Help us settle an argument. There are some partners we love to hate - but there are some we hate more than others. We want to know...which is the lesser of all evils?

Let's say you're playing doubles in a tournament. Who are you picking up as your partner?

In This Issue:

🔥 Coach says this? They’re fired
🙊 Unspoken rules of open play
🥽 Pickleball’s diving expert

Let’s get moving.

Fire Your Coach if They Give These 5 Tips

Zane is coming for all the phony pickleball coaches out there in a new video. If they give you any of the following advice, it’s time to upgrade.

1. To beat a banger you need to slow them down

This tip can be counterintuitive. Sure, you don’t want to play into their strengths, but you can’t try to reset and slow down every one of their speedups.

The reset is a difficult shot and doesn’t punish your opponent. Zane explains that you’re better off hitting a counterattack to capitalize on their aggressive play.

2. Stay out of no man’s land

Playing in no man’s land is unavoidable and sometimes advisable. Backing off the kitchen line can give you more time to recover and make your opponents’ attacks less effective when you pop a ball up.

Get comfortable playing in transition instead of avoiding it completely.

3. Forehand always takes the middle

The middle can be a source of confusion between partners, but you’re better off having both players go for the ball than no one.

On points with a lot of movement or firefights, it’s important to support your partner and help them cover the middle, even if it is with your backhand.

4. Ready Position = paddle out in front, sit on your backhand

One of the biggest ready position mistakes is extending your paddle too far in front of you. If it is too far in front, you won’t be able to get power on your volleys. Keep your elbows close to your body so that when you swing, you can get more strength behind your shot.

Find number 5 and watch the full video here.

There is Color

Brighten up your game with the vivid SLK by Selkirk Halo pickleball paddles, now in radiant pink and lime green!

Select between the 16mm Control Core for strategic placement and the 13mm Power Core for that extra oomph in your shots. And with the longer XL handle, you're in for enhanced reach and spin, making every shot count.

Don't blend in; visit Selkirk's website to explore these colorful wonders and elevate your game today!

The Unwritten Rules of Open Play

While we know pickleball to be a fairly laid-back scene on the recreational side, rec play is just like any other scene: there are unspoken rules you should probably follow.

So whether you’re new to the game or think you’re experienced enough to know everything about it (spoiler: you’re not), here are some of the “rules” of rec pickleball at most local courts:

Sportsmanship & Fair Play

Winning at all costs at the expense of sportsmanship rarely goes over well in pickleball circles. Players should make honest calls and exhibit good conduct even under the pressures of a competitive match.

Player Conduct & Attitude

Temper and ego have no place on a pickleball court. Respecting your fellow players, as well as the game itself, is paramount.

The pickleball community is growing rapidly but is still tight-knit, and word passes around quickly. Everyone will know if you're not someone who's great to play with.

Shot Placement & Court Positioning

Effective shot placement involves observing your opponents, finding their weak spots, and smartly placing your shots in open spaces.

If a player has shoddy footwork, pull them out wide. If someone can't handle a lob, send it flying over their heads.

Reading Opponents & Adjusting Gameplay

Adaptability is key in pickleball, as every opponent brings their unique style to the court. Learn to read the body language and strategy of those across the net, and quickly adjust your style to keep them guessing. The easiest opponent is a predictable one.

A full list of faux pas and standards is available here.

But we’re curious: does your local court lack any of these or institute more rules? Send us an email.

Watch Your Favorites Live

Dive into the heart of Las Vegas for an electrifying pickleball extravaganza like no other—the Vegas Pickle Bowl!

This not-to-be-missed event kicks off with a dazzling Celebs & Athletes tournament on Friday, February 9th, live-streamed on The Dink's YouTube Channel. Witness stars such as Jenna Bandy, T.J. Edwards, Cliff Avril, and more battle it out on the court.

But that's not all—take your passion to the next level by playing in our Amateur Tournament on Saturday, February 10th. As a bonus, all amateur players get exclusive access to watch the celebrity tournament for free.

Mark your calendars and tune in this Friday, February 9th, at 11:00 AM PST for a live spectacle, and sign up to play among the best. It's your time to shine, make memories, and support a great cause.

The Most Badass Moment of 2024 Yet

Voting for The Dink Awards has already wrapped up (results coming next week!).

But we’d like to sneak in an honorable nomination for the next awards cycle under the made-up category, Most Badass Moment of 2024:

Look at that dive. That’s a full, unprotected belly flop right onto the hard gym floor…all for the point.

The photo depicts New Zealand player Conor Robertshawe at the Wellington Pickleball Cup this past weekend.

“During this event, I was able to capture easily one of my favorite and best photos I have captured during my time photographing pickleball,” says photographer (and future Nat Geo award winner) Paul Foxall.

Well done — both to Conor for the (assumed) get, and to Paul for the razor-sharp action shot.

Now the question is: how do I watch more NZ pickleball??

Headlines & Quick Hits

• Pickleball's Biggest Obstacle: People Taking it Seriously

• Joggers & leggings built for pickleball players

• ICYMI: Adopting the Open Stance Pickleball Serve

Highlights

• For avid pickleballers everywhere

• Andre Agassi joins DUPR board 👀

• Start returning the bodybags in style 😎

• If this is the future of pickleball, sign me up

A review from the Dink Fam...