🤾 Do THIS when you’re on the back foot

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🤔 When to use an overgrip (and what type you need)
🤾 Do THIS when you’re on the back foot
💥 Stop doing this on your backhand roll
🙌 A tip to double your serve power

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

Hey Pickleheads readers, Stephen here!

We’re 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. They’re 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. It’s basically superglue for your palm, in the best way.

In this week’s 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.

👉 Read: When to use an overgrip in pickleball (and what type you need)

 🤾 Do THIS when you’re on the back foot

I’m pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School for this week’s 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 – and something I see way too often in rec play – 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.

Here’s what to do if you’re on your back foot or off balance:

1. Reset instead of attacking.

2. Wait for a better chance to step in and speed up or take the ball out of the air.

3. Remember, the opportunity isn’t gone. Just delayed.

This small adjustment keeps you in control of the point (and stops you from giving away free ones).

And that’s 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 👇

DUPR’s big algo update

DUPR just rolled out a major algorithm tweak, and it’s 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 won’t come without controversy 😬 

We’re always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this week’s sessions:

Pure power, tiny sweet spot

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 you’re on, you’re on. When you’re not… you’ll feel it.

To tame it you could add some lead tape to expand the sweet spot without killing hand speed.

If you’re a player chasing raw power and don’t mind tweaking your setup, the Ripple’s a blast. Just don’t expect it to do you any favors on mishits.

Gimmick or secret weapon?

You’ve got to dip the ball hard, low arc, fast pace, to squeeze it under the tape without slamming it into the net. It’s 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.

It’s not perfect. The tape wiggles in wind, and you’ve 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 you’re serious about improving your drives and dinks (and you don’t mind looking a little silly), the Driller’s a legit training tool. Not just a gimmick.

Save $20 on the Pickleball Driller with code PICKLEHEADS

North Tahoe Regional Park, CA

Towering pines, crystal-clear air, and Lake Tahoe just beyond the trees. This one’s 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, it’s basically a dream for outdoor lovers and pickleball diehards alike.

You might come for the courts, but you’ll want to stay for the setting.

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