The Biggest Scams in Pickleball

 

Unmasking the Hype: Myths, Overpriced Gear, and Questionable Practices Exposed

In this episode of the Balls Deep Podcast, hosted by professional pickleball players Ava Ignatowich and Camila Zilveti, the duo dives into the darker side of the rapidly growing sport. Published on December 17, 2025, they candidly discuss how the hype surrounding pickleball has led to numerous scams, from inflated coaching fees to gimmicky accessories and overpriced equipment. Drawing from their personal experiences as pros, they debate what's truly valuable for players versus what's designed to exploit enthusiasm and separate fans from their money. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, this episode offers honest insights to help navigate the business of pickleball without falling for the traps.

Numbered Time Code List of Scams

1. Pro-Level Coaching for Beginners (0:58 - 7:37) Camila kicks off with her strongest opinion: charging premium prices for pro coaching when the client is a low-level player (e.g., a 3.0 hiring Ben Johns at exorbitant rates). She argues it's unnecessary since free resources like YouTube and local 4.0-5.0 coaches can provide better foundational help, emphasizing drilling over name-dropping pros. Ava plays devil's advocate, noting pros might not overcomplicate basics, but they agree it's often more about fan excitement than skill improvement. They highlight the disconnect where pro status doesn't guarantee coaching ability.
2. Online Subscription Courses and "Skool" Accounts (7:44 - 9:31) Ava calls out platforms like Skool, where pros like Kyle Kozudo, Anna Bright (charging over $1,000/month), and Patrick Win sell online courses. They deem anything over $50 a scam, as similar knowledge is available for free via pro matches or YouTube. The hosts joke about not starting their own to avoid hypocrisy, stressing that observation and practice trump paid digital content.
3. Clinics vs. Private Lessons (9:37 - 16:12) Expanding on coaching, they debate clinics (group sessions) versus privates. Camila praises pros like Michael Lloyd for advising clients to practice before more lessons, avoiding quick bucks. Ava argues privates offer personalized feedback unavailable in YouTube videos, especially for 2.5-3.0 players unaware of their flaws. Clinics are seen as more fun and social, fulfilling the "I trained with a pro" brag without deep customization, but both can feel gimmicky if overpriced.
4. Amateur Tournaments (16:18 - 22:04) Ava labels tournaments a scam for amateurs, citing $100+ fees for just three matches with no cash prizes—why not play at parks and log into DUPR for free? They discuss pressure alternatives like betting $10 on rec matches. Camila counters that tournaments provide goal-setting, progress tracking, and exposure to new opponents, though they agree costs (e.g., $150 PaddleTap events) are excessive, often with cheap medals and organizers pocketing profits.
5. Pickleball Training Accessories (25:28 - 30:51) Camila lists gimmicks like the Lightning Loop (weight tape alternative, but uneven), Bezer Ball (smaller ball for training, feels cool but questionable benefit), training paddles (for sweet spot practice), home rebound boards, and Pickle Putty (paddle attachment for picking up balls without bending). They admit some might help (e.g., Lightning Loop improved Camila's dad's hands), but most are unnecessary—players improve via practice, not $50+ accessories. Pickle Putty is excused for elderly players with back issues but a scam for young ones.
6. Tyler Loom (Joke Scam) (30:56 - 32:04) In a lighthearted roast, Ava calls pro player Tyler Loom a "scam" for being a lefty who "doesn't do anything" except make balls and over-Ernie. They tie it to a lost bet with the KOTC podcast (failing to title episodes "Camila and Ava are our daddies"). This is clearly satirical, poking fun at rivals rather than a serious critique.
7. Expensive Paddles That Break Quickly (32:36 - 39:08) Both agree $300 paddles (e.g., from Joola, Selkirk) are a scam due to short lifespans—grit wears off in weeks, foam breaks in, leading to hot/uncontrollable play. As paddle producers themselves, they criticize sponsorship deals (e.g., Ben Johns' millions inflating prices) and poor customer support. They contrast with durable tennis rackets and praise older models like OG Franklin Ben Johns paddles. Cheaper options exist for beginners, but competitive paddles force frequent replacements.

Summary of YouTube Comments

The YouTube comments on this episode (67 total) reflect strong engagement, with viewers praising the hosts' honesty, savagery, and unfiltered takes. Common themes include agreement on scams like fake "pro" coaches soliciting lessons without credentials, overpriced paddles/balls/shoes, tournaments (e.g., $100 for medals, no refunds for rainouts), and UPA/USAP stamps allowing illegal paddles. Several add their own scams: rec play advice from non-pros, referees ignoring calls, cheating in open/rec play, and wall drilling dismissals. Positive feedback highlights the podcast's cynicism as a needed counter to pickleball's boom-era exploitation. Some defend pro coaching for breaking bad habits early or strategy depth, while others share experiences preferring 4.0-5.0 local coaches over pros. Calls for sponsorships (e.g., from BadPickleball) and excitement for the hosts' vibes/clinics are frequent, with a few noting the irony of calling out Anna Bright (Ava's brother's ex). Overall, comments amplify the episode's themes, urging more episodes and scam callouts.

In-Depth Summary

This episode of Balls Deep Podcast serves as a no-holds-barred exposé on the underbelly of pickleball's explosive growth, where hype breeds exploitation. Hosts Ava Ignatowich and Camila Zilveti, both PPA pros, leverage their insider perspectives to dissect scams that prey on players' aspirations, from beginners dazzled by pro names to amateurs chasing competitive edges. The discussion reveals a pattern: many "premium" offerings—be it coaching, courses, tournaments, accessories, or equipment—prioritize profit over genuine value, often repackaging free or low-cost alternatives like YouTube tutorials, park play, or basic drilling.

Central to their critique is the mismatch between player skill and service level. Pro coaching shines for advanced players needing nuanced tweaks but borders on predatory for novices, who benefit more from accessible locals or self-recording for form analysis. Online platforms like Skool exemplify this, charging exorbitant fees for content that's arguably replicable through observation of pro matches. Tournaments, while offering structure and variety, are lambasted for high costs yielding minimal playtime, especially when rec alternatives can simulate stakes via bets or DUPR logging.

Accessories and paddles highlight material scams: gimmicks promise shortcuts but rarely deliver beyond placebo effects, while high-end paddles' fragility (driven by sponsorship economics) forces endless repurchases, contrasting sharply with durable sports gear like tennis rackets. The satirical jabs at peers like Tyler Loom add levity, underscoring the hosts' playful yet pointed style.

Ultimately, the episode empowers listeners by advocating smart, cost-effective improvement—prioritizing practice, goals, and community over hype. It calls for industry accountability, from better paddle longevity to ethical coaching, while humorously soliciting sponsors (ironically, to avoid their own "scams"). As pickleball matures, this candid dialogue could spark reforms, ensuring the sport's accessibility isn't eroded by greed. Viewers' comments echo this, validating the hosts' views and expanding the scam list, fostering a community wary of boom-time pitfalls.