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- You can't teach speed like this
You can't teach speed like this
The behind-the-scenes story of how The Kitchen was created
The transition zone is arguably the most daunting area of the pickleball court for most players. Make the wrong decision or fail to execute in transition, and you can pretty much kiss your chances of winning the point goodbye.
In today’s newsletter, we have a few tips to help you master the shots and strategy required as your make your way up to the kitchen line. It’s not always an easy path to get there, but improving your play in the transition zone will increase your chances of neutralizing more points and almost certainly lead to more wins.
Learn more below.
Also in this issue:
This is one of the best defensive plays we’ve ever seen 👀
New Jersey 5s win third straight MLP event 🏆
Tips for picking your first pickleball paddle 🤔
The behind-the-scenes story of how we created The Kitchen 🎧
Registration now open for Honcho’s fall leagues 🗓️
Let’s cook! 👨🏻🍳
AMATEUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
No ball is out of reach when you have wheels like this guy
It’s always easy to spot a high-level athlete (usually a very good tennis player) when they show up on the pickleball court. They don’t necessarily have all the fundamentals down, but they are certainly capable of making highlight-reel plays by the bunch.
In this case, the guy on the far side of the court goes all the way into the court next to him to track down what should have been a winner, then scrambles back in time to get the next ball, and ultimately wins the point.
It must be nice to have that kind of speed.
🔗 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
How The Kitchen became the go-to community for all things pickleball
In case you missed it last week, we made Jared Paul — the co-host of Pickleballers and the founder of The Kitchen Pickleball — sit in the guest chair for the first time on the podcast.
Co-host Roscoe Bellamy gets to the bottom of how The Kitchen was created, with some help from Jared’s co-founder and right-hand man Dane Iliff.
They discuss the early days of building the company — from a $1,000/month deal with an Amazon paddle brand, to producing an $8,000 Electrum commercial in Vegas, to landing an early partnership with Connor Pardoe and the PPA before anyone else believed in them. They also break down why they never bought a single follower, what made The Kitchen impossible to replicate, and why Jared believes singles pickleball is the format that takes the sport to TV.
🔗 Check out the full episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts
THE PROS
New Jersey wins third straight title at MLP New York
It was a wild week at Major League Pickleball New York.
There were several upsets and epic matches, and the event itself was partially overshadowed by the scary incident that resulted in Brooklyn’s Rachel Rohrabacher being struck and injured by a baseline video board that was blown over by a gust of wind.
In the end, it was the New Jersey 5s winning their third consecutive event title and earning 25 standings points in the process. That moves them into first place in the Major League Pickleball standings, and also secures a playoff berth for the 5s.
St. Louis is the only other team that has mathematically clinched a playoff spot.
SORRY NOT SORRY RECAP
In addition to the crazy video board incident, we also saw 14-year-old Kelly Goodnow pull off an impressive win for the Carolina Hogs and Pablo Tellez getting into it with a fan.
The only thing crazier than the action is Chris Cali’s breakdown of it all.
PICKLEBALL LEAGUES
Early bird registration now open for Honcho’s fall leagues
Pickleball is more fun when you have people to play with.
Honcho leagues are a great way to meet new players, get consistent games and be part of a community that plays together all season long.
Early bird registration for Honcho’s fall season (which starts Aug. 17) is now open through July 12 and saves you 15%. Use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for an extra discount.
GEAR
Best beginner pickleball paddles — the ultimate buying guide
Choosing a pickleball paddle doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this guide, we break down the factors that actually matter — from budget and paddle type to shape, core and weight — so you can confidently choose the right paddle for your game.
Whether you're buying your very first paddle or upgrading from a beginner paddle, this video will help you avoid common mistakes and make the best choice for your playing style.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not need the perfect paddle to become a good pickleball player. Don't get stuck endlessly researching paddles instead of getting out on the court. Find a paddle that feels comfortable in your hands, fits your style of play, and gives you confidence. Then go play pickleball.
INSTRUCTION
Winning the transition zone: Why one drop shot is often not enough
Navigating through the transition zone to the kitchen line is one of the great pickleball challenges. It is not always a straight path.
More often, it is a zigzag journey that requires multiple drop shots and resets before you successfully reach the kitchen line.
The third-shot drop gets most of the attention, but in many rallies it is the fifth-shot and seventh-shot drops that ultimately help you reach the kitchen line. If you’re struggling in this area, here are a few tips that should lead to more consistency in your game:
MOVE FORWARD WITH CONTROLLED FOOTWORK
After each shot, if your opponent cannot put the ball away, take one or two small steps forward. Do not charge recklessly toward the net. Progress slowly and under control.
USE A SPLIT STEP
A split step is a small hop that lands you in a balanced, athletic position before your opponent makes contact with the ball. This pause creates stability, prepares you to move in any direction and gives you better control of your next shot as you work your way through the transition zone.
MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUR PARTNER
It is important to stay in sync with your partner as you advance through the transition zone. If one player moves forward while the other remains deeper, the defense will often target the player who is furthest back and exploit the gaps that develop between partners.
STAY ALERT FOR ATTACKABLE BALLS
If your opponent leaves a volley above net height, use your quick hands to put the ball away.
The goal is not simply to reach the kitchen line. It is to advance far enough that you can either finish the point or force a neutral dinking rally.
QUICK HITS
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