🔥 Behind the back defense, but make it casual

This week’s epic point is a masterclass in patient, top-tier pickleball.

When one side finally pulls the trigger and ramps up the pressure, the response is… absurdly casual. A behind-the-back counter that looks like it was hit during warm-ups.

Cool, calm, and ridiculously smooth. 🔥

Have a filthy point caught on cam? 📸

Reply to this email or submit yours to [email protected]. The most epic one will feature in next week’s newsletter!

And if we pick your submission, we’ll send you a free Pickleheads t-shirt 🙌

175 countries

Pickleball is now played in 175 countries.

DUPR, the sport's leading global rating system, now has players registered across 175 countries. It took soccer centuries, pickleball did it in decades.

🔄 Reset your DUPR risk-free

This is BIG news for anyone that’s ever thought, “My DUPR doesn’t reflect how I’m playing now!”

Last week, DUPR launched a risk-free Reset window running from March 16 to May 17, 2026. The idea is simple: you can reassess your rating based only on matches played during that period, with zero downside.

Here’s how it works. Register for the Reset, then play at least 8 matches during the window. For doubles, that means playing with at least two different partners. For singles, it’s against at least two different opponents. That’s it.

After the window closes, your rating becomes the higher of your current rating or your Reset rating. It cannot go down.

All official DUPR matches count, including club play, leagues, and tournaments. Self-reported matches don’t count.

If you feel like your level has moved but your rating hasn’t caught up, this is your shot.

📱Dink Date: Forget swiping, dink instead!

A new Bay Area AI-powered social platform Dink Date launched recently. The app was designed specifically for the pickleball community, aiming to help players connect through shared interests and real-world meetups rather than traditional dating app swipes.

🤑 Anna Bright: The most expensive pickleball player ever

Anna Bright broke the record on Friday for the most expensive player ever drafted in MLP after the No. 1 spot was officially secured by the St. Louis Shock for $1.23 million.

🤔 What’s tougher, tennis or pickleball?

Andre Agassi has found himself drawn into the growing debate between pickleball and tennis, with fans from both sides eager to hear his take.

Got a burning pickleball question? About rules, our app, the sport, a news story, anything goes.

If so, click Yes! Drop it in the comments and we'll pick our favorite to answer in next week's newsletter.

🧤 Are gloves allowed? If yes, on one hand or both hands? What's the rulebook say? – Miles, Irvine, CA.

Yes! Gloves are allowed. The USA Pickleball Rulebook does not prohibit gloves. They’re treated as normal player apparel under Rule 2.G (Player Apparel).

You can wear:

• 🧤 One glove

• 🧤🧤 Two gloves

As long as they don’t create a distraction… glove up!

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

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

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

• 🔥 The best paddle deal out there right now!

• 🤯 This paddle gives you more than the JOOLA Pro IV for $100 less

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

• 🤾 Your serve has one job. This is it.

• 🙄 Everything we love (and fear) about pickleball

• 🤾 Aim here when you’re under pressure

• 😳 Pickleball brawl involving 20 people results in two arrests