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🫢 Zane’s insane hands battle

🫢 Zane’s insane hands battle

Plus, how to hit a slice, how to prevent pickleball injuries, Michelle Pfeiffer's nasty pickleball injury and more

December 07, 2023

Hey there reader 👋

Welcome back to the latest edition of The Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🫢 Zane’s insane hands battle
🎾 How to hit a slice
🤕 Play safe, play smart – how to avoid pickleball injuries
👩‍⚕️ Michelle Pfeiffer nurses nasty pickleball injury

An insane hands battle…feat Zane Navratil

Y’all know usually we focus our epic points on the rec game.

But I got to meet Zane Navratil last week. Well virtually… on a call with the Pickleheads team. Awesome guy, btw!

Zane is also one of my favorite players so yeah, I was a little star-struck…🤩

So, in honor of Zane, we’re going pro and featuring him in this week’s epic point.

To check out Zane’s 30-shot epic point featuring two insane hands battles and a backhand Erne, click the image ▶️

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 🙌

PCKL Pro Series

I’ve played with over 25 raw carbon, thermoformed paddles this year so far. They’re all the rage.

So when PCKL came out with their own line, the PCKL Pro 13 & 16, I was skeptical it would be just another copy of everything already out there 🤔

But I admit - I was wrong. The Pro 16 had a bit of everything - I could hit hard mid-court drives, land 3rd shot drops (finally!), and play with big spin.

This paddle is like a well-made cocktail 🍸, it’s just balanced. You get all the ingredients – power, control, and spin – but nothing is overwhelming.

After my testing period was over, I kept playing with the PCKL 16 every week and started recommending it to anyone looking for a step-up paddle.

This is the paddle you buy when you’re tired of playing with a cheap one, and ready to play with a real paddle.

I like the price too – at $160, it’s one of the best values out there. And the PCKL team has given Pickleheads subscribers an extra 15% off – which means you can get this paddle for $136.

You don’t need to drop $250+ on a JOOLA or Selkirk to play with a great paddle.

If you’re thinking of upgrading, give this one a look 👇

P.S. Get a free gift with purchase - December only!

*PICKLEHEADS 15% code auto-applied with the link above*

How to hit a slice

Rahul, Pickleheads community manager and APP Top 150 player is back once again with this week’s top tip…

If you’d like to see a 30-second video of Rahul walking you through this week’s tip click the video below 👇

If not, read on…

To hit an effective slice in pickleball…

Focus on your grip and the motion of your stroke. Aim for a smooth, gliding contact beneath the ball.

The grip you'll want to use is the Continental grip.

Get this grip by holding your paddle as if it's an extension of your hand, similar to how you’d hold a hammer.

The continental grip allows for better control and the correct angle of the paddle face needed for a slice.

Position yourself with the ball slightly ahead of you and begin with your paddle raised and pulled back, ensuring your wrist remains stable.

Swing in a high-to-low arc, keeping the paddle face slightly open.

This is crucial for getting the necessary backspin on the ball.

Rather than a forceful hit, aim for a smooth, gliding contact beneath the ball. Brush gently against the ball with your paddle to generate spin.

This action should be fluid and precise. Use finesse over strength.

Practicing this technique regularly will add variety to your game and pose a challenge for your opponents.

Try this tip out over the next week and let us know how it works for you by replying to this email.

Get the facts, not opinions. 1440 delivers.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

🎈Pickleball played on the Goodyear Blimp at 1,500 feet high?

Three pickleball pros and a small, makeshift pickleball court big enough only for singles matches, 1,500 feet in the air? Tell me more….here.

🤕 Michelle Pfeiffer nurses nasty pickleball injury

Scarface actress, Michelle Pfeiffer, famed for her beauty is nursing an injury she picked up on a pickleball court no-less. Read more about it – here .

👍 Harvard doctor: 3 unexpected health and wellness benefits of pickleball

Like most sports, pickleball is a great way to stay physically fit and tone your muscles. But some of its other benefits may surprise you – here.

Play safe, play smart – how to avoid pickleball injuries

Photo Credit EU Statesman

Pickleball is at FEVER pitch right now. However, with a recorded 19,000 annual pickleball injuries, playing isn't without danger.

But fear not, we've put together four top-tips to keep you alive and well on the court (without a visit to the ER).

First up: your shoes matter.

Old sneakers? A no-no. Dr. Christina Penny, a pickleball-savvy therapist, advises replacing shoes after 60 hours of play. Good shoes mean happy feet, lower injury risks, and wins on the court.

Second: two words…warm up!

Treat your muscles like rubber bands—stretch them gradually. Try a 10-minute warm-up to unleash those quick, injury-free moves – like this one!

Third: pump up your strength training.

Stamford Health says legwork, upper body stretches, and proper footwear are the real MVPs here.

My favorite? The goblet squat – hold a dumbbell or kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest and squat to parallel. 3 sets x 10-15 reps 💪

Finally: don't backpedal recklessly!

Instead of backpedaling to defend a lob, turn your shoulder and run forward to the baseline. You'll have better vision and reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

If you do take a tumble, tuck into a ball, shield your head, and aim for a soft landing.

It’s time to play smarter to stay injury-free, my friends! You wouldn’t wanna miss out on the holiday festivities because of a pickleball injury, right? 🎾🎄

New: Find games when you travel with vacation mode

Traveling this holiday season? The NEW Pickleheads App now has vacation mode to help you find games wherever you go.

Our team has scoured the internet to find 4,400 open play schedules across the US and CA. With vacation mode, you can find nearby games wherever your travels take you.

Just flip it on and start browsing nearby games.

This feature is available for free in the new Pickleheads app for iOS and Android!

Download now for free: pickleheads.com/app

Pickleheads App Apple ad Android Download

The Miami Mansion, FL

With the holiday season upon us, you’re probably looking forward to spending time with your nearest and dearest.

Well, imagine this year getting the family together in an AirBnb somewhere like this!

Your very own 8 bedroom mansion in Miami, Florida complete with heated spa, pool, hot-tub and, you guessed it, pickleball court!

I’m thinking a couple of games pre and post Xmas dinner. What do you think?

Check The Miami Mansion out on AirBnb 👇

Pickleball de France

A few weeks ago, I shared a pickleball vacation to France next year that looked well, pretty awesome.

And wow - almost 300 of you clicked to learn more about the trip and get in touch with Garrett (the organizer).

Guess I’m not the only one who’d like to play pickleball in the French Riviera?! 🤣

This week Garrett was nice enough to offer Pickleheads subscribers an exclusive $150 off for anyone who books by next Thursday, 12/14.

What’s on tap… you ask?

Picture yourself on the sun-kissed French Riviera, a chilled glass of white wine in hand, relaxing from a morning of pickleball by the beach.

Each day starts with breakfast and a 3-hour pickleball clinic. And by afternoon – wine tasting, beach lounging, and of course…. more pickleball.

By evening, paired course dinners and more wine I’m guessing…

The trip is running May 6-11th, 2024 in Nice, France. Andy Rubenstein, Director of Pickleball for all of Florida and Nike Pickleball Camps is leading the retreat.

There are now only 9 spots remaining. And you’ll only need a $100 refundable deposit to secure your spot.

Reply to this email and I’ll put you in touch with Garrett.

Or click below to learn more about the trip 👇

See you in Nice 😍

*** Just mention Pickleheads at booking to claim your $150 off ***