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- 🤯 A simple tip that changes everything
🤯 A simple tip that changes everything
Plus, my best paddles under $100 in 2025, this common backhand mistake is killing your game, and much more...
Brandon Mackie
February 27, 2025
Hey there,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
🤾♀️ This common backhand mistake is killing your game
🤩 My best paddles under $100 in 2025
🙌 3 tips to improve your DUPR score
🤯 A simple tip that changes everything
🤾♀️ This common backhand mistake is killing your game
I’m stoked to welcome back James Ignatowich, top-5 ranked pickleball player in the world, for this week’s Level Up.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
One of the most common mistakes I see players make with backhand counter volleys is leaning back or jumping when they hit them!
I get it, if your opponent hits a hard and fast return at you, you can panic and just try and get your return over the net by any means necessary.
The thing is, when you're leaning back or jumping, you'll catch the ball late, and your return will sail high and deep.
This immediately puts you and your partner on defense and sets your opponent up for an easier putaway.
Instead, next time your opponent hits a hard and fast return at you, take a step back from the kitchen—give yourself some space.
But more importantly, keep your weight forward, so you can hit down on the ball rather than popping it up.
Remember, the most important part of any volley isn’t how hard you hit it—it’s making sure it follows a downward trajectory.
Hope this helps.
Click below to watch James explain this week’s tip in 60 seconds. 👇
A melatonin alternative for deeply satisfying sleep
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🙌 3 tips to improve your DUPR score
🐓 How to stop being chicken-winged
🤯 A simple tip that changes everything
Friends don’t let friends forget the score
We all know that player. The one who stops the game mid-rally to ask, “Wait…what’s the score?” Every. Single. Time.
Don’t be that player. And don’t let your friends be, either.
AccuSkore makes keeping score effortless—just a quick dial rotation, no stopping, no second-guessing, no awkward debates about whether it’s 7-5 or 8-4. And with an illuminated display, it even works for night matches.
🌀 Track the score with a flick of the wrist – No distractions, no delays
🎯 Perfect for players & refs – Stay in control of the game
🌙 Indoor & outdoor ready – Play anytime, anywhere
Be the only player on the court who actually knows the score (and a better friend)!
🤩 My best paddles under $100 in 2025
There are so many brands producing top-tier paddles right now—almost too many to choose from!
The good news is I've never seen better options at the $100 price point.
This week, I updated my “Best pickleball paddles under $100 in 2025 - top 5 picks” article.
On this list, you’ll find everything from all-court gems to spin wizards—paddles that rival even the most expensive options.
Take a look at some of the incredible value available right now. 👇
The Boutique Discovery Ship, Elysium, Greece
Is there a better dream court out there than one on a ship? Well, what if I told you that you could be playing on this very same ship, in Greece, THIS SUMMER?
I was invited to this incredible pickleball cruise this summer, but with a newborn at home, I can’t go. So, I’m giving away my cabin!
Sail through the Greek Islands, play daily pickleball on deck, train with VIP pros like Matt Manasse, and soak in the views.
Want in? Enter now for your chance to win my cabin, valued at $11,000!
💰️ Payments are available to everyone!
You can now collect payments on Pickleheads!
No more chasing down money or keeping track of who has paid.
Players can pay with card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. They won’t be added to the session until they’ve successfully paid.
To get started, visit your Payment Settings to set up or connect your Stripe account.
👟✨ Your new favorite kicks…
Thousand Fell sneakers feature premium materials, zero break-in time, and a design that goes with everything in your closet. New styles and colorways dropping just in time for spring.
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