- Pickleheads
- Posts
- 🤾♀️ Master your 3rd shot drop with this easy system
🤾♀️ Master your 3rd shot drop with this easy system
Plus, pickleball has an official fruit, Roger Federer just played pickleball for 1st time, and much more
![Pickleheads Newsletter Logo](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/fce9094d-cbc1-41af-b3d7-c8da72735b15/image.png?t=1697726495)
Hey there reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
😍 This is pickleball.
🤾♀️ Master your 3rd shot drop with this easy system
🍇 Pickleball has an official fruit?!?
🎾 Roger Federer just played pickleball for the first time
![Epic point of the week](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7ea34e4c-1cc8-4208-ac7b-db2392ce932b/img-epicpoint_2x.png?t=1698076785)
😍 This is pickleball.
This week’s 40-shot epic was uploaded to YouTube two weeks ago and has been viewed over 225,000 times so far.
And, we can see why! This epic point has it all – speed-ups, volleys, lob attempts, intense hand battles, you name it.
This is pickleball, 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 🙌
![Level Up image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/71fd27e1-09f6-4741-b019-51cbbd4a5f4f/img-levelup_2x.png?t=1698076842)
🤾♀️ Master your 3rd shot drop with this easy system
Hey Pickleheads community, Kyle aka ThatPickleballGuy here with another tip for you all!
Ever been in this situation?
Your team serves, the opponents return, and you're ready for your 3rd shot drop.
But as you move to hit it, you notice your partner charging toward the net with reckless abandon.
Then you hit the ball, it's slightly high, and your opponents smash it at your partner's feet.
They turn around with a look that says, "Hey, hit a better drop, would you?" and you're thinking, "Well, don't charge the net before evaluating the quality of my drop, WOULD YOU?"
And in this situation, both parties are right. BUT, here’s the important question.
How do you actually evaluate the quality of your or your partner's drop?
I like to use the traffic light system:
Green Light: If your drop bounces in the kitchen or forces your opponent to hit with an upward motion — move forward to the kitchen line immediately.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/b88f557e-e3f2-4e09-94d3-07444d8c66e2/Screen_Shot_2024-06-19_at_2.34.34_PM.png?t=1718833022)
Yellow Light: If your drop is okay—around shoulder to head height, stay where you are and prepare for a reset shot that will ideally get you to the kitchen on the next ball.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/8d89c149-acb2-4fc9-bd2a-b466ad349b1f/Screen_Shot_2024-06-19_at_2.16.45_PM.png?t=1718831927)
Red Light: If your drop is above head height, go into pure defensive mode. Depending on how high it is, moving back to give yourself more time and space to work with is a smart choice.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/32ca3290-4e6c-41cb-8d42-e643e691a9de/Screen_Shot_2024-06-19_at_2.35.20_PM.png?t=1718832942)
Give this a shot the next time you're on the court! Because the thing is, you can start making this change tomorrow.
For video examples of this, plus — a strategic understanding of where to hit your 3rd shot drops, check out the video below
![Quick Hitters image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/9ba998cd-eb78-4c04-88c6-45d7f1abad7e/img-quickhitter_2x.png?t=1698077389)
🍇 Pickleball has an official fruit?!?
Who knew sports have official fruits? I’ve never heard of this before. But it seems pickleball now has its official fruit.
Nope, it’s not pickles.
🎾 Roger Federer just played pickleball for the first time
Roger Federer former tennis world #1 recently played pickleball for the first time in Vietnam.
👩💼 JOOLA faces class-action lawsuit
Now, this is quite the hot-topic.
JOOLA stands accused of making paddles that were not approved by pickleball’s governing body, USA Pickleball.
What makes matters worse, these specific JOOLA paddles are now not sanctioned in events or local courts.
![Poll of the week image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1a86e83c-4e51-4613-9fa3-8845b65276b9/img-polloftheweek_2x.png?t=1698077113)
Is it still OK to use the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles in rec play? |
NEW: Instantly chat with players at courts you follow
A few weeks ago we launched court chat, the easiest way to connect with nearby players!
Follow a court, and you can now chat with everyone who plays there:
![Chat with other players image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d4dff26c-5799-4596-b402-f571b6e8a89f/Chat.png?t=1716398293)
This is perfect if you’re traveling or exploring new courts in your area.
Just hop in the court chat to confirm open play times or find games at your level:
![Group chat image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/a059ec09-9002-466c-8f32-b8c96c75bed8/IMG_23D06648F168-1.jpeg?t=1716395515)
No more hunting for local Facebook groups, TeamReach codes or GroupMe invites.
Click follow on any court page and you’ll be automatically added to a group chat with other players who follow that court.
![Dream Court of the week image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/2e4eb61a-134a-4156-8a94-65e91a3582e6/img-dreamcourt_2x.png?t=1698077180)
Loney's Kula Pickleball Paradise, HI
![Loney's Kula Pickleball Paradise](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/b22e04c7-f681-45a5-b576-ce891f1e789e/rsw-2320h-1546-2048x1365.jpg?t=1718795874)
You’ll find this week’s Dream Court in Upcountry Maui, Hawaii.
Loney claims to have the pickleball court with one of the best views in the world! And I don’t disagree!
What you see in the background are lofty, panoramic views of Haleakalā and the Maui coast.
The court’s available for hire by the hour, or, if you’re looking to hone your skills, Loney offers lessons too!
![Take the paddle quiz header image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/77cb3d01-b0dc-42b0-a550-4fd7caeb2a26/img-quiz_2x.png?t=1705434116)
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 100 paddles over the last year but only pick from the top 30.
Are you playing with the best paddle for your game? Find out below 👇
![Exclusive Deals header image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d6cea340-fd9e-4832-b79f-f059edc904c8/img-deals_2x.png?t=1698077229)
My trusty drilling partner
![Brandon and the ERNE](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d3320ceb-57a5-49c2-89db-07ddb9ec2153/ERNE-11-min.jpg?t=1718809285)
Summer is here!
And, if you’re like me you’re probably playing a bunch more trying to get into your best pickleball shape.
I’m currently trying to take my game to the next level but there’s only so much of that you can do in live game situations.
So I’ve been drilling A LOT lately! At least once a week with my ERNE.
And I must say… I’m seeing results 🙌
I’m now playing with higher-level players. I even played with some 5.0’s recently and held my own.
If you’re looking to play your best game this summer, give the ERNE a look.
They are still on backorder but wait times are getting shorter – if you order now, delivery is guaranteed for August.
And remember - Pickleheads subscribers get $100 off with the code PH100.
Click the link below to secure delivery in August 2024 👇🏻
**Use code PH100 to save $100 on the Erne**
![Gear We love image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/16a723d9-ce7c-48cc-ad4a-6b8a90e8924e/img-gearwelove_2x.png?t=1698077071)
My new favorite paddle in 2024
![Six Zero DBD infinity image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7fb476b5-5f7d-4bab-8300-6a75b6cb886f/Six_Zero_DBD_Infinity__new_image_-1-min.jpg?t=1717594196)
I named the Six Zero DBD the best overall paddle in 2024.
I still think that BUT… I like the new Six Zero DBD Infinity even better for my game 😱
This paddle is the fastest I’ve ever played with. I have slow hands but with the Infinity, I’m finally winning hands battles.
Unlike other lighter paddles, though, you don’t lose anything on power (it’s just a touch shy of the original DBD). And the spin is really, really good.
The paddle can do a little of everything and for me, makes the case for the best paddle of the year so far. I can’t get enough of playing with it.
If you do try it out, grab 10% off with my code PICKLEHEADS. See you on the courts!
**10% off code PICKLEHEADS auto-applied with the link above**
![Meme of the week image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/edc4de84-2870-4d8f-94ab-b2dbe5ef4766/img-memeoftheweek_2x.png?t=1698077142)
![Meme of the week image](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/4f63f53e-a43e-4fca-b114-979900ae71a2/images-2.jpeg?t=1718796018)
Love what you’re reading? Why not tell others about it too!?
What did you think of this email? 🧐Vote to help us improve! |
This newsletter supports our free tools at Pickleheads, thank you for reading …