🦂 Awesome defense and scorpion

This week’s epic point is all about patience, grit, and ridiculous defense. Reset after reset keeps the rally alive as one team refuses to give an inch.

And just when you think it can’t get any better… a scorpion shot out of nowhere to finish it off.

Yeah! You don’t see that every day.

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 🙌

90%

90% of pickleball players play at least twice per week!
That’s not casual… that’s a habit.
(SFIA/DUPR, 2025)

🚫 Controversial court split plan sparks HUGE backlash

We mentioned this plan a few weeks ago with optimism, but now the reality is starting to kick in, and the story is heating up…

A new proposal from Seattle Parks and Recreation would end “dual striping” — where tennis courts are shared with pickleball — and instead dedicate courts to one sport only.

On paper, that sounds neat. In reality, it could remove 36 playable pickleball courts overnight, with replacements potentially years away.

Local players aren’t happy. The Seattle Metro Pickleball Association says entire communities could be displaced, with no clear plan for where players go next.

The surprise? Even some tennis players are pushing back, arguing the shared setup works and keeps courts active and inclusive.

The city says it’s still gathering feedback, but the timeline for new courts doesn’t even begin until 2027!

Separating the sports might make sense long-term, but pulling courts before replacements are ready? That’s where this plan falls apart.

We just added something to our Plus subscription that I'm personally really excited about.

Pickleheads Plus now includes unlimited 4-player round robins.

If you play regular doubles with the same crew, you know the deal. You play, someone claims they're up in the series, and nobody can prove it.

Now you can log the scores of every doubles match and keep your stats up to date.

Here's how I use it with my Monday night group 👇

We usually run the Double Header round robin format. It maps out a best-of-three series with each partner combo for you. After each game, we enter our scores in the app.

Then when we’re done, the app automatically crowns a winner based on who won the most games. 👑

What’s also cool is every game automatically flows into your stats tab and fills in your win/loss record and match history.

Honestly, it’s the best way to keep track of your group’s record and settle the debate once and for all.

Your friends don't even need Plus to join in.

Want to try it out? Create a session → Choose “Double Header” → Set player count to 4 → Hit the courts!

🇯🇵 Japan just unified its pickleball scene, and it’s a big signal

This month, Japan’s two main governing bodies (the JPA and the PJF) have merged into one: Pickleball Japan.

Here’s why this matters: fragmented federations are one of the biggest barriers to Olympic recognition, so this move brings much-needed alignment on the global stage. Read more. 

😲 How a pickleball injury highlights fraud in California’s hospice industry

Lynn Ianni didn’t learn she’d been listed as dying in a Los Angeles County hospice care facility until her Medicare claim for a pickleball injury was rejected. Read more.

😍 CityPickle returns to Central Park

Since Tuesday, April 21, Wollman Rink becomes a hotspot for America’s fastest-growing sport once again, as CityPickle kicks off its fourth season—turning the iconic venue into a buzzing 14-court pickleball destination in the heart of New York City.

⚖️ Reality TV meets pickleball drama

Jill Zarin, the 62-year-old Real Housewives of New York City alum, is being sued by a former business partner in her pickleball company, Pickle Pro Labs.

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

• 🫶 The recovery habit that makes me a better pickleball player

• 👑 We just crowned a new king of spin

• 😲 This paddle hits like it costs twice as much

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

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

• 🤾 90% of players do this WRONG

• 👫 Pickleball's battle of the sexes! Who won?

• 🤾 This simple trick will stop you getting targeted

• 😲 Wait! Is your paddle at the center of a patent war?