🪓 Is this a tomahawk?

This week’s epic point includes an Erne attempt and a tomahawk which ends the point with a bit of flair… but we’ve got questions.

First up, the finish — a tomahawk. That’s an overhead swing with a chopping, axe-like motion, bringing the paddle down from high to low. Clean, aggressive, and hard to read.

But here’s the thing… did he even need to play it? Was that ball drifting long? 🤔

We’ll let you decide.

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 🙌

65%

In a national survey, nearly two thirds of people who had ever played pickleball were still actively playing.

For context, most new fitness habits are abandoned within weeks. Pickleball sticks.

📰 Charlie Kirk’s ‘mentor’ dies in freak pickleball accident

Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and a key figure in modern competitive cheerleading, has died at the age of 76 following an accident on a pickleball court.

Webb suffered a severe head injury after a fall while playing and was later taken to hospital. His passing was confirmed by the organization he founded, which described his impact as shaping generations of athletes and helping grow cheerleading into a global sport.

According to Yahoo Sports, Webb was also a political figure and media executive. He was described as a mentor to Charlie Kirk, and previously served as co-publisher and senior news editor of right-wing news site Human Events. He also acquired The Post Millennial in 2022, before selling both outlets in 2025.

Webb was widely credited with transforming cheerleading into the competitive, athletic discipline we see today, including its recognition by the International Olympic Committee.

Pickleball is known for being social, accessible, and low-impact, which is why incidents like this stand out. Our condolences go out to anyone affected by this tragic news, particularly Webb's friends and family.

❤️ Selkirk Sport launches Selkirk Academy

Last week, Selkirk Sport, one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance pickleball equipment, announced the launch of Selkirk Academy.

Developed in partnership with Pickleball Coaching International, the Academy introduces a structured, academic approach to player development, replacing informal social clinics with a systematic instructional framework.

😔 City council closes pickleball courts immediately

Last week, Martinez City Council, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, voted unanimously to close the pickleball courts at Hidden Valley Park, effective immediately.

The courts have been a source of controversy since they reopened last February following renovations to expand them. There are now no free courts open to the public in the city.

💪 Rise in 'pickleball elbow' injuries, report says

Pickleball’s popularity continues to surge, but doctors and physical therapists say the fast-growing sport is also bringing a rise in a familiar racket-sports injury: “pickleball elbow.”

A new report says pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row. As the season gets into full swing, specialists say players should watch for symptoms that include tenderness or pain on the outside of the elbow, weak grip strength, and stiffness before or after play.

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.

🤔 “How long does a typical paddle last? I’ve had mine for over a year and it feels flat” – Kittie, Georgia

Short answer: Most paddles last 6–18 months depending on how often you play.

That “flat” feel is usually the paddle, not you. Over time, the core breaks down (“core crushing”), reducing pop and changing the sound from crisp to dull. The face can also wear, losing spin.

If it’s been a year and performance has dropped, it’s probably time for a new one.

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

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

• 🫶 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!

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

• 🤾 4 habits costing you points!

• ⌚️ Timex just dropped a Snoopy pickleball watch

• 🤾 Feel it. Fix it. Move forward.

• 🔥 Hustle for every point