Good morning, pickleballers!
It’s Friday once again – yet another week is in the rear-view mirror.
We have plenty of pickleball news for you, and we also have the latest World Pickleball Podcast, which you can tune into below.
If you want today’s global pickleball news to listen to, the Daily Deep Dive is below, too.
And if you like reading, crack on!
Pro Tanner Tomassi Unlocks 5.0 Pickleball Game with Seven Strategic Secrets
USA – Tanner Tomassi, a top-rated pickleball player holding an impressive 6.0 DUPR ranking, has recently unveiled seven easy tips designed to help players rapidly elevate their game to a 5.0 rating. In a video filmed on a pickleball court, Tomassi demonstrated how specific techniques can lead to smarter play and improved movement, stemming from hundreds of hours of his own experience. He promises that by the end of adopting these strategies, players will feel like a “brand new player”.
Among his key recommendations, Tomassi emphasises the importance of staying low after the third shot drop. He advises players to remain crouched and move forward like a crab into the kitchen, rather than standing up too quickly, which he identifies as a common consistency mistake. For the fourth shot, players should always ask if they can take the ball out of the air to maintain pressure on opponents. If not, a tennis-like swing is preferable to a gentle tap.
When attacking, Tomassi highlights the strategic advantage of attacking wide balls over middle balls, as this creates more space and options. He also stresses the importance of hiding your attacks and using angles effectively. His fourth tip, about resetting the ball, suggests hitting crosscourt instead of straight, noting the net is two inches lower there, making consistency easier. This also prevents opponents from leaning in or using an Ernie shot.
Tomassi identifies the counterattack as the most crucial skill, teaching players to remain still and use only their arm and wrist for power, focusing on hitting the ball down towards the opponent’s knees. He warns against “happy feet” and demonstrates the perfect form: snapping the wrist and reloading while remaining completely still. For dinking, higher-level players should take control of the kitchen line by cutting off balls early and not letting them bounce. Aggressive dinks should be reset cross-step and middle to regain control. Finally, Tomassi introduces dink deception, or “holding your dink,” where pausing before hitting confuses the opponent about the ball’s speed or placement. He particularly favours a big wind-up to feign a power shot, then softening to dink through the middle. These simple, focused practices are designed to quickly improve a player’s game.
Bay Area Breakers Clinch Thrilling Dreambreaker Victory at MLP St. Louis
St. Louis, USA – The Bay Area Breakers secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the California Black Bears in a nail-biting encounter at the Marathon Major League Pickleball (MLP) St. Louis event on Thursday. The hard-fought match at Chaifetz Arena, which culminated in a decisive Dreambreaker round, improved the Breakers’ season record to three wins, while the Black Bears now stand at two wins.
The match commenced with a strong performance from the Bay Area Breakers in women’s doubles, where Alix Truong and Angie Walker defeated Layne Sleeth and Lina Padegimaite 11-6. However, the California Black Bears quickly retaliated in the men’s doubles, with Michael Loyd and Juan Benitez besting Darrian Young and Jonathan Truong 11-9.
Mixed doubles play saw both teams claim a victory. Lina Padegimaite and Michael Loyd of the Black Bears dominated the first mixed doubles match, securing an 11-1 win against Darrian Young and Angie Walker. The Bay Area Breakers, however, ensured the overall match score remained tied, as Darrian Young and Angie Walker triumphed over Layne Sleeth and Juan Benitez 11-6 in the second mixed doubles game.
With the score deadlocked at two wins apiece, the contest moved to the high-stakes Dreambreaker round. The Bay Area Breakers fielded Darrian Young, Jonathan Truong, Angie Walker, and Alix Truong against the Black Bears’ Michael Loyd, Juan Benitez, Layne Sleeth, and Lina Padegimaite. In a very close contest, the Bay Area Breakers emerged victorious with a 21-19 Dreambreaker score, clinching the overall match. This hard-earned win provides significant momentum for the Bay Area Breakers as they continue their MLP season.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team Dominates Chicago Slice, Secures Fourth Season Win at MLP St. Louis
St. Louis, USA – The Brooklyn Pickleball Team continued its impressive run at the Marathon MLP St. Louis tournament on Thursday, crushing the Chicago Slice with a 3-1 victory at Chaifetz Arena. This decisive win marks Brooklyn’s fourth of the season, achieved without the need for a Dreambreaker round due to their strong performance in the doubles matches. The Chicago Slice, conversely, remains at one win for the season.
The match began with a tight women’s doubles game, where Vivian Glozman and Callie Smith of Chicago edged out Brooklyn’s Rachel Rohrabacher and Jackie Kawamoto 13-11. However, Brooklyn swiftly responded in the men’s doubles, as Riley Newman and AJ Koller teamed up to defeat James Ignatowich and Max Freeman of Chicago 11-9, levelling the team score at one match each.
The momentum significantly shifted in Brooklyn’s favour during the mixed doubles rounds, where they showcased dominant play. Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman secured an 11-4 victory against Callie Smith and Max Freeman in the first mixed doubles match. Following this, AJ Koller and Rachel Rohrabacher continued Brooklyn’s winning streak, also triumphing 11-4 over James Ignatowich and Vivian Glozman.
These two consecutive mixed doubles wins brought Brooklyn’s match total to three, fulfilling the requirement for victory in MLP play and rendering the Dreambreaker round unnecessary. The scheduled Dreambreaker lineup was therefore not utilised, with a final score of 0-0 recorded for that round. This strong showing, marked by excellent teamwork and back-to-back mixed doubles victories, solidifies the Brooklyn Pickleball Team’s position near the top of the standings and designates them as a team to watch this season. The Chicago Slice will need to improve their performance in upcoming matches to remain in playoff contention.
Chicago Slice Triumphs Over Atlanta Bouncers in Thrilling St. Louis Dreambreaker
St. Louis, USA – The Chicago Slice emerged victorious in a hard-fought 3-2 battle against the Atlanta Bouncers on Thursday at the Major League Pickleball event held at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. The intense match was decided in a dramatic DreamBreaker round, pushing Chicago’s season record to three wins, while Atlanta remains at two.
The contest unfolded as a back-and-forth affair between two highly competitive teams. Atlanta initially took the lead with Vivienne David and Victoria DiMuzio winning the women’s doubles match 11-8 against Callie Smith and Vivian Glozman of Chicago. Chicago quickly responded in the men’s doubles, as James Ignatowich and Max Freeman defeated Jaume Martinez Vich and Todd Fought 11-3, tying the overall match at 1-1.
Chicago then seized the lead in the first mixed doubles game, with Max Freeman and Callie Smith besting Todd Fought and Victoria DiMuzio 11-8. However, Atlanta mounted a strong comeback in the second mixed doubles match, with Jaume Martinez Vich and Vivienne David delivering a dominant 11-0 performance against Vivian Glozman and James Ignatowich, forcing the match into a decisive fifth round.
With the teams deadlocked at 2-2, the tension mounted for the DreamBreaker. Chicago Slice deployed Max Freeman, James Ignatowich, Vivian Glozman, and Callie Smith, while the Atlanta Bouncers sent out Jaume Martinez Vich, Todd Fought, Vivienne David, and Victoria DiMuzio. In a close and exhilarating finish, Chicago secured the DreamBreaker 21-16, sealing their overall match victory. This win not only improves Chicago Slice’s record but also underscores the competitive nature of both teams, promising more intense battles as the Major League Pickleball season continues in St. Louis.
Delhi Gears Up for First-Ever Pickleball Sundowner Festival This July
Delhi, India – The Ardee Racquet Club and Courtly are joining forces to host the inaugural Delhi Pickleball Sundowner on July 19 and 20 at the Ardee Racquet Club in New Friends Colony. Starting at 4 PM each day, this unique event promises a vibrant fusion of competitive pickleball matches, lively music, delectable food, and a festive atmosphere in an inviting outdoor setting.
Following successful prior events at Taj Fort Aguada and Otter’s Club in Mumbai, this marks Delhi’s debut for such a large-scale pickleball social gathering. The Sundowner will offer five different game categories, ensuring both seasoned players and newcomers aged 12 and above can participate. Tickets are required for attendees aged 18 and older, and families, friends, and fans are strongly encouraged to join the weekend festivities.
The event aims to be more than just a tournament; it’s designed as a “Pickleball Carnival”. The venue will feature a bar and food setup, alongside a celebrity DJ, creating a perfect sundowner vibe and lighting up an event Delhi is experiencing for the first time. Attendees can anticipate a full seven-hour experience daily, with both seated and standing arrangements available. The festival is also notably kid-friendly and pet-friendly, emphasising its inclusive and social appeal.
Organisers have set out clear guidelines, including requiring valid ID and prohibiting dangerous items. While the event blends intense competition with chilled-out camaraderie, legal claims regarding any injury or damage will be settled in courts in Mumbai. As pickleball’s popularity surges in Delhi, events like the Sundowner are anticipated to become a more common way for both serious players and casual enthusiasts to enjoy and experience the sport.
Global Pickleball Federation Adopts DUPR as Official World Ranking System, Boosts Olympic Hopes
Lausanne, Switzerland – The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the sport’s international governing body, has officially named DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) as its exclusive rating system. This landmark decision unifies the GPF’s continental federations, member countries, and all GPF-managed events under a single, trusted, and globally consistent skill measurement scale.
The GPF, which oversees pickleball across Africa, the Americas, Oceania, Asia, and parts of Europe, aims to eliminate confusion and fragmentation that could hinder the sport’s growth by implementing this unified system. DUPR’s rating scale, ranging from 2.000 to 8.000, provides a clear and consistent method for measuring all player levels, from beginners to elite professionals, thereby simplifying tournament seeding and division management for clubs and federations worldwide. GPF President Javier Regalado stated that “Having a single, trusted rating system in place across continents is a positive step toward unifying pickleball, eliminating some of the confusion and fragmentation that inhibits growth”.
A significant benefit of this partnership is DUPR’s ability to reflect real-time match performance, not solely wins and losses, enabling players of all levels to accurately track their progress. This also strengthens the GPF’s ongoing efforts to secure recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The GPF recently submitted its IOC application in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the ambitious goal of seeing pickleball included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, emphasised the unifying aspect: “Under GPF and DUPR’s historic alignment, international players of all ages, gender and location are united under one technology platform to grow the great sport of pickleball”. With a board comprising leaders from diverse countries, including Australia, Canada, India, and the United States, the GPF is committed to fostering pickleball’s rapid global expansion and achieving its Olympic aspirations through this unified framework.
Jill Braverman Advocates “Drive-Drip Combo” as New Pickleball Winning Strategy
USA – Top pickleball professional Jill Braverman has announced a significant shift in winning strategy, asserting that the traditional third-shot drop is no longer the optimal move in the game. In a recent video clinic, Braverman introduced a more effective approach: the “drive-drip combo,” which involves powerful, smart third-shot drives followed by an effective fifth-shot “drip”. She believes this is the future for winning points.
Braverman identified several common mistakes players make. The first is driving the ball too hard, often resembling tennis swings, a habit she dubbed “tennis-itis”. She advises players to slow down their swing, feel the ball longer on the paddle, and aim for control rather than raw power. The goal of this drive is not an immediate winner, but to set up the fifth shot or create opportunities for a partner to crash the net. Other pros like Connor Garnett and Jia Martinez-Vic gave her similar advice: aim for the top of the tape and slow the drive down.
The second mistake is ignoring the fifth shot after a drive by waiting too long or not moving forward quickly enough. Braverman taught players to move fast and get “on top of the fifth” ball as soon as possible. She introduced the “drip” – a slower, controlled fifth shot drive – emphasising quick movement and proper split-stepping, which helps “make pickleball easy”.
The third mistake addressed is not turning the body enough on drives. Braverman showed how a bigger turn, even if it doesn’t add much topspin, generates more power and accuracy, keeping drives consistently low and strong. These well-placed drives can enable a player or their partner to poach the next shot. Finally, she covered standing still after hitting the drive. Players often watch the ball instead of preparing for the next shot. Braverman explained that a slower drive actually buys more time to move into the kitchen. This “drive-drip combo” is poised to change the pace and strategy of pickleball at all levels.
Las Vegas Night Owls Stage Impressive Rally, Defeat D.C. Pickleball Team at MLP St. Louis
St. Louis, USA – The Las Vegas Night Owls demonstrated a strong comeback performance at the Marathon MLP St. Louis event on Thursday, securing a 3-1 victory over the D.C. Pickleball Team at Chaifetz Arena. This win boosts the Night Owls’ season record to three wins, while the D.C. Pickleball Team currently holds one win.
The match began with the D.C. Pickleball Team taking an early lead in the women’s doubles game, as Christa Gecheva and Andrea Koop defeated Brooke Buckner and Chao Yi Wang of Las Vegas 11-7. However, the Las Vegas Night Owls swiftly turned the tide in the men’s doubles. Pablo Tellez and James Delgado delivered a dominant performance, winning 11-6 against Daniel De la Rosa and Stefan Auvergne, evening the score.
The Night Owls continued their momentum into the mixed doubles rounds. In the first mixed doubles match, Pablo Tellez and Chao Yi Wang secured a tight 12-10 victory over Stefan Auvergne and Andrea Koop. This narrow win put Las Vegas ahead, and they solidified their lead in the second mixed doubles game. James Delgado and Brooke Buckner comfortably defeated Daniel De la Rosa and Christa Gecheva with a score of 11-2.
With these victories, the Las Vegas Night Owls achieved three out of four match wins, rendering the final Dreambreaker round unnecessary. Although players were ready for the tiebreaker, the outcome had already been decided. This decisive win strengthens the Las Vegas Night Owls’ standing in the league, showcasing their ability to rally and secure crucial victories. The D.C. Pickleball Team will be looking to regroup and improve their record in their upcoming games.
Las Vegas Night Owls Stun California Black Bears with Dramatic Dreambreaker Win at MLP St. Louis
St. Louis, USA – The Las Vegas Night Owls pulled off a thrilling victory over the California Black Bears in a dramatic Dreambreaker showdown at the Marathon Major League Pickleball event in St. Louis on Thursday. The intense match, held at Chaifetz Arena, saw the Night Owls clinch the win with a 21-16 Dreambreaker score, advancing their season record to three wins, while the California Black Bears remain at two.
The Black Bears started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead in the doubles matches. In women’s doubles, Layne Sleeth and Lina Padegimaite defeated Brooke Buckner and Chao Yi Wang of Las Vegas 11-7. Following this, Michael Loyd and Juan Benitez secured an 11-9 win against Pablo Tellez and James Delgado in men’s doubles, putting California in a commanding position.
However, the Las Vegas Night Owls mounted an impressive comeback in the mixed doubles rounds. Pablo Tellez and Brooke Buckner initiated the rally with a strong 11-5 victory over Lina Padegimaite and Michael Loyd in the first mixed doubles match. James Delgado and Chao Yi Wang then sealed the comeback by defeating Layne Sleeth and Juan Benitez 11-3 in the second mixed doubles, tying the overall match score at 2-2 and forcing the decisive Dreambreaker.
In the high-stakes Dreambreaker, both teams deployed all four of their players. The Las Vegas Night Owls’ lineup included Pablo Tellez, James Delgado, Brooke Buckner, and Chao Yi Wang, facing the California Black Bears’ Michael Loyd, Juan Benitez, Layne Sleeth, and Lina Padegimaite. The Night Owls ultimately prevailed in the final team battle, securing the 21-16 win and clinching the overall match. This victory highlights the Night Owls’ strong form this season and underscores the balanced and competitive nature of Major League Pickleball.
Nashville Chefs Dominate Florida Smash 3-1 at MLP St. Louis, Secure Fourth Season Win
St. Louis, USA – The Nashville Chefs showcased a commanding performance at the Marathon MLP St. Louis event on Thursday, defeating the Florida Smash with a decisive 3-1 victory at Chaifetz Arena. This strong doubles play secured the Chefs their fourth win of the Major League Pickleball season, eliminating the need for a Dreambreaker tiebreaker. The Florida Smash now holds one win for the season.
The match kicked off with a close women’s doubles contest, where Michelle Esquivel and Ewa Radzikowska of the Nashville Chefs edged out Paula Rives and Martina Frantova of the Florida Smash 11-9, giving the Chefs an early 1-0 lead. The Chefs then significantly extended their lead in the men’s doubles match, as Marshall Brown and Anderson Scarpa dominated Cason Campbell and Travis Rettenmaier of the Smash with an impressive 11-2 win, pushing the overall score to 2-0.
Florida Smash managed to secure their sole win in the first mixed doubles game. Travis Rettenmaier and Martina Frantova teamed up to defeat Michelle Esquivel and Marshall Brown in a close 11-9 battle, cutting the Chefs’ lead to 2-1.
However, the Nashville Chefs quickly reasserted their dominance in the second mixed doubles match. Ewa Radzikowska and Anderson Scarpa faced Cason Campbell and Paula Rives, again winning decisively with a score of 11-2. This victory provided Nashville with their third match win, an overall 3-1 victory that made the Dreambreaker tiebreaker unnecessary. All players listed for the Dreambreaker did not take the court as the match was already decided. This strong showing boosts the Nashville Chefs’ standing in the league, demonstrating their cohesive teamwork and securing valuable momentum as the MLP St. Louis tournament continues.
Pickleball Craze Transforms Delhi-NCR Rooftops and Empty Spaces into Lucrative Courts
Delhi, India – Across Delhi-NCR, a burgeoning pickleball craze is turning previously unused rooftops, farmhouses, and school grounds into bustling, income-generating pickleball courts. This rapid expansion is fueled by enthusiastic investors, young players, and sports lovers who are capitalising on the sport’s growing popularity to build vibrant community spaces and generate significant revenue through court rentals.
The demand for pickleball venues in Delhi is soaring, with locations like Rackonnect Exclusive Padel Pickle Park in Mehrauli reporting operations nearly 21 hours a day since its December launch. Dhruv Bagla, founder of Rackonnect, noted that “Delhi’s growing demand for pickleball was obvious,” prompting investment before market saturation. Armaan Varma, a real estate businessman, repurposed two acres of his family’s empty school land, now seeing around 450 monthly bookings at his Ardee Racquet Club. His other venue in Gurugram records 300 to 400 monthly bookings.
The trend extends to unique rooftop venues like PickleJoy in Lajpat Nagar, offering a fresh playing experience with city views and a “fun, vibrant touch”. Entrepreneur Pranav Kapur opened PickleJoy, focusing on safety and comfort. Sammir Kapoor, director at Rebound Ace India, reports daily calls for court construction or conversion, stating that despite nearly 150 pickleball venues in Delhi-NCR, demand still outstrips supply. Many conversions are from existing tennis or badminton courts, which cost only Rs 5 to 6 lakh, allowing investment recovery in about a month.
These courts are evolving into significant social hubs. Divya Mehta, a regular player, describes Rackonnect as a “community space” where people “come for the game, but you stay for the vibe”. With average hourly rates of Rs 1,000 per court and daily operations, a four-court venue can generate around Rs 6 lakh in monthly revenue, leading to estimated profits of Rs 5 lakh after upkeep. Kapoor asserts the market is “far from saturated” and remains a “relatively low-risk, high-return business” for at least the next year, with over 20 new projects already underway. This transformation underscores pickleball’s burgeoning economic and social impact in the region.
St. Louis Shock Deliver Flawless Sweep, Remain Undefeated at Marathon MLP
St. Louis, USA – The St. Louis Shock showcased a commanding performance at the Marathon Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in St. Louis on Thursday, achieving a flawless 4-0 sweep against the Atlanta Bouncers at Chaifetz Arena. This commanding victory keeps the Shock undefeated with a season record of four wins, while the Atlanta Bouncers are still seeking their first win, currently standing at 0-4.
The St. Louis Shock team, featuring Anna Bright, Kate Fahey, Gabriel Tardio, and Hayden Patriquin, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill across all matches. The Atlanta Bouncers, comprising Vivienne David, Victoria Dimuzio, Todd Fought, and Jaume Martinez Vich, faced stiff competition from the outset.
In the women’s doubles match, Anna Bright and Kate Fahey of the Shock displayed strong coordination, defeating Vivienne David and Victoria Dimuzio 11-6. The men’s doubles followed suit, with Hayden Patriquin and Gabriel Tardio securing an easy 11-4 win against Jaume Martinez Vich and Todd Fought, further solidifying the Shock’s lead.
The Shock continued their winning streak into the mixed doubles rounds. Gabriel Tardio and Kate Fahey clinched a close 12-10 victory over Jaume Martinez Vich and Vivienne David in the first mixed doubles match. The second mixed doubles match was even more one-sided, as Hayden Patriquin and Anna Bright dominated Todd Fought and Victoria Dimuzio with an impressive 11-1 win.
As the St. Louis Shock had already secured all four matches, the final “Dreambreaker” round was not required. The outcome was decided, and the players listed for the tiebreaker did not take the court. This emphatic win provides significant momentum for the St. Louis Shock, affirming their position at the top of the MLP standings and underscoring their exceptional team play this season.
Top Coaches Reveal Game-Changing Footwork Drills to Master the Pickleball 3rd Shot Drop
USA – Pickleball coaches are revolutionising how players approach the crucial third shot drop by introducing a series of footwork and pressure-based drills designed to enhance consistency and performance under real-game conditions. A new training video highlights three specific drills that prioritise movement, quick decision-making, and match-like intensity, addressing common issues players face with this fundamental shot.
The first drill, dubbed “killers,” focuses on building control and involves cones to mark a wide target area. One player feeds balls from crosscourt while the practising player moves to hit each drop shot consistently to the same crosscourt spot. The coach emphasised this drill as a favourite because “it forces me to get my footwork involved,” allowing players to work on varying spin and pace while moving. The aim is to hit five to ten solid shots consecutively, drastically improving footwork, which is crucial for a consistent drop.
The second drill, the “7-11 game,” simulates a real match scenario. A baseline player practices their third shot while attempting to move forward, while a kitchen line player tries to win the point. The kitchen player needs 11 points to win, while the baseline player only needs 7, balancing the kitchen player’s advantage. This drill can be practised straight, cross-court, or opposite cross-court, forcing players to replicate game-like movement patterns and fostering real-life point play.
The third drill, “Under Pressure,” specifically tests a player’s ability to execute the third shot under stress. A partner stands illegally about a foot inside the kitchen, creating intense pressure and forcing the player to engage their feet quickly. In a variation, after hitting a pre-determined number of good shots (e.g., three, five, or ten), the pressure partner retreats to the legal kitchen line, and the point is played out normally. This helps players develop quick thinking and adjust to varying pressure levels. By integrating these drills into practice, players can address common third-shot drop mistakes, refine their footwork, timing, and shot placement, and ultimately improve their confidence and performance in competitive play.
World Pickleball League Season 2 Set for Mumbai’s Iconic Jio World Garden, Promises Celebrity Owners and Bigger Crowds
Mumbai, India – The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is set to elevate its stature with Season 2 matches scheduled to take place at the iconic Jio World Garden in Mumbai from January 24 to February 8, 2026. This highly anticipated event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time a franchise sports league is hosted at the high-profile venue located in the Bandra Kurla Complex.
Jio World Garden is renowned as one of Mumbai’s premier locations for large-scale events, having previously hosted concerts by international music superstars such as the Backstreet Boys and Bryan Adams, as well as top Indian artists. The venue will now welcome six WPBL teams, featuring both prominent players and celebrity team owners, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and boosting the league’s appeal.
Building on the success of Season 1, which was held at the Cricket Club of India and garnered national attention for pickleball in India, WPBL aims to draw even larger crowds and attract more international players for Season 2. The league is committed to enhancing the fan experience, fostering the growth of local pickleball talent, and introducing innovative storytelling methods to engage audiences with the sport.
WPBL’s strategic decision to hold the matches at Jio World Garden underscores its ambition to become a top-tier sporting event, seamlessly blending competitive sports with entertainment. This choice of an iconic location is intended to significantly expand the league’s fan base and forge stronger connections between the sport and its audience. With top players and celebrity involvement, World Pickleball League Season 2 promises an immersive and exciting spectacle designed to ignite pickleball’s popularity across India.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.