Good morning pickleballers!
It's time for your daily pickleball news, courtesy of the World Pickleball Report.
We have lots for you today, stories from all over the pickleball globe.
So let us not waste time - let's get straight into it.
Hope on the Hard Courts: New Study Reveals Surprising Benefits of Pickleball for Cancer Survivors
A new study from Moffitt Cancer Center is shedding light on the unexpected benefits of pickleball for cancer survivors. Researchers in Palm Harbor, Florida, investigated whether cancer survivors would consistently engage with the sport and experience positive health outcomes. The findings suggest pickleball may indeed be a valuable tool for increasing physical activity, which the National Cancer Institute identifies as crucial for lowering cancer risks.
The study involved 23 participants, with 18 being cancer survivors. Participants learned and played pickleball under a certified coach, and researchers tracked their engagement. One key result was the high retention rate, with participants becoming "pickleball addicts". For individuals like Jacie Rowe, a multiple myeloma survivor, pickleball provided a new community and an active lifestyle after a period of isolation following chemotherapy.
Researchers, initially surprised by pickleball's role in cancer research, are now optimistic about its potential. The study indicates that pickleball offers an engaging and accessible form of exercise for survivors who often struggle with maintaining physical activity during treatment and recovery. Following this promising pilot study, Moffitt Cancer Center hopes to conduct a larger randomized trial to further explore these benefits.
Weather Watch: Rain and Wind Could Play a Factor at the PPA Cape Coral Open
The PPA Tour returns to action at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, boasting 32 permanent pickleball courts and potentially some temporarily converted tennis courts. While the competition is expected to be fierce with 1,000 PPA points up for grabs in this Open level tournament, another element might significantly influence the outcomes: the weather.
According to the tournament preview, players should keep an eye on Championship Sunday, which has a chance of rain. However, the more consistent challenge is likely to be the wind, with double-digit speeds expected on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Thursday could see winds as high as 17 mph, potentially affecting ball trajectory and player strategies.
This windy forecast is anticipated to be a major talking point throughout the event, as players will need to adjust their serves, dinks, and overall court positioning to navigate the conditions. As top pickleball pros descend on Cape Coral, the question remains: who will master the elements and emerge victorious in the face of both skilled opponents and unpredictable weather?
Lefties Unite? Callie Smith & Victoria Di Muzio Partner in Cape Coral Women's Doubles
An intriguing partnership is set to unfold in the women's doubles draw of the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open Presented by Proton: Callie Smith, a seasoned professional, is teaming up with newcomer Victoria Di Muzio. What makes this pairing particularly noteworthy is a shared preference for the left side of the court.
Smith, who is also competing in singles at the event, enters the women's doubles as the 11th seed alongside Di Muzio. While both players undoubtedly possess strong skills, their mutual inclination to play on the left could present a unique dynamic. In doubles pickleball, players typically specialize on one side, allowing for better court coverage and strategic advantage.
The preview of the tournament specifically highlights this aspect of their partnership, noting that both Smith and Di Muzio "like to play the left". This raises questions about how they will strategize their positioning and movement on the court. Will one player adapt to the right side, or will they employ a different tactical approach to leverage their combined left-side strengths?
Pickleball enthusiasts will be keen to see how this potentially unconventional pairing fares against the competition. Their first-round match and subsequent progression through the tournament will offer insights into whether this "lefties unite" strategy can translate into success on the PPA Tour.
Bouchard vs. Todd: Must-See Matchup? Potential Round of 16 Thriller in Cape Coral
Pickleball fans at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open could be in for an exciting Round of 16 clash in the Women’s Singles draw, potentially pitting the 10th seed, Genie Bouchard, against the 5th seed, Parris Todd. Both players are reportedly in strong form, setting the stage for a compelling early-tournament battle. Bouchard, known to draw significant attention, has a potentially intriguing path to this stage. Todd, also recognized for her skills, presents a formidable challenge. This matchup is highlighted as one to watch, suggesting it could be a close and captivating contest. Whether this anticipated showdown materializes will depend on their performances in the earlier rounds, but the possibility alone adds a layer of excitement to the Women’s Singles event in Cape Coral. Keep an eye on the draw and early results to see if this must-see matchup comes to fruition at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center.
Smith Steps into Singles: Callie Jo Smith Takes on the Cape Coral Singles Draw
While primarily known for her doubles prowess, Callie Jo Smith (seeded 36th) is set to compete in the Women’s Singles event at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open. Smith, who doesn't frequently participate in singles competitions, will first need to navigate the qualifying rounds to secure her place in the main draw. Should she advance, a challenging second-round encounter awaits her against the 4th seed, Kate Fahey. Smith recently shared valuable tips on paddle positioning to improve reaction time, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing her overall game. Her entry into the singles draw adds an intriguing element to the tournament, as fans will be keen to see how her skills translate to the solo competition and whether her focus on fundamentals will give her an edge against seasoned singles players in Cape Coral.
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Johns Back in the Singles Arena: Can Ben Johns Make it Two in a Row in Cape Coral?
World number one Ben Johns is back in the Men’s Singles arena at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open, marking his second consecutive singles event after skipping the first two PPA tournaments of the year. Following a victorious run in Mesa, the top seed will be looking to maintain his momentum and clinch another singles title in Cape Coral. Johns' return to singles action is a major storyline, with anticipation high to see if he can establish dominance in this discipline once again. His performance in Cape Coral will be a key indicator of his singles form as the 2025 PPA Tour progresses. All eyes will be on the Championship Court to see if Johns can navigate the draw and secure his second straight gold medal in singles.
Underdog Alert: Keep an Eye on Eric Oncins' Potential in Cape Coral Singles
Don't overlook Eric Oncins (seeded 36th) in the Men’s Singles draw at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open. Despite his relatively low seeding, Oncins is recognized as a strong singles player who may be underseeded due to his limited participation in PPA events thus far. He is highlighted as a potential threat who could challenge higher-ranked players. An intriguing early matchup could see Oncins face Hunter Johnson, a contest where Oncins is predicted as capable of pushing Johnson to a full three games. Recently traded to the Texas Ranchers in MLP, Oncins’ focus will now shift to individual success in Cape Coral. His athleticism and prowess on the court make him a compelling underdog to watch as the tournament unfolds.
Ignatowich's Uphill Battle: Facing Ben Johns Early in Cape Coral Singles
James Ignatowich (seeded 33rd) faces a daunting path in the Men’s Singles event at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open. After a potential early-round match against the 29th seed, Wyatt Stone, Ignatowich could find himself facing the top seed and reigning Mesa champion, Ben Johns, in the Round of 32. This presents a monumental challenge for Ignatowich, who will need to bring his best game to contend with one of the sport's elite players. While Ignatowich is participating in singles again, the prospect of an early encounter with Johns makes his journey in the Cape Coral Open particularly tough. This matchup, if it occurs, will undoubtedly be a highlight of the early rounds, showcasing the competitive intensity of the PPA Tour.
Hustler on the Horizon: Newly Signed Zane Ford Could Face McGuffin in Cape Coral
Zane Ford (seeded 16th), a rising star recently picked up by the New York Hustlers in MLP, enters the Men’s Singles draw at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open with a Round of 64 bye. This advantageous start could set the stage for an exciting Round of 16 matchup against the experienced 4th seed, Tyson McGuffin. This potential clash between a promising newcomer and a seasoned veteran is generating buzz as a “really fun one to watch”. Ford’s recent signing with the Hustlers adds an extra layer of intrigue to his performance in Cape Coral. Spectators will be eager to see if Ford’s skills can challenge McGuffin and if this Hustler on the horizon can make a deep run in the tournament.
Waters & Johns Seek Redemption: Determined to Dominate Cape Coral Mixed Doubles After Mesa Upset
After a surprising semifinal defeat at the PPA Mesa Cup, the top-ranked mixed doubles pair of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns (seeded 1st) are heading to the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open with a clear mission: redemption. They are predicted to be on a “revenge tour” in Cape Coral, with the expectation that “no one is stopping them” this time around. Their dominant track record and determination to bounce back from the Mesa upset make them the team to beat in the mixed doubles event. Fans anticipate a strong showing from Waters and Johns as they aim to reassert their dominance and secure the gold medal in Cape Coral. Their performance will be closely watched as they navigate a competitive mixed doubles field.
New Power Pairing? Anna Bright & JW Johnson Team Up in Cape Coral Mixed
The VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open will see a potentially formidable new mixed doubles partnership take to the court: Anna Bright (seeded 2nd), who is currently seeking a regular mixed doubles partner, will be teaming up with JW Johnson. This pairing of two highly skilled and dynamic players has the potential to be a serious contender in the tournament. Bright’s agility and Johnson’s power could create a potent force in the mixed doubles division. Their performance in Cape Coral will be closely analyzed to see if this new alliance can gel quickly and challenge the top seeds. Their matches are expected to be exciting as they navigate a competitive field and test their chemistry as a team.
Johns & Daescu: An Unexpected Duo: Freeman Fiasco Leads to New Partnership in Cape Coral Men's Doubles
A surprising turn of events has led to a new men’s doubles partnership at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open: the top seed Ben Johns will be playing alongside Andrei Daescu. This unexpected pairing is a result of the “whole Max Freeman fiasco,” the details of which are not elaborated upon in the source. It is assumed that Daescu will take the right side of the court, a position he reportedly hasn’t played on in a long time, adding an element of uncertainty to their dynamic. Despite the unusual circumstances, the combined talent of Johns and Daescu makes them a formidable team to watch in Cape Coral. Their ability to adapt and find chemistry on short notice will be key to their success in the tournament.
Fresh Force in Men's Doubles: Alshon & Staksrud Debut as a Team in Cape Coral
The VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open will witness the debut of an exciting new men’s doubles team: the second-seeded pairing of Christian Alshon and Federico Staksrud. This partnership is described as one to “love,” indicating high expectations for their performance. Both Alshon and Staksrud are accomplished players in their own right, and their collaboration has the potential to create a formidable force in the men’s doubles division. Their first tournament together will be closely watched to see how their playing styles mesh and if they can immediately challenge for the top spot. This fresh force in men’s doubles adds another layer of intrigue to the competitive landscape in Cape Coral.
Brotherly Bonds Tested: Collin Johns & Noe Khlif Forge New Partnership in Cape Coral Men's Doubles
In the men’s doubles event at the VEOLIA PPA Cape Coral Open, Collin Johns (seeded 7th) will be embarking on a new partnership, teaming up with Noe Khlif. This pairing marks one of several new combinations Collin Johns is exploring in the absence of his brother, Ben, as his regular partner. Khlif, recently traded to Miami in MLP, brings his own set of skills to this new alliance. This tournament will be a test of their compatibility and strategic approach as they navigate the competitive men’s doubles field in Cape Coral. Their performance will offer insights into Collin Johns’ adaptability and Khlif’s ability to form strong partnerships on the court.
Rating Ruckus: Reddit Debate Reveals Pickleball Skill Levels are in the Eye of the Beholder
The subjective nature of pickleball skill ratings has once again taken centre stage, this time fueled by a lively discussion on Reddit. Players engaged in a debate about evaluating skill levels based on a match, and the diverse range of opinions underscored the ongoing controversy surrounding how players are rated.
Commenters analyzing the gameplay focused on aspects like rally lengths, often noting around 6-7 shots, and identified technical deficiencies such as weak backhands and limited dinking as indicators of an intermediate level. However, the skill estimations varied significantly, ranging from 2.75 to 3.5 DUPR for the same match, clearly illustrating that skill assessment is far from an exact science.
A key point of contention was the regional variation in pickleball ratings. The discussion highlighted how a player considered a certain rating in one city, with its specific level of competition, might be perceived differently in a more or less competitive region. This lack of standardization makes comparing skill levels across different locations challenging.
While acknowledging the usefulness of casual skill observations, some participants pointed out that official DUPR ratings offer a more precise evaluation. Despite the rating discrepancies, the Reddit thread also showcased the pickleball community's supportive spirit, with many comments focusing on encouragement and improvement. This debate reaffirms that in the booming world of pickleball, determining a player's true level often depends on who is watching.
MLP Trade Bombshell: Bouchard Heads to Phoenix, Dizon Joins New Jersey in Premier League Shake-Up
Major League Pickleball witnessed a significant shake-up as the New Jersey 5s traded Genie Bouchard to the Phoenix Flames in exchange for Meghan Dizon and undisclosed cash considerations. This Premier Level trade, occurring just days after the free-agency draft, sent ripples through the league.
The 5s' acquisition of Bouchard in the draft was initially seen as a surprise, with some speculating it was more of a marketing move than a purely competitive one. Her short tenure with the team now concludes with the arrival of Dizon, a player known for her right-side prowess, which will allow Anna Leigh Waters to play her preferred left side in women’s doubles. Dizon's past MLP title with the Seattle Pioneers further bolsters the 5s' contender status.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Flames welcome Bouchard, uniting her with Jack Sock, another prominent figure who transitioned from tennis to pickleball. While this pairing of recognizable racket sports stars has marketing appeal, it raises questions about the Flames' competitive strategy. Having traded away both Andrei Daescu and Dizon recently, their focus seems to have shifted towards off-court factors. The new-look Flames roster, featuring Sock and Bouchard, presents an intriguing storyline as the 2025 MLP season progresses.
No Benchwarmers Allowed: MLP's New Waiver Rule Ensures Top Talent Sees Court Time
Major League Pickleball (MLP) is implementing a novel waiver rule for the 2025 season designed to keep its most skilled players actively competing. Under this new system, following each event, teams will be required to designate their top four players. Consequently, the remaining fifth and sixth players on each roster will become available on waivers.
This strategic move aims to prevent talented players from being relegated to the sidelines. The league’s intention is clear: to ensure that the best players are participating in events, enhancing the overall competitiveness and excitement of MLP.
For a team to claim a player from another team’s available fifth or sixth spots, they will be obligated to drop one of their own top four players as a corresponding roster adjustment. This reciprocal requirement adds another layer of strategic decision-making for team management.
The new waiver periods will occur after specific MLP events throughout the season, with the trade deadline set for July 15th. This innovative rule reflects MLP’s commitment to maintaining a high level of competition and ensuring that fans get to see the league’s top talent in action, effectively saying goodbye to the days of hidden bench talent.
APP & PicklePlay Power Up: New Partnership Connects Players to Courts, Clubs, and Competition
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and PicklePlay, described as the "ultimate pickleball app," have announced a new partnership set to enhance the experience for pickleball enthusiasts. This collaboration aims to seamlessly connect players with various aspects of the sport, from finding local courts and clubs to discovering events and fellow players with compatible skill levels.
With over 150,000 users, PicklePlay already provides a valuable platform for the pickleball community. The app's features include the ability to organize pickleball events within local clubs and communities, offering user-friendly tools like PicklePlay scrambles.
As a direct benefit of this new partnership, PicklePlay Scrambles will be integrated into APP Tour events nationwide, providing players with additional opportunities for court time during these competitions. Both organizations have hinted at further "exciting player benefits" that will emerge from this collaboration. This alliance between a leading pickleball organization and a prominent technology platform promises to empower pickleball players by making it easier than ever to engage with the sport at all levels.
Banish the "Lazy Paddle": Smith's Simple Fix for Faster Pickleball Reflexes
Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith has shared a crucial tip for players looking to sharpen their reaction time: ditch the "lazy paddle". In a recent Instagram video, Smith addressed the common habit of players leaving their paddle wherever they last made contact with the ball. According to Smith, this seemingly small oversight can significantly slow down a player’s ability to react to the next shot and hinder overall game performance.
Smith emphasizes the importance of bringing your paddle back to a neutral or ready position between each shot. This simple adjustment can drastically improve a player's reaction time and allow them to respond more quickly to their opponent's moves.
For players who struggle with maintaining this correct paddle position, Smith offers a practical drill: over-exaggerate the movement by touching the paddle with the non-dominant hand between every shot. This technique helps develop the necessary muscle memory and reinforces the habit of always returning the paddle to the ready position. Smith believes this advice is beneficial for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players aiming to enhance their reaction times and overall game.
Unlock Your Opponent's Secrets: Koszuta's Pattern Recognition Guide for Smarter Pickleball
Professional pickleball player Kyle Koszuta has unveiled his expert guide to elevating your game through the power of pattern recognition. In a recent Facebook video tutorial, the Phoenix, Arizona native shared invaluable insights into how understanding your opponents' tendencies can be the key to smarter and more strategic play.
Koszuta emphasizes that pickleball is far from random; by observing recurring patterns on the court, players can gain a significant edge in predicting where the ball will go and how to react effectively. His advice starts with a simple yet often overlooked step: paying close attention to the opponent's side of the court.
Specifically, Koszuta encourages players to note where their opponents prefer to serve or return from, and to identify any weaknesses that emerge under pressure. Recognizing these subtle patterns can transform a defensive position into an offensive opportunity.
Beyond general patterns, Koszuta also highlights the importance of identifying "tells" – small clues in an opponent's movements that can reveal their intentions, such as a large swing signalling an impending attack. By honing this skill of observation and anticipation, players can make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to faster improvement and greater control on the pickleball court. Koszuta has even integrated this crucial skill into his online pickleball school.
Stay Fit, Play Fierce: Essential Exercises to Elevate Your Pickleball Performance
While the sources provided don't explicitly detail specific exercises for pickleball, they emphasize the importance of techniques and strategies that contribute to better overall performance. Callie Jo Smith highlighted the need for a “ready position” with the paddle between shots to drastically improve reaction time. This implies that agility and quick reflexes, developed through consistent practice and likely specific exercises, are essential for a fierce game. Smith even suggests a drill to reinforce this ready position by touching the paddle with the non-dominant hand between every shot to build muscle memory. Similarly, Tanner Tomassi's advice on taking dinks out of the air requires players to be in a position to react quickly and move effectively at the net. His “serve and stick” strategy also necessitates good footwork and the ability to generate power on the third shot, suggesting that exercises focusing on lower body strength and explosive movements would be beneficial. Although specific exercises aren't mentioned, the advice from professional players underscores the need for physical preparedness to execute these key techniques effectively and elevate one's pickleball performance.
Dink Like a Pro: Tomassi's Top Tip for Dominating the Net
Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi has shared a key insight for players aiming to dominate the net and dink with prowess: take dinks out of the air. In his video, Tomassi explains that intercepting the ball before it bounces allows players to “dictate the pace of the game” and gain a tactical advantage. By taking the ball out of the air, players reduce their opponent’s reaction time, putting them in the “driver’s seat” of the point. This proactive approach to dinking puts pressure on opponents and allows for more controlled and strategic shots. Tomassi’s tip is geared towards players of all skill levels looking to enhance their net game and exert greater control over the rallies. Mastering the art of taking dinks out of the air, as suggested by Tomassi, is a crucial step towards playing like a pro and controlling the crucial net area in pickleball.
Serve Smarter, Not Harder: Tomassi's "Serve and Stick" Strategy for a Killer Third Shot
Tanner Tomassi offers a valuable serving strategy that shifts the focus from power alone to smart positioning for a more effective third shot: the “serve and stick” approach. Tomassi points out a common error where players step into the court immediately after serving, which can lead to a weak backfoot third shot if the return is deep. Instead, he advises players to “serve and stick,” maintaining their position momentarily to read the return. This allows the serving team to utilize their forward momentum when hitting the crucial third shot, enabling them to “really put some power on your third shot and get to the kitchen”. The ultimate goal is for the serving team to reach the kitchen line quickly and establish a strong net presence. Tomassi's "serve and stick" strategy underscores the importance of intelligent play over brute force in setting up a successful point in pickleball.