🤪 Ridiculous pickleball

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🤪 Ridiculous pickleball
⭐ Anna Leigh Waters signs long-term deal with Franklin Sports
😲 Zac Efron spotted playing shirtless rooftop pickleball
🏖️ The best resorts for fans who travel with their paddles

🤪 Ridiculous pickleball

This week’s epic point is pure ridiculous pickleball… Lobs, speed-ups, resets, drives, and drops.

It’s a rally that keeps changing shape, testing patience, touch, and timing until someone finally breaks.

Unpredictable, messy, and wildly fun to watch.

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 🙌

⭐ Anna Leigh Waters signs long-term deal with Franklin Sports

The biggest name in pickleball just made a big move. Anna Leigh Waters has signed a long-term partnership with Franklin Sports, officially joining one of the sport’s most established equipment brands.

Waters, who is currently world No. 1 in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, will compete using Franklin’s latest C45° carbon fiber paddle technology. More importantly, she’ll be deeply involved in co-designing a signature line of paddles, bags, and accessories, along with a brand-new pro-level pickleball that will sit alongside Franklin’s popular X-40 ball.

At just 18 years old, Waters already has 181 PPA gold medals and 39 triple crowns, and this deal signals Franklin’s intent to build around her for the long haul. It also reflects how pickleball partnerships are evolving, moving beyond simple logo deals into full product collaboration.

Expect to see a lot more Franklin gear with Anna Leigh’s fingerprints on it in the months ahead.

😲 Zac Efron spotted playing shirtless rooftop pickleball

Actor, singer, and Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron was recently spotted playing pickleball in Austin, TX, and he clearly came ready to compete.

Efron took to the courts at the Urban Pickleball Club, a standout venue that’s far from your average pickleball spot. The members-only rooftop club in downtown Austin features six courts and sweeping views of the city skyline.

🏖️ The best resorts for fans who travel with their paddles

From the Caribbean to California, these resorts serve up top-tier pickleball courts. Perfect for players who never travel without a paddle.

🤯 Pickleball’s benchmarks…before ALW!

Have you ever wondered what some of the old records were before Anna Leigh Waters obliterated them?

Like in baseball… Roger Connor finished his career with 138 home runs, then Babe Ruth blew by him and went up to 714. Take a quick look at the progression of some Women’s PPA historical records.

😍 Introducing Pickleheads Plus

ICYMI: Last month, we rolled out something big… Pickleheads Plus! A simple $1/month upgrade that unlocks the stuff players have been asking for.

With Plus, you can now:

• 🌴 Find & join games while traveling

• 🔍 See players, games, and groups at every court in the world

• 💬 DM players directly to set up your next matchup

If you love getting games in (anytime, anywhere), this one’s for you. 👇

Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear: catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:

• 🥤 A better-for-you energy drink with electrolytes to help you win

• 😍 The paddle Six Zero thinks can top the DBD

• 🎁 My best pickleball Christmas gifts

• 🥤 An electrolyte mix that comes with some serious pickleball cred

Skipped a scroll or two? No worries — here are the last few editions we sent your way:

• 🤾 These 3 mistakes are why you’re not improving

• 💪 Transition zone aggression

• 🤪 2025: Pickleball’s wild year

• 😍 Speed up, reset, repeat

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