Pickleball News

Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant? Zane Navratil explains

Pickleball.com Staff — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Pickleball may still be in its early stages, but Anna Leigh Waters has already put together a resume that feels nearly untouchable.

At just 19, Waters has racked up 44 triple crowns and 192 gold medals, along with dominant runs across singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. At the time of this analysis, she was riding a 25-tournament singles gold streak and a staggering 125-match singles win streak, with her last loss dating back to June 2, 2024—more than two years ago.

So what exactly sets her apart? Pro player and former New Jersey 5s teammate Zane Navratil took a closer look at what makes Waters so difficult to beat.

1. Elite Anticipation

One of Waters’ greatest strengths isn’t something you’ll find in the box score—it’s her anticipation.

After competing at a high level since age 12, Waters has developed an advanced feel for the game. She picks up on subtle cues in an opponent’s motion and often appears to read shots before they’re even struck.

That early read gives her a crucial edge, allowing her to get set sooner and dictate points. It also amplifies her already elite hand speed. She’s not just reacting in fast exchanges, she’s ready for them before they happen.

2. Her Two-Handed Backhand

Waters’ two-handed backhand might be the most defining shot in her arsenal.

While many players look to step around their backhand and favor a forehand, Waters flips that script—she’ll occasionally run around her forehand just to unleash her backhand instead.

With her grip and compact swing, she’s able to produce a rare blend of spin, pace, and disguise, turning what’s typically a neutral shot into a true point-ending weapon.

She plays with a grip just past continental, leaning toward eastern, which helps her open the paddle face and get under low dinks. The slightly shorter grip also adds stability and quick maneuverability in tight exchanges.

More importantly, her setup looks nearly identical whether she’s about to speed the ball up or roll a heavy topspin dink. That disguise makes it incredibly tough for opponents to anticipate what’s coming next.

3. Efficient Movement

Waters may not be the fastest player on tour in terms of raw speed, but her movement is remarkably efficient.

She excels at:

- Reaching top speed quickly

- Maintaining balance while hitting

- Recovering quickly after each shot

- Staying in position for the next ball

Efficient movement is essential in pickleball—simply reaching the ball isn’t enough. Players need to arrive balanced and in control, ready for the next shot.

Waters does exactly that, consistently putting herself in position with poise and precision.

4. Elite Returns, Drops and Hands

Waters' return is one of the most dangerous shots in her arsenal. She blends pace, spin, and precision to apply pressure right from the start of the point.

Her drop shots are just as impactful. She’s able to hit them with aggression and intent without giving up consistency, which lets her take control of rallies and dictate the tempo early.

Then there are her hands. At the net, Waters is incredibly quick and composed in fast-paced exchanges. Combined with her anticipation, those rapid reactions make her one of the most dangerous counterattackers in the women’s game.

5. Court IQ and Mental Toughness

If Waters has one trait that brings everything together, it’s her pickleball IQ. She’s constantly thinking a few shots ahead, reading patterns and positioning herself based on what her opponent is most likely to do next.

That awareness allows her to make even the toughest shots look routine.

Her mental toughness is just as important. Waters competes with relentless focus and discipline, supported by a deep commitment to training and recovery.

And it all connects—each part of her game elevates the rest, making her skill set even more dangerous as a whole.

Her anticipation gets her set early. Her positioning creates cleaner contact points. Her backhand lets her attack from spots where most players would be on defense. Her hands fuel lightning-fast counters, and her movement keeps her prepared for whatever comes next.

That’s what makes Waters so tough to beat.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

The art of defending the ATP

Victoria Radnothy — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The around-the-post shot, or ATP, has become increasingly common in pickleball.

At the pro level, it was once a flashy, crowd-pleasing shot reserved for highlight reels—one that could stop a rally and send the crowd into a frenzy.

Today, an ATP is almost as routine as an Erne.

Callie Smith has witnessed that evolution firsthand.

“I love ATPs. Honestly, I feel like they’ve been part of the game for a while now. But now with the new technology and the grit, you can spin a lot harder and you actually hit a lot more ATPs than you ever used to,” explained Smith. “It’s pretty exciting.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pickleballtv (@pickleballtv)

For his part, Caden Nemoff loves the ATP for the entertainment it brings to the game.

“I think ATPs are great for the sport because they’re so exciting for the viewers,” he said. “People love them, and they’re even more fun when you hit one.”

Yates Johnson believes the ATP is one of the shots that makes pickleball so special.

“I love that ATPs are getting so popular. I think that’s what makes pickleball unique and different than tennis or any other sport,” said Johnson. “You have these trick shots that are happening so much now that they’re almost becoming a normal shot. Jay Devilliers has been on SportsCenter like five times because of them. So, they’re undoubtedly a cool shot. They’re fun to hit yourself and fun to watch as a fan.”

As the shot continues to grow in popularity, pros have had to sharpen their defenses to counter the ATP and keep the rally alive.

Johnson shared his advice for defending against one.

“You want to get your paddle as low as possible. The ball is usually staying super low along the court, so you have to get down with your legs and try to put the paddle where you think the ball’s going to go and attack it,” he said. “Hold your ground and let the ball come to you.”

Smith admitted that defending an ATP is far from as easy as the pros make it look.

“It’s tough to defend. You have to know the angle where they’re coming from and slide over to the sideline, depending on how wide the angle is. If it’s really wide, then it can go anywhere. If it’s just slightly wide, then most of the time they’re aiming for the sideline, so you’ll have to shift your feet over to protect or guard the sideline,” she advised. “Then, the person that’s not off the court hitting the ATP, they’re usually going to come over and try to cover the down the line shot. So if you can hit it cross-court back behind them, then you’ll have a winner on the ATP defense.”

Michael Loyd shared his advice as well.

“The ATP used to end the rally, but now people are getting so good at defending them. It’s just another shot at this point,” he explained. “To return them, it’s about equal parts anticipation and movement. Make sure you see the fact that they’re going to have the opportunity as early as possible, and make sure that instead of you running back straight, you’re running on an angle where you think the ball is going to land. Try to cut it off as quickly as you can.”

What do you think about the ATP? Let us know on Instagram.

Kenny Loggins finds new groove in pickleball

Matt Cudzinowski — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Legendary singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has fully embraced pickleball—and like so many others, it didn’t take long for the sport to win him over.

“I was hooked immediately,” Loggins said, recalling how he first discovered the game roughly eight years ago through friends.

For Loggins, who grew up playing baseball, basketball, and racquetball, pickleball ultimately filled a competitive void he didn’t quite realize was missing.

The appeal was the balance of intensity and playfulness that sets pickleball apart, combined with its accessibility for people of all ages and skill levels.

“I missed the sort of friendly competition aspect in my life,” the 78-year-old explained. “And it’s not life and death like tennis. It’s about play. As we get older, we don’t have a lot of opportunities to play, right? I think traditionally the most older people do is play cards. That ain’t it, so when I found pickleball, I was hooked.”

That spirit of enjoyment has been central to his experience, but he didn’t just fall in love with pickleball on his own—he brought his wife, Lisa, along for the ride.

The couple quickly made it an integral part of their routine, playing regularly in the picturesque coastal city of Santa Barbara, California where they reside.

“We can play three days a week,” Loggins mentioned, noting that sessions typically last between 90 minutes and two hours. “We just started playing and she got really good at it. Some people can take right to it, and she did, so she beats me regularly. But I still do pretty good for a man my age.”

While he prefers doubles, often alongside Lisa or with friends, their on-court dynamic comes with its own set of challenges and humor.

“Married couples should not play together,” Loggins joked, explaining that communication on the court can sometimes blur the line between coaching and criticism.

(From L to R) Cherry Sadler, Dayne Gingrich, Matt Manasse, Lisa Loggins, and Kenny Loggins.

Still, the pair has found a system that works: always keep it positive.

“We have an agreement when we play together that we only compliment each other,” he emphasized.

Like many recreational players, Loggins appreciates the unpredictability of pickleball, the way a solid performance can quickly be followed by a frustrating one.

It adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for that next game.

“It’s somewhat like golf. You can have a really good day and then the next day can be really bad,” he said. “That's the nature of the game.”

But when he’s piling up points and winning, the payoff is unmatched.

“When everything’s going in, it just makes my day,” Loggins added. “I feel more confident.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stereogum (@stereogum)

Now, Loggins is channeling his passion for pickleball into something bigger: a tournament next month in Santa Barbara that blends competition, entertainment, and philanthropy.

The second annual “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” tournament benefits Unity Shoppe, an organization committed to providing resources, such as groceries, clothing, and other essentials, to Santa Barbara County residents impacted by temporary conditions of poverty, life transitions, natural disasters, or health crises.

“It’s a benefit, but I wanted to do a pickleball tournament that was focused on fun,” he said.

That philosophy shapes the entire event experience. With music, a lively atmosphere, and plans to incorporate live performances in the future, Loggins hopes the tournament feels like a celebration of the sport.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously—that should be our motto,” Loggins mentioned.

The tournament has already drawn hundreds of participants, a testament to both pickleball’s explosive growth and Loggins’ ability to bring people together.

Though he admits he hasn’t yet sat down to watch PPA Tour or MLP matches on Pickleballtv, Loggins has seen clips and is genuinely intrigued to watch the likes of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns ply their trade in person.

More than anything, he’s excited about pickleball’s ability to connect people, on and off the court.

“I want people to have a great time and learn about Unity Shoppe,” he said of his event. “And leave there telling their friends about it.”

For Loggins, pickleball isn’t just a hobby, it’s a community builder, a source of joy, and a platform for giving back.

Click here to learn more about the second annual “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” tournament.

Which state is America’s most pickleball-obsessed?

Victoria Radnothy — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Think your home courts are packed? They might feel crowded, but compared to other parts of the country, they may not be nearly as busy as you think.

There’s no question that pickleball popularity isn’t evenly distributed. Certain regions have become clear hotspots. Florida, for instance, is home to a large percentage of pro players, while states like Texas, Arizona, California, and Utah have built strong reputations as pickleball hubs.

But which state truly stands above the rest as the most pickleball-obsessed?

Researchers at Canada Sports Betting recently set out to answer that question, analyzing all 50 U.S. states along with 13 Canadian provinces. Their goal: create a “pickleball obsession index” to determine where enthusiasm for the sport is at its peak.

To build the index, they combined three weighted factors:

- Pickleball venues per 100,000 residents (50% of the score)
- Annual search volume per 100,000 residents (30%)
- Regional interest based on Google Trends data (20%)

Each region received a score out of 10 in every category, benchmarked against the top-performing area in North America. Those scores were then combined into a final ranking from 1 to 64.

So, which state claimed the top spot?

Hawaii.

With 522 courts and 11.24 venues per 100,000 residents, Hawaii led the way in court availability. It also earned a perfect Google Trends score of 100 and generated 18,400 annual pickleball-related searches. The result: a commanding lead as North America’s most pickleball-obsessed region.

So while your local courts might feel busy, somewhere out there—especially in Hawaii—the pickleball craze is operating on an entirely different level.

Several top pickleball pros hail from Hawaii, including rising PPA Tour talents Kiora Kunimoto and Tama Shimabukuro. Both players have spoken about just how deeply the sport is embedded in the culture back home, reinforcing Hawaii’s spot at the top of the list.

Beyond the obvious hotspots, a few rankings raised eyebrows.

Utah checked in at No. 3 overall, with Vermont right behind it. And while Utah’s growing pickleball scene has been on the radar, Vermont’s placement may come as a surprise. It’s not exactly the first place people think of when it comes to pickleball buzz.

Maybe it’s time for the PPA Tour to make a stop there and see firsthand just how strong the obsession really is.

Top 20 ranking of the most pickleball obsessed locations in North America Canada Sports Betting

It was no surprise to see Florida land inside the top 10. With some of the biggest PPA and MLP tour stops drawing strong crowds, and a large concentration of pros calling the state home, the Sunshine State has firmly established itself as a pickleball powerhouse.

Washington, however, was a bit more unexpected. As the birthplace of pickleball on Bainbridge Island, you might assume it would rank among the very top. While it didn’t quite crack the top 10, it still came in at a respectable No. 13.

One of the more interesting takeaways? The top 10 was evenly split between U.S. states and Canadian provinces, underscoring that pickleball’s growth isn’t limited to the United States.

North of the border, the top-ranked provinces were Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick—further proof that the sport’s popularity is thriving across Canada as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PPA Tour Canada (@ppatourcanada)

Canada’s strong showing reinforces a bigger point: pickleball is no longer just an American pastime, it’s rapidly gaining traction beyond U.S. borders. The sport’s momentum is clearly spreading north, with Canadian communities embracing it at a high level.

And for fans in those regions, that growth is being matched with opportunity. PPA Tour Canada has already established several notable stops across these pickleball-obsessed provinces, bringing high-level competition directly to an eager audience.

All signs point in one direction: the game isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

Should Pickleball Players Take Creatine? Benefits, Dosage, Safety, and What the Research Says

Guest Author — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Should Pickleball Players Take Creatine? Benefits, Dosage, Safety, and What the Research Says

By Susie Reiner, PhD & Erik Korem, PhD

It's late in the third game. Or it's your second match of the morning and your legs already feel like they belong to somebody else.

The rallies are getting shorter — not because anyone started playing better, but because nobody can cover the middle anymore. You're a step late to balls you ran down an hour ago.

Somebody in your group swears creatine is the fix. Somebody else says it's for bodybuilders, or that it will wreck your kidneys, or that it'll just make you puffy.

Creatine is the most studied supplement in sports nutrition. It has more than thirty years of human research behind it, and it works about as well for a 62-year-old as it does for a college athlete (1, 9). It is also badly misunderstood, oversold by the people selling it, and dismissed by people who have never read a study on it.

Here's what the research actually says: what creatine does, what it doesn't do, how much to take, which kind to buy, whether it's safe, and whether it's worth your money as a pickleball player.

What Creatine Actually Is

Creatine is not a steroid, a stimulant, or a drug. It's a compound your body already makes — about one to two grams a day — from three amino acids. You also get it from food, mostly red meat and fish. Roughly 95% of the creatine in your body is sitting in your skeletal muscle right now (1).

Here's the simplest way to think about what it does.

Every hard effort you make on the court — the sprint to a wide ball, the lunge for a dig, the push off the kitchen line — is powered by a molecule called ATP. ATP is a battery, and it's a small one. Your muscles drain it in a matter of seconds during all-out work.

Creatine is the recharger. It sits in the muscle as phosphocreatine and immediately hands a charge back to that battery so you can go again (1).

Grayson Goldin would be an understatement.

The 31-year-old suffered multiple strokes back in February, a health scare that sidelined him for nearly four months.

A week ago I was preparing for my next tournament

A day later I had a stroke

I lost my speech & the doctors later told me I had suffered two strokes.

I’m recovering, I’m grateful 🏓

Stronger comeback loading 🙏🏼

Thank you for the love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BIL8mCKzmQ
— Grayson Goldin (@GraysonGoldin) February 14, 2026

After spending part of the summer with the Palm Beach Royals in Major League Pickleball, Goldin has spent the second half of his summer playing PPA Tour Asia events overseas.

And on Thursday at the Skechers Shenzhen Open, he hit a milestone on his comeback journey: his first singles win.

Goldin beat Cameron Luhring 11-4, 11-0 in the men’s singles Round of 32 and took to social media afterwards to share just how much this win means.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grayson Goldin | Pro Pickleball (@graysongoldin)

“Physically, I am feeling 100% and I am moving extremely well. I give God all the glory, and I am so blessed to have made a full recovery. SO grateful to be playing this sport after everything that happened. I am loving the Asia grind and can’t wait to keep going.”

Goldin will face Mitchell Hargreaves in the Round of 16 before he and Zane Navratil take on Luhring/Adam Harvey in the men’s doubles Round of 16.

Live coverage begins at 9pm ET on Pickleballtv.

The myth of “having fun” on the court

Victoria Radnothy — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:15:00 +0000

There are two kinds of pickleball players: those who are there to have fun, and those who are there to compete.

The players in the second group aren’t necessarily miserable—they’re just locked in. They take the game seriously, thrive on competition, and step on the court focused on winning.

I’ve always leaned the other way. When I show up to open play, I gravitate toward the group that’s smiling, laughing, and maybe throwing a little friendly trash talk around. I’m not chasing wins as much as I’m chasing a good time.

Of course, there’s another side to it. Some players show up for the grind—for the workout, the intensity, and the challenge of high-level competition. And that’s just as valid. Both approaches are part of what makes pickleball great.

I hadn’t really thought about how this dynamic plays out at the pro level until Anna Bright and Kate Fahey touched on it in a YouTube video. It’s a reminder that even at the highest level, players bring different mindsets to the court—and there’s room for all of them.

Bright and Fahey don’t exactly associate pickleball with fun, at least not in the traditional sense.

“Are you having fun out there, Kate?” asked Bright.

“Never. I’m never having fun. Even when I played tennis, I never had fun,” replied Fahey.

The two were reflecting on a recent moment at MLP Orlando, when their team, the St. Louis Shock, faced off against the New Jersey Fives in the final.

“It’s probably a me issue, but we were talking about the match beforehand and Eric says, ‘Let’s just go out there and have fun.’ And I look around thinking, ‘Who the heck is having fun?’” said Fahey.

That mindset carried straight into competition. During the match, Bright and Hayden Patriquin dropped a tight, hard-fought battle to Anna Leigh Waters and Noe Khlif.

“After we lost, it’s right after the match, I’m seeing red, Kate’s seeing red, and Hayden just says, ‘I’ve never had more fun on the pickleball court in my life,’” mentioned Bright.

That “fun” mindset is hard for players like Bright and Fahey to relate to. Their competitiveness runs so deep that enjoyment takes a backseat. They’re on court to compete, not to have fun. Bright has even admitted she “turns into a bit of a psycho” once the match begins.

“I do think some really good competitors can have fun,” added Fahey. “Like Jaume Martinez Vich, having fun works for him and it helps them stay loose.”

Bright also sees Patriquin as someone who plays with a lighter, more relaxed edge. It showed in that matchup against the Fives, where he was electric—smiling, chirping, and even breaking out a dance after a net-cord winner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Kitchen Pickleball (@thekitchenpickleball)

“I think the greats in almost any sport aren’t having fun,” noted Bright. “Michael Jordan isn’t having fun out there.”

It raises an interesting question: at the highest level, is it actually possible to have fun while you’re competing? Or does reaching that tier require such an intense, serious approach that enjoyment inevitably takes a backseat?

“I do wish I could have a little bit more fun,” admitted Fahey. “Like even when I practice.”

“I was playing left-handed the other day and threw my paddle,” said Bright.

Maybe competing at that level requires a near-obsessive edge. But with how dominant the Shock women have been this season, it’s hard to argue there isn’t a method to that madness.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

MLP Semifinal Preview: Can JW Johnson lead Dallas to a shocking upset of St. Louis?

Jim Kloss — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

The second MLP semifinal in New York City gives us the hottest team, the Dallas Flash, taking on the always impressive St. Louis Shock. Dallas started slowly in 2026, but has come on strong in the playoffs, most recently defeating the LA Mad Drops in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, St. Louis dominated Texas, only giving up 20 points total in six games. Dallas has been great lately, but now face their toughest test yet. Time to go over each doubles pairing and the potential DreamBreaker matchup to break it all down.

Women’s Doubles: Big advantage St. Louis

After losing Jorja Johnson, Dallas was very active in the trade market during the season. They remade their team completely on the women’s side. Their roster now includes Danni-Elle Townsend, Brooke Buckner, and Alix Truong. Dallas has been playing Townsend and Truong in women’s doubles. Townsend has been getting all the accolades, but the fact is the Dallas women’s doubles pairing has just been ok. Their season record is 15-12. In Newport Beach, Townsend and Truong did defeat Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto two out of the three games played; however, Parenteau/Kawamoto were only 20-15 on the season, so defeating them is of modest significance.

Townsend and Truong did not play St. Louis in 2026. They were 0-3 against New Jersey and Columbus, who along with St. Louis, had the best women’s doubles teams in 2026. The best wins this season for Townsend and Truong were against Brooklyn.

Anna Bright and Kate Fahey for St. Louis will present Dallas with a very tough task. Bright and Fahey were 30-4 this year. They had the only win against New Jersey’s top team. They played well together in Newport Beach.

It is not going to happen, but Dallas should consider playing Buckner instead of Truong. Townsend’s excellent mixed doubles record, 19-4, contrasts sharply with her 15-12 record with Truong. This is an indication that Truong is the weak spot in women’s doubles. Buckner has been playing extremely well in mixed doubles on the right side, and played her best pickleball of 2026 in Newport Beach. Dallas is a big underdog in women’s doubles. Shaking things up with a lineup change, that is strongly supported by both the statistics and the eye test, would be a bold move. But, I doubt Dallas has the foresight to see it. With Dallas sending out Townsend and Truong, Dallas has a chance to win, but is a decided underdog.

Men’s Doubles: Advantage St. Louis

The men’s doubles game features strong teams on both sides of the net. Dallas will play JW Johnson and Augie Ge. Johnson is playing MVP pickleball, and Ge has been very steady. In the key game of match three against LA, Johnson and Ge took down Ben Johns and Max Freeman, 11-2. Johnson and Ge were 25-12 this year, which is a good record, as men’s doubles is the most competitive of the four doubles games in MLP.

For St. Louis, the duo of Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio was the #1 men’s team at 30-4. They were dominant in Newport Beach, easily defeating the tough team of Eric Oncins and Nico Acevedo.

Patriquin and Tardio will seek to dink crosscourt to Ge’s backhand. That is the most vulnerable spot on the court, as it will be Tardio dinking forehand to Ge’s backhand. Ge is steady, but will make some errors off the backhand, either with missed dinks for impatient rolls into the net or long. Patriquin’s quick hands also greatly neutralize Ge’s ability to speed up off the backhand. A key will be for Patriquin and Tardio to be patient. If they just play long, patient points, focused on Ge, they will have the advantage. St. Louis also will need to stay away from Johnson’s backhand flick. Johnson tends not to speed up much off the forehand. He used to never do it, but has started to speed up some off the forehand bounce.

St. Louis’ one possible weakness is impatience, mainly by Patriquin. In long points, Patriquin has a tendency to get antsy and to try to cover too much court. He gets caught going too far to his right, and then having to shift way back to his left, creating errors. If Patriquin just lets Tardio take everything on Tardio’s side and even a little of the middle, St. Louis can play long, patient points. Tardio is so long and quick that even when he shades toward the middle, it is impossible to hit wide to his forehand to any advantage.

Dallas can win this game, but it will take heroics by Johnson, super steady play by Ge, and some errors by St. Louis.

Mixed Doubles #1: Advantage St. Louis

St. Louis will have home team advantage, so they can pick the matchups. It is expected St. Louis will play best on best. But, there is a good argument that St. Louis should play their best mixed team second. St. Louis has the better DreamBreaker lineup. Thus, their doubles strategy should be focused on avoiding losing 3-1. Winning 3-1 or tying at 2-2 both are favorable to St. Louis. If St. Louis wins both gender doubles games, then they want #1 vs. #2, to have the best odds to win 3-1. If gender splits, then again St. Louis should want to minimize the chance Dallas wins 3-1, which is accomplished by playing mixed #1 against Dallas’ mixed #2.

In the end, I think St. Louis will do what they have always done and play their #1 team first against JW Johnson and Brooke Buckner. The odds and statistics arguably say that is an error, but as St. Louis is so good, it probably will not matter.

For Dallas, Johnson and Buckner played their best at Newport Beach. The third match against LA was the best Buckner played all year. Johnson was his same top-level self, but Buckner was everywhere on defense, saving point after point. Their record on the year was 22-12; good but not great. To beat St. Louis, they will need to be great.

St. Louis will roll out Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin. They were 25-7 on the year. They can be beaten, but it usually occurs due to their not playing well, rather than the other team playing great. Losses most often happen due to Patriquin being impatient, covering too much court, and getting out of position. Patriquin will go too far on Bright’s side of the court to take simple dinks. What he should do is just let Bright hit her topspin roll forehand dink crosscourt and wait for a better opportunity. This is another matchup where long points should favor St. Louis. Bright is one of the best women at hitting crosscourt forehand dinks. Buckner has been good lately, but does not hit that shot with the same consistency or force as Bright.

Patriquin and Johnson will as usual look to poach middle. Patriquin tends to be better at this task, due to his quickness, while Johnson usually is more passive. But Johnson lately has been more aggressive. That is something to watch for. Bright and Buckner will both want to occasionally go behind their male opponent. They need to do it rarely, as both Patriquin and Johnson are so quick off the backhand volley. But the women need to keep the opposing men honest. This will be a very good and close matchup, especially if Buckner continues her high level of play.

Mixed Doubles #2: Even

The #2 mixed is the most even of the four doubles matchups. Dallas will send out Danni-Elle Townsend and Augie Ge. They were 19-4 on the season, an excellent record. They did, of course, benefit by playing the opposing mixed #2. But Ge benefits in mixed by not having to dink crosscourt to a male opponent’s forehand, which is his weak spot in men’s doubles. Townsend, for her part, gets to play a lot of “big middle”, as Ge is fine ceding more court to her. This allows Townsend to play aggressively, which in turn fires her up, which in turn makes her play better.

For St. Louis, they have Kate Fahey and Gabe Tardio. They were 21-4 on the year. Similarly to Townsend/Ge, Fahey and Tardio benefitted all year by playing the #2 mixed opponents. In Newport Beach, they never had to take the court, as St. Louis defeated Texas 3-0 in both matches.

This game is a very interesting one. Fahey will play in a classic style, making balls, hitting solid dinks, keeping the point alive, while Tardio uses his length to seek poaches. But, Dallas plays a non-traditional style of mixed, both because Ge is a lefty and because Townsend is the aggressive one, looking for opportunities on offense. It is another matchup where St. Louis will want longer points, and Dallas will be speeding up more. Tardio is great at counters, so expect Dallas to speed up a lot at Fahey. I think this game will be won or lost by how successful Dallas is at attacking Fahey.

DreamBreaker lineups: Advantage St. Louis

If matches tie at 2-2, we will go to the DreamBreaker lineups. For Dallas, they play JW Johnson, Augie Ge, Brooke Buckner, and Danni-Elle Townsend. Buckner is the only one known as a top singles player. But, Johnson, Ge, and Townsend are all effective in the four points at a time style for DreamBreakers. Johnson, for example, topped Ben Johns 6-2 in the one DreamBreaker Dallas played against LA.

For St. Louis, they will play Hunter Johnson, Hayden Patriquin, Kate Fahey, and Anna Bright. Johnson is a top singles player, but as we have seen, coming in cold off the bench is not easy. Patriquin is solid. Fahey is excellent at singles. Bright is similar to Townsend, as a non-singles player who is super competitive and will play well in a DreamBreaker. St. Louis is better on paper in each of the four matchups, but not by much each time. You have to favor St. Louis to win a DreamBreaker by a score of around 21-18, but this is no better than maybe 60-40 in St. Louis’ favor.

Who will win? St. Louis is the stronger team on paper. They have the best lineup top to bottom of any team. They have no significant weakness, and everyone is playing well. But, all that was true in 2024 and 2025, and St. Louis did not win either year. If Dallas could pull an early upset in women’s doubles, that could throw off St. Louis for the whole weekend. Of if JW Johnson can stay hot and dominate, that is another path for success for Dallas. You have to favor St. Louis, and indeed to win 2-0. But Dallas is a hot team and that status worked in 2025 for Columbus. Can it work for Dallas in 2026?

We will see! Watch it all on Pickleballtv, beginning Friday, August 28.

Follow me on X @pickleball_jim for updates.

Jamie Wei embraces PPA Tour Asia experience

Victoria Radnothy — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Competing on the PPA Tour comes with a major perk: global travel. And for many American pros, some of the most exciting stops on the calendar are the PPA Asia events.

Rising talent Jamie Wei has a particularly strong connection to that circuit.

“PPA Asia is so fun. I love playing those events,” said Wei. “I played all the tour stops last year.”

She’s also taken note of how quickly the series is evolving.

“I think what they’re doing is so impressive. They’re obviously new, but they’ve got like 10 stops this year and their events are great. They can look at PPA in the US and see what they’ve done right and change what they’ve done not so great, which is awesome,” explained Wei. “But how they’re able to get the locals involved and how they can go to so many different countries over there and navigate everything so well, it’s impressive. I’m very grateful for them. And pickleball is so big over there. It’s growing so much.”

For Wei, the connection goes beyond just enjoying the events.

Born and raised in Taiwan, she began her professional journey through the UPA Asia Trailblazers program, an initiative designed to develop top talent across the region. The program included coaching from Collin Johns and a two-year UPA Asia pro contract.

“It was a wild ride with lots of ups and downs,” noted Wei. “But I’m so grateful for the experience and what pickleball has brought into my life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 魏莛婕 Ting Chieh Wei (@jamieweiiii_pb)

So far this year, Wei has captured two women’s doubles gold medals at PPA Asia events alongside Long Yufei—wins that carry extra meaning for her. Although she stepped away briefly to compete in the U.S. for MLP’s Chicago Slice, she’s eager to return overseas and continue building on that success.

At the same time, a growing number of U.S.-based pros are making the trip to compete in PPA Asia events. For many, it’s more than just tournament play. They’re extending their stays to explore new cities, experience local cuisine, and cross destinations off their bucket lists.

Wei has embraced the role of tour guide, showing fellow pros like Lacy Schneemann, Tina Pisnik, and Liz Truluck around her home region. On one trip, she and Schneemann even extended their travels to Vietnam, with Wei later returning the favor by giving Schneemann a full tour of Taiwan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lacy Schneemann (@lacyschneemann.pb)

Wei’s top destinations in Asia? Japan and Vietnam.

“Japan is my favorite. I love all Asian food, but Japanese food is some of the best in my opinion, so of course that’s why I love it. It’s so clean there and it’s incredibly beautiful,” said Wei. “I also love Vietnam. Coming from Taiwan, the prices in Vietnam are amazing. Last year, I got my hair washed and a hair massage for $10. And I love getting my nails done there because I can get the craziest designs, full extension, and it’ll cost $20. I’m constantly asking myself, ‘Am I in heaven?’”

To read more about Wei’s pro journey, read here. And to keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

Raquel Joseph bringing ‘an operator’s mindset’ to MLP team ownership with New Jersey

Will Daughton — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

“There’s nothing like watching pickleball in person. Watching on TV is fun, but to be in front of the sport and see how fast these players are playing, it’s electric.”

Those are words from New Jersey 5s co-owner Raquel Joseph.

Long before taking the helm of one of Major League Pickleball’s most iconic franchises, Joseph first experienced the magic of MLP live in 2023 at an event in Daytona Beach, FL.

For those who have been around pickleball for a while, that event might ring a bell; it’s where the pairings of Anna Leigh Waters/Lea Jansen and Andrea Koop/Maggie Brascia produced one of the most memorable and widely watched rallies in the history of the sport.

“We were sitting right there courtside, watching that point,” Joseph recalls of seeing the rally live with her husband Tom. “What other sport is as electric and so fast and right there in your face? It’s really amazing. That was my first experience with MLP, and at that point I was hooked. Tom and I both were invested, engaged, and wanted more.”

And three years later, she’s as invested and engaged in MLP as one can be: an owner of the New Jersey 5s.

Joseph’s decision to join New Jersey wasn’t random; it initially came about by way of her friendship with Mari Humberg, who played for the 5s in 2024 and 2025.

While cheering on Humberg and the 5s at the 2024 MLP finals in Orlando, Joseph spoke with PPA Tour founder and CEO Connor Pardoe about potentially buying one of two expansion franchises that were available at the time.

But another opportunity presented itself when Humberg introduced her to 5s owner and general manager Ryan Harwood.

Joseph says that the ensuing conversation, which ended with Harwood offering her the opportunity to join him and Gary Vaynerchuk as team owners, is what made her want to join the organization.

“Ryan’s passion for the 5s—he wasn’t talking about this like a passive investment. He talked about the players, the culture, the fans, and his determination to win,” she recalls. “It was personal to him. It was evident to me, watching his team play and his fan following, that this organization was like a family, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

From there, she officially joined the ownership group ahead of the 2025 season.

An accomplished portfolio entrepreneur, Joseph has led highly successful ventures across the marketing, automotive, hospitality, airline, and spirits sectors as president and CEO of Joseph Family Companies.

And now, she’s bringing her hands-on leadership style and an operator’s mindset to MLP team ownership.

“An operator’s mindset to me is turning a vision into something measurable and something we can repeat, not just for one season, but something we can repeat every year. We want to look beyond one event and ask if we’re building a sustainable organization,” she explained. “I don’t view sports ownership as a trophy, or even as a passive investment. I have a lot of passion for MLP, and I feel like we have a responsibility to the players and to the fans.”

That responsibility hasn’t come without its challenges in 2026, as the 5s have dealt with sky-high expectations after spending $800K to select Jorja Johnson, the No. 3-ranked female player in the World Pickleball Rankings, with the 2^nd overall pick in the draft.

They also made a blockbuster trade with the Orlando Squeeze to acquire Federico Staksrud, the No. 5-ranked male player in the World Pickleball Rankings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MLP Major League Pickleball (@majorleaguepb)

That acquisition came just one week after the 5s had been swept by the St. Louis Shock in the final of the Mid-Season Tournament.

“Prior to the Mid-Season Tournament, we were sitting in the number one spot in the standings, and we believed that our team could beat anyone if we’re playing well. That loss gave us a little more useful information,” Joseph said. “The question wasn’t if we had a good team—we knew we did—but the question was more about whether we had an opportunity to make an excellent team even better. That wasn’t an easy task. And on top of that challenge, add in the fact that we wanted to retain both Will [Howells] and Noe [Khlif] because we didn’t want to disrupt what was already working.”

“We were doing a lot of things really right,” she continued. “When the possibility of acquiring Federico became real, we looked at it from every angle. How is he a competitive fit, and what flexibility would this give us? Not to mention the financial commitment, but more importantly, how would this affect all the other players on our team? We had Noe and Anna Leigh who were exceptional and are exceptional together. With Federico now, that gives us another elite mixed partnership with Jorja. It gives us versatility in men’s doubles, and on top of that, it adds potential in the DreamBreaker. Federico is proficient in all of these disciplines, so at that point, we knew this was a no-brainer and that we needed to make it happen.”

It’s a move that has paid off handsomely for New Jersey, as the 5s avenged their previous loss against the Shock at MLP Orlando to reclaim the top spot in the standings going into the playoffs.

The New Jersey 5s closed out the 2026 regular season by beating the St. Louis Shock to secure the top seed going into the playoffs. Major League Pickleball

And after winning their quarterfinal series against the Palm Beach Royals last week in Newport Beach, the 5s have now advanced to the final event of the season where they will compete for the 2026 title at the end of the month in Central Park.

But regardless of how the rest of this season plays out—whether the 5s leave New York with the trophy in hand or with thoughts of what could have been—Joseph has a clear vision for what she wants the organization to stand for.

“I want the 5s to represent competitive excellence with character,” she said. “Winning matters, and I’m not gonna pretend that it doesn’t, but it’s how we treat people and how we conduct ourselves on the court and on the sidelines. When we’re on the sidelines, those cameras are on us; we’re being watched, and we need to represent MLP and the 5s with character.”

It all goes back to that ‘operator’s mindset’ of building a lasting legacy in this sport.

“I want to support the growth of pickleball and give young players something they can imagine being a part of one day. I want them to look up to the 5s and dream about one day playing for us. And as a woman in professional sports ownership, I also take seriously the opportunity to demonstrate that women can have meaningful leadership and decision-making roles, not only as athletes or fans, but as owners and operators."

“If people see a 5s logo and think of competition, energy, respect, and above all, character, then we’ve built something much more meaningful than a successful team for just one season,” Joseph concluded. “We want to win the championship, but we’re also trying to build a franchise that matters long after any one trophy and any one season.”

MLP Semifinal Preview: Can Christian Alshon & Co. take down Anna Leigh Waters and the Fives?

Jim Kloss — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

The 2026 MLP season moves to New York and the semifinals. Top-seeded New Jersey had their pick of opponent, choosing to play #5 Brooklyn and passing on #6 Dallas. There was no easy choice for New Jersey, as both Brooklyn and Dallas looked good while winning their quarterfinal matches in Newport Beach. We can now look over the matchup, breaking down each pairing and the DreamBreaker lineups.

Women’s Doubles: Big advantage New Jersey

This is New Jersey’s strongest game, as they send out Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson. They are 33-1 this season, with the one famous loss to Anna Bright and Kate Fahey. Brooklyn will counter with Rachel Rohrabacher and Jackie Kawamoto (12-5).

Waters and Johnson have been as close to unbeatable as it gets. Bright and Fahey succeeded by targeting Johnson. But that alone does not explain the loss. The key was that Johnson started slow, with a serve return miss and other errors right at the start. That shook her confidence, and while she recovered as the game progressed, because it is just one game to 11, Bright and Fahey were able to close it out before Waters and Johnson could come all the way back. Had it been a best two out of three games, it is not at all clear that the targeting strategy would have prevailed.

Expect Rorhabacher and Kawamoto to try the isolation strategy. Waters is so good that keep away is the only logical play. Another good move by Brooklyn would be to throw in a lot of lobs. Kawamoto is an excellent lobber, but she has been playing left side. The best lob is from the right side player at the kitchen line. Rohrabacher is not known to lob much, so if I was Brooklyn, I would put Kawamoto on the right in this matchup. Kawamoto played right side with Rohrabacher earlier in the year, but they switched more recently, as Kawamoto has been the better player lately. Against New Jersey, I want my better player on the right, as if Brooklyn is isolating Johnson, and Johnson will be hitting a lot of crosscourt dinks. I want those going to Kawamoto, as her forehand kitchen game is more versatile due to Kawamoto possessing the much better lob.

Brooklyn is a decided underdog in women’s doubles. Putting Kawamoto on the right, isolating Johnson, with Kawamoto lobbing a lot, is the best play for Brooklyn.

Men’s Doubles: Advantage Brooklyn

Men’s doubles will feature Brooklyn sending out Christian Alshon and Riley Newman to face Federico Staksrud and Will Howells. Alshon is playing at his highest level. Newman has been solid. Men’s doubles has been New Jersey’s weakest spot all year. Staksrud has helped a lot. Howells played his best game against Palm Beach in the closing match, but did not play well in the opening match. That has been the story with New Jersey’s men all year, some good, some not so good.

Howells and Newman are going to be trading a lot of forehand crosscourt dinks in this one. Howells’ dinks tend to be fairly flat; Newman often hits a cutter. Neither player hits many forcing dinks. So, we will likely see long exchanges, with Staksrud and Alshon looking to poach. Alshon has been effectively speeding up off the bounce on the forehand, while Staksrud tends not to do it much. So, expect the offense to be initiated more by Brooklyn.

Brooklyn needs Alshon to play in New York like he played in Newport Beach. If he does, they have the advantage in men’s doubles.

Mixed Doubles #1: Will we see a lineup change for New Jersey?

Now we get to the big unknown. All year, New Jersey has played Waters with Noe Khlif. They were great all during the regular season, albeit with a few shaky comeback wins toward the end. But in Newport Beach, the train ran off the tracks. Palm Beach targeted Khlif, playing keep away from Waters. Khlif was visibly affected by the pressure and did not play well. Palm Beach defeated Waters and Khlif twice. New Jersey was able to win against Palm Beach despite losing twice in mixed #1, but that dog won’t hunt against better teams like Brooklyn.

New Jersey faces a tough decision. Do you stick with what worked most of the year? Or do you make a lineup change at this late date? If I was New Jersey, I would definitely bench Khlif. I do not see how they can take a chance with what happened in Newport Beach repeating. I would play Staksrud with Waters and Johnson with Howells. Johnson and Howells were 15-6 this year, so they have experience playing with each other. Waters and Staksrud are great players and would have no problem playing together. New Jersey has to do something to force teams to play Waters. Staksrud is that answer. Avoiding Waters by hitting all the balls to Staksrud is just not a good play.

In the end, I believe New Jersey will stick with the status quo and play Waters with Khlif. Again, I think it is a mistake, but rarely does a team have the fortitude to make a tough call and change their strategy this late in the year. If they do what I suggest and play Waters/Staksrud, they would be the favorite against Rohrabacher and Alshon.

For Brooklyn, Rohrabacher and Alshon are playing well. Rohrabacher looked to be 100% in Newport Beach. Alshon is covering a lot of court and doing so effectively. If New Jersey plays Khlif, expect Brooklyn to target Khlif all the way. If it is Staksrud, advantage New Jersey; if it is Khlif, I would rate this even.

Mixed Doubles #2: Again depends on the lineup

Brooklyn will start Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto. They have played brilliantly at times. The last game against Columbus, they jumped to an 8-0 lead and looked unbeatable. But the mistakes then came out and Columbus almost came back. Newman and Kawamoto are capable of beating any mixed #2 team. But they are beatable too.

For New Jersey, will they stick with Johnson and Staksrud? Or will they move Staksrud to mixed #1 and play Howells with Johnson? If it is Howells/Johnson, I would rate them about even against Newman/Kawamoto. If it is Staksrud/Johnson, then I would make New Jersey a slight favorite.

DreamBreaker lineups: a fantastic matchup

I think there is a good chance at least one of the New Jersey vs. Brooklyn matches goes to a DreamBreaker. Both teams have solid DreamBreaker lineups.

For New Jersey, they have been playing Staskrud, Howells, Waters, and Johnson. They played Howells over Khlif against Palm Beach and Howells responded with the winning points. So, although Khlif is viewed as the slightly better singles player, I expect New Jersey would roll with Howells.

Brooklyn uses singles specialists, bringing in Chris Haworth for Newman and Hannah Blatt for Rorhabacher. They place Alshon in the first spot and Kawamoto in the fourth spot.

Alshon vs. Staksrud is dead even, two great players. Haworth has an advantage over Khlif or Howells. However, it is notable that Haworth is only 57-53 in DreamBreaker points this year. His style, which is to play about 75% of the points exclusively from the baseline, works very well in two games out of three matches. Haworth wears down opponents over the course of two or three full games. But, in a DreamBreaker, playing only four points at a time, a “rush the kitchen” style is more effective. By coming in to the kitchen line first, you can win the point with an effective volley or an opponent miss. Staying back and hitting great groundstrokes works well for Haworth over time, but just is not as effective in DreamBreakers.

Waters is a huge favorite over Blatt. Blatt cannot hang back, as Waters’ groundstrokes are just too good. She will need to rush the net, hoping for a Waters’ miss. Blatt getting one or two points per rotation is the best she can hope for.

Johnson against Kawamoto is the interesting matchup. Johnson is a solid singles player, while Kawamoto plays no singles outside of a DreamBreaker. But, Kawamoto is one of the smartest players out there, and she always seems to find a way to win key points. She does not have the hardest or best groundstrokes or the strongest volleys, but she makes up for it with intelligence and placement.

You have to give the DreamBreaker edge to New Jersey. But, anything can happen. Alshon and Haworth need to get a 6-2 rotation, Blatt needs to hang in there and not get swept, and then Kawamoto needs some of her usual magic to give Brooklyn a shot.

Who will win? In the end, New Jersey is the stronger team. The big question is whether New Jersey will play up to their talent level. If they do, they will win. But, as we saw at Newport Beach, New Jersey can go off the rails with mental mistakes. Brooklyn needs an MVP-level performance from Alshon, some errors by New Jersey, and a little Kawamoto magic in the clutch. In the end, I like New Jersey to win 3-1 and 3-2.

It all starts Friday, August 28 in New York City. Watch it all on Pickleballtv!

Follow me for updates on X @pickleball_jim.

The best beginner pickleball paddles

Victoria Radnothy — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Whenever someone decides they want to play pickleball, their first stop is Amazon.

They type in “pickleball paddles” and get flooded with hundreds of different options ranging from wooden ping-pong looking paddles for $25 all the way to sleek paddles upwards of $300.

So how on earth can you find a pickleball paddle that’s the right one for you?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Pickleball Central is the best place to start your search because they’re the paddle experts in the game.

You also get a 30-day test drive with your new paddle, and if you don’t absolutely love it, you can return it for a full refund. And if you shop using this link, you get the best discount automatically applied to every item in your cart.

First off, let’s start with paddles that aren’t going to break the bank.

Best pickleball paddles under $100

Pickleball Central Drop Series Cubist Paddle currently only sale for $24

Rally Power Pickleball Paddle currently on sale for $45

Head Radical Tour Classic Paddle currently on sale for $45

Erne Sydney Pickleball Paddle currently on sale for $55

JOOLA Andre Agassi Champion for $59

Pickleball Central ‘Drop’ Series Check Paddle for $59

Paddletek Pheonix G6 Paddle for $69

Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle for $89

Selkirk SLK Valkyrie Widebody Paddle for $79

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Paddle for $89

Diadem Rush Pickleball Paddle for $99

JOOLA Perseus Heat Vision Paddle for $99

FRIDAY Fever 101 Elongated Paddle for $99

Franklin Sports Signature Pro Series for $99

These paddles will not only play well, they’re also from trusted brands in the game. They will support your game as you learn to dominate the court. And, they’re the kind of paddles that don’t scream “newbie,” like the cheap plastic Amazon paddles do.

But if you’re looking for a little bit higher of an investment, here’s some beginner paddles over that $100 budget.

Best beginner pickleball paddles

FRIDAY Fever 102 Widebody Pickleball Paddle for $102

FRIDAY Fever 102 Elongated Pickleball Paddle for $102

FRIDAY Aura Hybrid Pickleball Paddle for $129

Diadem Warrior V1 Pickleball Paddle for $129

Versix Vector XL Pickleball Paddle for $129

JOOLA Perseus Double Vision Paddle for $119

JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision for $199

JOOLA Perseus Double Vision Rally Rocket for $139

Onix Supercell Pickleball Paddle for $139

Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle for $149

FRIDAY Aura Pro Elongated Pickleball Paddle for $169

CRBN-3 X-Series Carbon Fiber Paddle for $169

FRIDAY Aura Pro Metallic Pickleball Paddle for $179

Selkirk SLK ERA Power Widebody Paddle for $199

Diadem Edge BluCore Hybrid for $249

Lastly, I highly recommend getting a pickleball set if you’re a beginner to the game. It usually comes with two pickleball paddles, a set of pickleballs, and a bag that gives you all the essential gear for the game at a good price.

Best pickleball sets for beginners

Dinkly Pickleball 2 Paddle Set for $39

Dinkly Pickleball 4 Paddle Set currently on sale for $49

Holbrook Rove 2 Paddle Set for $99

Selkirk Sports SLK Paddle Set currently on sale for $103

JOOLA Agassi / Graf Champion Pickleball Set for $129

JOOLA pickleball Paddle Set for $129

JOOLA Heat Vision Paddle Set for $199

Remember to shop Pickleball Central using this link, and if you’re looking for more pickleball gear, check out my list for pickleball must-haves and shop my favorite athleticwear for the girls and the guys. And be sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up to date on all things pickleball.