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- 🤾 Pickleball has changed! Here’s what you need to know
🤾 Pickleball has changed! Here’s what you need to know
Plus, the spinniest paddle... ever?! Avoid this common mistake, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
January 15, 2026
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
😵💫 The spinniest paddle… ever?
🤾 Pickleball has changed! Here’s what you need to know
💥 How to hit a lethal forehand drive
🧨 Avoid this common mistake
😵💫 The spinniest paddle… ever?
Hey Pickleheads readers 👋, Taylor here!
The RPM Friction Pro has been turning heads for a while. After finally getting meaningful time with it on court, I get why.
Lately, I’ve been seeing the RPM name everywhere. Not just online either, but at local courts too. The name suggests spin. RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and it absolutely lives up to it.
Honestly, I haven’t hit with another paddle that produces this much spin. If spin is your top priority, this thing is ridiculous.
Now, full transparency. It does lean more toward power than control, and it’s on the lighter side. That won’t be for everyone.
But if you’re an attacking player who likes to cut the ball, roll topspin, add sidespin, and shape shots to put pressure on opponents, this paddle is right in your wheelhouse. There’s nothing else out there I’d put above it for spin.
Save 15% when you use this link
🎬 Paddle Battle has officially landed!
Yesterday, Pickleball Kingdom launched Season 1 of Paddle Battle, the first-ever pickleball competition reality series. And honestly, it’s a fun watch!
The show blends legit, high-level matches with real player stories, rivalries, and behind-the-scenes moments you don’t usually get to see. The contestants, from all across the country, are pushing themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, all while chasing four life-changing opportunities, including pro pickleball contracts to compete on the APP Tour and Pickleball Kingdom franchise ownerships.
The first two episodes dropped on YouTube yesterday (Jan 14), and new episodes are coming every Wednesday night. Expect explosive rallies, sharp strategy, momentum swings, and the kind of pressure that brings out personalities, friendships, and breakthrough moments.
One cool twist: fans decide the franchise winners through weekly voting.
Essential viewing for pickleball fanatics? I think so!
👉 Click the thumbnail below to watch the first episode 👇
🤾 Pickleball has changed! Here’s what you need to know
I’m pumped to welcome a new voice in Level Up this week… Jordan Briones from Briones Pickleball Academy on YouTube.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
Pickleball has evolved fast. If your game still looks like it did a few years ago, you’re probably feeling rushed, pressured, or constantly on defense.
The biggest shift? Topspin everywhere. Not just on drives and serves, but on dinks and drops too. What used to be defensive shots are now tools to apply pressure, force pop-ups, and speed up points.
We’re also seeing smarter use of the middle. Crosscourt dinks still work, but middle dinks reduce attack angles and make court coverage far easier when rallies heat up.
And finally, attacks aren’t waiting for chest-high balls anymore. Today’s players are rolling and speeding up shots from below the net, which means preparation and disguise matter more than ever.
The modern game rewards intent, spin, and controlled aggression. Staying patient still matters… but knowing when to apply pressure matters more now.
👇 Watch the full video to see all five changes and what to start working on next.
😍 A brand new pickleball shoe that caught us off guard
 | Taylor here. I’ll be honest… I didn’t see this one coming. I’ve put 40+ gruelling hours on the Xero 360 Rally, including tournament play, and the soles still look almost new. The durability alone surprised me. |
What really caught me off guard, though, was comfort. These are barefoot-style shoes, and that had me worried. But since wearing them, I’ve had zero plantar fasciitis flare-ups, something I usually struggle with.
The wide toe box lets my feet spread naturally, and even with the thinner sole, impact never felt harsh.
They’re not built for heavy ankle support, but the ground feel made me more aligned, with less strain on my knees and back. They’re light, breathable, and quick, even without that springboard pop some thicker shoes have.
At $100–$125, they’re great value! No wonder they’ve earned a spot on our Best Pickleball Shoes list. Plus, they only launched this week – 13 Jan 😉.
💥 How to hit a lethal forehand drive
🧨 Avoid this common mistake
🤌 The best tip to level up in 2026
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:
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