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- 😈 A truly chaotic epic point!
😈 A truly chaotic epic point!
Plus, I think I've found my control paddle of 2026, Anna Bright partners her mum at worlds, hit these returns to make thirds more difficult, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
November 05, 2026
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
😈 A truly chaotic epic point!
🏆 I think I've found my control paddle of 2026
🤾 Stop making this defensive dink mistake
🌍 Anna Bright teams up with her mom at Worlds
👌 Hit these returns to make thirds more difficult
😈 A truly chaotic epic point!
Have a filthy point caught on cam? 📸
Reply to this email or submit yours to [email protected]. Our favorite will feature in next week's newsletter!
And if we pick your submission, we’ll send you a free Pickleheads t-shirt 🙌
🏆 I think I've found my control paddle of 2026
Hey Pickleheads readers, Stephen here 👋
I've tested a lot of paddles this year, but the new Paddletek Tempest Veyra might just be my favorite control paddle of 2026.
And there's an interesting story behind it.
Earlier this year, Paddletek acquired PIKKL. I'd previously tested Tyra Black's signature PIKKL paddle and loved its enormous sweet spot and incredible control, although it was a little short on power.
Rather than trying to turn that formula into a powerhouse, Paddletek has doubled down on what made it so good.
I gave the Veyra a perfect 10/10 for control AND forgiveness. The sweet spot feels enormous, while dinks, drops, and resets feel almost effortless. It's plush and comfortable, but still gives you excellent feedback at contact.
There is a trade-off, though.
With just 7/10 for power, you'll need to generate your own pace on drives, although there's enough pop to counter speed-ups and attack when the opportunity arises. And while spin is excellent at 9.5/10, I'm not convinced the grit will last as long as newer permanent-grit surfaces.
But for players who prioritize precision and consistency over raw power, this paddle is seriously impressive.
It might not be a powerhouse, but as a control paddle, the Veyra is so good I've had to give it a perfect 5/5 overall. And at $179.99, or just $161.99 with our exclusive 10% discount, it's exceptional value.
Use code PICKLEHEADS at checkout for 10% off
🤾 Stop making this defensive dink mistake
Stoked to welcome back James Ignatowich, founder of RPM Pickleball, for this week's Level Up!
Hey Pickleheads readers,
Struggling to control those wide dinks when you're pulled out to your forehand side?
You might be making one simple mistake.
When you're on the run, don't keep your paddle parallel to the ground and try to flick the ball back with your wrist. It's a recipe for pop-ups.
Instead, drop your paddle tip down and scoop underneath the ball as you move to your forehand side.
It's a small adjustment, but it'll make those difficult defensive dinks much easier to control.
Watch me demonstrate the technique in this week's video 👇
🌍 Anna Bright teams up with her mom at Worlds
The world No. 2 entered the split-age division at Worlds with her mum, Liping, who plays at around 3.7 DUPR. Anna says her mum already gave “the performance of the tournament.”
Next time I tell my partner to “cover more middle,” this is exactly what I mean. 👇
🇺🇸 Team USA makes history at the first MLP Nations Cup
Five matches. Five wins. One historic title.
Led by Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Kate Fahey, Team USA swept Latin America 3-0 to claim the inaugural MLP Nations Cup in Dallas.
But the real excitement might be what comes next. With eight international teams competing, the event offered a glimpse of what a future Pickleball World Cup, or even Olympic competition, could look like.
🎬 Hollywood takes over Worlds
Mark Wahlberg won’t be the only star on court. The Celebrity Pickleball Showdown also includes Jeremy Piven, John Isner, UFC star Sean “Suga” O’Malley and Richard Rawlings from Fast N’ Loud.
They’ll team up with pros including Ben Johns, Anna Bright and Jack Sock on Thursday, November 5, live on the Tennis Channel.
👌 Hit these returns to make thirds more difficult
🎓 I wish I learned this earlier
🫡 Use this serve (sparingly) to get free points
Once the score has been called, can the receiver start moving toward the net before the serve is hit? |
Where must the serve land to be legal? |
A ball from an adjacent court rolls onto your court mid-rally. You call “stop.” Is this a valid reason to halt play? |
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