🤔 Dwell vs. pop-based power – which is best?

🤔 Dwell vs. pop-based power – which is best?

I’ve been thinking about power paddles a lot recently. We throw the term around all the time, but the more I play, the more I realize that not all power paddles actually feel the same.

Some launch the ball off the face with pure pop. Others still bring serious power, but with more dwell, more spin, and more control. That difference matters more than most players realize.

That’s exactly what stood out when I started playing with the CRBN TruFoam Waves. I finally got my hands on one.

This paddle is an absolute weapon on drives, speed-ups, counters, and putaways. But here’s the surprising part. I could still hit clean drops, resets, and soft dinks without fighting the paddle.

That’s when it clicked. Power isn’t just about pop.

In my latest blog about dwell-based power vs. pop-based power, I break down the real difference between dwell-based power and pop-based power, why newer foam paddles are changing the game, and why the CRBN TruFoam Waves might be the best example of modern power done right.

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🤾 3 skills that ACTUALLY make a difference

Stoked to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School for this week’s Level Up.

Hey Pickleheads readers,

If you’re practicing a ton but feel like your game isn’t moving forward, here’s a hard truth: most of you are trying to improve too many things at once! 

Real confidence doesn’t come from stacking new skills. It comes from mastering a few that actually show up in matches.

The first difference-maker is not attacking from disadvantage. If you’re off balance, outstretched, or pushed off the line, going for a winner is usually how points end fast… and not in your favor. Instead, neutralize the rally with a reset, a drive out of trouble, or even a well-timed lob to buy time and recover position.

Next is knowing your safe zones. When pressure hits, decision-making slows players down. Pre-deciding high-percentage targets like backhands or uncomfortable body positions removes hesitation and helps you work your way back to neutral.

Finally, let’s talk about mindset! Use my Feel, Fix, Forward system. Feel the frustration briefly, fix the decision (not the outcome), then move forward. Clear thinking leads to confident play, and confident play wins more points.

👉 Watch the full video to see these three skills broken down on court and learn exactly how to apply them in your next match.

💥 Common dinking mistakes and how to fix them

🧨 Master the fourth shot

🤌 Stop doing this on your volleys

The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua

You’ll find this week’s dream court in The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua.

You’d play surrounded by palms, ocean air, and a big blue backdrop, then finish a game and realize the beach is right there!

Great courts in a ridiculous setting. Morning matches, afternoon swims, sunset beers. Repeat.

If you’re packing your paddle for a getaway, this is exactly the kind of place you hope to find when you arrive.

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

• 😵‍💫 The spinniest paddle… ever?

• 🥤 A better-for-you energy drink with electrolytes to help you win

• 😍 The paddle Six Zero thinks can top the DBD

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

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

• 👟 Nike signs its first pickleball star, and it says a lot

• 🤾 Pickleball has changed! Here’s what you need to know

• 🤪 Ridiculous pickleball

• 🤾 These 3 mistakes are why you’re not improving

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