The most viral point in pickleball HISTORY

Our highlight reached 100 MILLION views!

September 05, 2024

The plot has really thickened with two of this year's biggest stories. I won't spoil it, but here's a hint: $60M.

We've also got two incredible points to highlight in this week's newsletter. Strap in for both.

Also in this issue:

  • Consistently nail those ATPs

  • The most viral point in pickleball history

  • $60M pickleball scandal update

  • Pro pickleball player in US Open finals for tennis

Let’s cook. 🧑‍🍳

GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY — 10 New ONIX Supercell 22mm Paddles!

We are excited to partner with Onix to give away 10 of their newly released Supercell 22mm pickleball paddles!

We’ll be choosing 10 winners this Sunday. Enter HERE and boost your chances of winning by completing the bonus steps!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Big Ups to the Little Guy

We don't know the exact ages of all these kids absolutely dominating on the court. All we know is that the smallest of the lot cleans up.

He's barely taller than the net and plays better than most of the people I see at my local rec league.

You'd expect a kid to try to rip every shot, but that last one is clearly not at full power. He’s more patient than I am…and I’m a “control” player!

Brace yourselves: this kid is going to be a problem once he's old enough to play PPA.

Side note: his partner is playing with the new JOOLA 3S, which we’re stoked about. Check them out here.

This isn't the only clip we have for you this week. One of our videos has become the most viral point in pickleball history — keep scrolling to revisit it.

POLL

Everyone’s an armchair expert these days. But if you’re more experienced, we’re curious:

What key mistakes do you see beginners make?

FEATURED STORY

Updates: 2024's Biggest Stories

Spicy details have emerged regarding some of this year's biggest pickleball news:

Will Rodney Grubbs Get Away With It?

Remember the Pickleball Rocks scandal? When we last updated you, that scam business' proprietor Rodney Grubbs had been brought to bankruptcy court and forced to auction off his warehouse of pickleball gear in an attempt to repay his jilted investors.

Of course, that auction only brought pennies on the dollar back to only some of those scammed. Now, even MORE investors have stepped forward, bringing his total owed amount to nearly $60 million.

A new group of them are urging a federal judge not to discharge Grubbs' obligation to repay over $50 million lost.

Though the legal deadline for that has passed, the group is seeking more time to sort it out.

The Florida Parks Debacle

More recently, we told you about the failed plan that proposed pickleball courts, golf courses, and & cabins be built in some of Florida's state parks.

Governor DeSantis nixed it after lots (and lots) of public backlash.

But now, James Gaddis, a former cartographer for Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, is fired after leaking the plans.

Describing himself as an "ethical whistleblower," Gaddis revealed discomfort with mapping developments in sensitive areas like Anastasia State Park. His leak sparked public protests, leading the department to withdraw the proposals.

We're still not sure whether to thank Gaddis or villainize him — after all, his actions ultimately lead to fewer courts in Florida (one of the most pickle-loving states).

Hopefully, the state can find some better spots to place more courts & keep up with demand.

ENERGY

'Calm Energy' Can Elevate Your Game

You read that right. “Calm energy” isn’t an oxymoron. Pickleball players know the sport demands a mix of high-energy and a thoughtful, fluid mindset. You can’t be jittery, but you can’t be slow, either.

PIQUE’s matcha is your go-to for clean, sustainable energy without crashes.

Check out PIQUE for some tasty, balanced rehydration. Get 15% off Pique's Sun Goddess Matcha plus free shipping for life!

INSTRUCTION

The ABCs of ATPs

The Around the Post (ATP) shot is one of pickleball’s most thrilling moves.

Unlike typical shots, the ATP bypasses the net, curving around it to land in your opponent’s court. Legal under USA Pickleball rules, this shot can be a game-changer—if you know when and how to use it.

Keys to ATP consistency:

  • Anticipation: Look for sharp, crosscourt angles

  • Footwork: Move quickly toward the sideline with balanced, low positioning

  • Patience: Let the ball travel well outside the court before striking

  • Execution: Keep your swing short, aiming for a low, controlled return

See an example—& learn how to counter ATPs—in our full guide.

TRENDING

It's one thing to go from tennis to pickleball. But Donald Young is about to be the first athlete we know of who can switch back and forth from pro tennis to pro pickleball...seamlessly.

→ Donald returned to Flushing Meadows this year for one last go at the US Open, teaming up with longtime friend Taylor Townsend in the mixed doubles event.

He just advanced into the Finals, too, even after playing pro pickleball for the last year or so.

We couldn't be more impressed with you, Donald. Of course, it doesn't hurt that your pickleball skills translate pretty well toward your doubles game at the Open.

JOIN THE PARTY

Just Get a DUPR Already

Please. Everyone else has one. It makes the game more fun because you get to have all your results in one place.

DUPR ratings reflect your pickleball skill based on match results, factoring in a margin of victory, opponent level, match recency, & match type. Get yours.

GOATS

Pickleball's Most Viral Point EVER

Most countries have fewer than 100 million people. In fact, most countries have fewer than 20 million.

So when this pickleball clip we captured at MLP Daytona 2023 received its first 70 million views in less than a year, we were pretty excited. Now, it has over 100 million.

This pickleball clip has now been seen by more people than live in Argentina, Canada, & Cambodia combined. Let’s keep the momentum going: check it out here.

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