Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup MxD Bronze Bright/Patriquin vs Humberg/Klinger
Bronze Medal Match
Sunday, June 22, 2025
2025 Select Medical Orange County Cup Playlist
100 Videos
AI Studio Sunday Summary
Women's Singles: Anna Leigh Waters, who has not lost a singles match in over a year, will face a surging Catherine Parenteau in the final. Anna Leigh Waters vs Catherine Parenteau
Men's Singles: Federico "Fetty" Staksrud is set to play Hunter Johnson, whose powerful serve and two-handed backhand are predicted to pose a significant challenge. Federico Staksrud vs Hunter JohnsonMixed Doubles: The top two seeds will compete, featuring Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns against the Johnson duo. The matchup is expected to be extremely close and go the distance. Waters/Johns vs Johnson/JohnsonMen's Doubles: The #1 seed (Ben Johns & Gabe Tardio) and #2 seed (Hayden Patriquin & Federico Staksrud), who entered the tournament with identical ranking points, will face each other in the final. Johns/Tardio vs Staksrud/PatriquinWomen's Doubles: A "Breakup Showdown 2.0" will see former partners compete, as Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher challenge the undefeated (37-0) team of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright. Waters/Bright vs Parenteau/Rohrabacher
Friday, June 20, 2025
2025 PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup: Anna Leigh Waters/Anna Bright
In the 3rd point of this Round Of 16 Women's Doubles match, Anna Leigh Waters hit an amazing off speed Twoey backhand dink roll winner from the middle of "No Mans Land" (NML) to Vivienne David's backhand down the line.
Players Socials
- Anna Leigh Waters –
/ a.l.waters_a1 - Anna Bright – / annabright.pb
- Vivienne David – / viviennedavid97
- Lauren Stratman – / lolo_strat_pb
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Tanner Tomassi: Understanding the Difference Between a "Push" Dink and a "Dead" Dink
Mastering the Dink: How to Apply Pressure and Avoid Getting Attacked with Your Soft Game at the Kitchen Line
Introduction:
In the nuanced world of pickleball, the dink shot can make or break a rally. Often misunderstood as simply a "soft shot," the dink actually comes in two important forms: the push dink and the dead dink. In a recent instructional video, Tanner Tomassi breaks down these two types of dinks and explains how understanding their differences can elevate your game — especially at the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen. This guide translates Tomassi’s insights into a clear step-by-step approach for practicing smarter, applying more pressure, and avoiding easy attacks.
What Is a Push Dink?
A push dink is a controlled, intentional shot that travels with purpose and lands in a high-pressure area near your opponent’s feet — specifically within what Tyson McGuffin calls the "pressurized zone." This is the zone just beyond the kitchen line, extending one step into the court.
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Characteristics of a Push Dink:
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Has forward motion or "intent."
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Lands near or on the opponent's kitchen line.
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Keeps your opponent guessing: Should they volley it out of the air? Let it bounce? Step back?
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Causes indecision and creates opportunities for your team to move in or attack.
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What Is a Dead Dink?
A dead dink lacks energy and intention. It’s a soft shot that usually lands too far from the kitchen line, often sitting up and inviting your opponent to pounce.
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Characteristics of a Dead Dink:
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Floats or lands too shallow (closer to the net).
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Doesn’t create pressure — it invites it.
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Easy to attack or volley aggressively.
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Often leads to your team being put on the defensive or losing the rally outright.
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The Pressurized Zone: Your Target Area
Imagine stepping one foot into the kitchen and drawing an imaginary line across the court. Everything beyond that line, extending several inches toward your opponent, is the pressurized zone. This is your target area.
When you consistently land your dinks in this zone:
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You force your opponent to make quick decisions.
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You reduce their options.
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You control the tempo of the rally.
Tomassi recommends practicing dinks that land as close to the kitchen line as possible without hitting the net — giving you maximum pressure and control.
Practice Tip from Tanner Tomassi:
“Next time you're practicing, aim your dinks as close to the kitchen line as possible.”
Summary:
A push dink applies pressure, lands in the pressurized zone, and keeps your opponent off balance. A dead dink is passive, sits up, and invites an attack. By focusing your practice on controlled, intentional dinks that land near the kitchen line, you can dramatically increase your effectiveness at the net and win more points. The dink isn’t just a soft shot — it’s a strategic weapon. Make it count.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Who I’m Like: Anna Bright” – A Pickleball Anthem Hits the Mic and the Court
AC Baby’s High-Energy Tribute Is More Than Just a Song—It’s a Cultural Moment for the PPA Era
Introduction:
In a packed episode of the King of the Court podcast, Alex Crum—aka AC Baby—dropped more than just insider pickleball talk. He previewed the release of a bombastic new anthem titled Anna Bright (Official Music Video). What began as a playful discussion about name-checking top-tier pros turned into a full-blown cultural reveal: a hip-hop track packed with swagger, ferocity, and unfiltered admiration for the rise of one of pickleball’s biggest stars.
The Build-Up: “It’s Not About Anna Leigh…”
In the King of the Court interview, Crum teased the inspiration behind his latest single. “It may or may not be named after a very prominent professional pickleball player,” he laughed. While co-hosts guessed Anna Leigh Waters, Crum quickly clarified, “It’s not about her... even though it was going to be.” He explained that the optics of a 33-year-old man dedicating a song to an 18-year-old phenom might “be misconstrued in some type of way.”
Instead, Crum landed on Anna Bright—one of the sport’s most electrifying female pros—as the song’s namesake. “It’s Mo Bamba, it’s Tyler Herro—not Halle Berry,” he said, emphasizing that the track is more about energy, grit, and game than romance or glamour. “It’s a certified banger,” he added, confidently predicting the song’s future presence at PPA events across the country.
The Song: Bold Bars, Court Swagger, and High BPMs
The official video opens with a simple question—“Are you ready?”—before launching into a machine-gun flow of athletic bravado:
“Put me in the ring and I’ll compete / I’m so heavy with these hands / I’m too nimble on my feet…”
What follows is a lyrical blitz that names Bright outright:
“Yo, hey Anna Breezy / My god, you make it look easy / You line up all of these picklers / And turn them into zucchini…”
With playful metaphors and thumping 808s, Crum casts himself as both competitor and commentator. Lines like “It’s hot boy summer” and “I’m a grim reaper, I’m a ditch digger” give the track its fighting-edge tone, while “Took a step outside and it’s all looking bright” doubles as a nod to the song’s title and its defiant optimism.
From Soundbooth to San Clemente
Crum revealed that the song was recorded the night of the podcast and that a music video is in the works. “I’d love to get it out before San Clemente,” he said, referring to the upcoming PPA Tour stop. Whether it drops before or after, it’s clear this isn’t just a one-off track—Crum envisions it as the anthem of pickleball’s professional era.
He even referenced previous attempts at pickleball music, noting a former PPA employee who rapped during timeouts: “But this one? It’s on another level.”
The Legacy Play: A Song That Names the Brightest
In a sport still defining its pop culture footprint, Anna Bright (Official Music Video) doesn’t just ride the wave—it helps create it. The choice to center the song around Anna Bright is savvy. Bright, known for her fiery court presence and competitive fire, embodies the same traits Crum raps about: swagger, strength, and a hunger to win.
Far from a novelty, the track reflects how deeply embedded players like Bright are becoming in the cultural fabric of this fast-growing sport.
Summary: A Banger Born from Bravado, Brilliance, and Bright
Anna Bright (Official Music Video) is a high-octane celebration of dominance, hustle, and individuality on and off the court. Originating from an off-the-cuff podcast riff, it matured quickly into a full-fledged anthem. Alex Crum's decision to shift focus from Anna Leigh Waters to Anna Bright was less about controversy and more about ethos—the song had to match its subject's vibe, and Bright brought the heat.
With lyrical swagger, clever metaphor, and bold production, the song doesn’t just honor Anna Bright—it turns her into a symbol of the new pickleball generation. And in doing so, it might just become the official soundtrack of the sport’s most electric moments.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The Kitchen Interview: Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters
- 0:00 - Intro
- 1:41 - How Anna Leigh & Leigh discovered pickleball and what it means to their family
- 4:10 - Anna Leigh deciding that she wanted to focus on pickleball
- 5:26 - What took Anna Leigh's game from high 4.5 to pro
- 6:30: Leigh and Anna Leigh's first pro tournament together
- 6:58 - Leigh and ALW playing against each other for their first time in a pro tournament
- 9:00 - Drink Reign Storm
- 9:20 - At what point ALW knew this was going to be a full-time job
- 10:13 - The Waters realizing they needed lead tape
- 11:44 - At what point ALW realized she could be #1 in the world
- 12:29 - How good ALW was at soccer
- 13:20 - ALW's weak grip strength and how it benefits her game
- 14:28 - Playing with a paddle that has no grit
- 14:45 - Leigh's injury and it being an inflection point of ALW's career
- 19:03 - Anna Leigh Waters becoming Anna Leigh Waters
- 19:38 - ALW playing against Ben Johns
- 20:33 - Will Leigh and Anna Leigh play more together in the future
- 20:56 - Leigh's rehab and becoming a great coach
- 21:36 - Leigh coaching Christian Alshon
- 22:19 - Christian Alshon's mentality and emotion
- 23:50 - When did Anna Leigh know that she wasn't going to college and was all-in on pickleball
- 25:06 - ALW being homeschooled and being more comfortable around adults than kids
- 25:58 - What keeps ALW motivated and her insane competitive drive
- 28:28 - ALW's crazy talk on the sideline and self-awareness
- 28:58 - ALW's need for breaks and the pickleball grind
- 30:35 - The toll a triple crown run takes on ALW's mind and body
- 33:26 - Comparing ALW's mentality to the greatest athletes such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, etc. and her relationships with other pros
- 35:31 - Anna Leigh's bus
- 36:03 - ALW's accomplishments so far and is she the GOAT?
- 36:38 - Does ALW think she's on the level of Caitlin Clark and Serena Williams?
- 37:45 - How ALW stays so driven
- 39:56 - What else ALW could see herself doing after pickleball and the amazing opportunities pickleball provides people to do amazing stuff
- 40:47 - How vacations help ALW in the next tournament
- 41:57 - Jared's take on how important perspective is and focusing on joy
- 43:11 - Tuning out the haters
- 43:33 - Where does ALW see herself in 10 years
- 44:32 - Stories about all of the cool people that we've got to meet because of pickleball
- 45:50 - ALW's excitement about where she's currently at in her career
- 46:46 - How would ALW do in a men's singles draw?
- 48:24 - The Waters thoughts on the current paddle situation
- 51:18 - Will ALW and Anna Bright ever lose?
- 53:33 - ALW's craziest pickleball stories
- 56:33 - The Hayden Patriquin situation
Thursday, June 5, 2025
From Baby Announcements to Billboards: May Madness in Pickleball Pop Culture
Injuries, Outbursts, Princess Dresses, and Times Square Fame—The Sport’s Brightest Stars Shine On and Off the Court
May 2025 was a month of raw emotion, off-court revelations, and cultural crossovers in the world of professional pickleball. From heated MLP rivalries and player withdrawals to baby news, celebrity cameos, and Anna Leigh Waters’ glowing presence in Times Square, pickleball proved it's more than a sport—it’s a pop culture movement. Here’s a full breakdown, time-coded for your convenience.
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:11 Ben Johns and Collin Johns withdraw
- 0:21 Kate Fahey drops the F bomb
- 0:35 DJ Young's baby announcement
- 0:51 JW meets baby named after him
- 1:03 Thomas Wilson adopts baby girl
- 1:24 Disney releases princess athletic dresses
- 1:41 Veolia ATL Pickleball Championships
- 2:14 Christian Alshon's battle cry
- 3:05 The Big D's of pro pickleball
- 3:54 New pro pickleball merch
- 4:17 Milly Rane roars
- 4:40 Pickleball on the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
- 5:00 Quang Duong suspended and fined
- 5:10 ALW has a billboard in Times Square
- 5:47 Outro
0:00 – Intro: A Month to Remember
The St. Louis Shock opened May with levity, introducing a mock “security team” after the tense MLP Orlando events. It set the tone for a month brimming with intensity and irony. What followed was a cascading sequence of withdrawals, weddings, wins, and viral moments.
0:11 – Ben and Collin Johns Withdraw from MLP Columbus
Citing poor lighting, the Johns brothers backed out of MLP Columbus. It sparked fan reactions, including a now-viral T-shirt mocking the withdrawal. While no rules were broken, the controversy reignited debates about playing conditions and professionalism.
0:21 – Kate Fahey Drops the F-Bomb
Tensions flared further when Kate Fahey directed expletives at Federico Staksrud, calling him a “f-ing B.” Though it didn't erupt into violence, the incident added fuel to the MLP’s ongoing reputation for drama.
0:35 – DJ Young’s Baby Announcement
DJ Young and his wife Courtney shared that baby number two is on the way. The announcement was met with widespread joy, adding a wholesome contrast to the drama-laden week.
0:51 – JW Johnson Meets a Baby Named After Him
In a heartwarming moment, JW Johnson met a newborn named in his honor. The meeting went viral and reminded fans of the personal impact these athletes have beyond the court.
1:03 – Thomas Wilson Adopts Baby Girl
Thomas and Britney Wilson welcomed baby Haven, sister to their daughter Holyn. It’s a story of family, love, and expansion—resonant themes during a month full of highs and lows.
1:24 – Disney Debuts Princess Tennis Dresses
Disney Store tapped into the athleticwear trend with princess-inspired tennis dresses. A clear crossover between childhood nostalgia and modern athletic style, the collection was well received—especially among fans of Genie Bouchard, who modeled similar looks during her Tennis Channel shoots.
1:41 – Veolia ATL Championships: The Anna Alliance
The long-awaited Anna Leigh Waters–Anna Bright partnership didn’t disappoint. They dominated the Atlanta Grand Slam, while Federico Staksrud was stunned in an early-round upset. New kits from Fila and New Balance rounded out the fashion statements of the tournament.
2:14 – Christian Alshon’s Battle Cry
In one of the most unforgettable moments, Christian Alshon’s emotional sideline scream—after a doubles win with Julian Arnold—cemented itself as meme-worthy material. The intensity of pro pickleball was on full display.
3:05 – The Big D’s of Pro Pickleball
Volair’s fashion-forward partnership featuring Keith Haring’s art turned heads, as did new player-branded merch. “The Big D’s” shirts from Dylan Frazier and Dekel Bar flew off the Pickleball Central shelves, showing how branding is evolving in the sport.
3:54 – New Pickleball Merch Drops
Jen Rogers’ ELN apparel line debuted with flair, while Florida Smash rebranded with sleek new merch. Pottery classes with Dekel Bar and Julian Arnold lightened the mood online, proving even the fiercest players know how to unwind.
4:17 – Milly Rane Roars Back
Annoyed by Eric Oncins’ courtside heckling, Milly Rane screamed back—point-blank—creating one of May’s funniest and most talked-about moments. The clip is still racking up views.
4:40 – Pickleball on TV’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”
From Stratman’s engagement to Julian Arnold to appearances on niche reality shows, pickleball expanded its cultural footprint—reaching even the most unexpected corners of pop culture.
5:00 – Quang Duong Suspended and Fined
In less joyous news, Quang Duong was penalized for breaching contract rules by playing in a non-PPA event, reminding fans that professional pickleball still enforces strict league loyalties.
5:10 – Anna Leigh Waters in Times Square
Capping the month was Anna Leigh Waters' massive billboard appearance in Times Square. A beacon of the sport’s growth, ALW’s rise is now etched into the very skyline of American celebrity.
5:47 – Outro: Be Part of History
From court-side drama to cultural relevance, May proved that pickleball’s rise shows no signs of slowing. As the recap concluded, fans were encouraged not just to watch—but to attend, play, and live the history.
Article Summary
May 2025 showcased pickleball as a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. A sport once relegated to retirement communities now commands Times Square billboards, reality show cameos, high-profile endorsements, and deeply personal human moments. With stars like Anna Leigh Waters, the Johns brothers, and the Annas (Bright and Leigh) at the helm, the game is not only growing in scope—but becoming a mirror of American pop culture itself.
🎶 Song: “Pickleball Diaries: From Times Square to the Court”
Instrumentation:
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Verse (Folk): Acoustic guitar fingerpicking, light snare brush
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Rap Sections (90s-style): Drum machine, vinyl scratch effects
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Chorus (Jazz): Upright bass, saxophone riffs, soft piano
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Bridge: Layered harmony vocals, violin
[Verse 1 – Folk]
In St. Louis, they joked with a faux security team,
Then Ben and Collin dipped, chasing a lighting dream.
Kate let loose an F-bomb, said what she felt,
Pickleball’s heat ain’t the cards you’re dealt.
[Chorus – Jazz]
Ooooh, it’s more than a game,
Billboards and babies, rising fame.
From ATL courts to Times Square’s light,
Pickleball’s dancing in the spotlight.
[Verse 2 – Rap]
DJ Young got baby news, second one’s due,
JW met a namesake baby, yeah that’s true.
Wilson adopted, brought Haven home,
On-court legends, making love zones.
Princess dresses, Disney’s spin,
Bouchard on court with a royal grin.
Anna x Anna in ATL blast,
Gold round their necks, winning fast.
[Chorus – Jazz]
Ooooh, hear the sideline cry,
Alshon roaring to the sky.
Big D’s shirts and Haring flair,
Pickleball culture everywhere.
[Verse 3 – Folk]
Milly Rane screamed back in pride,
A fiery moment she couldn't hide.
Duong got fined, took the fall,
While ALW went big on the wall.
[Bridge – Harmony/Violin Layer]
From pottery wheels to Cayman tides,
From Mormon Wives to wedding brides.
Rap battles at the merch booth sale,
It’s a jazzy folk sport on a pickle trail.
[Final Chorus – Full Ensemble Jazz]
Ooooh, rise with the names we know,
Anna Leigh, the star of the show.
If May’s the storm, June’s the fire,
Pickleball’s pop culture choir.
Song Creation Article: Behind the Beat of “Pickleball Diaries”
The song “Pickleball Diaries” emerged from an effort to sonically mirror the month’s diversity of tone and texture in professional pickleball. The use of folk instrumentation for verses grounds the lyrics in authenticity and storytelling. 90’s rap provides rhythm and cultural punch, perfect for conveying player news, match drama, and merch hype. Jazz choruses give the piece a lift—symbolizing the elegance and improvisation found on the court and in players’ lives.
Every major topic from the recap found a place in the song, from Anna Leigh Waters' Times Square billboard and Christian Alshon's emotional cry to DJ Young’s growing family and Milly Rane’s unforgettable clapback. The goal was to make a sports anthem that felt as dynamic, inclusive, and fun as the sport it celebrates.
Pickleball, like this song, is where rhythm meets reach—and May 2025 was its finest chorus yet.
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