A huge number of pickleball players identify as a 3.5+. But what is a 3.5 player, really?

Reaching the 3.5+ skill level isn’t just about mastering the mechanics of the game. It is about consistency, strategy, teamwork, mental focus and adaptability. So if you’re not sure what you’re level is, take a step back and assess your strengths and weaknesses honestly.

We’ve put together a helpful guide, which you can find here, to assist in the self-assessment. You can also learn more about the key traits of a 3.5+ player below.

Also in this issue:

• MLP back in action, this time in Phoenix 🔥

• Pro player fined $50K, suspended for violating contract 💸

• ONIX launches new paddle line, and we’ve got the details 👀

• This padel brawl is going viral 🥊

• Pickleball’s new greatest showman 🕺

Let’s cook. 🧑‍🍳

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik put on a mixed doubles show

Is Eric Oncins becoming pickleball’s new greatest showman? It seems we’ve been featuring him in highlights a lot lately, and for good reason.

In this clip he and Tina Pisnik play what could be the perfect mixed point, with unbelievable resets and shot placement from Pisnik and a flashy inside-out winner from Oncins that brought the MLP Austin crowd to its feet last weekend.

🔗 Everything you could want from a pickleball point

PICKLEBALLERS PODCAST

Federico Staksrud, Dylan Frazier on being No. 1

In this unfiltered episode of PICKLEBALLERS, pro player Roscoe Bellamy and The Kitchen founder Jared Paul sit down with two of the sport’s biggest stars — Federico Staksrud (world No. 1 in singles) and Dylan Frazier (former world No. 1 in doubles).

What follows is a raw, hilarious and brutally honest look into the world of pro pickleball.

🔗 Watch Episode 2 on our YouTube Channel or listen on Spotify

FEATURED STORY

ONIX Pickleball continually evolving to offer gear for every type of player

When Jay Simmons joined Escalade Sports (the parent company of ONIX Pickleball) in 2019, ONIX was one of only a handful of major brands in the sport.

It was still early on in terms of pickleball’s explosion in popularity in the U.S., but Simmons – the brand’s Senior Product Manager – could see the incredible growth happening at the amateur level. The sport was taking off, and ONIX was in a great position to take off with it.

In the six years since, the brand has continually evolved and released a wide range of products to keep up with the modern game – everything from paddles to balls, bags, nets, protective eyewear, overgrips and more.

And even as hundreds of other paddle companies have jumped into pickleball to try to get a piece of the ever-growing pie, ONIX has remained a trusted brand for players at all skill levels.

“The focus moved quickly to the tournament end and performance end of products as the sport continued to grow,” Simmons said recently while looking back on his early days at ONIX, which was started in 2005 by Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee Steve Wong and later purchased by Escalade Sports in 2015. “We went from being a staple brand with a couple products, to now we have that full range of products from tip to grip and products for players at all price points. And our products are something that players are going to have a good experience with as well.”

🔗 How the OG paddle brand is evolving to keep up with the modern game

NO CHILL

This padel brawl is going viral

TRENDING

Pro player Quang Duong has been fined $50,000 and suspended for one PPA Tour event and four Major League Pickleball matches after participating in an event in Vietnam last weekend that was not sanctioned by the PPA Tour.

The United Pickleball Association (the governing body of the PPA Tour and MLP) announced the punishment Wednesday night, just one day ahead of MLP Phoenix, which starts Thursday evening.

Most players under UPA contract — including Duong — are not allowed to participate in non-PPA Tour events without prior approval from the UPA.

The suspension has big implications for Duong’s MLP team, the Los Angeles Mad Drops. They will play six matches this weekend at MLP Phoenix, and he'll be sidelined for the first four of those. The team has picked up on-site replacement player Spencer Smith in his place.

🔗 More details about the fine and suspension

INSTRUCTIONAL

3.5+ skill level — how to know if you’re there

It’s common for players to overestimate their pickleball skill level, thinking they’ve reached the coveted 3.5+ mark when they might still be missing key elements of the game. Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Ambition can blur the line between where you are and where you want to be.

It is important to understand that 3.5+ is a stage of strong skill development, but not yet the refined consistency of a 4.0 player. Understanding the true markers of a 3.5+ player can help you honestly assess your game.

Here are a few skills any 3.5+ player should have mastered:

1. Consistency in execution of serves, returns and dinking

A genuine 3.5+ player demonstrates consistent execution in serves, serve returns and dinks. This means getting serves and returns in play reliably and using dinks to maintain rallies. If frequent unforced errors in these areas still occur, especially under pressure, you’re not quite there. Consistent execution is more important than occasional perfect shots. A 3.5+ player can perform these skills consistently across an entire match.

2. Third-shot drop and soft game control

The third-shot drop is a key skill for a 3.5+ player, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. You should be developing the ability to hit a reliable third-shot drop and use a soft game to reset the ball when needed. If you rely mostly on power shots without a strong soft game, this is a red flag. Struggling with consistent third-shot drops or resetting fast exchanges means it’s time to prioritize these skills.

3. Strategic court positioning

A 3.5+ player is learning when to transition from the baseline to the net, how to move in sync with a partner, and how to cover angles effectively. If you often rush the net too soon or leave gaps in your coverage, you’re making it easier for opponents to win points.

🔗 More signs of a true 3.5+ pickleball player

POLL

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

ONIX drops new paddles geared toward beginner and intermediate players

OG pickleball brand ONIX released two new paddles this week, and they are perfect for the everyday players who want good performance without breaking the bank. Our team has been testing these for a couple weeks and we’ve spoken to the folks at ONIX to learn more about the technology packed into each of these paddles.

Best suited for players who: Are getting more into pickleball and want something that is higher quality but still at a low price point. The Hype X paddle's composite construction provides extra durability, power and maximum spin. It also uses ONIX's patented Thermofused Technology process, which makes this a much more durable and high performing paddle than most others in this price range.

Best suited for players who: Have graduated from a beginner paddle and are looking for something that can generate higher levels of spin and control at a budget-friendly price point. The raw carbon fiber surface of the Hype X Pro provides a natural texture, increasing spin and offering improved and precise shot making. The 14mm thickness combined with ONIX's Thermofused Technology also give this paddle plenty of pop and power for players who want to control the game with offense.

🔗 Breaking down the top ONIX Pickleball paddles, including new models

QUICK HITS

• Useful: 6 stretches for pickleball players

• Yes please: Check out this floating pickleball court

• Not so fast: Anna Leigh Waters shows off incredible defense

• Full spectrum: How the top players go from aggressive to patient