🤾 Level up your defense–fast!

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

😎 Why I wear pickleball glasses every time I play
🤾 Level up your defense–fast!
💥 Instantly improve your serve return
👏 When to use a short-hop dink

😎 Why I wear pickleball glasses every time I play

We’ll admit it! When we first saw people rocking pickleball glasses, we thought it was a bit much…

…but then Stephen got hit in the face.

A fast hands exchange. A ball to the temple. Luckily, no permanent damage. But a very clear wake-up call.

Since then, he’s worn glasses every time he steps on court. Not just any glasses, though—the CRBN Pivot Pickleball Glasses. He’s tested a few different models, but these are the ones he actually stuck with.

They do more than protect your eyes from fast-flying balls (though they do that really well). They also highlight the ball, cut glare from lights and sunlight, and honestly help him track shots better than when he wasn’t wearing anything.

You don’t need to take our word for it, just check out his full breakdown. Where he goes into all the lens types, pros and cons, and why eye protection in pickleball is becoming a much bigger deal lately.

If you’re even slightly on the fence, this might be what tips you over.

👉 Read why Stephen never plays without glasses

🤾 Level up your defense–fast!

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

Hey Pickleheads readers,

Here’s a quick tip to level up your defense—fast:

If the ball is up, get your paddle down.

It’s called the see-saw effect. When your opponent hits a ball that’s high, there’s only one place they’re aiming…down.

But most rec players keep their paddle too high and get jammed. Instead, drop your paddle low, like a volleyball player digging a spike.

Great defense isn’t just about being fast. It’s about recognizing patterns. And when the ball goes up? It’s your signal to get low and be ready.

Master this habit and you’ll stay in points longer and start winning more of them.

Watch me break it down in this quick video below 👇

Wanna see something cool?

What happens when I go 2v1 against the Friday Pickleball guys?

No spoilers—but let’s just say the ending is wild. 👇

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

The value of breaking in a paddle

“Post break-in, the paddles feel softer and more connected. The ball dwells on the face longer, which lets you shape drives, add spin, and play with way more control. Power also noticeably improves. What felt like a dead hit on day one turns into effortless power after a few sessions.”

The Metallic T is his top pick of the lineup – the elongated shape and longer handle help two-handed backhands and extend your reach without losing control. He likes this paddle so much, he now even ranks it alongside the JOOLA Pro IV series as one of the best power/control hybrids he’s tested.

This is a reminder not to judge a paddle too early, and it raises an interesting point about the value in breaking in a paddle. We’ll be sure to revisit this topic soon in our blog.

Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Now this is how you play under the lights.

Perched on top of the Bobby Hotel in downtown Nashville, Dinkville’s rooftop court brings the energy—killer skyline views, a packed crowd, and Nissan Stadium glowing in the background.

The vibe? Half pickleball, half rooftop party.

You can literally rally with your crew, then grab a cocktail and watch the next match unfold under the stars.

Big fan of this one.

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