The Dink Pickleball Newsletter: The Dink MiLP By the Numbers, Tournament Town USA, and Pickleball’s Sweetheart on the PicklePod
The Dink Pickleball
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It’s not even December and the snow is coming down in the North. Just ask the fans at last night’s Steelers vs Browns game.
If your courts are buried in the white stuff, don’t fret. Park yourself on the couch and tune into MLP Playoff pickleball all weekend long.
Four teams enter, one team leaves.
Our Picks ☝️
💥 Numbers: The Dink Minor League by the numbers
Pickleball might just be a team sport after all. The Dink Minor League is giving players that MLP feeling at their local courts. The team pickelball trend is growing (evidenced by the 100s of events and 10s of thousands of players in 2024 alone) and this year’s National Championships are just 3 weeks away. Let’s take a look at the numbers to date:
🏆 Champion: Virginia Tech celebrates their champion
Associate Dean Trish Hammer made campus news with her gold medal win at the USA Pickleball National Championships in Arizona last week. She hopes to compete at the Master’s Pro level soon.
🏢 Courts: 8 court facility coming to Kalamazoo
Friendly Pickle is the name of the new 24,000 sqft facility expected to open in West Michigan next spring. It will feature 8 championship-sized courts (64 ft x 35 ft) to leave you plenty of room to go around the post.
🙌 Giveaway: Win the paddle of your choosing
Have you been waiting all year to buy a new paddle? Save that cash for holiday gifts and win a paddle of your choosing here.
PREDICT Your Opponent’s Next Shot
Pickleball doesn’t need to be a guessing game. With calculated attacks, you can predict which shot your opponent will hit next and be fully prepared to finish a point.
Zane Navratil outlines about 100 different attacking scenarios in his new video. Let’s take a look at a couple.
Down the Line From the Right-Side
In today’s game, right-side players are playing more aggressively than ever. One common scenario as the right-side player is to speed up with your forehand at your opponent’s backhand.
Not only is it your strength against their presumed weakness, but you can also predict that their reaction will be to counter the ball toward the middle of the court. As a result, you can prepare your backhand to punch the next ball down the middle for the winner.
The Inside-out Dink From the Middle
Another attack to add to your game is the inside-out forehand dink (as the left-side player). With the inside-out shot, your paddle lags behind the rest of your body and leaves your opponent frozen guessing if the ball is coming down the middle or cross-court.
That pause will likely make them late for their next shot. Your next move is to pinch the middle of the court and lean into the kitchen. Try to reach in, take their shot out of the air, and slap the ball down for a putaway.
Check out all of the attack scenarios from three different positions here.
Together with Emerge
The Hidden Cost of Pickleball Injuries
It’s open-enrollment season and you know what that means… We’re all looking at those high-deductible insurance plans with their attractive low premiums and asking, “How likely am I really to get injured on the court?”
Well, imagine this: a quick pivot leads to an ankle sprain. You’re suddenly facing ER visits, X-rays, and physical therapy costs—all before your insurance kicks in. That’s where Emerge Insurance Services steps in. With Accidental Injury Insurance starting at just $18 a month, Emerge provides immediate cash benefits to help cover these expenses, so you can focus on recovery—not your wallet.
Protect Your Game. Protect Your Wallet. Get Covered with Emerge.
Greensboro Sets Sights as Tournament Destination
Greensboro is on a mission to be ‘Tournament Town’ in the state of North Carolina. They have plans to open a 40+ court facility with the hopes of attracting competitors and large events to the city.
The courts will cost the city $450,000 to install but they expect to recoup their investment in no time.
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One major event is already on the books for 2025. The Greensboro Complex will host a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket qualifier May 28 - Jun 1, 2025.
Although Greensboro is not home to a major sports team, it is a popular destination for amateur competitions. Sports Business Journal ranked Greensboro as the second-best city in the U.S. without a Big Five pro team when it comes to attracting and hosting sporting events.
What town near you is buying in on the pickleball trend? Reply to this email and let us know.
Major League Pickleball Playoff Preview
Today is the day. Playoff pickleball starts at 4 pm ET on Pickleball TV. The final four teams in the Premier and Challenger levels each begin a best-of-three semifinal series leading to the Major League Pickleball finals which will conclude on Sunday.
We previewed the Premier Level on Wednesday, so let’s take a look at the Challenger Level today.
Chicago Slice vs Atlanta Bouncers
Both teams in this matchup will be missing players this weekend which will hurt their chances at a title. The Slice will be without Brendon Long and Bouncers won’t have Jaume Martinez Vich.
One reader said:
For the Slice, it will be Wyatt Stone joining, Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, and Jack Munro. And for the Bouncers Anderson Scarpa will be the fourth alongside Susannah Barr, Emily Cederquist, and Todd Fought.
SoCal Hard Eights vs The Miami Pickleball Club
According to our poll, the SoCal Hard Eights are your favorites to win the Challenger Level title. They added Yana Newell mid-season to a roster that includes Erik Lange, Max Manthou, and MLP GOAT Irina Tereschenko.
But don’t count out Miami who has been putting the pieces together for a championship run. Bobbi Oshiro is fresh off a double gold performance at Nationals, and she’s joined by Noe Khlif, Eric Oncins, and Milan Rane.
Catch the first match at 4 pm ET on Pickleball TV and let us know who you think will win it all here.
Who will win the MLP Premier Level Championship?
Who will win the MLP Challenger Level Championship?
Hydrate Yourself and Loved Ones This Holiday Season
This holiday season, keep your energy up and stay hydrated on the pickleball court with NativePath Hydrate. It’s packed with essential amino acids, electrolytes, and nutrients, perfect for combating winter dryness and boosting your overall wellbeing—without all the extra sodium and sugars you find in other drinks.
Whether you’re hitting the courts or just keeping active, NativePath Hydrate has got your hydration covered. Consider it for yourself or as a thoughtful wellness gift for fellow pickleball enthusiasts.
Don’t miss out—enjoy up to 44% off, plus free shipping and a free gift with your first purchase. It’s a great time to stock up!
He Had a 1% Chance of Winning
Michael Loyd upset some of the biggest names in the game on the World Championship stage. The 21-seed topped Ben Johns, JW Johnson, and Quang Duong in three consecutive days. Based on DUPR , he had a 1% chance to escape the round of 16.
We talked about how he devised a winning strategy and how an attitude change has allowed him to play freely and be himself on the court. Watch the new episode here.
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