🤷🏻‍♂️ A pickleball cheat code?

What’s the deal with blemished paddles?

We all have our favorite well-worn t-shirt, hoodie, or pair of sneakers. They’re probably scuffed, a bit dirty, and far from brand new, but they’re the things you always grab when the time’s right…

Why? Because they’re a perfect fit and prove that looks aren't everything when it comes to getting the job done.

If, like me, you don’t mind gear and accessories with these same quirks, or a minor flaw or two, you can make some huge savings on some of the best paddles around over at JustPaddles.

Sure, these paddles might have a minor cosmetic flaw, but they perform where it counts—on the court.

I just checked out their site, and guess what? You can save up to 40% off retail prices! Plus, you get an extra 10% off with the code PICKLEHEADS.

If you’re a player always hunting for great deals without sacrificing performance, this is a smart way to snag premium paddles while keeping some cash in your pocket.

Check ‘em out and let me know what you think.👇

**Save an extra 10% off blemished paddles with code PICKLEHEADS**

🤾‍♀️ How to hit an Erne!

I’m stoked to be welcoming back James Ignatowich, top-5 ranked pickleball player in the world, for this week’s Level Up.

Before I hand over to James, I wanna mention that the Erne can be more of an advanced shot, but there’s no better feeling than winning a point with one.

I was struggling to find the right moment to set these up in live matches until James gave me these tips.

Next game I played, I put these tips to use, set up an Erne and put it away for the win! Enjoy 👇

Hey Pickleheads readers,

I’ve always been asked when do you go for the Erne, and how do you know when a shot can be Erne’d?

Well, it comes down to a couple of things…

#1 A reactionary Erne

Here there’s no real set up or anticipation. You can see the ball can be Erne’d and go for it.

#2 The anticipation Erne

For you to anticipate an Erne, it comes down to two things:

i. If your opponent is at the edge of the court.

When your opponent is at the edge of the court, their easiest shot is usually down the line—precisely where you want them to play it to set up an Erne.

ii. If your opponent’s paddle face is open

If your opponent's paddle face is open, they're likely to opt for a slower shot, such as a slice, instead of a faster shot or a dink that could catch you off guard down the middle.

So, next time you see your opponent at the edge of the court with their paddle face open–get yourself into position to anticipate the Erne, smash it, win the point, raise your paddle in triumph, high-five your partner, and bask in the glory!

Hope this helps!

Click to watch my 90-second video, where I walk you through this week’s tip 👇

Our biggest product launch yet…

Our new round robin tool just dropped!

Y’all seriously, it’s 10x better than anything out there. I’m confident it’s going to blow your mind! 🤯

Here are the highlights:

• Choose from 6 fun formats for players of all skill levels

• Support for any number of courts or players

• Add scores in the app and see standings in real time

• Send scores to DUPR with one-click (optional)

Limited court space? Players showing up late? Awkward number of players?

No problem! Your event is always on.

Kihei, HI – Waipuilani Park

You’ll find this week’s dream court in Waipuilani Park, Kihei, Hawaii.

It’s touted as the best place to play pickleball for free on the island of Maui by a number of review sites…I can definitely see why!

Just imagine, after a morning on the courts, a walk on the sandy beach, a quick dip in the ocean and probably a picnic. 😍

Are titanium paddles the future?!

This might be the coolest paddle on the market right now…

I’m talking about Bread & Butter’s new paddle – the Shogun.

It’s the only paddle I’ve seen made with titanium (plus raw carbon).

So is titanium for real? Or is it just a marketing gimmick?

After 2 weeks of testing this paddle I can say titanium paddles are indeed the real deal.

Y’all know one of my favorite paddles is the Bread & Butter Filth. This one plays similarly – but it’s less stiff, less harsh and has a friendly, intuitive feel you’ll like from the first shot.

And it’s got everything you’d expect from raw carbon paddles – big power, and big spin. But now you get more control and a unique feel.

I suspect we’ll see more titanium paddles launched this year. But for now, the Shogun is the only one on the market and one of my favorite new paddles.

Plus, the Japanese samurai branding + unboxing experience is 🤌

If you do check out the Shogun, grab 15% off with my code PICKLEHEADS. Just note the B&B team told me these will likely stock out again this week.

Save 15% off with code PICKLEHEADS auto-applied in the link above