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Complete guide to building your own court
Is the Luzz Glider the best budget option right now?
Will Howells didn’t spend years grinding his way through pickleball. He showed up and almost immediately looked like he belonged.
In today’s episode of Pickleballers, Howells walks us through what separated him from the pack early on in the sport, and how he made a name for himself by delivering in big moments in Major League Pickleball.
He also discusses what it’s like playing with with Anna Leigh Waters, which is one of the toughest roles in the sport. Check out the full episode below.
In this issue:
This forehand is dangerous ☢️
Send us your best highlights 🎥
Is Ben Johns checked out? 🤔
Building the perfect home court 👷
Reviewing the Luzz Glider 🤓
Let’s cook! 👨🏻🍳
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This forehand should be illegal
We all have bangers at our local courts — the players who drive the third as hard as they can, and if that one comes back they drive the fifth, too.
The guy in this highlight takes it to a new level, though. His drives are nearly impossible to handle, and he’s out here bagging people from the baseline. He even drilled one of his opponents in the head from 20 feet away, although he did at least appear to feel bad about that one.
His forehand is truly a weapon, and we’re not sure it should be allowed on court without a permit.
🔗 Check out this week’s highlight on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok
GOT A CLIP WORTH SHARING? Each month we showcase the Top 10 Amateur Pickleball Highlights of the Month on our YouTube page. Submit your BEST clips for a chance to be featured in next month’s video using this Google Form.
PICKLEBALLERS
Will Howells: Leaving the APP, teaming up with Anna Leigh Waters and his cocky mentality
Will Howells is a former Top 15 US junior tennis player and Notre Dame standout who switched to pickleball in 2023 and quickly climbed the ranks.
In this episode of Pickleballers, Will sits down with Roscoe and Jared to trace his rise in pickleball, starting with his MLP debut on a “team of misfits” and the mindset that carried him to the top.
He also discusses becoming “the man” on the APP Tour after Andrei Daescu, Gabe Tardio, JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson left for the PPA/MLP, and he takes us through the decision to eventually join the PPA Tour himself in 2026.
🔗 Check out the full episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts
PICKLEBALLERS GIVEAWAY: Each week we’re celebrating the latest episode of Pickleballers with a giveaway. This week we’re giving away a Franklin C45 Will Howells gold edition pickleball paddle. Enter here!
THE PROS
MLP San Diego recap: Is Ben Johns over it?
MLP San Diego delivered some insane upsets, epic DreamBreakers, brutal bodybags, and one of the best shots of the season. Plus, the Dallas Flash made a big statement, while Ben Johns put up one of the most disappointing performances of his career.
The only thing crazier than the action is Chris Cali’s breakdown of it all. Watch the full recap here.
MLP HEADING TO CHICAGO
Major League Pickleball is heading to Chicago this week for the penultimate regular season event of the year.
It’s the first time a PPA Tour or MLP event will be held at Life Time North Shore, a huge facility that has recently been remodeled.
Because there are only two events remaining before the playoffs, teams have a limited number of opportunities to improve their seeding or get inside the playoff bubble (the Top 12 teams will make the postseason). For several teams in the field this week — Texas, Atlanta, Dallas, SoCal and Utah — MLP Chicago marks their fifth and final regular season event.
Utah is currently on the outside looking in at No. 13 in the points standings. They will need to have a great week in order to get into the playoffs.
There are 11 teams in the field this week, and the event starts Thursday.
Group A: Brooklyn Pickleball Team, California Black Bears, Miami Pickleball Club, Phoenix Flames, Texas Ranchers.
Group B: Atlanta Bouncers, Chicago Slice, Dallas Flash, Las Vegas Night Owls, SoCal Hard Eights, Utah Black Diamonds.
Only one week left before it’s gone forever!
The limited-edition JOOLA Rally Rocket paddles have been so popular that JOOLA is running out of them. We’ve been told they are only selling them through the end of July, and then they will be done forever!
FEATURED STORY
Step-by-step guide to building your own pickleball court — full cost breakdown
As pickleball has grown in popularity over the past decade, there’s been a huge increase in the number of homeowners building backyard courts.
But there are several things property owners and project managers need to be aware of before they embark on the project.
Let’s start with this: It can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $80,000 for a standard, high-quality court — but the final price depends on several key factors.
We recently published a complete breakdown of each step, including information on spacing recommendations, surface materials, nets, lights and fencing.
Here are a few of the key factors:
RECOMMENDED SPACE
The pickleball court itself is 20 feet wide x 44 feet long, but there needs to be a buffer of space on the sidelines and baselines.
30 feet x 60 feet is the most common size and is sufficient for most recreational play.
Some facilities opt for 34 feet x 64 feet for a championship court feel.
That small size increase alone can add $5,000–$10,000 to your total cost.
FOUNDATION
A court’s foundation is one of the most critical decisions affecting price, durability and wear-and-tear on the body.
Post-tension concrete (best choice): This is the most durable option, but also the most expensive.
Rebar-reinforced concrete (a solid option): Less durable than post-tension concrete, but still long-lasting.
Asphalt (budget option): Cheaper upfront, but requires more maintenance over time.
PICKLEBALL NETS
If you’re going to spend the money on a home court, we highly recommend getting a quality net that will stand the test of time and offer great playability. Trust us, it’s worth the extra cost in the long run.
Dominator Pro Max Rolling Portable Pickleball Net: This is the net that is used for the four PPA Tour slams each year as well as all Major League Pickleball events. It’s rust-proof and heavy duty, with built-in locking wheels for portability. Shop here — use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 10% off!
JOOLA Pro Pickleball Net: The JOOLA Pro Pickleball Net (S) is a semi-permanent, heavy-duty pickleball net ideal for clubs and backyard courts alike. Shop here.
GEAR
This $100 paddle is used by a top pro ... here's why
The Luzz Glider 2026 is one of the biggest surprises of the year. At just $101 after code KITCHEN, it's currently the cheapest pickleball paddle with a long-lasting grit solution.
After spending time on the court with it, we think it's one of the best values available today.
WHAT WE COVER IN OUR REVIEW
How the Luzz Glider plays on court.
The new 984 Aero Grit surface.
Power, control, feel and forgiveness.
Who this paddle is best suited for.
The one concern we still have.
Plus, an interview with top PPA Tour pro Chris Haworth, who explains why he has switched to the Glider.
If you're looking for an affordable paddle that doesn't feel like a compromise, this is definitely one to consider.
🔗 Check out our full review of the Luzz Glider here or shop all Luzz paddles here — use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 15% off!
QUICK HITS
Master at work: Watching Ben Johns never gets old
Poor taste? We’re not sure how to feel about chirping at teenagers
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