🤾 4 habits costing you points!

👌 The best all-court power paddle available right now!

Hey Pickleheads readers, Stephen here 👋

A few weeks ago we mentioned the JOOLA Pro V series was up for preorder, but many of you wanted to know more before committing. Now it’s officially out, and my full review of Ben Johns’ Perseus Pro V is in.

In pickleball, JOOLA dropping their Pro Series is like Apple releasing a new iPhone. Particularly, the Perseus is the benchmark by which most serious players measure every other paddle.

The question is though: does the Pro V move the needle enough to justify an upgrade from the Pro IV? The short answer is YES, with a caveat…

Overall, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V is excellent – 5/5. Has it reinvented the wheel? No, but JOOLA doesn't need to. If you already have the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, you're probably fine to hold off.

If you're ready to upgrade, or you want the best all-court power paddle available right now, this is it!

The Pro V gives you a better balance of power and control, with improved energy absorption on touch shots and release on hard shots.

You don't have to swing hard to unlock huge power and you don't lose accuracy on placement.

If you can afford the $300 price tag, it’s a worthy upgrade!

👉 Read my full review of the JOOLA Perseus Pro V.

🤾 4 habits costing you points!

Stoked to welcome back Jordan Briones from Briones Pickleball Academy for this week’s Level Up.

Hey Pickleheads readers,

There are a few habits I see all the time that quietly hold players back and the third one is the big one.

First, attacking from a low position. If you’re hitting up on the ball and aiming at your opponent’s chest, better players will punish that every time. Instead, either reset with a dink or aim for uncomfortable spots like the backhand or chicken wing.

Second, bailing out under pressure. When players get pushed around, they panic and just shove the ball back. The fix is simple: slow it down, reset, and get back into a neutral dink instead of handing over control.

Third, and most common, popping up your dinks. This comes down to control. I use the 3S method: create Space, manage your Speed, and keep your Swing compact. Get this right, and you take away your opponent’s ability to attack.

Finally, not applying pressure in transition. If your opponent is moving forward, don’t bail them out. Take the ball early or at its peak and make them hit up.

Clean these up, and your game changes fast.

Watch the full video on YouTube to see Jordan break down each mistake and exactly how to fix them in real play. 👇

📊 Stats are here!

If you've played in even just one session on Pickleheads, your stats are waiting for you in the app.

Head to the new 'Stats' tab to see your activity, win/loss record, and game history. Stats update automatically after every session you join. The more you play, the more complete your picture gets.

Every Pickleheads user gets 30 days of activity for free. Pickleheads Plus members get the full picture: all-time stats, complete game history, and win/loss records going all the way back.

Coming soon: Local leaderboards, streaks, and performance trends. 🔥

💥 3 tips to INSTANTLY improve your returns!

🫢 Most players never master this!

🧨 How pros get faster hands at the kitchen

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

This is pickleball with a view you don’t rush.

Courts perched above that crystal-clear Bermuda water, pastel surfaces popping against the ocean.

I imagine, it’s the kind of place where you pause mid-game just to take it in, play a few more games, then wander down to the beach like it’s no big deal.

Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear – catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:

• 🫶 An elite paddle under $200 that keeps up with your game

• 🥤 A better-for-you energy drink with electrolytes to help you win

• 😲 The JOOLA Pro V just dropped, and now I'm hyped!

• 🥤 An electrolyte mix that comes with some serious pickleball cred

Skipped a scroll or two? No worries — here are the last few editions we sent your way:

• ⌚️ Timex just dropped a Snoopy pickleball watch

• 🤾 Feel it. Fix it. Move forward.

• 👮 Man fatally wounded at pickleball courts

• 🤾 I wish my coach told me this sooner!

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