Background is im a rated 3.8 but haven't dupr'd in quite a bit. At this point i'd probably guess myself a solid 4.0 in that transition phase. So recently I did two sessions with two different coaches. One a 5.2 and one a 4.5. Both had the exact same thing to say. They told me to stop trying to win off non winning shots. Stop relying on my athleticism and trying to force the game. Just play the game and take the winning shots only when they are created. Furthermore the 5.2 said to stop trying to just skim the net with everything. He essentially told me that my new net is about a paddle face higher.

So I listened. I slowed my game down and started focusing on setting myself up and following with good footwork as opposed to relying on power and speed. I implemented this change in my last 3 sessions and played by far the best games i've ever played. Now, the weird part, when I slowed down my game it felt like every ball that came my way slowed down too. I get that by me slowing it down the ball isn't returning as quickly but it felt moreso like after they made contact my brain had time to think. As if after every shot I had time to say "ok whats the best hit here" as opposed to just quickfire reactions. I saw openings I wasn't seeing prior and placing the ball in ways I never could.

And my little humble brag is that I FINALLY beat this guy who I've always had trouble with because I couldn't keep up with his pace. His drives were just a bit too hard and droppy for me and I wasn't getting my paddle down quick enough. Last night I was able to see them coming from miles away and either flick them or absorb them and change the pace.

Anyways was really just extremely happy and wanted to tell people because my wife isn't nearly as excited as I am

Last night I had the chance to attend the New York premiere of The Dink, and it was every bit as fun as you'd hope. I have a feeling it's going to be a hit when it lands on Apple TV+, especially within the pickleball community.

What I enjoyed most is that the movie feels surprisingly grounded. Anyone who has watched former tennis players discover pickleball, or seen newcomers get completely hooked after their first few games, will recognize a lot of the characters and situations. The humor comes from real experiences rather than exaggerated stereotypes, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

The film has a similar spirit to movies like Dodgeball. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but underneath the laughs is a genuinely heartfelt story. Every actor leans into the tone perfectly, embracing the slightly tongue-in-cheek nature of the film while still making the characters feel authentic.

If you're looking for a light, feel-good comedy with plenty of nods that pickleball players will appreciate, The Dink is well worth adding to your watchlist. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone who's just pickleball-curious, there's a good chance you'll see a little bit of yourself on screen.

3.0 here. had a bit of a ahha moment a couple week ago after I saw a Youtube Video by Tanner Pickleball, where he said that most people splitstep when their opponent makes contact with the ball, when they should freeze right when the ball crosses the net, especially in transition. I hadnt heard the crossing the net part before and it really got me thinking, and realising why I also felt like the ball came at me too fast while moving, and also why I kept getting surprised by arial flicks and rolls at the kitchen.

Anyways, I started going to open plays with one thing in my mind, to stop when the ball crosses the net. and there I had the ahha moment: The problem wasn't that I was splitstepping at contact, the problem was that I was always watching my own shot (and the distracting self narration that comes with it: "oh crap" "it's good!") Thats why I has always late coming up on my drops, or early coming in on my drives, or jumpy and hitting a pop out out or into net

By implementing the stop when ball crosses the net, it forced me to stop watching my own ball and watch my opponent, their paddle height and angle, and anticipate their next shot.

My coach would often tell me I'm "late" in preparing, reacting and anticipating, and I just could not understand why. Turns out I was admiring my own shots and then going Oh, balls coming. Then watching the ball come. Now I can be a few split seconds ahead with my paddle up or down, ready for the next ball.

I volunteered to paint courts in a hockey rink so it can be used in the summer when there's no ice. They aren't planning on putting a liner down before flooding it. Will this potentially damage the paint? Part of me thinks yes, but also it isn't much different than if it was outside with a bunch of snow on it all winter either. Thoughts?

What a time to be alive.

So I asked a while back about a new paddle. I previously had a CPX max in pink, which I loved but I frequently hit the ball out. I used to play tennis ( not seriously ,) and I can get a bit aggressive when playing especially when playing people at my club who like to play the slam game.

Many people said a paddle won’t make you better, well I beg to differ. My friend uses Friday paddles and let me borrow a few, and I noticed the ball suddenly seems to go right where I want it. So for my birthday my son bought me one. It is supposedly for control and boy does it seem to work for me. Almost zero shots are out and I have made some crazy plays.

Lots for folks have commented on how much better I have gotten in such a short amount of time, but I swear it’s the paddle !

Next up, I’d like to learn the 2 handed back hand. I’m super solid ( with one hand,) if I’m standing still or if I run to get the ball and have a second to reset, but if I’m moving/running, I can’t get those anywhere near where I want. I’ll take tips if anyone wants to share. I have been drilling and watching videos. I will also be taking drilling classes in the fall when they resume. 😊

Just received my paddle and wanted to share thoughts! Got about an hour on the court with this one yesterday and I’m already a fan, especially for $99.

Feel wise it’s slightly hollow and stiff, kind of like an EPP Turbo. The grit is great too, really can put good spin on the ball. Feels super durable so far, nothing dead or worn yet, but I’ll keep updating as I put more time on it as it's in Tier 3 for John Kew.

Drives are solid, and dinks have great spin and control. Twoey dinks felt really good, didn't notice a lot of pop ups. Resets feel smooth and manageable, and hand speed is good for an elongated paddle. It doesn’t feel clunky at the net like some longer paddles do.

My biggest gripe is the handle’s a bit skinny, so you’ll want an overgrip on there. I’m also going to add some weight to the throat and sides to get the twist weight where I like it since it's so light.

Overall really liking this paddle so far and it’s in the running to be my main one. Will report back after more use on the grit, but compared to my current smooth paddle it's definitely a huge difference.

gospartus.com

I went to my regular park to play pickleball with friends earlier this week. The park only has two courts. One court was already occupied, with two more players waiting. On the second court, one player was taking a lesson with a coach. We waited for a while, then asked how much longer they'd be. He said it would be a while and suggested we join the rotation on the first court. We explained that the first court was already backed up and suggested that everyone rotate in so we could all get a game in. He preferred to continue his lesson instead. While this was happening, two more players joined the waiting group. Eventually, I suggested we either all rotate into a game or he wrap up the practice session. He didn't like that suggestion and said, "I got here before you, so I can take as much time as I want." After a brief heated discussion, he ended up leaving the court, mostly because he was too tired to continue practicing. I'm curious how others handle situations like this. If someone is using a public pickleball court for a private lesson while others are waiting, what's the proper etiquette? Do you think lessons should rotate with waiting players, or should the people who arrived first be able to use the court as long as they want?

Recently completed an evaluation at what is likely going to become my regular club. Feedback was I fell into the 3.75-4.0 range.

Open play sessions are usually 3.25-3.75 and 3.75+ (up through 4.5+). I am working hard to get better, so I opted to try the latter first.

I get nervous about letting people down. Given I expect to be the worst on the court, my strategy revolves around playing smart and conservatively, looking to keep the ball in play and to avoid silly errors due to slams or overconfidence.

I would appreciate tips for those who regularly play up. My only goals are to improve, have fun, and not let my teammate down.

I play pickleball usually 2-3 times per week, up to around 3 hours. I sweat like CRAZY (always have), and others have even mentioned it. Most of my play is at an indoor club that I'm a member of, and it's air-conditioned.

I've been looking at some hydration options other than my go-to powdered Gatorade. I really don't want all the sugar, but all of the "low sugar" powdered options all have Sucralose or Aspartame or Stevia or Monkfruit or something else. I just want a regular hydration drink that has sugar, but not as much.

I was talking to an AI about it, and it suggested I make my own. Benefits include me being able to tweak the electrolyte/sugar balance. I've bought some unflavored electrolyte powder from Amazon, and will be adding my own sugar/flavoring. Because I make myself a latte every afternoon, I have quite a lot of Torani (and other brands) syrups for the coffee. Things like "cookie butter", "cinnamon roll", "butterscotch caramel", "cake batter".

All of the hydration drinks I have had have been some kind of fruit flavor. I'm not sure what I think about sweating and reaching down for a cold "cinnamon roll" flavored "Gatorade". Thoughts? Is it worth trying, or a waste of good coffee syrup?

Is it possible to fix my popup problem without a drill partner or a coaching session. I spend most of my court time in open plays, but i think i might be just reinforcing the bad habits if i don’t intentionally fix it. Is it (popups) something i can fix by walling?

Shoutout to 11six24, David made a social media post about using glass cleaner for the Power 2 paddles’ HexGrit surface. Figured why not try it for my other paddles and it really did an excellent job. I do follow up with a water-dampened microfiber to wipe off the windex.

Hey everyone - I just moved to The Meadows in Sarasota and I’m looking to meet some people around my age - I’m 32.

I’ve never really played pickleball, but I’ve been wanting to learn for a while. It seems like a fun way to get outside, stay active, and meet new people.

If anyone is willing to show a beginner the ropes or knows of beginner-friendly open play, leagues, or groups around Sarasota, I’d love to hear about them.

If you’re looking for another person to play with or don’t mind a beginner joining you, send me a message or comment below. Looking forward to getting involved in the local pickleball community. Thank you!

What are your favorite combos? And what are your favorite counters?

Hi my asics gel resolution 9s are broken and I need a new pair of shoes. I play 2-3 times a week. Come from a tennis background. Run a lot. Play from baseline well. Like going up to the kitchen and having a good base. I don't like a large heel tab. I tried the asics gel resolution Xs and they are absolutely terrible. They hurt at the toe vamp, the heel tab, and both sides of the collar. Gave me terrible knee pain and even hamstring pain. All up my leg. The shoe was also way too bulky and heavy and hard for me to run with. Really want something comfortable but provides me that quick game that I play with. Any options? I watched the foot doctor videos but it seems we prefer slightly different things anyway.

I’m not affiliated with the channel in any way. I’ve watched their videos on and off. Just saw this one tonight and I was floored by the first few points. Resets are incredible. And yellow’s random backhand lobs take you completely by surprise.

Hey everyone, wanted to share my recent warranty experience with Ronbus to give potential buyers a heads-up on how their warranty policies are strictly enforced in practice.

I bought a Ronbus paddle that recently developed an internal core breakdown (noticeable crunching/sinking feeling on the front center face and a completely dead/hollow sound on impact).

Here’s how the timeline and customer service claim played out:

• Delivery Date: 171 days of actual ownership/play time when I filed
• Order Date: Slightly earlier, putting it just past their 180-day mark from the initial checkout.

I submitted pictures showing the overall paddle face/edge guard were in great, well-cared-for condition, and explained that the core damage was internal. Because the internal failure happened within 180 days of receiving the paddle, I politely requested a warranty replacement for what is clearly a structural defect.

Ronbus customer support strictly enforced the order date as the start of the 180 days and refused to offer any replacement or resolution. It is mentioned in their policy but i feel that they are not customer friendly.

For a paddle at this price point, an internal core breakdown after under 6 months of active play is disappointing durability. Combining that with rigid support that won't account for delivery transit time or structural core defects means I can't recommend Ronbus to players who expect long-term product support.

Adam is a table tennis commentator, very solid player, and has been on the YT scene for a while doing a ton of videos playing against table tennis pros and amateurs.

He recently picked up pickleball and has gotten solid fast (~4.5 with 90 reliability). He started doing videos playing against pros and his latest is against Ben Johns.

They played several games to 5 points, but Ben had a handicap in each game, like having to play with a table tennis racket, using pen hold with a pickleball paddle, etc. This is basically a delayed release after the video of him vs Ben a few months ago.

Pretty entertaining and what I've learned is that Ben with a table tennis racket is still way better than me lol.

I would love to see Ben vs Adam in table tennis, though. Maybe that one will be released in another month or two.

Hey guys, I’m thinking about using a pair of basketball shoes for pickleball here in the PH, but wanted to ask the community first.

If you've tried it, how do they hold up in terms of cushion, grip, court feel, ankle support, and overall durability? Would love to know your thoughts before I give it a shot!

Hey everyone, I’ve been deep in the discovery process with The Picklr and I'm finally at the point where I need to make a decision. To be honest, I’m getting some serious cold feet before committing this much capital.

I’ve read through the FDD, but I really want to hear from actual owners or former owners about how the day-to-day reality compares to the corporate sales pitch. I want to make sure the required vendor network pricing/relationships are actually transparent and leaves you with realistic profit margins. I'm also looking at the gap between territories sold versus locations currently open, which makes me wonder about the actual build-out timelines and how long it really takes to break even.

If anyone has opened a location, did the corporate support actually back you up once the contract was signed? I would genuinely appreciate any raw, honest perspectives from people who have lived it.

I’m around a 3.0 and love my two hand backhand and it is my best shot, however I use exclusively western grip for my forehand drives, drops, and dinks. All forehand hits are western grip. I think I’m ok when I’m on left side using this western grip, but then when I’m on right side I really struggle with my forehand western grips and sometimes catch myself having weird awkward shots trying to hit forehand with a western grip.

Is this a significant disadvantage having this type of grip, and is it worth just changing the grip or is it doable to keep using this grip but then adapting my style to get to 3.5-4.0.

Still having difficulty handling this shot towards me eventho I've seen it a lot of times

I travel a fair bit for work and for pleasure. What are some of the universal/better sources for finding games in a local city/town? I find it tedious to comb every Facebook group, Internet forum etc. and Reddit is not popular outside the U.S. Please share your tips for finding games(maybe even good games!). Someone should build a Rolodex of places by country/city!