The Pickle Newsletter #2

Quick Hitting News:

• 3rd shot drives are on the rise this year in the PPA. Comparing the first 5 gold medal tournaments from 2023 to 2024, there is a 13% increase in drives across all doubles categories according to Pro Pickleball Stats.

• The PPA is trying to crack down on paddle failures at tournaments, charging $50 for every paddle after the 3rd failure. Hopefully this will force paddle manufacturers to increase their consistency and quality control.

• The highly anticipated JOOLA Gen 3 paddles are out featuring an additional channel of foam allowing for more power. This “propulsion core” is having reviewers and players questioning if this paddle is too powerful for the game.

Tip of the Week:

Aim low, miss low: If you’re going to miss a shot, where should you miss it most of the time?

• Serve: Miss long

  • You want your serve to be as deep as possible. Re-think you’re strategy if you’re hitting a lot of your serves into the net.

• Return: Miss long

  • You don’t want to hit a short return (into the net) as it gives your opponents an easier third shot.

• Drives: Top of the net

  • You want your drives to be low to make your opponent hit more pop ups.

• Drops: High

  • Live another day by hitting a slightly higher drop and staying back. Drops don’t need to be perfect, you can slowly make your way to the kitchen on your 5th or 7th shot.

Pro Analysis: Ben Johns Forehand Topspin Dropshot

In his recent podcast, James Ignatowitch explains how to hit more consistent dropshots. He explains how Ben John’s has a constant pushing motion (swing speed is the same throughout the entire shot). Ben is generating topspin from hitting the ball from low to high, rather than using a lot of wrist to flick the ball.

• Check out a slow mo analysis on Ben Johns topspin drop shot (and please follow the new IG!).