We know pickleball is on the rise globally, with events popping up in Asia and South America recently, but the sport’s biggest area of international growth could be in Australia in 2025.

The pickleball scene down under might get a huge boost next month. Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios said earlier this week he intends to make his pro pickleball debut at the PPA Tour Australia Pickleball Open, which starts Jan. 28.

More on that huge news below.

And before we forget, TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to order paddles and gear from Pickleball Central and have your package arrive before Christmas. The cutoff is today (Thursday) at 3 p.m. Eastern for two-day expedited shipping.

Also in this issue:

• Twoey Nation stand up

• Making quick decisions easier

• Want to get better? Watch the pros

• Your perfect drilling partner

• It’s dangerous out there

Let’s cook. 🧑‍🍳

GIVEAWAY

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We are excited to partner with ERNE to give away one of their amazing ERNE ball machines. These training machines are an absolute game changer for drilling.

THIS IS A NEWSLETTER ONLY GIVEAWAY… so CLICK HERE and follow the steps to enter! 

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HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The best match point in PPA history?

Men’s singles became one of the most exciting pro events to watch this year, and with points like this it’s easy to see why.

Connor Garnett, the president of “Twoey Nation,” put his two-handed backhand on full display in this match point against Jaume Martinez Vich from earlier this year.

If a twoey backhand ATP early in the point wasn’t enough to get you on the edge of your seat, watch ‘till the end for another filthy two-hander.

POLL

INSTRUCTION

Attack or reset? Memorize this checklist

In a pickleball rally, milliseconds matter, and you have only a few of those to make a key decision as the ball is headed your way: attack or reset? That decision can win you the point — or have you chasing the ball in frustration.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind the next time you hit the courts:

1. Is the ball attackable? If it’s above net height at your point of contact, game on. Be aggressive. If it’s lower than net height or you’re having to reach for the ball, reset it.

2. Are you balanced? Body position is everything. To attack effectively, you need forward momentum and a stable stance. If you’re off balance, outstretched or stumbling, slow the point and regain control.

3. Assess your shot quality. The best players quickly analyze both their own shot and their opponent’s likely response. Pay attention to your opponent’s paddle and body language. If they have their paddle low, they’re likely resetting — prepare to step in and stay aggressive. If their paddle is up and in a ready position, be patient and pick your moment.

   🔗More tips to raise your pickleball IQ

FEATURED STORY

Why watch the pros?

There are many in the pickleball community who probably want us to say the BEST reason to watch pro pickleball is for the entertainment factor. Sure, that's the best reason to watch ... if you're already convinced you should.

But what about those of you who aren't convinced? For you, the best answer is: education.

Watching pro pickleball is like attending a (free) masterclass. It’s the ultimate crash course on things like:

• How consistently & steadily they move

• Where they move at certain stages of each point

• The proper form behind each shot

• How they reset under pressure

And that's just what you can observe immediately. Watch a little longer, and you'll notice more advanced strategies that you can bring to your own game.

Pro commentator Dave Fleming says it best: “You may not play like a pro athletically. But mentally? Absolutely.”

Speaking of the pros: It’s been a newsy week for the pro tours.

• Major League Pickleball released its 2025 schedule Wednesday, with events being hosted in team markets while also offering select amateur events within a five-month season.

• Leigh Waters is also making her return to the courts this week after spending much of the year on the sidelines coaching her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. The Waters duo will try to revive some of their old magic as the No. 2 seed in women’s doubles at the PPA Tour Daytona Beach Open, which starts Thursday with men’s singles action.

Here are some of the other storylines we’re excited to follow this week.

🔗More reasons you should watch pro pickleball in 2025 (& how to do it)

TRAIN

Take your game to the next level with ERNE

Is one of your 2025 pickleball resolutions to spend more time drilling? We’ve got just the tool for you.

From basic fixed point shots for beginners to advanced random positioning drills for the experts, the ERNE ball machine’s comprehensive selection ensures that there's always a drill that aligns with your current skill level and pushes you to the next.

It’s controlled completely via a smartphone app that is incredibly easy to use and allows extensive drill customization and shot setup.

🔗Buy yours here or follow these steps to enter in our latest giveaway

So Nick Kyrgios wants to play pickleball, huh?

On the latest episode of the Nothing Major Podcast — hosted by retired American tennis stars Sam Querrey, John Isner, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock — Kyrgios said he would team up in men's doubles with Sock at the PPA Tour Australia Pickleball Open early next year.

As one of the most athletic and flashy tennis players of his generation, we’re sure Kyrgios will produce some epic highlights on the short court. But can he dink?

We can’t wait to find out.

🔗Click here for more on Kyrgios’ potential switch to pickleball

BE CAREFUL

High-profile stars suffer pickleball injuries

Former tennis pro turned pickleball pro Genie Bouchard took a pickleball straight to the eye after it deflected off her partner’s paddle during a training session last week.

She went to urgent care, where she was told she had a scratched cornea and received a stern reminder about wearing eye protection.

Bouchard posted a photo wearing an eye patch after the injury, sparking a renewed wave of conversations about pickleball safety.

She was already back on the court this week sporting new protective glasses.

Bouchard wasn’t the only celebrity on the mend this week after a pickleball injury, though.

Longtime CBS and ABC news anchor Katie Couric posted a photo of a black-and-blue knot on her forehead after she hit herself with her paddle during a game earlier this week.

Who said pickleball isn’t a contact sport?

🔗Get yourself some protective glasses

QUICK HITS

• Impressive: My dream pickleball house 🫠

• Star struck: Teaming up with Jamie Foxx 🤩

• Competition: The Energizer Battery of pickleball points 😮 

• LOL: Cam Newton & Tim Tebow play the best worst pickleball we’ve ever seen😂

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