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- 💪 SLAM after slam after SLAM!
💪 SLAM after slam after SLAM!
Plus, why you fall apart in the third game, stop playing differently on game point, a floating pickleball court just opened in Fort Lauderdale, and much more...
Brandon at Pickleheads
July 02, 2026
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
🤔 Why you fall apart in the third game
💪 SLAM after slam after SLAM!
🤾 Stop playing differently on game point
🛟 A floating pickleball court just opened in Fort Lauderdale
👍 Win more points with this pattern
🤔 Why you fall apart in the third game
Hey Pickleheads readers, Taylor here 👋
I've been thinking about what separates players late in a pickleball session. Not technique. Not athleticism. It's decision-making.
The players who keep making smart choices in game three, four, and five are usually the ones whose energy levels haven't dropped off. That's why I've been paying more attention to fueling between games lately.
Skratch Labs recently sent me some products to test, and what stood out immediately was how simple everything was. Their philosophy is pretty straightforward: real ingredients, carbs, and hydration built around what athletes actually lose through sweat, without unnecessary additives or fillers that work against your body.
That simple approach carried through to the taste. The flavors aren't overpowering, and I actually preferred that. Everything tastes natural, from Strawberry Lemonade to my favorite, Peanut Butter + Chocolate.
The energy chews gave me a noticeable boost during a long session without the crash afterwards, while the bars kept hunger at bay and gave me steady energy throughout practice.
Another plus: they're affordable on a per-session basis. You can order directly from Skratch Labs with fast shipping, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a nice discount with our link, or grab them on Amazon if you need a quick refill.
If you want to stay sharp through every game, Skratch Labs is worth a look. Use our link below to try it for yourself and get 20% off.
💪 SLAM after slam after SLAM!
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 🙌
🤾 Stop playing differently on game point
Hey Pickleheads readers,
Want to close out more games? Here's one mistake I see all the time: players get to game point... and suddenly try a shot they've never hit before.
I call it game point behavior.
Instead of sticking with what's been working, they force a low-percentage speed-up, try a flashy winner, or attempt something they wouldn't dream of at 4-4.
Here's what I want you to remember:
1️⃣ Trust what got you there
If you're leading 10-6, it's because you've been making good decisions. Don't abandon your game plan just because you're one point away from winning.
2️⃣ Avoid the hero shot
That one-in-ten miracle winner isn't worth it. More often than not, it's the start of a comeback for your opponents.
3️⃣ Stay within your game
On game point, keep making the same smart choices that built the lead. High-percentage pickleball wins far more matches than highlight-reel shots.
The best players don't suddenly become more creative when it's time to close out a match. They become more disciplined.
Watch me explain why "game point behavior" loses more matches than almost anything else in this week's video 👇
🏓 Our July 2026 paddle rankings are in!
It's a new month, which means we've refreshed our Best Pickleball Paddles guide with the latest reviews, new additions, and a few changes based on our most recent testing.
Over the past few weeks we've put several new paddles through their paces, including some that have earned a place in the guide… and others that didn't quite live up to the hype.
If you're thinking about upgrading your paddle this summer, it's worth checking out what's new before you spend your money.
🛟 A floating pickleball court just opened in Fort Lauderdale
The newly reopened Pier Sixty-Six resort has debuted what it's calling a floating pickleball court, a full-size playing surface set in its marina along the Intracoastal Waterway.
🏟️ Eleveno greets soccer fans with open arms and pickleball
🙌 Pickleball player inspiring others as he fights for his life off the court
A Zephyrhills pickleball player is inspiring a local community with a battle both on and off the court. Gary Buchanan has been playing pickleball at a tennis academy in Zephyrhills for seven months. While he’s serving up hits on the court, he’s in a fight for his life off it.
👍 Win more points with this pattern
👀 Stop using the wrong drop
🧨 Win more points with these 4ths
Under the 2026 USAP rulebook, in rally scoring formats, which team can score the game-winning point? |
What new word was added to all three volley serve requirements in the 2026 rulebook, giving referees more authority to call faults on borderline serves? |
Under the 2026 rules, what happens if a player has a visible spare ball in their pocket during a live rally? |
Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear – catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:
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