The Dink Pickleball

Ever dream of retiring where you can play pickleball anytime? This week’s edition of The Dink Pickleball LinkedIn Newsletter features FinanceBuzz’s list of the 11 great cities for pickleball lovers. From sunny Palm Springs to the surprising pick of Wilmington, NC—find out where your next match could be under the sun. Dream of having a pickleball court in your backyard? Learn how to build one without overspending, from the foundation to the final touches. Get the steps, costs, and tips to create your own pickleball paradise. Let's wrap up by learning how to get active and position yourself during your partner's third shot from pro player & PicklePod co-host Zane Navratil. #pickleball #thedinkpickleball #upyourgame #sports

Every pickleballer loves their paddle—but keeping it in top shape? That’s where the real work starts. Turns out a little TLC can go a long way for your game. #pickleball Bear Naked Pickleball #upyourgame

Rodney Grubbs, once a well-known staple in his pickleball community, has found himself in hot water. Known for promising players a "limited investment opportunity" with a minimum of 12% annual return, Grubbs failed to deliver and is now $47 million in debt. The FBI raided his home on December 4, 2024. As the situation unfolds, neither party has issued a statement. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story.

Plenty of people dream of one day building their own private pickleball court. But the costs to build one might surprise you.

If there is one thing we know about pickleball players, we’re a quirky bunch with really interesting paths to the sport. For Chris Olson (Pickleball Studio) - the guy known for making or breaking paddle companies with a single review – that quirky background includes speedcubing. Before the entire pickleball community knew Chris, he made a name for himself in the world of competitive cubing. He even worked as the Director of Photography for the Netflix documentary The Speed Cubers. But what led him from twisting cubes to testing paddles? In this exclusive feature, Chris shares his journey from solving Rubik’s cubes to becoming the top paddle reviewer in the industry. He reveals the challenges of being an unbiased voice in pickleball, his favorite and least favorite paddles of all time, and how he's building his empire 6-8 paddles at a time. Read more about Chris down below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/esa3UyRR

Top schools are gearing up to compete in the Association of Pickleball Players Southeast Collegiate Regional, with bragging rights on the line. Keep an eye on Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Virginia! #pickleball #apptour #collegiatepickleball #sports #florida

Playing with or against the wind isn’t just a guessing game—it’s a strategic edge. Learn how the wind affects your game, what the data says about shot selection, and why understanding it might just help you outsmart your opponent. #pickleball #science #upyourgame

The PPA Tour Challenger Series, powered by JOOLA, is set to make waves next year, creating new opportunities for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills! #pickleball #ppatour

The Athletic recently covered the story of NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry, known for his fierce competitive edge, who has taken his competitive spirit to the pickleball court. After dominating the basketball world, Barry competes at the highest level in pickleball, winning a triple crown at this year’s Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships. Here’s how the basketball legend is thriving: 🔹 Competitive Spirit: Barry brings the same intensity to pickleball as he did to the NBA, saying, "I’m out there to win." His relentless drive has made him one of the top players in the 80+ age group. 🔹 Physical Edge: With his 6-foot-7 frame, sharp reflexes, and hand-eye coordination, Barry is tough to beat. His serve is a major weapon, giving him the upper hand to start the point. 🔹 Pickleball Advocacy: Barry promotes the sport heavily, and has encouraged fellow NBA stars like Chris Mullin and Hakeem Olajuwon to take it up. He sees pickleball as a phenomenon that "is not going away anytime soon.” For Barry, pickleball is more than a retirement hobby—it's the perfect arena for him to keep winning. This segment is proudly brought to you by The Dink Pickleball Newsletter.

Ever wondered if it’s better to play with the wind at your back or against it in pickleball? Dive into the latest research from Simon Fraser University, revealing the strategic advantages of each choice in today’s edition of The Dink Pickleball LinkedIn Newsletter. The PPA Tour is shaking things up with its newly launched Challenger Series! Designed for aspiring pickleball pros, this series offers a fresh pathway to earn wild card spots and professional contracts. Let's wrap up by sharing three tips from pro pickleball player Eric Roddy on starting your games off strong. #pickleball #upyourgame #thedinkpickleball #newsletter