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- š¤¾ Set up more 3rd shot drives like this!
š¤¾ Set up more 3rd shot drives like this!
Plus, three must-know pickleball tips, four tips for a better pickleball serve, and much more...
Brandon Mackie
April 03, 2025
Hey there,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
š¤¾ Set up more 3rd shot drives like this!
ā”ļø3 must know pickleball tips
š„ Attack this zone in the kitchen
š 4 tips for a better pickleball serve
š¤¾ Set up more 3rd shot drives like this!
This week, Iām stoked to welcome Pickleheads' very own Stephen Mijangosāa 5.0 player, tournament organizer, and our chief paddle-tester, who knows a thing or two about leveling up your game.
Hey Pickleheads readers,
A LOT of players today are looking to drive rather than drop third balls. Itās where the strategy of the game is heading right now.
The thing is, a lot of times your opponentās returns donāt set you up for the third shot drive.
Hereās one simple tip to implement on your serve to set you up for more third shot drives for either you or your partner.
The tip ā serve deep and to your opponentās backhand!
The reason? Because a lot of people naturally return with a slice from their backhand.
Even if this sliced return is a good low return, itās much more favorable to drive vs a forehand return with topspin.
Another benefit of the deep serve to your opponentās backhand? Youāll naturally win more points.
You see, when you force your opponent to return with their backhand, they tend to have less control, or even betterāhit the ball out of bounds.
Remember, to set yourself up for more third shot drivesāserve deep and to your opponentās backhand.
Hope this helps!
Click below to see Stephen explain this weekās tip in under two minutesš
Built to take a beatingāwithout beating up your feet
Iāve gone through a lot of court shoes, and most of them start to fall apart after a few weeks. The newly launched Tyrol Stack? It holds upāand keeps your feet comfortable while doing it.
The grip is great (same herringbone tread as the Smash), but what really stood out was how cool and breathable they wereāeven after back-to-back matches.
Theyāve reinforced the toe area with a tough upper material that doesnāt rip or wear down easilyābuilt to handle toe drags, quick stops, and whatever else your game throws at it.
And the fit? Roomy in the front, locked-in at the heel, super stable when youāre moving side to side.
Itās designed specifically for men, and if youāre hard on your gear and play a lot, the Stackās a great pick.
ā”ļø3 must-know pickleball tips
š„ Attack this zone in the kitchen
š 4 tips for a better pickleball serve
Want a paddle that actually stands out?
Most paddles look the sameāstandard graphics, factory feel, nothing memorable.
Eklipse paddles flip the script.
Each one features bold, original artwork designed by emerging artists. They're vibrant, expressive, and guaranteed to turn heads at your local courts.
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If you're looking for something with style, personality, and meaning behind itāEklipse could be it.
Make every shot a statement.
Tired of paying $200+ for a paddle? Same.
I know what youāre thinkingāthereās no way a $50 paddle can compete with the big namesā¦
But Iāve been playing with the Friday Original Paddle for a looong time now, and honestly? It holds its own. Spin, control, powerāit delivers on all fronts.
And hereās the kicker: right now, you can snag two of them for $99 total. Thatās less than what youād pay for one high-end paddle.
You also get to pick from 8 sleek designs, so you can mix and match with a friend (or keep both for yourself, no judgment here).
If you're looking for premium performance without the premium price tag, this dealās a no-brainer.
Ted Scheske Town Park, Gunnison, CO
If youāre traveling through Gunnison, CO along US Route 50, you might want to take a little detour.
Because tucked away in Crested Butteāone of Coloradoās most charming mountain townsāis Ted Scheske Park, home to what might just be the most beautiful public pickleball courts in the country.
At 9,400 feet above sea level, these courts offer not only clean mountain air and jaw-dropping views, but a chance to play pickleball in one of the highest elevation towns in the U.S.
Turn Your Mistakes Into Progress
Every pickleball player tracks the score. Only champions track their errors.
Beyond counting score, AccuSkore's intuitive wrist dial can also be used to count mistakes with a simple twist of the dialāno need to break your focus or rhythm. Watch those numbers drop as your game naturally improves.
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