PICKLEBACKCLUB

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Hey Picklebackers,

The pickleball arena is buzzing with whispers of a new scandal that’s got the community in splits. Yes, it’s the 'PaddleGate' that’s echoing across courts, and it's not about the fancy paddles but the 'hot' ones instead.

And be sure to finish this edition to discover the Tip of the Week!

_{⛰️ PaddleGate Unveiled: The Clash of Titans}

A new podcast has laid bare allegations against a paddle manufacturer who’s accused of pushing out illegal paddles into the market, with renowned players using them on the court. The plot thickens as it emerges that the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) are not exactly on the same page when it comes to paddle testing, and these paddles slipped through the net.

The heart of the issue lies in the deflection tests, which apparently were sidestepped, raising questions on the approval by USPA. The podcast stirred the waters by revealing that a staggering 20 more paddles failed the testing at the Atlanta MLP event compared to the PPA event just a week before. This revelation has left the community in a conundrum, rekindling memories from the baseball steroid era, where cheating left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

The thirst for that edge in competition isn't new. From the professional sphere trickling down to the recreational levels, the urge to win has seemingly overtaken the spirit of fair play.

The comments section under the podcast discussion mirrored a battlefield, with opinions clashing and swords of words drawn. Some argue that a top-tier player would be out of their minds to knowingly step onto the court with an illegal paddle, while others point towards the constant shadows of doping scandals in various sports as evidence that the pressure to win can indeed push individuals over the line.

However, there's also a skeptic side, calling the podcast a whirlpool of gossip and an excuse factory for those on the losing end. A few even mentioned that this could be a ploy due to competitive reasons, and might be stirring the pot with half-baked accusations. Meanwhile, others are holding their breath for an official statement from MLP or PPA, to either debunk or confirm the swirling rumors.

PaddleGate has indeed opened a Pandora's box, with the MLP - PPA merger being eyed as a possible solution to aligning the paddle testing norms and ensuring a level playing field. But as the debate rages on, one thing is clear - the love for the sport is real, but the path it's treading on is a slippery one.

Before you step onto the court for your next game, ensure your paddle has the seal of approval from recognized authorities to keep the spirit of fair play alive and the competition authentic.

🏁 _{10 Key Things to Finish the Point! 🗝️}

Finishing a pickleball point effectively requires a combination of strategy, skill, and precision. Here are some tips to help you finish a pickleball point:

Placement: Try to place your shots strategically to put pressure on your opponents. Aim for the "soft spots" on the court, such as the sidelines or the middle (also known as the "kitchen").

Consistency: Maintain a consistent and controlled game. Avoid risky shots and unforced errors that could give your opponents an advantage.

@kevindongpickleball

Pickleball tip: if you are attacking and need to finish a point, 1) keep attacking but be patient 2) when you get a chance to hit an angle... See more

Dinking: Dinking is a soft, low shot that can be effective in setting up a winning shot. Dink back and forth with your opponent until you see an opportunity to attack.

Communication: If you're playing doubles, communication with your partner is crucial. Let your partner know if you intend to attack or if they should take the offensive role.

Angle and Spin: Use angles and spin to your advantage. Hitting the ball with topspin can make it drop more quickly, while slice or backspin can make the ball stay low.

@enhancepickleball

These all work at any level. Some are just trickier to pull off. 💯 #pickleball #pickleballrocks #pickleballislife #pickleballaddict #ilove... See more

Change the Pace: Alter the speed of your shots to disrupt your opponent's rhythm. A combination of fast and slow shots can be effective in finishing a point.

Stay at the Net: Whenever possible, try to control the net. Being at the net gives you better control over the point and allows you to react quickly to any weak shots.

Patience: Don't rush to finish the point. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity. Avoid going for winners when the odds are against you.

Keep It In: While power shots are exciting, consistency and placement are often more important. Keeping the ball in play and forcing your opponents to make errors can be an effective strategy.

Use the Lob: If your opponents are crowding the net, a well-placed lob can be a great way to finish a point.

📣 _{Share Your Pickleball Journey}

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Let’s hope the essence of fair play isn’t overshadowed by the dark clouds of deceit. The court is indeed in session, and the Pickleball community awaits a fair judgement.

Paddle on with integrity,

PICKLEBACKCLUB

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