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- đ€Ÿ Do THIS when youâre on the back foot
đ€Ÿ Do THIS when youâre on the back foot
Plus, stop doing this on your backhand roll, a tip to double your serve power, and much more...

Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
đ€ When to use an overgrip (and what type you need)
đ€Ÿ Do THIS when youâre on the back foot
đ„ Stop doing this on your backhand roll
đ A tip to double your serve power

đ€ When to use an overgrip (and what type you need)

Hey Pickleheads readers, Stephen here!
Weâre heading into the height of summer. Temps are rising, palms are sweating, and paddle grips are starting to feel a little slick.
Few things mess with your game more than a paddle slipping mid-swing.
Overgrips are a quick fix. Theyâre cheap, easy to wrap, and make a big difference in how your paddle feels (and sticks) in your hand, whether you're after better sweat absorption, more comfort, or just want to add some personality to your setup.
Wiping your hand on your shorts between every point? Try the Tourna Mega Tac Pickleball Grip. Itâs basically superglue for your palm, in the best way.
In this weekâs blog, I break down when to use an overgrip, how to choose the right one, and a few of my top picks for sweat absorption, comfort and style.

đ€Ÿ Do THIS when youâre on the back foot
Iâm pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School for this weekâs Level Up.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
In my most recent video I was joined by pickleball's GOAT Anna Leigh Waters.
One of the key takeaways from this video â and something I see way too often in rec play â is players attacking off their back foot.
When you attack while fading or stepping back, you're often off balance. Your shot lacks power and control, tends to float or pop up, and gives your opponent an easy counter.
Hereâs what to do if youâre on your back foot or off balance:
Reset instead of attacking.
Wait for a better chance to step in and speed up or take the ball out of the air.
Remember, the opportunity isnât gone. Just delayed.
This small adjustment keeps you in control of the point (and stops you from giving away free ones).
And thatâs just one of the tips Anna and I covered.
To see the full breakdown, including when to attack, footwork and readiness, and a whole lot more, check out the full video here đ

DUPRâs big algo update

DUPR just rolled out a major algorithm tweak, and itâs a big one.
Now, your rating can go up even if you lose, as long as you play well against stronger opponents. But on the flipside, your rating can go down even if you win, but by a smaller margin than DUPR expects.
Example: two 3.5s take on two 4.0s. DUPR expects the score to be 11-5, in favor of the 4.0s. If the score ends up 11-9, the 3.5s have outperformed, and their rating goes up. The 4.0s go down.
We think this is a big (and overdue) shift that better rewards performance, not just results. But it wonât come without controversy đŹ

Weâre always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this weekâs sessions:
Pure power, tiny sweet spot
![]() | If you like your paddles loud and lethal, the Ronbus Ripple brings the heat. This thing pops. Hit the sweet spot and itâs clean, explosive, super satisfying. The extended handle gives you even more leverage to unload, and it feels familiar if youâve used other Ronbus builds. |
However, the sweet spot is stingy. Miss it by a little and your shot drops off hard. In fast hands battles, that can be the difference between a winner and a sitter.
Compared to something like the TKO-C, the Ripple is more high-risk, high-reward. When youâre on, youâre on. When youâre not⊠youâll feel it.
To tame it you could add some lead tape to expand the sweet spot without killing hand speed.
If youâre a player chasing raw power and donât mind tweaking your setup, the Rippleâs a blast. Just donât expect it to do you any favors on mishits.
Gimmick or secret weapon?
At first glance, the Pickleball Driller looks like a novelty. A little tape stretched across the net? Câmon. But once Stephen started hitting drives through it, the eye-rolls stopped. This thing forces you to get serious about shot height. |
Youâve got to dip the ball hard, low arc, fast pace, to squeeze it under the tape without slamming it into the net. Itâs brutally honest.
Same goes for dinks. At first, the tape messes with your head, but once you adjust, it dials in aggressive, net-hugging dinks.
Itâs not perfect. The tape wiggles in wind, and youâve gotta crank it tight to avoid sag. But in calm conditions, it holds up fine, even with a blocker or ball machine in the mix.
If youâre serious about improving your drives and dinks (and you donât mind looking a little silly), the Drillerâs a legit training tool. Not just a gimmick.

đ„ Stop doing this on your backhand roll
đ The most important skill to develop
đ A tip to double your serve power

North Tahoe Regional Park, CA

Towering pines, crystal-clear air, and Lake Tahoe just beyond the trees. This oneâs a showstopper.
Tucked into the forested hills of Tahoe Vista, the dedicated pickleball complex at North Tahoe Regional Park blends top-tier play with breathtaking views.
With six lighted courts, fresh mountain air, and the lake shimmering in the distance, itâs basically a dream for outdoor lovers and pickleball diehards alike.
You might come for the courts, but youâll want to stay for the setting.
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