PicklePod

The hottest new pickleball debate is pushing paddle testing to its legal limits. Zane and Thomas cover the most creative ways to skirt pickleball rules. Pro serves seem to be rising higher and higher, is the drop serve the only feasible solution? We want you to get involved with the pod. Show some love in the comments and one listener will make a guest appearance on an upcoming episode. Show Notes: 1:30 Corrections from last week 5:00 Creative Exploitation of the pickleball rules 12:11 Pesa’s alleged carry 15:51 Shea Underwood’s screenplay 18:18 Pro serves creeping higher and higher 22:08 Steve Paranto’s push for the drop serve 28:34 Dwell time could be the last straw for paddle testing 36:55 Deflection level can change sound and shot angle 43:47 Listener questions 54:18 Hat Zane plays 56:17 Show me all your PB contacts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The world’s top pickleball player, Ben Johns, joins the PicklePod to announce Joola as his new paddle and primary sponsor. The Hyperion paddle will debut at the PPA Red Rocks Open on April 7th. Will the switch to carbon fiber and Joola’s paddle engineering expertise make Johns unbeatable? Show Notes 1:10 Ben’s big announcement!  7:47 The new frontiers of paddle technology 15:33 Pickleball Wordwide…investors? Possibly you! Ben’s excited for the growth of pickleball particularly internationally 26:05 Shot combos/patterns vs reactions, two handed backhands, team combos and play calling 32:52 Bringing in the casual fan: camera angles, player backstories, CASH! 37:17 Discussing strategies when dealing with the elements (eg. wind) 45:05 How to beat Ben and Anna Leigh Waters 50:40 Ben’s advice for all players 54:18 Beyond the Baseline: Get to know Ben off the court! Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Thomas sits down with Gary Vee to talk about his recent purchase of a pickleball team and to discuss where he thinks the sport is going. Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Casey Patterson is back as guest host and is joined by special guest Kyle Yates. Kyle has been at the top of the game for nearly a decade. He drops eight years worth of pickleball knowledge on the guys and shows some love for the legends of the sport. Has the strategy of the game changed? No, but the execution is better than ever…can you keep up? Show Notes 0:54 “OG” Kyle Yates from the “pickleball capital” gives his perspective on the rise of pickleball 8:45 Is the window still open to go pro? Need a specialty? 12:40 Tourney prep: vacay vs play 16:17 What Kyle is excited about for pickleball’s future…let’s get rowdy! 25:40 MLP team event was a great way to showcase the game 32:20 Speedup strategies and setting up the 1-2 punch. Puppet Master shoutout! 43:53 The guys talk drilling?!?!? 46:17 Adding to the arsenal of shots as EVERYBODY keeps getting better 51:00 The new kids on the block: Tardio, Johnson, Frazier 54:30 What’s next for Kyle? Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: US Olympian and AVP stud Casey Patterson is here to guest host. Everything happening in professional pickleball is giving Casey deja vu. From big sponsors buying in to crossover athletes taking over the game. Listen to see where he thinks the game is headed and how we’re going to get there.   Show Notes ​​2:25 Casey’s big chance 7:10 how to improve pickleball viewership?Let’s get rowdy! Zane gets it, backstories 17:10 GOAT talk. J dub enters the chat 22:10 Alex the Neumann to watch. Tennis players are coming! 27:26 Riverland PPA…Casey’s impressed. DUPR ratings as a predictor for results 35:30 Wild West of pickleball sponsorship. Send Crocs!  43:29 Life in Austin. Oh, hi Collin Johns! 48:13 Casey’s plans…more pickleball please! Keep playing up! 56:48 Thomas shows off his new shades from SportRx Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: Anna Bright called her shot last weekend so we had to get her on the show. Coming off a historic pro pickleball debut, Bright tells us what it's like to become instantly famous in the pickleball world. The 2022 dance card is filling up fast for the former Cal tennis player, so shoot your shot while you have your chance. Tyson and Thomas wrap things up with some world class philosophy and geography. Show Notes 0:48 Anna Bright joins the pod after calling her shot at APP 8:30 An extensive tennis background turns into a pickleball addiction 14:20 Anna is coming after top pros and the guys are coming to partner up 23:30 It’s going down in the DMs 28:00 Questions for Thomas turns into Survivor business for Tyson  33:50 Anna signs off and partners up with Tyson 36:35 More updates from Austin 46:20 NML pickleball is no longer anonymous  52:00 Time to get your own pickleball court and having a third-place trophy Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: The boys are back…flying solo, together, with no guest this week. Tyson has another idea to take over the pickleball world and this one comes in pill form. Thomas finally got his stuff back but is still feeling the pain from the audience. The PPA and APP Tours are both in action this week, but who has the better lineup? Show Notes 00:21 New name for the pod 6:58 APP Punta Gorda tourney is still stacked  10:20 Can PPA and APP coexist? 15:30 Thomas gets his stuff! 18:52 pickleball conspiracy theory  27:37 Singles chatter…no Ben in PPA…APP singles is stacked…could singles takeover? 37:00 PPA indoor picks leads to Simone talk 39:10 is Jay Devilliers the prototype pro? Does body type provide an advantage? 51:50 NDZ the predominant pickleball podcast Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: A Dekel Bar highlight is always worth a replay, so we brought him back for round 2. There have been a ton of changes on the pickleball landscape since we last talked and we find out where Dekel stands. Tyson is a non-stop ideas machine and rolls out a foolproof strategy for pickleball dominance. The battle for Thomas’ belongings continues and we speculate on a 1000 player round-robin event. Show Notes 0:56 Recurring guest Dekel Bar back from Pickleball Getaways trip in Mexico 5:10 Dekel’s philosophy is to maintain flexibility as PPA and APP battle it out 10:38 Dekel joins APP Pro Council with hopes for a “Super” Council 21:48 Dekel = highlight machine  23:35 Pickleball pro decathlon, who wins?  26:05 When to go for that erne? 31:03 Hindrance shenanigans “LET’S GO!” 35:25 Tyson’s new fool-proof pickleball plan 42:45 Nonstop pickleball in the news  45:10 Mesa PPA introduction, Tyson talks FILA gear Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: We’ve all had that feeling after winning a game, that I can beat anyone in pickleball feeling. Will Lowery from NBC and The Golf Channel is currently living in that feeling. He is hooked on pickleball and wants to make a run at the world’s top 10. Thomas and Tyson catch up on the APP New York City Open news and find out Thomas made DUPR’s 50 Top player list for the Great Lakes region. 3:32 The pickleball workout is a real thing 10:12 Will plays Larry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 for $1000 15:24 Thomas tells the story of losing 11-0 to Ben Johns playing lefty 25:40 Golf vs pickleball, which is harder to go pro? 28:25 The challenge goes out, can Will score 5 points against Thomas? 31:00 Will wants to be next in the pickleball broadcast booth 40:52 DUPR ratings by region. Guess who made the list. 48:12 Frank Anthony Davis has a bone to pick with USA Pickleball 51:23 Everybody including the PPA is coming to AZ in February Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: PicklePod gets a visit from Major League Pickleball MVP, @ladyofgibraltor, Lee Whitwell. Tyson vents about pickleball ratings and Lee shows us how to find a fair game and expose sandbaggers with the DUPR rating system. Thomas has been busy cracking the NML code and we’ve got to talk about Michael Phelps vs Larry Fitzgerald.  04:25 A geography lesson from Lady of Gibraltar 10:52 A case of beer brought Lee into pickleball 15:00 The MLP experience 19:00 How DUPR ratings work  28:49 Battle of the sexes doubles match coming this year 42:59 Thomas cracks the NML mystery 45:40 PPA Desert Ridge Recap 52:59 Phelps vs Fitzgerald 59:09 A new website thedinkpickleball.com Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: PicklePod says aloha to one one the top pros in the game, Rob Nunnery. He tells Tyson and Thomas about his new pickleball director role. We get an insider look at what life is like in the professional game and how things have changed in the last two months. Rob shares his life before pickleball and Thomas has an offer for NML.  0:10 We were stood up. 5:10 Who the hell is NML? 17:15 Rob joins the show 24:14 The most normal life before pickleball 40:15 What life is like after signing with the PPA 46:41 Rob’s new job “hanging out on the beach” 53:15 Players to watch in 2022 Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: US Olympic volleyball player Casey Patterson weighs in on the recent developments in pickleball. He tells the story of his experience with similar situations in early pro volleyball and offers advice on how pro pickleball players can leverage the changing landscape. The guys come up with a pitch for the bad boy of pickleball and recap last week’s episode.  00:10 Updates and recapping last episode 10:10 Tyson’s audition for The Dink’s job opening 17:30 News about the APP and MLP breaks live on the pod 21:40 Michael Phelps vs Larry Fitzgerald 29:10 Casey Patterson joins the pod  37:10 Growing your personal brand as an athlete 44:30 Casey weighs in on the recent developments and what players should do   1:01:10 The bad boy of pickleball Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: 0:10 Day trading and crypto with Tyson 3:10 Thomas might have been robbed 6:55 The latest in the MLP/PPA/APP drama 10:10 The competing tours and business speculation 19:40 Predictions 27:30 APP Mesa Open picks 46:55 Tyson McGuffin’s take on all the news 50:00 Tyson’s million dollar check and brain teasers 54:00 Thomas complains more Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: First recurring guest Zane Navratil joins the PicklePod to break down all the chaos that’s happened since last episode. We discuss the massive investment in the PPA, the new contracts and how the players are reacting. Zane talks about where he stands and how the APP, USA Pickleball and MLP are impacted by the recent developments. It’s a crazy time to be in pickleball, and Zane is right in the middle of it.  0:10 Welcoming Zane back to the pod and talk about his move to Austin 5:10 Zane’s new business and domain speculation 10:10 Discrepancies with the Dink Awards 12:55 Tom Dundon, Pickleball Chaos, PPA Contracts 31:55 The APP’s Response 36:55 Zane’s take on the spin-serve rulings (that never end) 45:10 Zane drops and the guys give updates Socials Follow The Dink Pickleball Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Follow Tyson Apostol Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok Official Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The MLP Mid-Season Championship was not short on storylines. The Dallas Flash exerted their dominance on the league, we got another middle finger sighting on a pickleball court, and of course, player absences led to the first UPA contract termination.Connor Garnett joins the pod to share how he is teaching the world to twoey and Brian Levine weighs in on the DUPR algorithm update. If you’ve been on your feet a lot lately, especially at tournaments, do yourself a favor and check out these shoes from G-DEFY: https://www.gravitydefyer.com/discount/dink?redirect=/pages/pickleball-summer-25-gdefy-shoes-engineered-for-comfort?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=dink 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------Erik Tice0:00 The Flash can’t be stopped7:30 Should matches be played to a decision10:50 College vs the pros14:05 Challenger level finals go to a Dreambreaker18ish Big names missing from Grand Rapids24:47 Why was he not with his team?26:05 Rafa and Collin played for 2 teams this weekend26:56 UPA nuked the QD contract33:58 There are only 2 possible explanations38:00 Big weekend for Fu/Blaine42:00 Who is on the move this week?46:30 St. Louis promises the best pickleball event everConnor Garnett45:20 Can’t escape the pickleball grind48:00 Locked in on Twoey School1:03:27 Planning the collabBrian Levine1:07:55 Changing the DUPR algorithm 1:18:05 Are there consequences for not curb-stomping an opponent1:25:49 Point value added stats in the future1:27:47 An age bubble still exists for seniors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're joined by a legend from the world of golf, Sir Nick Faldo. Faldo is a recent pickleball convert and is building a court at his Montana home. Faldo made news last year for using pickleball to roast LIV Golf's viewership numbers. We draw comparisons between golf and pickleball's different iterations of Tour Wars. Plus Erik Forsythe was the biggest story coming out of MLP New York. We hear about his experience stepping out of the crowd and onto the big stage. Finally, Zane recaps everything that happened in pickleball last week, including APP Newport Beach, PPA Malaysia, and roster moves around the league. Dial in your recovery, energy, and focus with Superpower. Get started at https://superpower.com/start/dink See what your feet have been missing with pickleball shoes from Sqairz: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101298884-15493245?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsqairz.com%2Fproducts%2Fxrz-mens&ref=thedinkpickleball.com 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:00 APP upsets in Newport Beach 7:46 PPA’s debut event in Malaysia 9:18 Collin Johns added by the Breakers 11:40 Quang Duong absent from Beer City 13:23 MLP NYC results - Yuta steps up 18:40 Challenger level results Erik Forsythe 37:21 Erik Forsythe joins the pod 42:27 Who better to rep NY? Sir Nick Faldo 47:14 Introducing Sir Nick Faldo 48:54 Nick Faldo + pickleball quote 54:54 Player contracts inflated 1:01:06 Building epic tournaments 1:04:20 Creating for the viewers 1:07:40 Golf/pickleball in small spaces 1:11:56 Landmark courses add to the game’s value 1:16:11 Sir Nick’s new shoes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first paddle challenge of 2025 revealed some major flaws in the system. Travis Rettenmaier challenged three paddles at PPA Mesa and despite winning the challenge, received no retribution. JOOLA Chief Experience Officer Gordon Kaye weighs in on the situation and explains how the world of professional table tennis handles paddle testing differently. Finally Erik Tice drops in to cover the MLP Draft winners and losers. Plus Zane convinces him to blind rank the best 'pickleball stats nerds'. Are you the go-to source for pickleball news and equipment in your area? Become a Royal Pickleball Ambassador and help your community test out new products and more. Join here: http://ambassadors.royalpickleball.com/ Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/ 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------ 00:00:00 - The First Paddle Challenge of the Year 00:06:16 - Future of Paddle Testing 00:10:12 - New Paddle Launch Discussion 00:15:01 - Andre Agassi's Involvement 00:16:32 - Travis Rettenmaier's Paddle Challenge 00:20:28 - Reflections on the Challenge Process 00:23:02 - Proposed Solutions for Paddle Testing 00:28:02 - MLP Draft Analysis and Surprises 00:30:07 - Team Strategies and Spending 00:37:05 - Carolina's Draft Decisions 00:40:30 - Ben's Engagement in MLP 00:45:22 - Martin Emmerich's Draft Status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The king is in the building. Pickleball's No. 1 ranked singles and doubles player Federico Staksrud joins the pod. We cover Fed's controversial semifinal loss to Hunter Johnson at the PPA Mesa Cup. Next we talk targeting and Fed explains how the rule was immediately suspended after the failed call on Hayden Patriquin. Finally, the guys question if Fed receives the respect he deserves considering his No.1 ranking or he is stuck in the shadow of Ben Johns. PSA: Pickleballs take 100 years to breakdown in a landfill. This new BioBall™ only takes 5 years, lasts 5x longer, and we loved it in our play tests. Please consider eco-friendly play with a ball that is just as good, lasts longer, and is the same exact price. Save 10% with code "THEDINK". https://komodopickleball.com/products/bioball?srsltid=AfmBOooBGMnny9yZ7LGDmm_kv2oPLvn3ZKbMUlJUXftTFVumY815CdJJ&sca_ref=8092923.JzF5RFN4VCnZ8y Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/ 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------ 0:00 An empty tank for bronze medal matches 7:18 The new singles strategy is to stay back 11:14 Any hope for the drop serve? 12:00 Tempers flare in Fed vs Hunter Johnson semifinal 20:45 Do you regret the ‘Non-American’ comment? 23:23 You can’t challenge a challenge 28:57 What was the ‘medical timeout’ for? Who were you flipping off? 33:19 The first targeting call got reversed immediately 38:20 The poster boy of Adidas but using a JOOLA paddle 42:08 Any case for using a singles vs doubles paddle 44:42 ALW had an all-time performance 47:19 MLP announces ability to steal players 52:29 Did you get enough respect being the world’s no. 1 player? 58:30 Blind ranking 5 signature shots 1:01:02 The first paddle challenge of the year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a full house on the PicklePod this week as we hear from four special guests. First up is Erik Tice who breaks down the Max Freeman contract situation and the surprising results of the MLP keep/drop exchange. Then Zane goes off on how he judges if a player is a bad line caller or flat-out cheater. Next up, John Kew gives us the update on the Ronbus Ripple listing and subsequent de-listing that had paddle fans scratching their heads. Finally, the first international signed UPA players, Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis share their journey to pro pickleball and Tom breaks down his big win over Federico Staksrud. Try out the shoes that are Zane-tested and Zane-approved, the new XRZ shoes from SQAIRZ https://sqairz.com/ Get your BioBalls at http://komodopickleball.com/ Let’s keep our courts green, one rally at a time. Have your own pickleball glow-up with new apparel from MUEV https://muevbrand.com/ Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/ 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------ Erik Tice 0:00 What happened with Max Freeman contract? 5:04 Will Howells is in a unique situation 10:22 The Hustlers dropped their ENTIRE team 13:20 60% of players will change teams in 2025 15:05 Suprised by the Kate Fahey drop 18:30 How long to turn D1 tennis player into MLP player? 21:31 Federico Staksrud in paddle turmoil 28:28 New UPA-A targeting rule debate 35:30 Retaliation will also be punished 41:45 Zane landed a new shoe deal 48:56 Searching for the best player in NYC 52:19 Zane’s glow up is in session 55:18 Cheating - just cheating 1:00:48 Is cheating a byproduct of hot paddles 1:03:35 Jay and Fed weigh in on line calls 1:12:10 A malicious nasty nelson is a wild move 1:14:39 Did we go too hard on the Collin episode? 1:18:45 Max Freeman forced to drop top partners i.e. Ben 1:28:20 Zane got nasty nelsoned by Jack Sock 1:31:45 ALW got asked to prom picture 1:33:54 Pickleheads raised 2.5mm 1:37:30 Coincidental loss for Fed in Tucson with Adidas paddle 1:40:49 Hunter are Parris dominated Super Bowl Sunday Leo Meme 1:43:05 Andrei and Alshon looked dangerous in Tucson 1:46:25 Blind ranking backhand flicks John Kew 1:50:50 John Kew digging up bones 1:53:25 Finally back to pickleball - What happened to the Ripple? 1:56:55 There are different versions of the Ripple that hit the market 2:02:00 What motivated USA Pickleball to test a second batch? 2:05:27 All approved paddles will also get PBCoR stamp Tom Evans and Helena Spiridis 2:09:15 Say hello to Tom and Helena 2:15:20 Tom started getting results in 2023 2:18:55 Which pros were you intimidated by? 2:20:32 Where are pickleball hubs in Australia? 2:23:38 When are making the move to the US? 2:26:18 Top 3 players in Australia 2:28:26 Signed on with UPA and eligible for MLP 2:33:42 What are the biggest differences between U.S. and Aussie pickleball 2:35:30 Tom’s big win over Federico Staksrud 2:38:50 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zane went down under to compete in the first-ever PPA Australia Open. While on-site he sat down with PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe, and Australian pickleballers Joey Wild, Roos Van Reek, and Brendan Lee. Listen to the leaders of the Australian pickleball movement explain how the game is rapidly growing in the country. Joey Wild explains how the tennis Australian Open has embraced pickleball despite most tennis tournaments resisting the sport. Connor Pardoe details how the United Pickleball Association is approaching international growth and navigating government restrictions in each country. Brendan Lee breaks down the emerging professional leagues and organizations trying to guide the sport in Australia. Get your BioBalls at http://komodopickleball.com/ Let’s keep our courts green, one rally at a time. Ditch the slip-n-slide and grab some 4on TotalGrip Spray. Find it on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/4on-Total-Grip-Spray-Pickleball/dp/B0CDQSZ61M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A2GTY0IXP720&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lApjO6QjNRWGEN536a4n4xOiruibPTkBAkb75FZX5dHxxFcOWb54K5Dk7rw2PPjjhMdCVWPe5RUlgnYS46GmNYjZ9n-snmPHQG-RqiQOip63yU9bUwqKnDz3o8BvRYsAKnkCUOyfhYVtpKpinHBkRM9I_0sAx-2Q7N2V349YiaDYgZ850wiwx5kIHaZMmP8mWtdWStcYbzr-BaCeSCF3UTcA-q-cf0F2sUB0NICnoYZyTqvSvzuQSR3QK77SUnVf.0Nq2fjcVYIAaS8ov0J7d8LaJjbEe562Do9CaWnluyFU&dib_tag=se&keywords=4on+totalgrip+spray&qid=1737993916&sprefix=4on%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1 Pickleball's #1 subscription box is here https://www.thedink.shop/ 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.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -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 ------------------ Connor Pardoe - PPA Tour CEO 0:00 Connor has some Australian roots 2:54 First international PPA Tour stop 6:38 How the PPA Tour is approaching Asia 8:25 What are the challenges with international events? 10:58 PPA Tour rolling out the Challenger Series 14:17 Why did Zane choose international partners? Joey Wild - Australian Pro Player 16:38 The Aussie pro pickleball landscape NPL vs PPA 19 :35 The National Pickleball League model 22:05 Playing pickleball at the Australian Open 29:45 Tennis embracing pickleball Roos Van Reek - Australian Pro Player 34:06 Roos is an Honorary Australian 37:43 Gap year turned pickleball pro 41:03 Would you move to the US to train? 44:13 What is pickleball like in China? 46:51 Who are your normal partners? + MLP Australia Brendan Lee - Pickleball Australia Executive Officer 48:20 “We hope they all win” and Aussie rules 52:59 There are very few public-access tennis courts 56:52 Australia wasn’t ready for pro pickleball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices