Student Of The Game - Pickleball Drilling Journal

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Everything you missed in Pickleball Pop Culture in July 2025

0:00 Intro 0:14 Hottest male pickleball pros 0:20 Hunter and Parris breakup 0:58 Jay Devillier's welcomes baby girl 1:05 Ben Johns guest on CNN 1:10 MLP NYC 2:18 Meghan Dizon bodybags boyfriend 2:28 Dallas Flash win 2:58 Ruston Kelly's "Pickleball" song 3:47 Justin and Hailey Bieber play pickleball 4:05 ALW Featured in Paddletek ad 4:45 ALW at ESPY awards 5:12 Ben Johns traded to LA Mad Drops

5:19 ALW featured in Door Dash Ad 5:50 MLP St. Louis 6:52 MLP Dallas 7:30 MLP Salt Lake City 7:42 Dua Lipa, Jelly Roll play pickleball 8:30 Outro

Monday, August 4, 2025

Double the POWER: Perfect Your Two-Handed Backhand Drive

Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:18 Drill #1 - Non-dominant Hand 1:44 Drill #2 - 2 Handed Backhand 3:06 Drill #3 - Footwork and Timing 5:00 Outro

2025 MLP Salt Lake City

New Jersey 5s v Miami Pickleball Club New Jersey 5s Anna Leigh Waters:

/ a.l.waters_a1 Will Howells: Zane Navratil:

/ zanenavratilpickleball Craig Johnson:

/ craigjohnsonpb Mari Humberg Meghan Dizon:

/ meghandizon Miami Pickleball Club Noe Khlif:

/ noekhlifpickleball Jay Devilliers:

/ jaydevillierspickleball Yuta Funemizu:

/ pickleballjapan_yuta Milan Rane:

/ milan_rane Ava Ignatowich:

/ avaignatowich Mya Bui:

2025 MLP Salt Lake City Playlist

🔝 Most Viewed Matches

New Jersey 5s v Miami Pickleball Club
📺 26K views — ⏱️ 41:37
Chicago Slice v Texas Ranchers
📺 15K views — ⏱️ 1:20:14
Utah Black Diamonds v Texas Ranchers
📺 14K views — ⏱️ 1:03:55
Chicago Slice v Utah Black Diamonds
📺 11K views — ⏱️ 53:12
Miami Pickleball Club v Atlanta Bouncers
📺 8.1K views — ⏱️ 1:01:22
Texas Ranchers v Orlando Squeeze
📺 7.2K views — ⏱️ 51:06
Atlanta Bouncers v Utah Black Diamonds
📺 6.7K views — ⏱️ 1:04:38
Chicago Slice v Orlando Squeeze
📺 6.2K views — ⏱️ 1:23:27
Miami Pickleball Club v Chicago Slice
📺 4.6K views — ⏱️ 1:05:45
Atlanta Bouncers v Orlando Squeeze
📺 4.7K views — ⏱️ 52:06
Orlando Squeeze v New Jersey 5s
📺 4.5K views — ⏱️ 1:18:45

📈 Moderately Viewed Matches

Chicago Slice v Bay Area Breakers
📺 2.3K views — ⏱️ Not listed
Atlanta Bouncers v Texas Ranchers
📺 2.3K views — ⏱️ 1:15:01
Bay Area Breakers v Las Vegas Night Owls
📺 2K views — ⏱️ 1:06:37
Las Vegas Night Owls v Nashville Chefs
📺 1.9K views — ⏱️ 1:10:29
Nashville Chefs v Bay Area Breakers
📺 1.4K views — ⏱️ 1:05:52
Florida Smash v D.C. Pickleball Team
📺 1.4K views — ⏱️ 47:31
Bay Area Breakers v D.C. Pickleball Team
📺 1.4K views — ⏱️ 1:28:00
Florida Smash v Bay Area Breakers
📺 1.1K views — ⏱️ 57:21
Florida Smash v California Black Bears
📺 1.1K views — ⏱️ 1:10:36

📉 Lower Viewed Matches

Texas Ranchers v Miami Pickleball Club
📺 925 views — ⏱️ 50:15
Nashville Chefs v California Black Bears
📺 940 views — ⏱️ 52:44
Las Vegas Night Owls v California Black Bears
📺 720 views — ⏱️ 54:03
Nashville Chefs v D.C. Pickleball Team
📺 687 views — ⏱️ 1:05:41
New Jersey 5s v Atlanta Bouncers
📺 422 views — ⏱️ 48:05
Utah Black Diamonds v Miami Pickleball Club
📺 338 views — ⏱️ 53:36
Nashville Chefs v Florida Smash
📺 284 views — ⏱️ 46:39
California Black Bears v D.C. Pickleball Team
📺 230 views — ⏱️ 43:59
Las Vegas Night Owls v Florida Smash
📺 98 views — ⏱️ 53:09
D.C. Pickleball Team v Las Vegas Night Owls
📺 44 views — ⏱️ 47:24

Mastering the Drip Shot in Pickleball

0:35 Susannah Barr Explains the Drip 0:56 Why the Drip is so Hard to Deal With 1:30 Drive vs. Drop 2:06 The #1 Thing to Remember 2:27 The Key to Drip Technique 3:17 Footwork for Drops 4:00 Where to Target with the Drip 4:21 Dripping on the Forehand Side 5:21 Dripping on the Backhand Side 6:53 Coach Dom Breaks it Down 7:24 Where to Attack with the Drip 7:47 Drilling the Drip on the Forehand Side 8:36 What to do After the Drip 9:25 Drilling the Drip on the Backhand Side

Susannah Barr’s Guide to the Aggressive Hybrid Drop That Breaks Ankles and Wins Points

Introduction:
The “drip”—a hybrid between a drive and a drop shot—is becoming a must-have weapon in modern pickleball. In this in-depth instructional session from Flying Pickle Academy, pro player Susannah Barr breaks down her signature shot. Combining top spin, pace, and tactical placement, the drip shot forces opponents into tough returns—or no return at all. Whether you're a seasoned player or learning new tricks, this guide provides time-coded instruction, technical tips, and strategic insights to master the aggressive drop that’s redefining third-shot play.

1) 0:35 — Susannah Barr Explains the Drip

Also called a hybrid drop or ankle breaker
Susannah has been using it for years
It's her version of the standard drop shot

Summary:
Susannah introduces the "drip" as her longtime version of the drop shot. Known by many names—hybrid drop, aggressive drop, or ankle breaker—it’s a fast-dropping shot that looks like a drive but dives just past the net, making it hard to return. She sets the tone for the lesson by promising to show how it’s done.

2) 0:56 — Why the Drip is so Hard to Deal With

Opponents misread it as a drive
Drops fast after crossing the net
Forces short hops and awkward returns

Summary:
The drip is difficult to defend because it disguises itself. Opponents think they can volley it out of the air, but the sudden drop forces them into low, off-balance returns. Its spin and speed make it a nightmare to counter.

3) 1:30 — Drive vs. Drop

The drip is a shortened drive
Still includes topspin and follow-through
Starts closer to the net than a drive

Summary:
Susannah clarifies that the drip is essentially a drive without the backswing. It includes the aggressive follow-through and topspin of a drive but begins with a shorter stroke. The result is a ball that dips aggressively with spin.

4) 2:06 — The #1 Thing to Remember

Add topspin for effectiveness
Aggressive drops require pace
Aim at the opponent’s feet

Summary:
The most important element of a successful drip is topspin. Without it, the shot won’t dip as intended. This isn’t a soft drop—it’s fast, spinning, and designed to land low near the opponent’s feet.

5) 2:27 — The Key to Drip Technique

Drop paddle head
Stay low and use legs
Accelerate at contact with a windshield-wiper motion

Summary:
To execute the drip properly, players must drop their paddle head and stay low. The paddle face should stay steady and point toward the target. Acceleration at contact is critical, using a motion similar to wiping a windshield.

6) 3:17 — Footwork for Drops

Get into position early
Avoid reaching or being off balance
Contact the ball out in front with forward momentum

Summary:
Proper footwork allows for control and consistency. The drip requires balanced positioning, with the paddle out in front and movement toward the ball. Good footwork ensures spin, accuracy, and offensive pressure.

7) 4:00 — Where to Target with the Drip

Aim at opponent’s feet or kitchen line
Avoid shallow or deep shots
Maintain low net clearance

Summary:
Placement is key: not too short, not too deep. The ideal target is around the kitchen line or at the feet. Low trajectory ensures the opponent can’t volley it and must play off the bounce under pressure.

8) 4:21 — Dripping on the Forehand Side

Use short, controlled follow-through
Accelerate quickly at contact
Keep ball low over the net

Summary:
On the forehand side, players should keep the paddle head low and snap through contact with a short whip-like motion. The goal is to keep the shot just above the net and dipping quickly.

9) 5:21 — Dripping on the Backhand Side

Easier with two-handed grip
Drop paddle head and keep it out front
Rotate with the off-hand and accelerate through contact

Summary:
The backhand drip mirrors the forehand but requires strong use of the non-dominant hand for topspin. Stay low, lean forward, and focus on forward—not upward—momentum to make the ball skid low after the bounce.

10) 6:53 — Coach Dom Breaks it Down

Traditional soft drops invite attack
The drip keeps opponents on defense
Forces eyes and hands low, giving you net control

Summary:
Coach Dom emphasizes that the modern game punishes soft, high drops. The aggressive drip keeps opponents from attacking and gives the hitting team control. When they look down, you move up and finish the point.

11) 7:24 — Where to Attack with the Drip

Target the returner who is still moving
Catch players out of position
Hit toward seams and shifting feet

Summary:
Strategically, the drip is most effective when aimed at the player still transitioning from the baseline or one caught drifting out of position. These players are vulnerable to quick, dipping shots.

12) 7:47 — Drilling the Drip on the Forehand Side

Practice controlled acceleration
Use short follow-throughs
Repeat to build muscle memory

Summary:
To master the forehand drip, players must drill it repeatedly. Focus on compact motion, spin, and precision. Practice builds consistency and confidence.

13) 8:36 — What to do After the Drip

Partner should poach if popup occurs
Be ready for midcourt replies
Transition quickly to offense

Summary:
After hitting the drip, stay alert. Expect a weak return or popup and either you or your partner should capitalize. If they do get the ball back low, be ready to respond with a midcourt drive or another aggressive shot.

14) 9:25 — Drilling the Drip on the Backhand Side

Same motion as forehand, reversed
Let ball come to you
Aim for net height and kitchen line

Summary:
Backhand drip drills reinforce balance, timing, and control. Players should practice staying down, accelerating through contact, and landing the ball low and deep with spin. Consistency here rounds out the offensive toolkit.

Conclusion:
The drip shot is a modern evolution of the third shot drop—faster, more aggressive, and harder to return. By combining proper footwork, paddle technique, and strategic targeting, players can add this game-changing shot to their arsenal. Whether you're looking to dominate rallies or simply break a few ankles, the drip is the drop that does damage.

The Flying Pickle Academy Playlists

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Pickleball Phenomenon | A KING 5 News Sports Special

The Pickleball Phenomenon: How a Backyard Game Became America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Subtitle: From Humble Beginnings to Professional Leagues and Olympic Dreams, Pickleball is Capturing Hearts and Courts Nationwide

Introduction

In the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCollum—cobbled together a game to entertain their restless families. Using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they created pickleball, a sport that has since exploded into a national craze. Today, nearly 20 million Americans play it, transforming public parks, fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry, and drawing everyone from kids to celebrities. This article traces pickleball’s improbable journey from a backyard diversion to a cultural juggernaut, blending firsthand accounts, professional insights, and data from its rapid ascent.

1) 0:05, The Origins: A Game Born from Boredom

Pickleball began with a challenge. As Joel Pritchard’s son recalled, “We used to make games up, and I said, ‘Oh really? Why don’t you go make a game up?’” In 1965, Pritchard, Bell, and McCollum did just that, lowering a badminton net and volleying a wiffle ball with table tennis paddles. The name “pickleball” nods to “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew of leftovers, reflecting the sport’s scrappy start. Far from a polished invention, it was a practical solution to summer boredom that stuck.

Summary:
What began as a family-friendly experiment has grown into a sport with universal appeal. Its simplicity—requiring minimal equipment and space—laid the groundwork for its widespread adoption across generations.

2) 0:33, Explosive Growth: A Nationwide Craze

Pickleball’s rise is staggering. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports a 311% increase in participation since 2021, with nearly 20 million players in 2024. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four consecutive years, spanning every region. Public courts have surged by 650% in major cities over seven years, with 68,000 courts nationwide, some repurposed from tennis facilities or vacant stores. The average player is just 34, debunking the retiree stereotype, while 1 million kids under 18 joined in 2024.

Summary:
This growth reflects pickleball’s accessibility and versatility. Its ability to thrive in diverse settings—from parks to old retail spaces—has made it a fixture in American life, appealing to a broad demographic.

3) 2:02, The Professional Scene: From Amateurs to Stars

The sport’s professional landscape is flourishing. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) host elite tournaments, offering six-figure contracts to talents like Annalee Waters, who turned pro at 12, and Connor Garnett, a former tennis standout who left investment banking for pickleball in 2022. Major League Pickleball (MLP) has drawn investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady, with franchise valuations hitting $15 million. Garnett’s story—he medaled 20 times and won two PPA titles—highlights the sport’s professional allure.

Summary:
Pickleball’s pro scene is a testament to its maturation. With rising prize money and celebrity backing, it’s shedding its amateur roots to become a serious competitive arena.

4) 1:26, Health and Social Benefits: A Lifeline on the Court

Pickleball isn’t just fun—it’s good for you. Studies cited in the transcript link racket sports to greater life expectancy, surpassing running or cycling. Players burn 400 to 600 calories hourly, boosting heart health and balance. For older adults, it’s a social anchor, reducing depression and sharpening minds. Cliff Avril, a former NFL star turned MLP team owner, notes, “You can get on the court with a 65-year-old, and he might wear you out,” underscoring its intergenerational draw.

Summary:
The sport’s blend of physical exertion and community connection fuels its popularity. It’s a rare activity that promises both longevity and camaraderie.

5) 8:02, The Business Boom: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Pickleball is big business. Valued at $2.2 billion in 2024, the industry could reach $7.9 billion by 2033, per Market.us. Equipment sales—paddles, balls, apparel—lead the charge, but court construction and venues like Chicken and Pickle thrive too. Selkirk Sport, founded in 2014, saw revenue jump 1,900% since 2019, expanding to 100+ countries and donating 25,000 paddles to schools. The sport’s economic ripple is reshaping retail and recreation.

Summary:
From gear to infrastructure, pickleball’s commercial success mirrors its cultural impact. It’s a goldmine for entrepreneurs and a catalyst for community investment.

6) 18:29, The Future: Olympic Dreams and Global Reach

Pickleball’s ambitions are global. The PPA Tour is expanding to Asia and Europe, with Deputy Commissioner Chris Patrick eyeing an Olympic debut—perhaps as an exhibition in 2028 and a medal event by 2032. A junior league and youth movement, exemplified by players like 16-year-old Redmond, WA based Ella Cosma, signal a shift to a “young game.” International federations, like China’s Tennis Association, are embracing it, paving the way for broader recognition.

Summary:
With international tours and Olympic potential, pickleball is poised for a global stage. Its focus on youth ensures a pipeline of talent and fans for decades to come.

Article Summary

Pickleball’s ascent from a 1965 backyard brainstorm to a 20-million-player phenomenon is a story of ingenuity, community, and unstoppable momentum. Its growth—311% since 2021—spans ages and regions, driven by accessibility and health benefits that extend life and lift spirits. Professionally, it’s a rising star, with six-figure contracts and celebrity investors signaling mainstream clout. Economically, it’s a $2.2 billion behemoth, projected to nearly quadruple by 2033. As it eyes Olympic glory and global courts, pickleball proves that a simple idea, born of boredom, can become a transformative force in sports and society. Whether you’re a dinker or a smasher, this quirky-named game is rewriting the rules of recreation.