This point is 🔥

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🔥 This point is hot!
👮‍♂️ The curious case of the purloined pickleball paddles
👟 Pickleball shoes: Podiatrists have their say
👋 Wave goodbye to sandbagging!

🔥 This point is hot!

This week’s epic point is 🔥. We’re talking attack, defense, speed-ups, an ATP attempt, fast hands, and a firefight at the kitchen.

Just, wow! 👇

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 🙌

👮‍♂️ The curious case of the purloined pickleball paddles

Pickleball crime capers aren’t usually this easy to crack. Then again, it helps when the cops are already on the court.

At last week’s ribbon-cutting for the new pickleball courts at Heckscher Park in Venice, a friendly match between city police officers and firefighters was about to begin — when four players realized their paddles had vanished.

Thanks to security cameras (and some very distinctive gear showing up in the wrong hands), officers solved the mystery in no time.

The paddles were returned, and 79-year-old Salvatore Cracolici now faces three charges of petty theft.

Turns out, this game of cops and robbers was over before it even started.

Shape the future of pickleball

Back in February, we distributed a quick, 2-minute survey on behalf of USA Pickleball regarding the provisional rule this year allowing for the use of rally scoring for pickleball—meaning USAP events could choose to use rally scoring (or stick to traditional side-out scoring).

If you’re unfamiliar, rally scoring allows players to win points on both their serve and their opponent’s serve. It’s been a hot topic in the community, with strong opinions on both sides. Some say it would speed up games and cut down on wait times at open play. Others believe it’s too big of a change for the sport.

We had an overwhelming response to the February survey, and we would like to hear from you again on this topic. It's important to know if trends or perceptions towards rally scoring have changed this year.

So, what do you think? Should an option for rally scoring be approved again for 2026?

Let us know in this 2-minute survey 👇

👟 Pickleball shoes: Podiatrists have their say

When looking for a good lateral pickleball shoe, you need support, stability, and traction to help prevent slips and ankle rolls.

So which shoe fits the bill? EatingWell.com asked podiatrists—and they all agreed on the same pick.

👋 Wave goodbye to sandbagging!

Sandbagging in pickleball is when a player deliberately plays in a lower skill division than their true ability to gain an easy advantage. It’s often done in tournaments to rack up wins or prizes against weaker competition.

To combat this, last week, DUPR announced over 300 clubs around the country are signing up to become DUPR Verified clubs.

🧙‍♀️ Emma Watson reveals the “Best therapy” she never had to pay for…pickleball

Emma Watson has become utterly obsessed with pickleball since stepping away from Hollywood—calling it the best therapy she’s never had to pay for.

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

• 👌 CRBN just dropped a new paddle—and it might be their best foam build yet

• 👌 A paddle without a glaring weakness

• 😍 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power – their best paddle yet

• 💥 Honolulu J2NF – explosive fiberglass power with a broad sweet spot

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

• 🤾 This ONE tip will fix your lob

• 😲 A legit get!

• 🤾 The shot you didn’t know you needed

• 🌎 Pickleball’s World Cup lands in Florida

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