Pickleball Today - The POD

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Leisure
**Pickleball Today – The POD**

Join hosts Pickleball Pat Batty and Johan Friesen on Pickleball Today and Pickleball Today – The POD, Canada’s Leading Pickleball News Source, and now with a wide US audience well.

Pat and John cover everything from players and clubs to tournaments, business, gear, travel tips, and more:

They cover, both the Canadian and US Pickleball scene, which is thriving with a number of professional leagues, and hundreds of private, public, and non-profit clubs in both countries.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, Pat and John have you covered with expert commentary and in-depth coverage of this exciting sport. Tune in for all things Pickleball – from coast to coast to coast!

Pat and John are passionate volunteers, dedicating their time and energy to bring you high-quality content on the world of Pickleball. Any money earned through promotions, ads, or sponsorships goes directly to support specialized long-term care for Patrick’s wife, who is bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Latest Episodes:

Collin Johns Rant, Brief Update, Coming Paddle Reviews including the Jelly Bean EP:13 Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Pickleball Today - The POD has just a brief update this week as we take a brief summer break. This is Episode 13.

We give our perspective of the Collin Johns complaints about MLP.

We also share why we are off, and news about some upcoming paddle reviews.

Discount Codes

We offer the best discount codes to the best Boutique / Pro Shop Level Pickleball Products in the Industry.

Six Zero Pickleball
10% off and Free Shipping on Orders over $100

Code: PICKLEBALLTODAY https://pickleballtoday.co/six-zero

11SIX24 Pickleball

15% Discount

Code: PBToday https://pickleballtoday.co/11SIX24

Bread & Butter Pickleball

15% Discount

Code: PBToday

https://pickleballtoday.co/bnb

Neonic Pickleball

15% Discount

Code: PBToday

https://pickleballtoday.co/neonic

Holbrook Pickleball Paddles

15% Discount

Code: PBToday https://pickleballtoday.co/holbrook

Vatic Pro Paddles

10% Discount

Code: PBToday

https://pickleballtoday.co/vatic-pro

Volair Pickleball

10% Discount

Code: PBTODAY

https://pickleballtoday.co/volair

Crown Pickleball - Balls, Paddles, Gear

15% Discount

Code: PBTODAY https://pickleballtoday.co/crown

Beating Pickleball Bangers, Paddle Giveaways Galore, Interview with Referee Scott K. Foster EP: 12 Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Patrick and Mark are joined by Scott K. Foster, and high level pickleball referee in this episode. Why is Patrick grinning? Listen to his Wile E. Coyote Moment.

Better still listen to Mark give a solid lesson on How to Beat Pickleball Bangers.
It's pure gold. You will be a better player after it.

Finally, learn how you can win 1 of three paddles we are giving away in the next week or so.

Episode Timing
00:00 Wile E. Coyote Moment 03:56 Today's Topics 07:28 How to Beat Pickleball Bangers 15:42 Paddle News and Giveaways 22:19 Interview with Scott Foster 29:00 Refereeing Pickleball 30:27 Common Faults in Tournament Games 33:25 Questions Players Can Ask Referees 38:42 Understanding Timeouts in Pickleball 46:41 Becoming a Pickleball Referee 53:06 More Paddle News and Giveaways 59:57 Pickleball Today Outro

Bread And Butter Pickleball Use code: PBToday for 15% off

Six Zero Pickleball Use code: PICKLEBALLTODAY for 10% off and free shipping on orders of $100 or more

Crown Pickleball Use Code PBToday for 15% off, free shipping and brokerage on orders over $100

Pickleball Today Website Register on Optin Popup or Page there for Paddle Giveaways

PPA Going International, Pickleball Paddle Give Aways, 5 Minute Warm Up EP: 11 Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Mark and Pat are back from mini vacations and talk about this week's pickleball news, including a new public facility developed with private donations and a public grant. Other places can learn from this.

We talk briefly about some paddles and their impact.
We share how to be part of our paddle giveaways in order to win one of our pro level paddles.

And Mark shares his coaching tip of the week. This one is a great 5-Minute Complete Warm Up Drill to get you ready for a FAST START in your play.
You can get a copy of the drill at http://pickleballtoday.co

00:00 Introduction and Quick Vacation Stories

01:07 Welcome and Introduction to Pickleball Today

03:11 Fast discussion of a New Pickleball Facility in Honey Harbour, Ontario

06:20 The Impact of Paddles on Gameplay

08:26 Our Paddle Giveaway and How to Enter

11:15 Discussion of New Paddle Releases

13:12 The Joola Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15 Pro Player Edition Paddle

16:38 The Importance of Warming Up Before a Game

19:10 Mark's Five-Minute Tournament Warm-Up

29:06 The PPA's Announcement of International Tournaments

32:30 Discussion of Travel and Player Expenses

38:00 Conclusion and Reminder to Subscribe and Enter for our Pickleball Paddle Giveaways

Companies Mentioned

Crown Pickleball Use Code PBToday
Bread And Butter Pickleball Use code: PBToday for 15% off.

Pickleball Today Website Register on Optin Popup or Page there for Paddle Giveaways

MLP and Beer City Open, Canadians in MLP, Hitting Deep Shots, BNB Pickleball; EP: 10 Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Pat and Mark Discuss Pats weekend with Major League Pickleball and the Beer City Open in Grand Rapids, MI 00:00 Intro Pickleball Today 01:02 Welcome and Today's Topics 02:27 MLP and the Beer City Open 03:07 MLP Q & A 06:37 Canadian MLP Players 11:31 VIP Tickets 14:11 What's in the Package 17:48 Mark and Pat Play Singles 23:07 We Have a Blast with Bread & Butter Paddles 26:51 MLP Results Champion and Challenger 35:30 Mark's Coaches Corner - Hitting it Deep 42:27 Wrap Up Beer City Open, pickleball tournament, spectator view, seating, VIP options, Canadian players, Bread&Butter Pickleball paddles, singles pickleball, Major League Pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters, Angie Walker, Lane Sleeth, Todd Fought, Zane Navratil, Jersey Fives, coaching tip

An Apology to Todd Fought, Some New Paddles, DUPR Reveals all, Speed Up Lesson EP: 9 Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:30 An Apology to Todd Fought 08:58 The Power of a Supportive Partner 13:19 DUPR Night: A Revealing Test of Stamina 22:20 Using the DUPR system 24:50 Introducing the Bread and Butter Paddle 34:59 Updates on the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Links. Crown Pickleball Bread & Butter Pickleball Use code: PBToday for 15% discount

Embarrassing Hot Mics, Big Wins, Making Sense of Paddle Testing. EP: 8 Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Summary
In this episode, Patrick Batty discusses various topics related to pickleball. He introduces a new community called The North, where players can have discussions and share information. He also highlights notable Canadian players who performed well in recent tournaments and mentions the upcoming Canada's Best Pickleball Club contest. We talk briefly about a Canadian Pro that had a bit of an embarrassing hot mic incident recently Patrick does his best provide updates on paddle testing and the different standards set by the USAPA and UPA. He concludes by sharing a list of upcoming pickleball tournaments in Canada. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 04:40 Introducing The North: A New Community for Canadian Pickleball Players 08:37 Crown Pickleball - Thank You 12:33 Notable Canadian Players Shine in the PPA Tournament 13:40 Six Zero Pickleball - Thank You 16:02 Hot Mic Slip Up - Oops 25:17 Seeking a National Sponsor for Canada's Best Pickleball Club Contest 27:28 Making Sense of Paddle Testing and Approval 31:46 Paddle Testing for Professional Players 37:46 No Need to Worry About Paddle Approval for Regular Players 46:22 Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments in Canada Takeaways

The North - a Pickleball Community is a new free discussion community for pickleball players to have discussions and share information.
Several Canadian players performed well in recent tournaments, including Catherine Parenteau and Steve Deakin.
One Canadian player had an Embarrassing Hot Mic incident
Canada's Best Pickleball Club contest will be held again this year, allowing players to nominate and vote for their favorite clubs.
Paddle testing standards differ between the USAPA and UPA, with the USAPA being the standard for amateur players and the UPA for professional players.
There are several upcoming pickleball tournaments in Canada, providing opportunities for players to compete and have fun.

Other Links
Our Website: Pickleball Today

The North Pickleball Community

USAPA Approved Paddle / Ball Database

Volleys, Lobs, Ladies Nights, DUPR Nights, Paddle Discounts EP: 7 Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 7, Mark and Patrick discuss their recent pickleball activities and share updates from their club. They also talk about training tips, a ladies-only DUPR night, and the importance of endurance in tournaments. They mention the DUPR rating system and its benefits for fair competition. Additionally, they discuss various paddle brands and the discounts available on their website as well as paddle options and price ranges In this conversation, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss various topics related to pickleball equipment and strategies. The conversation then shifts to the topic of handling lobs in pickleball and the strategies behind it. They discuss the importance of communication with your partner and the need to hit soft and controlled shots when running forward. The conversation ends with a discussion about upcoming plans for the Canada Day long weekend. Keywordspickleball, training, duper night, endurance, tournaments, Dupre rating system, paddle brands, discounts, pickleball, equipment, paddles, prices, Rev Aria, Rev Platinum, Tyrol shoes, gear bags, lobs, strategies, communication, soft shots, Canada Day Takeaways

Pickleball players can improve their game by focusing on training and practicing specific shots, such as the volley shot.
Hosting ladies-only DUPR nights can provide a competitive and enjoyable experience for female players.
The DUPR rating system helps ensure fair competition in tournaments by placing players in appropriate skill categories based on their ratings.
Endurance is important in pickleball tournaments, and participating in longer playing sessions can help build stamina.
There are various paddle brands available, and players can take advantage of discounts offered on the Pickleball Today website. There are various paddle options available for pickleball, price ranges go from about $69 to over $300 and all paddles have a minimum discount.
When handling lobs in pickleball, it is important to communicate with your partner and decide who will go for the lobs.
The recommended shots to use when returning lobs are drop shots into the kitchen or returning the lob with another lob.
When running forward to hit a ball, try to hit it soft and controlled to allow more time to get back into position.
The Canada Day long weekend is a popular time for boating and enjoying the water.

Titles

Building Endurance for Tournaments
Training Tips and Ladies-Only Duper Night Enjoying the Canada Day Long Weekend
Exploring Pickleball Equipment and Prices

Sound Bites

"When you're in ready position, holding that paddle at 11 o'clock, if you're right-handed, it'd be one o'clock. If you're left-handed slightly to that backhand, just easier to defend your body and your shots on the backhand."
"Some ladies wanted to just play against themselves and enjoy those type of games."
"If you sign up for a tournament in DUPR, then it's based on your rating, you will be put into the category that you belong instead of just assigning yourself to a category."

Chapters 00:00 From Hockey to Pickleball: Transitioning to the Main Topic 04:25 Improving Skills with Training Videos and Practice 06:13 Creating a Competitive Environment with Ladies-Only Nights 07:24 The Importance of the Duper Rating System for Tournaments 12:29 Exploring Paddle Discounts and Partnerships 28:40 Tips for Handling Lobs in Pickleball 30:54 Communication Strategies for Dealing with Lobs 37:51 Upcoming Plans for Canada Day Weekend 43:13 Pickleball Today Outro video.mp4

Pickleball in the Heat, Summer Gear Storage, Pickleball Fans and More: EP: 6 Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Summary In this episode of Pickleball Today - The POD, Pat and Mark discuss the recent hot weather and its impact on pickleball.

They also talk about recent pickleball events, including the CPA Pro Tour and Major League Pickleball. They mention the growing excitement among fans and the benefits of watching team events.

They also mention their sponsor, Crown Pickleball, and the quality of their pickleballs.

Mark shares his experience organizing a singles tournament at Corte.

Mark talks about who should be making calls in Doubles Play.

Mark and Pat discuss the importance of communication and calling shots in pickleball.

Additionally, they share updates on upcoming pickleball tournaments and new paddle products.

Takeaways

Hot weather can impact pickleball play and tournaments.
The CPA Pro Tour and Major League Pickleball are gaining popularity among fans.
Team events in pickleball seem to be very enjoyable for spectators.
Crown Pickleball offers affordable and high-quality pickleballs.
Agreeing on how to call balls in doubles play is important for effective communication.
Clear communication during a game is important, such as using the word 'you' to indicate who should take a shot.
Upcoming pickleball tournaments include the WRC Canada Day Classic in Whistler, the SCPA Members Only Tournament in Sherwood Park, and the National Championships in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
The company 6-0 Paddles is expanding and launching new paddle models, including the 14 millimeter Ruby and the value line called Quartz.
Crown Pickleball is sponsoring the podcast and offering a great deal on 100 balls.

Titles

The Impact of Hot Weather on Pickleball
The Benefits of Team Events in Pickleball Partner Responsibility in Calling Shots
Clear Communication for Better Gameplay

Sound Bites

"The CPA Pro Tour was a great success for a start for a new tour in Canada."
"Women's doubles just seems to be the most intense."
"Crown Pickleball: Affordable and high-quality pickleballs."
"It's your partner's responsibility to call those balls out for you."
"Only one person should ever make the call."
"Say the word no or ole or let it bounce."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 It's Hot!

03:00 New Articles on Pickleball Today

03:30 Catherine Parenteau - Blocks and Counterattacks

05:00 The Success of the CPA Pro Tour - Toronto

06:00 Pickleball Fans and Excitement of Watching Women's Doubles

09:30 Pickleball and Betting

10:00 TV and Online Pickleball Viewing Sources

13: 00 Crown Pickleball

16:00 Hot Weather Pickleball Ball and Paddle Storage

17:30 Etiquette in Pickleball: Calling Balls In or Out

22:50 Expansion of Saugeen Shores Pickleball @ Lakeshore Rec. & Fitness

23:50 The Fairgrounds - Toronto

24:30 New Six Zero Paddles and Factory

27:00 Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments in Canada

36:36 Thank You and Outro

Keywordspickleball, hot weather, CPA Pro Tour, Major League Pickleball, fans, team events, Crown Pickleball, singles tournament, calling balls, pickleball, communication, calling shots, partner responsibility, tournaments, paddle products

CPA Pro Tour, Pickleball Chicks, Playing Better Players. EP: 5 Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Pickleball Today hosts, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss their weekend activities and introduce their special guest, Sharon Ricci, the founder of Pickleball Chicks.

Sharon talks about the challenges women face in pickleball tournaments and the need for a supportive and inclusive environment, and more about her organization and their tournaments, and more.
They also discuss an upcoming tournament hosted by Pickleball Chicks in Canada.
The conversation then shifts to a review of the CPA Pro Tour finals, highlighting the medalists in various categories.
Mark shares some coaching tips, involving playing better players in recreational games to improve one's own game.
He also a weekly training schedule for pickleball players looking to improve their skills.
Finally, Pat wraps up with our weekly cross country Canadian Pickleball Tournament list.

Summary In this conversation, Pickleball Today - The POD, hosts, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss their weekend activities and introduce their special guest, Sharon Ricci, the founder of Pickleball Chicks. Sharon talks about the challenges women face in pickleball tournaments and the need for a supportive and inclusive environment, and more about her organization and their tournaments, and more. They also discuss an upcoming tournament hosted by Pickleball Chicks in Canada. The conversation then shifts to a review of the CPA Pro Tour finals, highlighting the medalists in various categories. Mark shares some coaching tips, involving playing better players in recreational games to improve one's own game. He also talks about a weekly training schedule for pickleball players looking to improve their skills. Finally, Pat wraps up with our weekly cross-country Canadian Pickleball Tournament list. 00:00 Into Pickleball Today Ep: 5 02:40 Pickleball Chicks - Sharon Ricci 18:02 Upcoming Pickleball Chicks Tournament in Cambridge, Ontario 23:45 Congratulations to Hi Sports and the CPA Pro Tour 25:00 CPA Pro Tour Overview, Celebration of the medalists. 29:30 Multi Medal Winners, a Triple Crown and Exceptional Performances 35:54 Improving Your Game with Targeted Training 39:23 Weekly Pickleball Practice Plan 42:45 Upcoming Tournaments in Canada 45:00 Thank You to Grand River Freeport staff and Alzheimer's Assoc. 46:30 Wrap Up Sound Bites

"We don't give out medals. We give out pickleball chick crowns." - Susan

USAPA / Joola Paddle Breaking News - June 5, 2024 EP:4.1 Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

Joola / USAPA GEN 3 Paddle Update, June 5, 2024: Episode 4.1
This is an update to our earlier podcast published today.

Subsequent to our earlier regular full podcast episode the this week, which was jam-packed with lots of cool discussion with Mark, myself and Yui See Lau, the USAPA and Joola issued important updates about all time best seller paddle, the Joola Gen 3 pickleball paddle.
The new paddle submitted by Joola has again Failed it's testing and is not deemed Legal by USAPA.

Joola, in response had now offered customers refunds. You should contact your dealer for info.
Also a recent class action lawsuit against Joola has been launched but in our estimation it would be better to just get the refund if you don't want to play with the paddle.

Pickleball Canada, the CNPL, CPA Pro Tour all use USAPA regulations and rely on USAPA to approve paddles.
So effectively, these paddles can not be used in tournament play in Canada.

Thanks very much.

Let's play Pickleball

Patrick

Pickleball Today - The POD

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Pickleball Today – The POD

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected