PicklePod

Latest Episodes:

How Zane upset the #1 Johns Bros Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Zane recaps his big weekend at the Austin Open and how the conditions were right for a Johns upset. Pickleball United CEO Pranav Kohli stops by to explain the Pickleball World Series. The new international tour is set to kick off in 2025 and offers some of the largest prize pools in pickleball history.

Use code DINK10 to save 10% on the new CHUCK pickleball from GAMMA at http://gammasports.com/

Want to work in pickleball? Join The Dink Team. We're looking for a full-time social media manager. Send us an email at thedinkteam@heydink.com to apply.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

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0:00 Zane’s big weekend at the Rain Delay Open

5:20 Outlining the winning strategy

9:57 Upcoming pros vs 5.0s and a match vs the Klitchs

16:31 Collin’s scoop in game 2, carry or not

19:27 Play to your strengths with a new partner

24:30 Andrei’s hot streak and Christian’s ceiling

28:35 The curse of the PicklePod

32:34 MLP events overlap some APP events

34:27 Is the gap closing on Ben Johns?

37:14 Iggy on the hot seat and is Andrei #2

40:27 Is the APP vs PPA gap overstated? & Newman vs Wright

42:52 Proton paddles pushing the limits

48:10 Thomas’ rocketship paddle is on the way

51:04 New Vulcan balls in Austin

53:31 Listener questions

56:48 Secret patterns that the pros talk about

59:53 Introducing Pickleball World Series

1:04:45 What makes the World Series different

1:11:57 How is the Times Group involved?

1:15:50 Finals at MSG or the Sphere

1:19:38 What are you working on now?

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Insane fan stories and the pressure of being #1 Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

What’s it like to be the world’s best player at just 17 years old? Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters join a very special edition of the PicklePod to give you a look behind the curtain.

They share some insane fan stories including groups of fans tracking them down at the airport. Finally, Anna Leigh explains how to hit one of her most dangerous shots.

Save 10% on the new Airbender paddle from GAMMA with code DINK10 at gammasports.com

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

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Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

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-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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0:00 Anna Leigh’s car collection

6:17 The pressure of being number 1

11:40 Partnership helps the mother-daughter relationship

16:00 ALW fandom reaches new heights

19:10 Tennis world recognizes the Waters

22:50 An average day of training

26:49 Adapting to paddle technology

32:15 Anna Leigh’s new paddle

36:39 Is Leigh Waters back?

42:49 Net worth rumors and sponsorship deals

48:12 Lessons from lob-gate

53:35 The pressure to win and the Tyra Black match

1:02:34 Innovating with the Happy Gilmore Serve

1:04:31 Anna Leigh’s two-handed backhand

1:08:10 RV life and ALW’s ‘bodyguard’

1:13:20 Rapid fire questions

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The reality of the PPA & MLP Merger Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

Jimmy Miller from the King of the Court podcast joins the pod to break down the merger aftermath. The MLP season can finally get underway but there are still a few loose ends to tie up.

A couple players have opted out of salary reductions or have been bought out of their contracts. That means we could see some top talent choosing not to compete in PPA or MLP events this year.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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0:00 Intro

4:14 How Jimmy got on the inside

7:24 What’s the goal for Jimmy?

9:26 Vulcan Ball changes incoming

14:28 Feeding balls to Susan and wearing a Rolex

17:12 Background on the Tour Wars

24:05 Players offered and accepted buy-outs

29:23 Clinics threatened for those that don't take cuts

35:15 How would ProXR feel about Riley not playing tournaments?

39:45 Johnson 5 in no man’s land

42:55 MLP Draft planned for North Carolina - First event Miami?

49:26 Life as a GM

52:10 The Premier/Challenger split

55:48 Should every team be in the Premier Level?

1:05:50 Pros coming after Jimmy

1:19:15 The Gamemaker and new pickle sports

1:24:02 Jimmy needs a new scandal

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Collin Johns gets technical, pickleball strategy talk Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

After a surprising upset in Mesa, Collin Johns is back on the PicklePod. He explains how the new Vulcan ball is affecting play and how the new serve rule has helped remove egregious faults from the game.

Collin recalls the few teams that have taken him and his brother Ben in the past three years and explains how those opponents were able to hand them an L. Learn what three drills CJ says are mandatory in an all-new episode.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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0:00 Colin Johns intro

3:38 A little word association

5:45 Breaking news

9:30 Early life at the Johns household

13:29 The famous nut shot

15:49 Collin’s first match the eye protection

18:32 Bodybag or net cord?

21:14 The bookcase that made Ben’s backhand

29:46 Frankensteining - Stealing shots from other players

33:16 The impact of the Vulcan ball

41:10 The loss the Gabe Tardio/Andrei Daescu

48:47 What’s it take to beat the Johns bros

53:36 Only three drills allowed

59:27 Collin’s role on the player council

1:08:14 The year of the drop serve

1:11:26 Consulting and myth-busting

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How to go pro in less than a year w/ Jaume Martinez Vich Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

Jaume Martinez Vich is the guest on an all-new episode of the PicklePod. From humble origins in Spain, Jaume has gone from Rafa Nadal's hitting partner to a DII Tennis National Champion and is now a top 10 pro pickleball player.

Learn more about Jaume's risky bet on himself to make it as a pickleball pro. He shares the details of how he fought for a performance-based contract and exceeded expectations.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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Show Notes

0:00 Geography pop quiz

3:30 The Road Warrior life

5:41 How did you get good in Hawaii?

8:53 The doubles game is already there

14:02 Improve while playing against weaker players

15:51 Jaume’s revenue streams and support system

19:00 How Jaume funded a pro career and bet on himself

24:35 Initial offers vs Jaume performance-based plan

31:43 Mainland home would be the next step

33:28 Jaume’s experience with an agent

37:09 The weight of social media on brand deals

46:11 Hitting partner with Rafa Nadal and Jaume’s family

50:46 Hayden crashes the party

53:31 The Top 5 Players you don’t want to see in a draw

58:30 Rank these three at the cat and mouse game

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How America gave the world pickleball fever Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Tom Webb, the Chief Marketing Officer at the APP sits down with Thomas and Zane to share a little of what the APP has been building in the shadows.

From international events to college championships and establishing a new headquarters in FL, the APP has been quietly making moves. Their goal is to share their brand of pickleball with the world and lay the foundation for the next generation.

We're giving away 10 FS Tour paddles. Enter the giveaway here:

https://giveaway.thedinkpickleball.com/franklin

Get 10% off the new Airbender paddle from Gamma Sports with promo code DINK10 at https://www.gammasports.com/pages/meet-chuck?utm_source=online&utm_campaign=chuck_launch&utm_id=The+Dink

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Shop performance-driven comfort from Vuori https://vuoriclothing.com/thedink

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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Show Notes

0:00 Congrats to Zane

5:35 Dink Awards results and PickleBowl recap

12:27 Merger updates and rating system hold up

19:11 Players speak out after the Desert Ridge

24:35 Tom Webb from APP joins the pod

31:41 Not in competition with anyone

35:30 Pickleball’s internal struggles

39:11 Why pull back on streaming?

49:45 Going global, “When America sneezes…”

55:40 Top international markets

1:05:59 Preaching inclusivity over exclusivity

1:12:08 A whole new generation of talent coming

1:16:04 College pickleball taking off

1:21:25 Ken Herrmann keeping the Iced Tea vibes

1:25:20 Building under the APP umbrella

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Risky strategy to win more pickleball matches w/ Dekel Bar Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

The big man, Dekel Bar, steps into the PicklePod studio to get some things off his chest. Dekel is not a fan of the new serve rule and thinks it detracts from viewer friendly pickleball.

Zane and Dekel had an epic semifinal matchup and the Desert Ridge Open. We break down the hostile attacks and game-changing clips that made the match unforgettable.

Sign up to play at the Picklebowl '24 at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. https://www.inspiringchildren.org/vegas-pickle-bowl

Benefits go to the Inspiring Children Foundation.

We're giving away 10 Franklin FS Tour paddles. Enter the giveaway here:

https://giveaway.thedinkpickleball.com/franklin

Get 10% off the new CHUCK ball from Gamma Sports with promo code DINK10 at https://www.gammasports.com/pages/meet-chuck?utm_source=online&utm_campaign=chuck_launch&utm_id=The+Dink

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Shop performance-driven comfort from Vuori https://vuoriclothing.com/thedink

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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Show Notes

0:00 Dekel is in the house

3:00 Stats from ‘The Match’

13:00 Are bodybags and acceptable strategy?

22:58 Going to see more drives

24:46 Vulcan ball 'out of round'

28:09 Dekel’s thoughts on the new serve rule

33:30 You must challenge the toss before the third shot

39ish 40% of serve returns missed in tennis and ball conspiracy

44ish Neutralize a big serve

47:22 Results from the Desert Ridge Open

51:20 How were the crowds in Arizona?

53:30 ATP’s crush on SportsCenter

55:45 Liquidity tweet possibly cut

58:35 Escape room and the switch to Joola

1:01:00 Dekel’s Pickleball 360

1:04:33 More voicemails

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Will China take over the game of pickleball? Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Zane and the boys get raucous in Austin for his bachelor party. He suffers the right of passage of the white rabbit run and falls asleep at a comedy club.

The PPA-MLP 'deadline' has officially passed but there are still questions unanswered. The guys discuss whether China prepping for Olympic supremacy should have pros concerned.

Sign up to play at the Picklebowl '24 at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. https://www.inspiringchildren.org/vegas-pickle-bowl

Benefits go to the Inspiring Children Foundation.

Dock tok https://www.docktok.com/

AreyoukiddingTV

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Shop performance-driven comfort from Vuori https://vuoriclothing.com/thedink

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns

Rep the latest in dink branded merch at https://repthedink.com/

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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Show Notes

0:00 Zane's Bachelor weekend

6:30 Napping at a comedy show

11:54 The Picklebowl 2024 at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

14:56 The MLP - PPA merger “deadline”

21:53 The buyout pickleball lottery

26:28 New serve rule still in play

31:48 JW, Dylan, and Jack Sock all missing from Desert Ridge

34:10 Riley and Thomas f*ing good

34:30 Zane walkout clip

37:01 Pat Smith suspended and possible players union

42:21 A deeper look at men’s singles

48:26 Women’s singles and Rohrabacher’s rise

51:44 Front Office Sports article - China wants to lead in pickleball

1:02:58 My DUPR just went up

1:04:31 Gambling in Pickleball

1:11:36 Addressing the viewership problem

1:16:34 SAN Question and voicemails

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"I shouldn't say this, but..." w/ Riley Newman Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Riley Newman makes a special appearance on the PicklePod and shares his best stories from six years of pro pickleball. Newman covers his break up with Matt Wright and how he is building partnerships in 2024.

The guys give an update on the PPA - MLP merger and Riley explains his surprising decision to sign with MLP last year. Finally, Riley responds to the haters who don't like his style of play or paddle tap philosophy.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Shop performance-driven comfort from Vuori https://vuoriclothing.com/thedink

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns

Rep the latest in dink branded merch at https://repthedink.com/

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

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0:00 A heartfelt voicemail from Altaf Merchant

3:57 Merger talks are back on track, for now

7:26 First MLP event is on its deathbed, merger or nothing

10:44 Johnson 5 caught in contract limbo?

16:33 DUPR is growing users and capital

20:32 Riley Newman still has basketball fever

24:16 Building a partnership with Thomas Wilson

28:30 Second isn't good enough

31:00 Where the pancake grip got started

36:02 What difference does a paddle make?

38:18 Still no paddle taps and battling the haters

43:45 We are never getting back together

51:40 The Riley Newman origin story

55:01 MLP Draft drama and signing with the league

1:00:34 What content do you consume?

1:02:14 The next wave of talent

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Pickleball’s most deadly forehand w/ special guests Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

Jack Munro is a pickleball OG. He picked up the game before it was cool and was a junior national champion a decade ago.

After a long hiatus, he is back to reclaim his throne in America's fastest-growing sport. Zane and Jack are joined by Carlos Di Laura who is putting together a pro pickleball playground and training center in Austin.

Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/

To support Stop Alzheimers Now and submit your question for the pod visit: https://www.stopalzheimersnow.org/donate.html

Shop performance-driven comfort from Vuori https://vuoriclothing.com/thedink

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns

Rep the latest in dink branded merch at https://repthedink.com/

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/signup/

-Follow us on IG *@thedinkpickleball*

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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