Hey there 👋

Welcome to the first EVER edition of the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🤯 The most epic 3.5 point we’ve ever seen
🎾 Struggling with fast hands at the kitchen?
🤖 Are we seeing the first robot pickleball player?
🧐 How much do pickleball pros make?

Our vibe is everyday picklers, like you and me. We’re rec players ourselves and each week we’ll bring you epic points, dream courts, pro tips and more to get your pickleball fix.

So grab your paddles and let’s go!

Aggressive 3.5 pickleball point

Uploaded by Disastrous_Acadia823 to Reddit.

Our inaugural Epic Point Of The Week comes from Disastrous_Acadia823 uploaded to Reddit just over a month ago.

This Epic Point features ATPs, ERNEs, drops, resets, misdirects, angled shots and more.

These guys call themselves 3.5+ players…what do you think?

To check it out, click the image ▶️

Have a filthy point caught on cam? 📸

Submit yours to [email protected] and the most epic one will be featured in next week’s newsletter!

Struggling with fast hands at the kitchen?

This week’s tip comes courtesy of Pickleads’ very own Community Manager, Rahul Datta. Rahul, from Princeton, NJ is ranked in the APP’s Top 200.

If you’re struggling with fast hands and volley exchanges at the kitchen. The number one way to fix this – keep the paddle out in front of you at all times.

You see, when you keep your paddle at your sides, you’ll often catch the ball late! Leading to errant balls, pop ups, and bad volleys your opponents can put away.

When you keep your paddle in front of you, it’s harder for your opponent to read your next move. You’re actually stealing time from your opponent.

Then, you’ll have more time to react and catch the ball earlier to hit cleaner volleys in hand battles at the kitchen.

Try this tip out over the next week and let us know how it works for you by replying to this email.

The CRBN-3X

Brandon here, co-founder of Pickleheads. I tested over 30 pickleball paddles in 2023 (hard work, right?!). Some weeks I’m testing 2, 3 even 4 new paddles at a time.

But there’s one paddle I just keep coming back to – the CRBN-3X.

CRBN was first in the raw carbon trend and they’re still at the top in my book. I just love the power, spin and responsive feel I get with the Power Series. I recommend the 3X to every intermediate player who asks.

I’ve also met Garrett & Kyle, the CRBN founders and they are great guys. I’m stoked they offered Pickleheads subscribers an exclusive 10% off discount. Check out my review of this paddle and see why I picked it as one of the Top 2 paddles of the year 👇

***10% off code auto-applied with links in the review***

🤖 Are we seeing Pickleball’s first robot player?

Wonder Studio AI has caused a bit of a commotion in the world of pickleball. Are we seeing the first robot pickleball player? Or, is it a deep fake? We’ll let you decide – here.

🌟  The A-Listers who are crazy about Pickleball - 38 celebs who play the game you love

That’s right, it’s not just you, Pickleball has also taken Hollywood’s elite by storm. From pop princess Selena Gomez to comedy legend Ellen DeGeneres, and even tech titan Bill Gates, find out why these A-listers are OBSESSED – here.

👕 What to wear: How to ace your on-court style game

Time for a style upgrade? From tennis skirts for the ladies to good running shorts for men, the choices are endless. Here’s your go-to guide for pickleball clothing. Discover what's in vogue and what's a little more practical for those intense rallies – here. 

How much do pickleball pros make?

Ever wondered, “What’s the payday like if/when I go pro in pickleball?

Well, to be honest – for the longest time, pro players have had embarrassingly small payouts. But that’s changing fast – and it’s starting to turn dreams into reality 🙌.

First, the numbers. According to PickleballSuperstore.com, the average professional pickleball player earns $45,000 to $60,000 per year.

Not bad. But there are players starting to hit the jackpot. Anna Leigh Waters took home a cool $1 million in 2022. She’s the sports top earner, and she’s only 16!

Ben Johns is set to clear $200,000 this year. That’s a tidy sum, but still a far cry from what the GOAT should be earning – at least compared to other sports.

And let’s not forget all these stats could go way higher next year after we see the massive contracts offered by the MLP and PPA’s recent tour war take effect.

So.. where is all this money coming from, and how can you get in on the action?

It starts with tournaments. This year the prize pool between MLP and PPA is north of $10 million. That’s over double last year. The winning team for an MLP event now wins over $100,000.

Then, endorsements – everything from paddle deals to drinks commercials. Pickleball legend Tyson McGuffin has his own line of Skechers shoes and 8 other sponsors, including Chicken N Pickle (must be hard working drinking beer and eating chicken!).

So, if you never imagined you could make a living playing pickleball, think again. Pro earnings are going up, and more players are quitting their day jobs and going all-in.

It’s not a dream, playing the sport we love could bring you brand endorsements, a hefty payday, and maybe – just maybe – celebrity status. 💰👩‍🎤

Wanna know how to make it pro? Check out our article…

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge

The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge is going all-in on pickleball with a staggering 17 courts!

They've even recently given one court a fancy makeover with seating for tournament spectators.

Plus, they have an on-site racquet club where you can check out and buy all the coolest pickleball gear.

You could say it's yet another pickleball paradise…🏓😎

Find open play wherever you go!

Fall is here and the temperatures are dropping! Gettin’ out of town and chasing the sun over the next couple of months? ☀️

Find open play schedules on the NEW Pickleheads App at over 3,000 courts wherever travels take you this season!

Download now for free: pickleheads.com/app 

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