Jake Johnson Film, Kate Fahey Fire & YouTube TV Launch

Good morning, pickleballers!

Catch the latest World Pickleball Podcast below, where Gordon Watson and I go over the last week in pickleball.

 

Here's the pickleball news from the last 24 hours.

Hollywood Hits the Kitchen: Actor Jake Johnson Champions Pickleball, Calls Podcast Showdown 'Super Bowl'

Los Angeles, United States – Actor, comedian, writer, and director Jake Johnson is bringing pickleball into the Hollywood spotlight, both on and off the screen. Johnson is starring in the upcoming pickleball-themed movie, The Dink, alongside major names like Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, and John McEnroe. His involvement with the film led him to take extensive lessons in tennis and then start studying pickleball, leading to a deep appreciation for the sport. The movie’s professionals and director, Josh Greenbaum, were committed to making The Dink a "real sports movie," ensuring the on-camera pickleball looks authentic and well-shot.

Johnson’s love for the game recently spilled into his popular podcast, We’re Here To Help. A storyline involving a pickleball coach named Taylor, challenged by his brother-in-law Bryon who trash-talked the sport, “exploded” with the fan base, with listeners calling the eventual showdown the "Super Bowl" of the podcast. Johnson admitted he was "truly invested" in the outcome, hoping Taylor won to prevent an "embarrassing moment for the game".

Johnson, who initially beat a fellow showrunner based on athleticism alone, realised that the game only seems easy when playing against inexperienced opponents. He stressed that the athletic levels are high at the professional level, where players use perfect placement and spin. Johnson encouraged Taylor to adopt a Cobra Kai mentality, urging him to "humiliate" the trash-talking challenger to protect the pickleball community—or "the gym"—from bullies who dismiss the sport as "stupid" and easily mastered. Johnson highlighted the mixed-bag nature of the pickleball community, noting that he’s personally been "smoked by a 65-year-old lady" who talked trash.

"Pickleball Should Be a Loud Sport": Kate Fahey Addresses Critics After PPA Gold

Sacramento, United States – Kate Fahey, the #2-ranked women's singles player, is making headlines not only for her dominant play but also for her fiery on-court demeanour. Fresh off winning the gold medal at the PPA Vintage Open in Sacramento, Fahey joined the PicklePod to discuss her competitive nature and the heavy criticism she receives online for yelling during matches.

Fahey, who has a decorated, All-American tennis background from the University of Michigan, admits she is "an extremely competitive person" and that yelling has always been a part of her game. She clarified that trying to remain "completely mute" causes her to play horribly because it goes against her nature. Fahey acknowledged that while she is working with a sports psychologist to manage her stress and anxiety on the court, she is not ready to apologise for her emotions. For her, screaming is a crucial way to "let go of those emotions," releasing both anger and excitement.

Fahey conceded she is focusing on directing her intense emotions away from the face of her opponent, but insisted that the vocal displays are inseparable from her identity as an athlete. She is acutely aware of the "lot of hate" she receives online, acknowledging that reading those messages is hard and hurts. Despite the backlash, she maintains a strong stance on the sport’s atmosphere. “I think pickleball should be a loud sport,” Fahey asserted. The interview comes just as Fahey prepares for a busy personal weekend, as she is set to be married in New Jersey.

Let's Dink Pickleball Centre Brings Five Dedicated Courts to Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom – Pickleball infrastructure across the UK is receiving a significant boost this month with the imminent opening of the Let’s Dink Pickleball Centre. Located at the Caunton Lawn Tennis Club near Southwell, the new facility will boast five dedicated pickleball courts.

The venture is a successful collaboration between the tennis club, which had already sought planning permission for the courts, and pickleball enthusiasts Mark and Deb Pearce, who provided the necessary funding. The construction of the courts is slated for completion in mid-October, with the final touches, including the full branding and colour-schemed courts, to be applied as weather conditions permit.

Mark Pearce detailed his and Deb’s rapid conversion to the sport, noting that neither of them came from a racquet sport background, instead having played football, cricket, and hockey. Deb first tried the sport at a taster session in January 2024 and declared that Mark "had to give it a try". After getting "hooked," their competitive journey quickly provided perspective. Following a tournament experience where they lost all their matches, they realised the sport was much bigger and more complex than they initially thought, spurring them on a journey to improve.

To enhance their skills, the Pearces have played with Pickleball Nottingham and even travelled to Los Angeles for one-on-one coaching with Kenadi Hance. They are now pursuing coaching and officiating qualifications to use at the new centre. The facility will offer flexible participation options, including both membership and pay-and-play opportunities, and will feature coaching programs and coach-led sessions delivered by James Harding and Pickleball4All. A core objective of the new centre is to actively develop and grow a junior section.

Japan Federation Appoints Veteran Tennis Official Yasuyuki Kondo to Lead Referee Committee

Tokyo, Japan – The Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) has announced a significant organisational change, appointing Mr. Yasuyuki Kondo as the new Head of the PJF Referees Committee.

Mr. Kondo brings substantial officiating experience to the role, having established a long career as a tennis official at professional international tournaments. This deep background in high-level racquet sports administration and officiating is expected to greatly benefit the burgeoning pickleball community in Japan.

In his new capacity, Mr. Kondo is slated to serve as a key leader, responsible for guiding referee teams from Japan as they participate in international pickleball tournaments across Asia and other regions. His appointment is highlighted as a strategic move to professionalise and standardise Japanese participation in the global pickleball landscape.

The announcement was made by Yuka Takahashi on September 15th, with an update provided on September 16th. The PJF, which is dedicated to organising and developing the sport, provides resources for certification, play, and learning, including training for certified referees and professionals. The Federation also supports events, such as the dedicated inquiry for the December Ariake Tourney.

Professional Pickleball Goes Mainstream as Pickleballtv Launches on YouTube TV

New York, United States – Professional pickleball has reached a massive new audience as Pickleballtv (PBTV), the only 24/7 network dedicated to the sport, officially launched on YouTube TV. The move makes professional pickleball, including action from the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), available as a standard channel to all 10 million-plus YouTube TV households.

PPA Tour Co-Founder Connor Pardoe celebrated the announcement, calling it a "huge milestone worth celebrating" for the sport’s partners, fans, staff, and especially the professional players. Pardoe noted on X that this development is critical for "bringing the game to the masses," underscoring how far the sport has come.

The Pickleballtv expansion brings comprehensive coverage to one of the most popular live TV streaming platforms in the U.S., significantly extending the sport’s accessibility and reach. Subscribers can watch PPA Tour and MLP matches, replays, international events (including Melbourne, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Da Nang), and collegiate and junior competitions.

The launch on YouTube TV was marked by a two-hour live special of Pickleballtv Live. Furthermore, the network announced an upcoming original series titled Celebrity Pickleball, hosted by Matt Manasse and featuring guests such as Drew Brees, Katie Couric, and Trae Young. Pickleballtv also confirmed it will broadcast the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships in Dallas from October 31 to November 9. While YouTube TV requires a monthly subscription fee, this integration marks a monumental step for the 24/7 dedicated pickleball network.

India Greenlights National Pickleball League Under Authority Sanction

Mumbai, India – The expansion of professional pickleball in India is accelerating following the sanctioning of a new national-level, franchise-based league. PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited (PWR) has been officially sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) to launch and operate the Indian Pickleball League.

The IPA is recognised as the official governing body for pickleball in India by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and is also affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The introduction of the Indian Pickleball League is designed to expand the sport’s national reach, foster athlete development, and establish structured opportunities for players, franchises, and partners. Full details regarding the schedule, participating franchises, and format are expected to be shared soon.

PWR has a significant history in promoting the sport domestically, having previously organised tournaments in various cities, including Delhi, Noida, and Bhubaneshwar, as well as internationally in Dubai. These events have helped cultivate a strong competitive ecosystem for players across different skill levels and age groups.

Crucially, PWR also operates the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system. This system serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India, encompassing all age groups, skill divisions, and formats, including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. With numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly throughout the country, the PWR ranking provides the foundation for identifying top Indian players and is used for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages.

Australian NPL CEO Ron Shell Predicts Asia, Led by Malaysia, Could Become the Global Epicentre of Pickleball

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Ron Shell, the CEO of the National Pickleball League (NPL) in Australia, shared powerful insights into the sport's global trajectory, suggesting that Asia, particularly Malaysia, is poised to become the new global epicentre. Shell, whose NPL has grown significantly in Australia, moving to a full-year season in 2026 with 12 teams and a $125,000 total prize pool, believes the growth in Asia is dramatically accelerating.

Shell noted that he previously thought Asia was several years behind the US, but after visiting Malaysia, he concluded that the community, grassroots structure, and infrastructure are catching up rapidly, possibly within a year or two. He attributed the rapid surge in Asia to three key factors: racket sports being part of the culture, the sport’s inclusivity across age and ability levels, and the ability to open infrastructure quicker with less red tape and cheaper labour. Shell emphasised that the beauty of pickleball courts is their similar size to the badminton courts many people grew up playing on in Asia.

Shell praised Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia specifically, arguing that the country has prioritised creating a strong atmosphere in its clubs—a "missing piece" he feels others often skip over. Shell stated that he believes other places in Southeast Asia can learn from Malaysia’s approach to investing in the community vibe.

The NPL CEO also addressed the current challenges facing the commercial growth of pickleball. He stressed that focusing on building the right framework, ensuring a great in-person spectator experience, and creating decent content for platforms like YouTube are more important than immediately securing expensive broadcast media partners. Shell emphasised that the sport is still in its infancy and shouldn't be expected to be "solved" in just two years, urging focus on sustainable, long-term product development. He also highlighted the importance of securing non-endemic sponsors—brands not typically related to pickleball equipment—to leverage their wider audiences.

Forget Boring Repetition: Pros Share Three Essential Pickleball Mini-Games for Skill Mastery

Charlotte, United States – Moving beyond tedious drills, pickleball mini-games are emerging as a fun and strategic way for players to enhance essential skills like fitness, decision-making, and consistency. Pro player Eric Roddy shared three fast-paced mini-games designed to be highly effective practice tools.

The first, Dingles, is a combination of singles and doubles, often familiar to tennis players. In Dingles, all four players begin at the kitchen line, locked in two simultaneous, separate dink rallies. Once one singles rally is won, the winner calls "Dingles," and the point immediately converts into a full-court doubles point. This game sharpens court awareness, focus, and the skill of moving efficiently with a partner.

The second game, Tug-of-War, is both a pickleball and a fitness drill, focusing heavily on mental toughness and strategy. Players or teams start at five points, with one side aiming for 0 and the other for 10. The key rule is that players must string multiple points together to win, meaning there is no room to lose focus on any single shot. Roddy recommends playing Tug-of-War when tired to simulate late-game, high-pressure situations.

Finally, The Endless Reset Game pits one team at the kitchen against an opposing team stuck in the transition zone. The team in the transition zone cannot move forward and attempts to score solely by resetting the ball repeatedly. This game is mentally challenging, forcing the resetting team to develop a "brick wall mentality" for reliable, unattackable resets. Meanwhile, the kitchen team must balance patience with power to avoid missing easy put-aways. Roddy, who often plays this game with pros like Kate Fahey, recommends it for mastering transition zone decision-making.

Christian and Wang Overcome Injury Scare to Reach Vietnam Cup Semifinals; Host Nation Shines in Men's Singles

Da Nang, Vietnam – The MB Vietnam Cup 2025, a PPA Tour Asia event held at the Tien Son Sports Arena and Tuyen Son Sports Complex, delivered high-octane quarterfinal action, highlighted by a dramatic women’s doubles comeback and strong performances by local Vietnamese players.

Top seeds Kaitlyn Christian and Chao Yi “Zoey” Wang staged a remarkable recovery in the Women's Doubles quarterfinals after suffering a dominant 1-11 loss in the first game against Roos van Reek and Andie Dikosavljevic. Christian and Wang ultimately powered back, winning 11-3, 11-9, keeping their bid for back-to-back titles alive following their victory in Malaysia just last week. Christian credited mid-match adjustments, noting that the game styles in Vietnam are unique. However, the victory was marred by an injury scare when Wang twisted her ankle at 10-9 in the decisive third game. Despite the setback, the Chinese star showed immense grit by competing in Mixed Doubles later that day alongside American Tyson McGuffin. Christian and Wang will next face Australia’s Nicola Schoeman and Danni-Elle Townsend in a high-voltage rematch of the Malaysia final.

The host nation celebrated multiple successes in Men’s Singles, with Phuc Huynh, Hoang Nam Ly, and Hien Truong all securing semifinal berths. Huynh, the gold medalist from the MB Vietnam Open 2025, dominated Mitchell Hargreaves 11-0, 11-2. Truong produced a standout victory, dispatching Hong Kit “Jack” Wong 11-4, 11-3, avenging a semifinal loss he suffered against Wong in Malaysia a week prior. With the top three seeds already eliminated, the Men's Singles draw has opened up considerably, giving the Vietnamese trio a golden opportunity for a memorable finish.

In other events, Kaitlyn Christian also advanced in Women's Singles after defeating three-time champion Yufei Long. Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins continued their impressive run, moving two wins away from the Men’s Doubles gold after a dominant 2-0 victory. Semifinal action was scheduled for the following day, with the finals set for Championship Saturday.

Pat Rafter Arena Transformed: Brisbane Pickleball Classic Draws Competitors From Across Australia and New Zealand

Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane’s largest tennis stadium, the prestigious Pat Rafter Arena, was transformed into a pickleball battleground last weekend, hosting the Brisbane Pickleball Classic. Pickleball players ranging from 16 to 75 years old seized the rare opportunity to compete in the same arena that has hosted some of the world’s best tennis players.

Tennis Australia, which organised the event, successfully installed four Joola rollout courts across the Pat Rafter Arena floor. Tennis Australia Game Expansion Pathways Lead, Blake Kebblewhite, noted that the organising team chose not to heavily promote the transformation, aiming for a "surprise factor" when players walked in. Open women’s singles gold medallist Ange Green, who travelled from Tasmania, praised the "spectacular" atmosphere and the professionally run event.

Competition was fierce across singles, doubles, and mixed divisions. Local talent shone brightly, particularly in the Men’s Masters Doubles, where Rockhampton’s Tim Rawkins and Yeppoon’s Gordon Watson claimed gold. Watson also secured two bronze medals in the Open mixed doubles and men’s singles divisions.

Other notable results include:

• Open Women’s Singles: Gold went to Lindsay Baker, Silver to Ange Green.
• Open Men’s Singles: Thanh Huynh won gold, followed by Dylan Infield with silver.
• Open Men’s Doubles: Dylan Infield and Matt Carter took the gold.
• Open Mixed Doubles: Tayah Cross and Josh Nipperess claimed gold.

Tennis Australia Head of Game Expansion, Callum Beale, expressed excitement about the momentum, stating the event was focused on establishing a "solid foundation for the future" and utilising the amazing venue to comfortably grow the sport in the years to come.

Youth Pickleball Cup Set for Melaka, Offers RM 20,000 Prize Pool

Melaka, Malaysia – The Melaka Eng Choon Youth Pickleball Cup 2025 is generating significant excitement with the announcement of a substantial prize pool. Scheduled for November 8–9, 2025, the two-day tournament will be held at the 28 Sport Cafe Pickleball in Melaka.

The event aims to bring sportsmanship and competitive spirit to the region, inviting passionate players to showcase their talent. A key highlight is the total prize pool of RM 20,000, with champions across the categories earning significant cash rewards and prizes.

The championship features both Novice and Intermediate categories to accommodate different skill levels. The categories available are:

• Novice Men's Doubles (DUPR 2.999 & below)
• Novice Mixed Doubles (DUPR 2.999 & below)
• Intermediate Men's Doubles (DUPR 3.999 & below)
• Intermediate Mixed Doubles (DUPR 3.999 & below)

The Intermediate champions will receive the largest cash prize, taking home RM 2,000 plus a Luzz Paddle and a medal. Novice champions will be awarded RM 1,200 plus a Luzz Paddle and a medal. The schedule is set for Novice Doubles on the first day, followed by Intermediate Doubles on the second day. The tournament format will divide 32 participating teams in each category into eight pools of four teams for round-robin play, with team assignments and the draft order determined via a recorded, live-streamed randomised picker wheel tool. Registration for the tournament closes on November 1, 2025.

RM39K Prize Pool Highlights WING HIN LFA Picklecup Championship in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, Malaysia – Pickleball players are gearing up for the WING HIN LFA Picklecup Championship 2025, set to take place on November 1–2, 2025, at the Play@BKGCR venue in Shah Alam. The championship is attracting high interest thanks to its massive prize pool of RM39,336.

Winners of the tournament will receive a comprehensive array of prizes, including cash rewards, exclusive Franklin Paddles, Wing Hin Cash Vouchers, Felet Court Shoes, and RE:defined Physiotherapy vouchers, in addition to medals. For the champions, this means a total package that includes RM2,000 Cash.

The tournament welcomes players of all levels in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, structured across Novice and Intermediate divisions. The categories and their DUPR limits are:

• Intermediate Men's Doubles (DUPR 3.5 & below)
• Intermediate Women’s Doubles (DUPR 3.5 & below)
• Intermediate Mixed Doubles (DUPR 4.0 & below)
• Novice Mixed Doubles (DUPR 3.0 & below)

The schedule is split across the two days, with Men's and Women's Doubles played on November 1, and Mixed Doubles divisions held on November 2. The tournament format is progressive, starting with a Group Stage using a round-robin, single game to 15 rally points. As the competition narrows, the Quarter-Finals move to a single game to 21 rally points, while the Semi-Finals and Finals will be played as a best-of-three series, utilising 15 rally points games. All matches will employ a sudden death format, meaning no serve-to-win or deuce rules apply. Registration closes on October 25, 2025, with the team entry fee set at RM270.