🚨 WE INTERRUPT YOUR DAY TO BRING YOU BREAKING RODNEY GRUBBS NEWS. 🚨

The home of the former owner of Pickleball Rocks — the man who solicited investments from hundreds he could not repay — was raided by the FBI yesterday!

If you were victimized by Grubbs or have information relevant to the federal investigation, the FBI wants to hear from you. 🔗Find out more.

With that out of the way … this is one of the most exciting weeks in pickleball and we’re excited to tell you all about it!

Also in this issue:

• Why he’s the GOAT 🐐 

• Don’t be a target 🎯 

• The worst on-court antics 🫢 

• Why you should treat your partners better

Let’s cook. 🧑‍🍳

GIVEAWAY

3 DAYS LEFT — We’re Giving Away TWENTY Proton Paddles!

Thanksgiving may be over, but this “Thanks-Giveaway” is still running for a few more days! We’re partnering with Proton to give away 20 of their brand new Series 4 Roadrunner pickleball paddles.

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

BONUS MULTIPLIER: INVITE 5 friends to this newsletter to earn additional bonus entries!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Still GOATing After All These Years

Ben Johns is the benchmark other top players are measured against; the subject of countless “Who’s the new”-type threads in pickleball forums online.

He’s the GOAT — not because he’s always at the top, but because he’s so consistently there, even after four years.

This collection of incredible singles points is just a casual reminder that Ben isn’t going anywhere any time soon … or is he? Keep reading; there may be more to it this week.

POLL

What will pickleball look like in 2025? It’s a question that’s top-of-mind as 2024 draws to a close.

What trends in either pro or rec play will we see next year? If you have an answer, reply to this email with your thoughts.

INSTRUCTION

What to Do When You Feel Like a Bullseye

Targeting in pickleball can come off as cruel or unsportsmanlike to those being targeted. After all, the line between “strategic pressure” & “@$$holery” is just a little too thin.

Regardless: here’s how you can fight back (in the game, of course):

Don’t Avoid the Aggressor Entirely

Constantly dinking crosscourt to avoid a dominant player lets them dominate the middle. Mix it up by going down the line occasionally to keep them honest.

Use Speed-ups Wisely

Target your opponent’s weaker spots — typically their backhand or paddle-side hip. When executed correctly, a speed-up sends the ball to your partner, giving them a chance to attack or reset.

Switch Roles or Stack

Swap sides with your partner temporarily. This can disrupt your opponents' rhythm & give you a new perspective.

🔗Click here for the fourth tip & a visual aid from top pro Catherine Parenteau.

FEATURED STORY

A HUGE Week for Pro Pickleball

This may be the biggest week for the PPA Tour in 2024 for two reasons. Even if you’re not a fan of pro pickle, hear us out:

1) It’s Finals Week

The PPA’s CIBC Finals event started Wednesday, but this isn’t just another tour stop.

This event features only the top point earners of 2024, meaning we're about to watch the year's best players battle it out in what will surely be one of the most closely contested events of the year.

Of the many rivalries we’re looking at, one of the most exciting will be Federico Staksrud vs. Ben Johns in Singles. They’ve faced off five times on Championship Sunday, with Johns winning every match. If both make it out of their pools, Sunday could bring the ultimate rematch.

🔗Here are two other big storylines to watch for.

2) PPA Announces a “Feeder” League

One of the PPA Tour's taglines is that anyone can "play where the pros play." The Tour has established itself as both "the big leagues" AND a place where enthusiasts can compete.

But now, it’s introducing something else: The PPA Challenger Series, a slate of events offering aspiring pros (ranked outside the PPA top 20) a shot at wildcards to PPA Tour events.

Each stop brings a $10,000 prize purse, but the real prize will be climbing the leaderboard and earning a moment on the PPA Tour’s main stage.

🔗See the list of Challenger Series stops.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Free Proton Backpacks + $100 OFF

Cyber Monday and Black Friday have passed, but there are still some great pickleball deals remaining: Proton is giving away FREE BACKPACKS. Use code KITCHEN to save $100 on any paddle & get a free backpack with your order. Proton’s website only.

DON’T MISS THIS

Pickleball’s Most Embarrassing Moments

How does that old saying go? You can't appreciate the highs of life without seeing a few lows …

We recently asked you to share with us a few of the lowest moments you’ve witnessed on the pickleball court.

Apart from the many, many responses detailing paddle smashes and throws, you answered with a surprisingly diverse range of antics.

→ One reader who attended a pro event shared how a player dented a door in frustration when their partner didn’t show after a rain delay.

🔗More from: Pickleball's Worst Moments: Stories of Chaos on the Court

FROM THE COMMUNITY

Treat Your Partners Better

Couldn’t agree more. One of the best posts we’ve ever seen in our Facebook community. If you’re not already part of our awesome FB group of over 140k pickleball fanatics, join us here.

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