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The votes are in — and this year, the fans showed out. More than 10,000 people cast their ballots in The 120/Life Dink Awards, and we can’t thank you enough for taking the time to weigh in, debate, and support the people and teams that make this sport what it is.

Pickleball News / The Dink / February 2

The Critical Kitchen Line Skill Most Rec Pickleball Players Are Missing

By attacking the ball in the air, you're stealing time from your opponents and shifting the dynamic of the rally in your favor If you've been grinding on the pickleball court and wondering why you're not progressing as fast as you'd like, there's a good chance you're missing one critical skill that separates amateurs from more advanced players.

Pickleball News / The Dink / February 2

Two Offensive Lob Strategies Every Senior Pickleball Player Should Know

When you hit an offensive lob, you're not just getting the ball over your opponent's head. You're causing chaos and forcing them into a weak position. If you've been playing pickleball for a while, you know that the lob can be a game-changer.

Pickleball News / The Dink / February 2

For a Better Forehand Flick, Ditch the Windshield-Wiper Technique

Content creator Ed Ju teamed up with player and coach Cori Elliott to break down exactly why his forehand flick was falling short and how to fix it. If you've ever felt like your forehand speed-up is inconsistent or just doesn't pack the same punch as your backhand, this one's for you.

Pickleball News / The Dink / February 2

3 Pickleball Skills That Separate Average From Advanced Players

Want to move up fast in pickleball? You probably already know the basics: get to the net on your terms, control the kitchen, stay calm under pressure. But there's a gap between knowing what to do and actually executing it when the ball's coming at you hard, and your opponent's waiting to pounce.

Pickleball News / The Dink / February 2

The Best Doubles Pickleball Players by DUPR on Every Continent

Few pickleball players on the planet will ever know what it's like to possess a DUPR rating of 7.0 or above – this list has two of them Last week, we brought you DUPR's January ranking of the top singles players on each continent.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 30

A Simple 4-Step System to Win More Pickleball Games in 2026

Winning in pickleball isn't about following a rigid formula – it's about understanding your position, reading your opponent, and making intentional decisions that put them on their heels Most pickleball players are taught to keep the ball in play and move forward to the kitchen.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 30

How Early Preparation Buys Time & Slows Down Pace of Play in Pickleball

When you're prepared early, you're not rushed. When you're not rushed, you make better decisions. When you make better decisions, you win more points. If you've ever felt like pickleball moves too fast, you're not alone.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 30

The Do's and Don'ts of Attacking in Pickleball

Every ball in pickleball is attackable. That's the philosophy coach and pro Mari Humberg leads with in her latest breakdown. But here's the catch: just because you can attack doesn't mean you should.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 30

2026 Major League Pickleball Trade Tracker

Each year Major League Pickleball has a ton of trades, waiver moves, and rosters change quite a bit. To keep fans as updated as possible, this article will track all the 2026 trades made throughout the year.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 30

How Gabe Tardio's Facolos Deal Could Reshape the Entire Pickleball Paddle Market

The paddle market is about to get a lot more competitive, says Zane Navratil, and American manufacturers will have to earn their place at the table to

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

5 Mixed Doubles Tips to Win More Pickleball Matches

Play to your team's actual strengths, communicate constantly, and always remember to have fun and keep things lighthearted Mixed doubles pickleball is a different beast than singles or men's doubles.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

Watch: Your Pickleball Paddle Snaps in Half Mid-Point... Now What?

Today in absolutely ridiculous pickleball rules, The Dink's founder Thomas once again teams up with USAP head referee Ron Ponder to discuss a very important scenario we're sure many of you have totally dealt with before: a paddle snapping in two mid-point.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

Pickleball Fans Hate This Mixed Doubles Strategy — But it Just Won PPA Gold

Christian Alshon did something in mixed doubles at PPA Minnesota that had the pickleball community split down the middle. He won. But the way he won? That's what sparked the debate.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

5 Mobility Tips for Senior Pickleball Players

Pickleball is booming, and everyone wants to jump in. But here's the thing: if you're a more senior player, the game demands a different approach than what you'll see in most online tutorials.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

When to Block vs. Counter Against Pickleball Bangers

Most pickleball players lose to bangers not because of raw power, but because they panic. That's the insight from Cori Elliott's Court Work series, where she breaks down exactly how to neutralize hard-hitting opponents by making smarter decisions under pressure.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

How to Survive the One Up, One Back Formation in Pickleball Doubles

If both players aren't on the same page about who's covering what, you'll end up with gaps in the middle of the court, and that's where winners get hit.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

Use This 3-Part Motion to Master Overhead Smashes in Pickleball

Separate your elbow and load up on your shoulder; reach toward the ball; follow through all the way toward the ground. But before all that: footwork. If you've been struggling with consistency on your overheads, you're not alone.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 29

Match Analysis & Mixed Doubles Strategy with Christian Alshon

Christian Alshon is a top-ranked pro on the PPA Tour, and he's not shy about sharing exactly why his game is so sharp. In a video breakdown of one of his

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 28

How to Hit the Anna Leigh Waters Lob Serve

When executed properly, it transforms the server from a defensive player into an offensive one, giving them a massive advantage before the rally even begins.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 28

Pickleball Mechanics for Seniors: Sharpen Your Grip, Footwork, and Net Play

If you've been playing pickleball for a while, you know that mechanics matter. A lot. The difference between a player who's stuck at a 3.5 rating and one climbing toward 4.5 often comes down to fundamentals, not flashy shots.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 28

The Four Pillars of Fast Hands in Pickleball

Fast hands aren't magic. They're the result of anticipating attacks, preparing your body, reacting efficiently, and staying stable through the exchange.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 28

Pro Coach Reveals How to Hit 60+ MPH Pickleball Serves

Ed Ju recently sat down with pickleball coach Jordan Davis to break down the mechanics behind a seriously fast serve. If you've been stuck at the same serve speed for months, this coaching session reveals the mental and physical tweaks that can unlock real power gains.

Pickleball News / The Dink / January 28

Advanced Pickleball: The 3-Step Strategy to Get to the Kitchen and Cook

Patience wins. Two calm, connected players at the baseline are harder to beat than two players scrambling to get to the net. Kitchen arrival is one of the most outcome-determining stats in pickleball, yet most players never track it.

Pickleball News / Total Pro Sports / January 14

Nike Shatters Barrier With Historic Signing Of 18-Year-Old Phenom In First-Ever Endorsement Deal Of Its Kind

Nike has made a foray into pickleball with the signing of teenage sensation Anna Leigh Waters to a sponsorship deal. The 18-year-old is the world’s No.