Thaddea performs at APP Atlanta | World Pickleball Day Approaches

World Pickleball Day Approaches

The 10th of October is World Pickleball Day and pickleball clubs across the world are running taster days to introduce more players to pickleball.

The World Pickleball Federation created World Pickleball Day to raise awareness and establish pickleball as a global game so that more people can enjoy the inclusive nature and lifetime benefits of pickleball.

Pickleball England is supporting this mission by encouraging clubs around the country to run taster sessions to help promote the game in the UK.

Pickleball England has set up a page here which lists some of the taster sessions taking place around the county:
https://www.pickleballengland.org/taster-sessions/

If you’d like your taster session listed on the Pickleball England website then email [email protected].

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Thaddea Lock performs at APP Atlanta

The UK's number 1 women’s player Thaddea Lock has taken a trip to the USA to compete at the pro level in two APP tournaments on consecutive tournaments. Last weekend Atlanta, and this weekend Dallas.

And what a run it was for Thadea in the women's singles. Thaddea managed to finish 7th out of 27 women proving she can hold her own against some of the top talent on the APP Tour. She exited the tournament in the round of 16 against Nicole Eugenio in two sets, with the second set ending 13-11. Congratulations Thaddea!

Thaddea also competed in the women’s pro doubles where she and her partner Rachael James progressed through qualifying on to be beaten in a tight affair that went to 3 sets, with the last set finishing 11-13.

Thaddea also competed in the mixed doubles event and teamed up with Porter Barr. Unfortunately, they were unable to make it past the qualifying round.

Megan Fudge ultimately won the women’s singles event in a dramatic fashion against Judit Castillo. In an exciting match, the game went to 3 sets with Megan winning 2-1 which took the game to a 15-point championship tiebreak as Megan had made her way to the final through the back draw.

Megan had to come back from a 7-point deficit (10-3) in the tiebreaker to finally take it down 15-13. If you’ve not seen the match, I recommend giving it a watch here. Lot’s of passion in this one.

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Megan also took her second gold of the weekend in women’s doubles when she teamed up with Susannah Barr to take the gold in another 15-point championship tiebreak 15-11 against Simone Jardim and Paris Todd.

The men’s doubles final was not such a tightly contested affair with Andrei Daescu and Rob Nunnery beating Gregory Dow and Anderson Scarpa, 11-0, 11-0 for a double pickle.

In mixed doubles, Susannah Barr and Andrei Daescu picked up their second medal of the weekend, but this time a silver when they lost out in 3 sets to Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd. 9-11, 11-7, 11-9.

Finally, in the men’s singles, we saw another first-time gold for Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez when he beat out Roscoe Bellamy 11-6, 11-9 closing out a weekend of firsts with Roscoe also getting his first APP medal.

Karen Mitchell Podcast Interview

In the latest episode of ‘everything but the kitchen dink’, Karen Mitchell shares her reflections on The English Open, running events at scale, DUPR and a look into the future of what pickleball may look like in the UK.

Check out the latest episode on your favourite podcast app. You can find it on Spotify here and Apple Music here.

Pickleball in the press

Pickleball was in the press again this last week, featuring once more in The Times alongside Padel with the title ‘Pickleball or padel? How to pick your new favourite sport’. If you have a subscription to the Times you can read the article here.

The Taunton Pickleball group was also featured in the Somerset Country Press. The group, set up by Sylvia Jackson is growing quickly as it’s the only group in the local area, and are soon planning to add more sessions to their schedule. You can check out the article here.

Behind the Scenes: Unlocking the Secrets of Epic Pickleball Events with Steve Beale!

In this episode of the Pickleball Addiction podcast, we talk with Steve Beale who has become a serial pickleball event organiser.

We discuss his journey in pickleball, what got him into the events space, how to run epic events, and what his vision is for events in the future.

It's a long one but packed with lots of great insight behind-the-scenes running pickleball events.

Join the Pickleball Addiction Facebook group to ask questions of our podcast guests

We have some truly fantastic guests coming up. Unfortunately, we had to postpone an interview with Karen Mitchell but that will be coming soon.

If you’d like me to ask Karen or any of our other guests questions on the podcasts, join the Pickleball Addiction Facebook and get involved.

Coaching Corner

A Guide to Returning Lobs

Retrieving lobs can be challenging. Often you feel like there is just not enough time to get back and make a decent shot back into the opponent's court. This guide will walk you through mastering the art of lob retrieval, providing a deeper insight into the techniques involved.

The Initial Steps: Opening the Gate

1. First Two Steps: The beginning of lob retrieval is heavily dependent on the initial steps.

   • The first step is all about your hip movement. Think of your hip as a hinge of a gate or door. As the ball goes up, you need to open your hips, similar to how a gate swings open.

   • Following the opening of your hips, your second step should involve a pivot, aligning your hips directly towards the ball.

   • Ensure that your foot points in the direction of the ball after the pivot.

   • You want to take a big and aggressive first step as this is where you will make up some time in chasing down the ball.

2. Avoid Backpedaling: One major error many players make is backpedaling to retrieve the lob. This not only reduces efficiency but also increases the risk of tripping and injury.

3. Track the Ball: When the ball goes up, it's crucial not to lose sight of it. A common mistake is players running back without keeping their eye on the ball, resulting in it hitting the back of their head. As you take your initial steps, glance upwards, locate the ball, then move accordingly.

Creating Space

1. Do Not Rush Directly to the Ball: It's a common instinct to run straight to where you anticipate the ball to land. Instead, aim to create a 'running arc' around the ball's anticipated landing point, reminiscent of a question mark's shape. This method gives you time, space, and better positioning to hit the ball effectively.

2. Optimal Ball Retrieval: While you might feel the urge to hit the ball at its highest point, sometimes waiting for it to descend slightly allows better control. Letting the ball drop gives you an extra moment to position yourself, ensuring a more controlled shot. As you’ll see below, ideally you want to try and drop the ball back into the opponent’s kitchen and therefore we want the paddle to connect with the ball at a lower point anyway.

Choosing Your Return Shot:

1. Third Shot Drop: This is the ideal return shot as it provides you with more time to reposition yourself at the net.

2. Lob Return: Lobbing it back is the second preference.

3. Drive: This should be your last resort. Driving the ball after retrieving a lob usually results in running even more if your opponents respond with a short return or block volley.

Court Positioning and Lob Retrieval:

Remember that not all lobs should be retrieved by the player positioned closest to the ball's landing point. At times, the partner might be better positioned to take the shot, reducing the number of steps needed and improving efficiency. Effective communication with your partner is essential to avoid chaos and ensure smooth gameplay.

Practice Makes Perfect:

1. Hand Toss: To familiarize yourself with the initial footwork, practice with a partner who hand-tosses the ball towards the baseline. This method aids in refining your movement without the pressure of an actual game. You do not even need a paddle yourself to practice the correct footwork.

2. Avoid Wasted Steps: Ensure every step counts. Refrain from taking unnecessary steps that don't aid in better ball positioning.

In conclusion, returning lobs in pickleball is a combination of precise footwork, ball tracking, and shot selection. Like every skill, regular practice and feedback are essential for mastery. With time and effort, you'll find yourself effortlessly returning even the trickiest of lobs.

Paddle Spotlight

This premium 16mm Perseus paddle from Joola offers excellent control.

When compared side by side with other paddles, the 16mm Perseus stands out as a control paddle. It has a uniquely soft feel, quite distinct from other thermoformed paddles.

This softness lends itself well to a player's soft game, allowing for a heightened sense of connection with the ball. Its lighter swing weight is palpable, ensuring improved maneuverability.

The paddle also packs a punch, albeit not as powerful as some other thermoformed paddles. However, it compensates by providing a good balance of control and power, without leaning excessively to either side.

In summary, the Joola Perseus 16mm pickleball paddle seems to offer a distinct feel and performance. While it does come with a premium price tag, its features and the gameplay experience it promises could very well justify the investment for many players.

Use coupon NEWS10 for a 10% discount on your first purchase at the Pickleball Addiction Shop.

Upcoming Tournaments & Festivals

If you’d like to promote your event for free in the Pickleball Addiction newsletter. Just drop me an email at [email protected].

Pickleboobs & Balls Charity Festival
WARE, HERTFORDSHIRE
30th September
Register here

Sussex Pickleball Festival
1st October
FULL!

English Nationals
BOLTON
26th - 29th October
Register here

Chesterfield Festival
5th November
Register here

Hampshire England Pickleball Masters
Kingsley Tennis Centre
16th - 19th November
Register here

Wycombe DUPR Dash
High Wycombe
18th November
FULL!

Sherbourne 3.0-3.5 Fun Festival
DORSET
18th November
Register here

Hampshire Pickleball Festival
26th November
FULL!

Southampton Pickleball Festival
30th December 2023
Register here

Sussex Pickleball Event
Dicker
6th January 2024
FULL!

Guildford Gender Doubles Day
January 7th 2024
Register here

Hertfordshire Tournival
20th January 2024
Register here

Rallies in the Regis
Bognor Regis
21st January 2024
Register here

Southampton Pickleball Festival & Event
27th - 28th January 2024
Register here

Dinkin’ in the Midlands
WOLVERHAMPTON
3rd - 4th February 2024
Register here

The Stoehr Cup (Team Tournament)
WARE
24th - 25th February 2024
Registration Opens 1st December.
Email: [email protected]

Leigh Pickleball Festival
MANCHESTER
25th February 2024
Registration opens soon!

Hertfordshire Festival
9th March 2024
Save the date!

Dinkin’ in the Big Hall
22nd and 23rd June
Register here

Herts Mixed Doubles Tournament
Hertfordshire
21st-22nd September 2024
Save the date!

Scotland

Edinburgh Pickleball Festival
4th November 2023
FULL!

Scots/Welsh Interclub Event
25th November 2023
Donald Dewer Sports Centre
Contact Drumchapel Pickleball Club for details:
[email protected]

Glasgow West Pickleball Festival
23rd March 2024
Registration opens soon!

Around the World

Jack Sock signs for Selkirk

After bursting onto the professional pickleball scene this year when he earned a doubles gold medal with Anna Leigh Waters in his pro debut, Jack Sock, winner of multiple gender and mixed doubles grand slams in tennis, has signed with Selkrik.

Jack Sock will be the face of Selkirk’s upcoming Luxx paddle series (pictured above) which was used by Rob Nunnery as he cruised to gold with Andre Deaseno in the Atlanta APP this last weekend.

4-day Australian Pickleball Championship hits record registrations

The Gemlife Australian Pickleball Championships, powered by APP, took place this weekend between the 29th of September and the 2nd of October attracting 689 competitors over 4 days making it the biggest pickleball tournament in Australian history.

The scope of the event was huge:

• 689 Competitors

• 105 Events

• 2,435 Medals

• 45 Courts

• 40 Referees

• 100+ Volunteers

It’s great to see the expansion of the sport and such a large event taking place down under. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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