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🤾 If the lob goes up, the drive is coming next
Plus, think pickleball glasses are overkill? I used to think so too! How to neutralize a drive and crash team, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
August 21, 2025
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
🤓 Think pickleball glasses are overkill? I used to think so too.
🤾 If the lob goes up, the drive is coming next
🎯 The best spots to speed up
🤔 How to neutralize a drive and crash team
🤓 Think pickleball glasses are overkill? I used to think so too.
Hey Pickleheads – Stephen here 👋
I, like most players, used to think pickleball glasses were overkill. But after a close call at the kitchen line, I changed my mind…fast!
A direct shot to the temple made me realize how exposed our eyes really are out there. Especially with today’s power paddles and faster balls.
So I started testing. And over the last few months, I’ve worn multiple pairs of protective glasses in all kinds of conditions. Indoor, outdoor, sunny, overcast, sweaty, you name it. Some were decent. Some were useless.
One pair stood out.
The CRBN Pivot Pickleball Glasses are now my go-to. Lightweight, photochromic lenses that adapt to the light, removable lower frames for better peripheral vision, and grip that holds up even when you’re drenched. They’re not just for safety, they actually help me see the ball better too.
In this week’s blog, I break down the best pickleball glasses I tested, who they’re for, and what features to look for. Plus a budget-friendly option if you’re not ready to splurge just yet.
🤾 If the lob goes up, the drive is coming next.
I’m pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School for this week’s Level Up.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
This week I’m joined by Tyra Black — one of the most electric new talents on the pro scene. And she dropped a gem I think every rec player should hear:
“If the lob goes up, the drive is coming next.”
Most players lob just to buy time or reset.
But Tyra? She lobs to attack.
It’s a one-two combo: float a lob to push your opponent back, then jump on their reply with a forehand drive.
They’re scrambling, you’re balanced, and that next shot becomes a green light ball.
It works because:
✅ You change the tempo
✅ You draw a weaker reply
✅ You get a chance to step in and rip one
Tyra shows how she sets this up in live play, and it’s surprisingly simple to add to your own game.
Want to see the lob-drive combo in action? Watch the full breakdown here👇
👉 In the full video, we also cover:
Compact swings in hands battles
When to use one hand vs two on resets
The best mindset when facing power players
2025’s paddle of the year?
 | We’re always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff – and this week, we got our hands on one of the most hyped paddles of the year: the Bread & Butter Loco. The Loco hasn’t even launched yet, but it’s already drawing serious buzz. Some are calling it the paddle of the year. |
We had two of our testers, Stephen Mijangos and new reviewer Taylor Gervais, play with it for 15+ hours across rec and tournament play. (Taylor’s a player and coach based in Springville, Utah – you’ll be seeing more from him soon.)
So, is the Loco worth the hype? According to both testers: absolutely.
This is Bread & Butter’s best paddle yet – lightweight, explosive, and surprisingly forgiving. It delivers elite-level spin and touch while still packing enough pop to keep your opponents scrambling. The grit is serious, and you can easily customize it with lead tape to fine-tune balance or add more power.
Taylor’s already calling it his new go-to for both rec and tournament play.
At ~$180 with the Pickleheads discount, it’s an incredible value – especially when it rivals $250+ paddles from JOOLA, CRBN, and Gearbox. Preorder now to get it in October. This one’s going to be hot. 🔥
10% auto-applied at checkout
🎯 The best spots to speed up
🤔 How to neutralize a drive and crash team
🧠 Play with purpose, not panic
Bell Acqua Lake, Sacramento, CA
Pickleball at sunset doesn’t get better than this.
Perched on the edge of Bell Acqua Lake, a private 18-acre waterskiing oasis just minutes from downtown Sacramento, this home court is the stuff of dreams. Framed by trees and mirrored in still water, the bold blue court pops against the sunset.
It’s peaceful, picturesque, and feels worlds away from city life, yet it's right on its doorstep.
Private court. Postcard sunsets. Endless vibes.
Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear – catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:
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