LTA fears Pickleball will cannibalize Tennis

In a recent interview with the Tennis Support Group on YouTube Oliver Scadgell, Participation Director of the LTA outlined his plan for the LTA over the next 2 years.

You can watch the full interview here:

In this interview, he stated:

This of course raises eyebrows. A person should be free to choose a sport over tennis if they want to, without the governing body telling them when and at what age it is appropriate.

There are plenty of examples of this through history, one might be T20 cricket taking a chunk out of test cricket interest and participation. T20 holds more appeal because of its exciting fast-paced format. For test cricket die-hards, T20 just isn’t cricket but you don’t get to choose what people like and play.

Of course the difference between Pickleball and Tennis is even more stark given that they are entirely different cames (albeit with transferable skills)

If, as this interview suggests, the LTA is living in fear of Pickleball, this mindset will not lead to an appropriate level of investment in the game. Pickleball as one of the world’s fastest growing sports deserves that.

Scadgell also gives reasons for why he believes that the LTA is best placed to be the governing body for Pickleball stating:

As we discussed in our previous newsletter, the LTA’s track record for investment in sports other than Tennis is not good, and this ‘cannibalisation’ fear adds fuel to that fire.

A petition has been running against the LTA running pickleball in the UK since news of the LTA’s interest broke. This petition now has 2,711 signatures at the time of writing.

If you missed it, we also interviewed Karen Mitchell from Pickleball England on this very topic a few weeks ago. If you missed it, you can catch up below.

Pickleball England will be meeting with Sport England later this month so it will be interesting to hear how that goes and to get a better understanding of how Sport England think the sport should be governed in the UK.

Join the Pickleball Addiction Facebook Group and Instagram Page

Interested in more pickleball discussion? Join the Pickleball Addiction Facebook group and Instagram page for the addicted.

Tom Brady builds a Pickleball court at his $17m mansion

Tom Brady, 7 time SuperBowl winner has included a pickleball court as part of his $17 million mansion build which is near to completion after 4 years. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Tim’s interest in Pickleball. He is also a part owner of Major League Pickleball (MLP) team the Las Vegas Night Owls.

Tom’s home has been built on a 300-acre private island, home to 34 estates, and is only accessible by a bridge manned by a guard.

The property also includes a private boat dock, vegetable patch(!), yoga terrace, cabana and outdoor kitchen.

Having sports superstars like Tom Brady interested in the game is only a good thing for raising interest in Pickleball across the globe.

Discount at the Pickleball Addiction Store

For a wide range of paddles, nets, and accessories at great prices, visit the Pickleball Addiction store.

Readers of the Pickleball Addiction newsletter can also claim a 10% discount. Visit now to pick up your new paddle.

Use code NEWS10 for a 10% discount.

Upcoming Tournaments & Festivals

4 NEW EVENTS ADDED THIS WEEK!

Interested in participating in or promoting a pickleball event?

Lots of new events have been added to the pickleball calendar. Check them out at Pickled Events. The number 1 source for all pickleball events in the UK.

• Get notifications when new events are added

• Search Events by location

• Search Events by date

• Filter Events by Tournament or Festival

• Get directions and distances to events

• See which events are coming up next

• And promote your own events for free!

Visit the Pickled Events website here.

Bernhard Langer to miss his final masters tournament due to Pickleball injury

Pro golfer, Bernhard Langer is a two-time masters champion and in January he announced that he would play the masters at Augusta National one last time saying “I don’t want to make a fool of myself playing against younger players”.

However, Langer’s plans have been scuppered since he last decided to hit the pickleball court. On the “Musing of Golf” podcast this week he confessed that the injury was an Achilles tendon tear playing pickleball and not a training injury as he previously claimed.

Langer has had surgery on the injury and hopes to return to the senior PGA circuit in early May.

You can see Langer in a video here 4 weeks after his surgery using his scooter to get around.

How to choose the right Pickleball Paddle with Braydon Unsicker, Pickleball Effect

In this episode, I talk to Braydon Unsicker from Pickleball Effect. We discuss:

• Braydon's background and how he got into Pickleball

• How he technically tests and reviews pickleball paddles

• The growth of pickleball in Idaho

• The future of pickleball paddles

• Creating pickleball content and going full-time

• Pickleball products he has created

Braydon is a really nice guy. This was a fun episode getting geeky about pickleball paddles. Enjoy!

Watch on YouTube here or listen on your favourite podcast app.

Paddle Spotlight

JOOLA Ben Johns Blue Lightning Pickleball Paddle Set

This time around I decided to feature a starter set. With lots of people looking to take up pickleball for the first time, they don’t want to spend big on their first paddles.

This set from Joola is a great quality starter set that includes 2 eye-catching paddles, a bag, and 4 balls (2 outdoor and 2 indoor).

The paddles feature a premium fiberglass face and polymer honeycomb core for a blend of power and control enjoyed by many paddles on the market.

This set has everything you need to head to the courts but also makes a great gift idea.

Use coupon NEWS10 for a 10% discount on everything Pickleball Addiction Shop.

In the News

Newsletter Feedback