
Let’s move.
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Lean In for a Better View
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When a hitter is in the batter's box, they go through the same routine on nearly every pitch.
One reason for that is because they have less than a second to decide if they're going to swing.
Well, that same concept can be applied to pickleball. When you're at the line, you have to lean in to evaluate a dink. Lean in like you're going to have a speedup opportunity. That way, if the opportunity arises, you’re ready.
Think of the opponent's dink like a pitch. If they leave it in the 'strike zone,' attack that thing like there's no tomorrow.
If they hit an unattackable dink, go into recovery mode. Regain your balance. Move your feet to field the dink and send it back over the net. Then get ready for the next 'pitch.'
You'll be amazed how many more balls are attackable when your knees are bent, your chest is forward, and your paddle is out in front.
The main caveat with this strategy is that you have to know that a dink is coming. It will require some assumptions based on their style of play and body language. The strategy is best suited for cross-court dinking because cross-court attacks are less common.
When you want to put more pressure on the opponent’s soft game, lean in and make the kitchen look like a hot plate.
Control the Court
Get ready to elevate your game and withstand the heat with the new Obsidian paddles from GAMMA Pickleball.
The GAMMA Obsidian pickleball paddles are available in both 13mm and 16mm core thickness and feature a raw carbon hitting surface for massive spin.
Increase your swing speed and power today by purchasing one on www.gammasports.com.
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Pro Mixed Doubles Sets a Great Example
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Let’s consider for a moment some of the ways in which pickleball is more gender-equitable than other sports:
Its major tours make a point of offering equal prize pools for women and men
Mixed doubles is arguably the most popular fixture of pro events
All genders play together regularly on amateur courts across the world, every single day (“boys clubs” and “girls clubs” are the exception, not the rule)
Smaller court size literally levels the playing field for different body types and abilities
Just as much a strategy game as a power game
“The rules and equipment were designed to blur the lines between age and gender,” pro Irina Tereschenko adds in a recent Forbes article about pickleball inclusivity.
Though it may be uncommon, mixed doubles at the pro level (and its popularity among fans) creates a sense of mutual respect between players. It forces them to need each other.
“When men and women play together, men get to know women and respect them as athletes,” several pro players told Forbes.
Most interestingly, the Forbes piece interviewed pro women players about where they think the sport’s culture could improve. Here’s what they hope will change:
Men crowding women on the court
Men scoring more, and bigger, endorsements
More men’s games making it to broadcast
Additionally, the author notes that women pros feel they have to pay more attention to their appearance because of their gender.
“The women pros I talked to told me the pressure isn’t tremendous in pickleball, but it’s certainly there, especially for women who want to…invite more sponsorships and endorsement.”
“Still, the women I talked to felt strongly they did not need to compromise themselves or their values to be successful…”
California Dreamin’
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Pack your board shorts and get ready to hit the coast. Pro pickleball is stationed in Southern California for the rest of the month, starting with the Orange County Cup.
The San Clemente stop is almost unanimously listed as the favorite location on tour. Scenic hills and views of the coast are the backdrop for one of pickleball’s premier events.
No Lea Jansen in the singles field means we will not see a rematch from Sunday’s epic final.
The draw does contain Anna Bright, Jorja Johnson and Catherine Parenteau who will all try to dethrone Anna Leigh Waters starting tomorrow.
The list of potential men’s medalists grows deeper and deeper. Players like Collin Schick and Juame Martinez Vich have proven to be legitimate contenders. It will be a war of attrition to see who can find a way to Championship Sunday.
The smart money, as always, is on Ben Johns. But the road to the final gets more daunting with each event. The Federico Staksrud train has lost steam in recent events. Look for him to get back on track in Cali.
Tune in to singles action tomorrow on PPATV and catch our doubles preview in Friday's newsletter.
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Pickleball Feuds & The Best Comebacks of All Time
Zane and Thomas address the mud that is being slung around the pickleball world. New podcasts and Twitter have provided a platform for players to defend themselves and point fingers, and Zane says he’s “here for it.”
On the heels of an epic comeback from William Sobek, the guys debate the best comebacks of all time. Listener questions are answered in support of Stop Alzheimer’s Now.
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Headlines & Quick Hits
Finley Stadium hoping to cash in on pickleball popularity
The most stunning pickleball courts in the West - Sunset Magazine
Highlights
This house is a prison!
I-formations on the PPA Tour
The power of dads
Casual ERNE defense
A review from the Dink Fam...
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