- Pickleheads
- Posts
- 🎯 Lobbed. Tweenered. Beaten.
🎯 Lobbed. Tweenered. Beaten.
Plus, we’ve crowned a new #1 paddle, John McEnroe says pickleball has a major problem, stop doing this – it’s predictable, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
June 04, 2026
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter! For the eagle-eyed readers among you, you'll have noticed we didn't land in your inbox on Tuesday. That's because we're changing things up a little around here.
For now, we're moving from two newsletters a week to one, bringing together the best bits of both into a single weekly send. So expect the same mix of news, gear reviews, tips, stories, and pickleball entertainment, just all in one place every Thursday.
In this issue:
👑 We’ve crowned a new #1 paddle
🎯 Lobbed. Tweenered. Beaten.
🤾 At least one of these mistakes is killing your third shot drop
🙉 John McEnroe says pickleball has a major problem
✋ Stop doing this – it’s predictable!
👑 We’ve crowned a new #1 paddle
It's a new month, which means we've refreshed our Best Pickleball Paddles guide with new additions, updated rankings, and more importantly, we have a brand-new #1.
Anyone who read last week's newsletter can probably take a pretty good guess at which paddle is now sitting at the top of the rankings. After all, it's rare that a paddle comes along and gets Taylor, us, and you all this excited. No joke, it’s selling out everywhere!
How long it'll stay in the top spot is anyone's guess as there are new paddles cropping up every other week, but few have come close.
Most recently, Taylor spent some time swinging the new Selkirk Omni, and while it's one of the most-talked-about launches of the year so far, opinions are pretty divided. Some players absolutely love it. Taylor? Not quite as much. At that price point, it has some serious competition.
We'll keep testing new paddles as they come through the door, but if you're shopping for a new stick this summer, it's worth seeing how the rankings stack up now.
The question is: does your paddle still make the list? 😏
🎯 Lobbed. Tweenered. Beaten.
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 🙌
🤾 At least one of these mistakes is killing your third shot drop
Tanner from Tanner Pickleball on YouTube returns for this week's Level Up.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
Missing third shot drops? You're probably making one of these three mistakes.
1️⃣ Get your hips behind the ball
The biggest mistake Tanner sees is players reaching for drops with their arm. Instead, move your feet and get your body behind the ball. Better positioning leads to cleaner contact and way more consistency.
2️⃣ Prepare earlier
Most players wait until the last second to get their paddle ready. By then, they're rushed. Tanner recommends setting your paddle out in front and below the ball as soon as you recognize the shot. That way, you're simply receiving the ball rather than forcing it.
3️⃣ Stop short-hopping everything
This is the most common mistake of all. Taking the ball immediately after it bounces feels quick, but it's much harder to control. Let the ball rise, then make contact as it begins to drop. You'll gain more time, better balance, and far more consistency.
Third shot drops aren't about fancy technique. They're about good positioning, early preparation, and giving yourself the easiest possible contact point.
Watch me break it down in under 60 seconds in this week’s video 👇
🙉 John McEnroe says pickleball has a major problem
For years, John McEnroe has dismissed pickleball as little more than a noisy tennis cousin. Yet he’s also been happy to show up at pickleball events and collect some sizeable paychecks along the way.
Now the tennis legend is back with another criticism of the sport, and this time it’s a complaint many rec players might actually agree with.
🤔 What should you actually eat pre and post pickleball?
Whether you’re gearing up for an intense match or winding down after a thrilling game, powering your body with essential nutrients is a must for peak performance and recovery.
But what are the best foods to eat before and after your pickleball workouts to keep you energized and ready to dominate the court?
🍿 Pickleball's messiest feud just got messier
Remember the bizarre lawsuit involving a Real Housewives star and a pickleball paddle testing company?
Well, the other side has now fired back. What started as a business dispute is quickly turning into one of the strangest legal battles in pickleball.
✋ Stop doing this – it’s predictable!
🧨 These 3 tips will make you instantly better
💥 Score calling made easy
After the score is called, how much time does the server have to hit the serve? |
You call a non-volley zone fault on your opponent during a rally. They disagree and say no fault occurred. There's no referee. What's the ruling? |
During a serve, the receiver claims they couldn't see the moment the server released the ball. What can they do? |
Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear – catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:
Skipped a scroll or two? No worries — here are the last few editions we sent your way:
What do you think of the Pickleheads Newsletter? Let us know how we can be even better in the comments. |