Hey there, reader 👋

Welcome back to the latest edition of the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

😲 An epic point that has it all
🤾 Whether it’s singles or doubles…split step!
🕶️ Is it time to wear eye guards in pickleball?
🧘 Get ready for the court with these stretches

 😲 An epic point that has it all

This week’s epic point has it all…

An intense rally, with lobs, an erne, a hands battle and crazy defense. Enjoy!

To check out this week’s epic point, click the image ▶️

Have a filthy point caught on cam? 📸

Reply to this email or submit yours to [email protected]. The most epic one will feature in next week’s newsletter!

AND if we pick your submission, we'll send you a free Pickleheads t-shirt 🙌

🤾 Whether it’s singles or doubles…SPLIT STEP

Rahul, Pickleheads community manager and APP Top 150 player, is back once again with this week’s top tip…

Perhaps the biggest thing that players forget to do is split step!

Split stepping will level up your game, fact!

The split step is very simple…

As your opponent is about to return the ball, you take a tiny hop, get in ready position, literally splitting your feet shoulder width apart.

Hence the name split step.

For both singles and doubles, this does a few things…

First, it allows you to anticipate the ball better. When you split step, it stabilizes your base, you’re not falling all over the place.

Secondly, because of your stable base, you can move laterally (sideways) more easily.

Allowing you to slide across the kitchen to cover passes and dinks.

Lastly, it also improves your hand speed.

You see, your hand speed is directly related to how stable you are and how strong your anticipation is…if you split step you will naturally improve these skills!

Next time you get on court, remember, as your opponent is about to hit the ball…split step and watch your game dramatically get better!

Here’s a video of Rahul talking you through this week’s tip 👇

🕶️ Is it time to wear eye guards in pickleball?

Todd Boss recently wrote in his Forbes article, there’s a huge similarity between the rise of racquetball in the late 1970s and the current pickleball boom…

Back then, the racquetball governing body mandated eye protection for juniors in 1979. And then for adults in sanctioned events after a severe injury to the world #1 in 1987.

With pickleball, a sport known for intense net battles and fast shots, the risk of eye injuries is becoming a talking point.

And, we’re seeing more pro players pushing for mandatory protective eyewear.

Especially after stories like Cassidy Phillips (pictured above) on the rise. Cassidy took a ball to the eye in January and was left blinded for days, needing surgery to regain his vision.

Even pro player, Megan Fudge, recently said, “Power in pickleball has drastically changed in the last nine months. Paddle technology has really sped up the game ...Balls ricochet off your paddle and I got hit several times last year.”

Luckily, for those of you looking to adopt eye protection, there’s loads of options.

If you’re looking for our top pick, check out CRBN’s Pickleball Glasses.

More importantly, we want to know your thoughts! Is it time to mandate wearing eye protection in pickleball?

Let us know by replying to this email, or voting in our poll below.

Check out our BRAND NEW paddle quiz! I’m really excited about this one…

I get asked every week for paddle recs but it’s hard without knowing your playstyle and needs…

So enter the quiz - answer 7 quick questions and I’ll recommend the 3 best for you. I tested over 80 paddles last year but only pick from the top 30.

Are you playing with the best paddle for your game? Find out below 👇

Joshua Tree – Casita Panorama

You’ll find this week’s dream court in Joshua Tree Park!

Inspired by the owner’s passions (Joshua Tree + pickleball) & elevated by tranquility & wonder, this home is a complete pickleball retreat just a short walk from The National Park.

Now this is truly a dream court. And…it’s an AirBnb!

Should this paddle be banned?

“This paddle should be banned.”

I’ve heard a few people say it by now. Can you guess which paddle I’m talking about?

It’s the new Gearbox Pro Power.

I’ve heard players call it “unfair” or even “dangerous” – and that’s because of how hard the paddle hits.

I just finished my testing last week and wow does this paddle have power! The ball just flies off the face.

Control takes a little getting used to but if you’re a power player (like me), you gotta check this paddle out.

I waited 12 weeks to get mine but now it’s back in stock. The paddle goes for $275 and there are no discounts given how popular it is right now.

But though it’s premium priced, I’ve never played with anything like it.

To my fellow bangers, enjoy!

Erne: The ultimate drilling partner

**Use code PH100 to save $100 on the Erne**

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