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Introducing The Pickleball Connection Podcast, your comprehensive guide to the thrilling world of pickleball, brought to you by Selkirk TV. Hosted by Barrett and Danea Bass, this podcast offers an unparalleled blend of exclusive interviews, the latest industry news, and we will even discuss some controversies you might encounter at your local rec nights! Stay ahead of the curve with the most current news and trends in pickleball. Whether it's updates on major tournaments, innovations in equipment, or shifts in the pickleball landscape, we've got you covered. And for those looking to enhance their skills on the court, The Pickleball Connection Podcast delivers too! Every episode includes valuable quick tips designed to make a significant difference in your game. These easy-to-implement strategies are perfect for players of all levels, helping you improve your play and enjoy the sport even more. So buckle up as we increase your connection to America's fastest growing sport!
54 Episodes
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It’s the year of the upset — and the year of controversy. This week on The Pickleball Connection Podcast, Barrett and Danae dive into: 🎾 The wave of massive upsets shaking up the pro scene (including Jack Sock’s early exit) 🔥 Why the field feels more unpredictable than ever 😬 A viral forum debate over whether targeting weaker players in rec play is strategy or bullying 💬 Who the community says are the most underrated and overrated players right now 🏆 And the duo’s personal picks for players they’re secretly rooting for 👇 Join the discussion in the comments: Is hitting to the weaker player poor sportsmanship or just part of the game? Who do you think is the most underrated player on tour right now?
Things got heated in pro pickleball this week.Barrett and Danea break down one of the most bizarre scandals yet — PPA Challenger player Dennis Uspenski caught blatantly cheating, threatening other players, and doubling down online 😳In this episode:- Why Uspenski’s 90-day suspension might be way too soft- What his viral apology got wrong- How this controversy impacts the sport’s reputation- A breakdown of Lea Jansen vs. Sam Parker’s controversial ball interference at Virginia Beach- Why PPA’s venue and ref issues are becoming a real problemPickleball’s growing fast — but can it stay professional?👇 Drop your thoughts:- Do you think Uspenski’s punishment was fair or too lenient?- And have you ever had a rally interrupted by a rogue ball?
In today’s episode of the Pickleball Connection Podcast, we hit three hot topics: Rec-Play Drama: What do you do when someone shows up with a clearly out-of-spec or delaminated paddle? Where we draw the line (and a funny racquetball racket story).Vintage Open Takeaways: Pros played with identical wooden paddles—who popped, who struggled, and what this says about modern styles vs. gear.Malaysia Conditions: Heat, humidity, slow ball… and surprising results. How climate and ball choice can flip matchups—and which players benefit. 👇 Drop your take: Would you call out an illegal paddle in rec?Which player would improve most if everyone used the same paddle?Are you better in crisp altitude air or Florida soup?
The PPA Cincinnati Open was full of surprises—huge upsets, paddle drama, and even a sneak peek at the upcoming Sacramento Vintage Open 🎾 In this episode of The Pickleball Connection Podcast, Barrett and Danea break down: How Jackie & Jade Kawamoto stunned Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright—and then won it all.Why paddle testing shook up the pro scene and left players scrambling.What destructive testing really means for the future of paddles.Why Selkirk’s Boomstik passed while others didn’t.A look ahead at the Wooden Paddle tournament—can modern pros thrive with old-school gear?
In this Pickleball Connection Podcast episode, Barrett & Danea dig into two big topics shaping your game right now: 1) “Learn New Shots” = Level Up? Why adding tools (60% dipping drives, one-hand flicks, the bunt drop, smarter baseline defense) matters—and how rhythm and timing can instantly upgrade your drives, drops, and dinks even more than swinging harder. 2) DUPR Debate (Age/Gender & Tourney mashups) A fiery thread on mixing age brackets, how ageless/genderless ratings impact rec & tournament players, whether DUPR needs age/gender lanes (or even AI), and how often you should log matches for accuracy.
Are you avoiding games against stronger opponents? In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dive into a hot community debate: is your unwillingness to seek out tougher competition what’s holding your game back? We also break down the latest drama and excitement from Major League Pickleball playoffs—including shocking upsets, dream breaker chaos, and betting entering the pickleball world. Plus, we share unfiltered first impressions of Selkirk’s newest power paddle, the Boomstick, and why it’s already changing the game. ⏱ What You’ll Learn: Why challenging yourself against higher-level players can accelerate improvement.How the Columbus Sliders shocked the pickleball world by knocking out the Dallas Flash.What betting on MLP could mean for the future of the sport.Honest player feedback on the Selkirk Boomstik (and whether it really lives up to the hype).
First, the new UPA Players Association: What it means for PPA and MLP prosWhy Zane Navratil was voted in as player repHow it could shift rules, fines, contracts, and working conditionsThe long-term impact on trust, pay structure, and competitive balance Then, we dive into the new official tour ball: The Lifetime ball’s performanceHow it compares to the Vulcan, Dura, and Selkirk Pro S1What pros are saying (and what it might mean for the amateur game) Plus: thoughts on recent MLP event quality and why top-team matchups matter for fan excitement.
Major League Pickleball just had its most chaotic week ever—and we’re here to break it all down.In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dissect the blockbuster trade that sent Ben Johns to the LA Mad Drops and reshaped the MLP power structure. Which teams are legit title threats? Who's just cashing out? And what team chemistry questions remain?We also dive into:Our updated Top 5 MLP Teams 🏆Whether Premier Division is too top-heavySurprising takes from the community on rule changesShould the serve be regulated more strictly?And yes… is it time to change the name “pickleball”?
In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea break down the latest changes to the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), including how you can now lose rating points even after a win. 🤯 We cover: Why winning isn’t enough anymoreThe real consequences for high-level playersHow rally scoring and “margin expectations” change everythingWhether DUPR should factor in age and genderThe bigger issue of sandbagging in tournamentsAnd… an AI-powered solution that might actually fix it all 👀
This week on The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dive deep into two HOT topics in the pickleball world 🔥:🏓 1. Should Your Rec Games Count Toward DUPR?💰 2. New PPA/MLP Prize Structure for Pros👉 Let us know in the comments: Would YOU still show up to rec play if every match counted toward your DUPR?✅ Like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected with all things pickleball.
In Episode 44 of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea sit down with legendary coach and educator Mark Renneson to explore the future of pickleball coaching—and challenge the outdated methods many instructors still cling to 🧠 🔥 🎙️ In this episode: Mark’s journey from tennis to pickleball coachingWhy third-shot drops and dink drills might be a waste of time for beginnersThe difference between a good coach and a great oneWhat makes Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) a game-changer in coach certificationHow PCI is expanding access to quality coaching—even in Africa 💡 Whether you're a current coach, aspiring instructor, or just obsessed with learning the game, this episode is packed with insight 👇 Let us know in the comments: What's the best coaching advice you've ever received?
Welcome to Episode 43 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass share what it's like playing competitive pickleball with your spouse. They also discuss the growing influence of AI on pickleball, including its potential to enhance coaching and gameplay analysis, as well as the impact of pickleball paddle technology on the growth of the sport. Higher quality paddles can make a significant difference in performance, but having an understanding paddle technology is crucial for players looking to improve.
Welcome to Episode 42 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the evolving techniques in pickleball, particularly the increasing popularity of the two-handed backhand, and whether this shot is essential for high-level play. They also share their thoughts on the differences between the MLP and PPA leagues, including viewer engagement and competitive dynamics. Plus, strategies for recreational play and the balance between winning and improving skills.
Welcome to Episode 41 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass introduce a new segment called the 'Pickleball Hot Seat,' where Danea answers strategic questions about pickleball gameplay. They also discuss different aspects of pickleball strategy, including when to contact the ball on the rise, how to adjust your game plans when you're stuck, and the differences between mixed and women's doubles strategies. They also share their personal experiences with the mental aspects of playing pickleball, including managing your momentum and personal energy levels during matches.
Welcome to Episode 39 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass recap the PPA Atlanta Pickleball Championships, including surprising wins (and losses). Federico Staksrud tweeted that singles pickleball has become mini-tennis, a comment that everyone seems to be talking about. Barrett and Danea discuss whether singles pickleball is more like doubles pickleball or tennis — and if former tennis players have an advantage in singles pickleball. They also talk about the evolution of pickleball, including the impact of paddle technology on gameplay and strategy, and the growing concern for eye protection as the game becomes faster and more powerful.
Welcome to Episode 40 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the significant fine imposed upon pro pickleball player Quang Duong by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) for violating his contract by playing in a hometown pickleball tournament in Vietnam. They share their thoughts on the implications of fines in professional pickleball, the responsibility of pro players to communicate about other tournaments they are playing in, and why local tournaments are so important for the sport. They also discuss playing in tournaments, including the challenges faced during large tournaments and advice for players entering tournaments for the first time.
Welcome to Episode 39 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass recap the PPA Atlanta Pickleball Championships, including surprising wins (and losses). Federico Staksrud tweeted that singles pickleball has become mini-tennis, a comment that everyone seems to be talking about. Barrett and Danea discuss whether singles pickleball is more like doubles pickleball or tennis — and if former tennis players have an advantage in singles pickleball. They also talk about the evolution of pickleball, including the impact of paddle technology on gameplay and strategy, and the growing concern for eye protection as the game becomes faster and more powerful.
Welcome to Episode 38 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea discuss pro pickleball, and especially the recent withdrawal of pro players Ben and Collin Johns from a Major League Pickleball (MLP) tournament due to safety concerns over lighting. What does this mean for their team, the fans, and professional pickleball as a whole? Barrett and Danea discuss reactions from other players, potential punishments, and the broader issues of player performance and health in pickleball.
Welcome to Episode 37 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss navigating playing with an emotional and/or frustrated partner, and how to manage your own emotions on the pickleball court. High-pressure situations (like a pickleball game) can lead to performance anxiety — but what can you do to help your pickleball partner manage their emotions? They explain how being positive and showcasing your sportsmanship can help you have a good experience.
Welcome to Episode 36 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the impact of tariffs on the pickleball industry, especially for those pickleball paddle companies that rely on overseas manufacturing. Barrett and Danea explore the potential inflationary effects on paddle prices and the uncertainty surrounding supply chains. They also discuss the recent breakup of the pickleball women's doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, what it means for both players, and how the competitive landscape in women's pickleball is evolving with new talent emerging.
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