Exciting News: Two Dinkville Pickleball Tournaments Announced for this Spring!
Dinkville is proud to be sponsored by Selkirk, and we highly recommend their exceptional products and strong commitment to the future of pickleball. Please check out their site HERE and use code ADV-LHALLAM at Checkout to receive a FREE GIFT from Selkirk!
Dear Dinkville Community,
Get ready for a thrilling April as we announce not one, but two exciting pickleball tournaments right here in Middle Tennessee! Mark your calendars for April 6th and April 27th – two fantastic opportunities for our members to showcase their skills, engage in friendly competition, and aim for those coveted medals.
These tournaments aren't just about the game; they're about the camaraderie, the joy of playing, and the chance to elevate your pickleball prowess. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, these events provide the perfect platform to take your skills to the next level while enjoying the spirit of friendly competition.
We encourage all members to come out, participate, and make these tournaments memorable. Let's create lasting experiences, forge new connections, and celebrate the love of pickleball together.
Don't miss out on the action – sign up today and be part of the excitement!
April 6th Dinkville Madness Charity Pickleball Tournament Sign Up HERE
April 27th Dinkville's Spring Dink Pickleball Tournament Sign Up HERE
Limited Spots Available to Play and Learn with Top 5 Male Player James Ignatowich
We are thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity to elevate your pickleball skills through a special Pro Clinic and "3 and Pro" featuring Top 5 Male Player in the World James Ignatowich!
Details of the "3 and Pro" Session:
- Date: Saturday March 9th
- Morning Sessions: 9:30am-10:30am; 10:30am-11:30am; 11:30am-12:30pm
- Location: Peay Park- 200 Memorial Dr, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
What to Expect:
- Limited to 3, 1 hour sessions for $100 per person ($300 total)
- Get your group of 3 Players and join James for a Fun Hour of Games
- Hands-on instruction on fundamental techniques
- A chance to play with a top 5 male player in the world and James Ignatowich
Details of the Clinic:
- Date: Saturday March 9th
- Afternoon Session: 1pm-3:30pm
- Location: Peay Park- 200 Memorial Dr, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
What to Expect:
- Limited to 16 spots per session at $200 each (10 spots left as of 2.29.24)
- Insightful drills used by the pros
- Professional warm-up routines
- Hands-on instruction on fundamental techniques
- A chance to play with a top 5 male player in the world and James Ignatowich
To secure your spot, please register in the Dinkville App HERE as the availability is limited. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and take your pickleball game to new heights!
Pickleball Kingdom Announces Indoor Pickleball Location to Middle Tennessee
Pickleball Kingdom announces indoor pickleball facility coming to Middle Tennessee by Summer of 2024! More details to come but very exciting to see pickleball grow in Middle Tennessee! Lets goooooooo!
Nashville Young Life Tournament- Register HERE for the inaugural Nashville Young Life Pickleball Tournament at Lipscomb Racquet Club on Saturday, May 11th! Young Life is an outreach ministry for high schoolers, middle schoolers, parenting teens, and friends with disabilities in Nashville. All proceeds directly benefit ministry in Central and Southeast Nashville, so that Young Life leaders can continue showing up in the lives of our high school friends.
- Men's, Women's, and Mixed Doubles are available for all skill levels.
- $75/player - pool play followed by single elimination (minimum of 4 games)
- Registration closes on May 8th - get your spot today!
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Photo by Alexander Shatov / Unsplash
Make sure to follow Dinkville on Instagram @dinkville_Pickleball to keep up with recent events and stay in tune with upcoming announcements!
Today In Pickleball Brought To You By The Dink
Three Keys to Go From 4.0 to 4.5
Have you reached a plateau? Think your game is as good as it's going to get?
We asked pro player Eric Roddy to write his best tips for moving past the 4.0 plateau... Here is his advice:
1. Use the drive as a situational third shot, not necessarily your “go-to”
Listen, I love to drive as much as the next guy. A player with a killer drive can be almost impossible to stop when they are hot, and the drive plays a much more prominent role in mixed than in gender doubles.
With that being said, driving is much riskier than a solid third shot drop, and should be used more as a change of pace than as a “go-to,” especially since your opponents’ fourth shot volleys will only get better as you move up in skill. Drop the ball the majority of the time, and use the drive as a good change-up.
2. Don’t be a hero on the serve and return
Pickleball is fun because almost every single point (at least in doubles) is a minimum of 3-5 shots, if not more.
As you develop a stronger serve and return, it can be tempting to risk more on these two shots to get free points or easier third or fourth shots. While this might be necessary if you and your partner need a spark in a lopsided game, I strongly advise against it.
Find a serve and return that is relatively high and deep that you can make 95-100 percent of the time, and hit it. Missing a serve or return — especially in a close game late — can be a killer. Consistency > power.
Roddy explains tip three and a bonus tip here.
Selkirk Launches New Paddle
Selkirk is excited to introduce the Vanguard Control: an Elite Raw Carbon Paddle with Supreme Spin.
The Vanguard Control's Raw QuadCarbon Fiber Face, combined with the Vanguard X5+ honeycomb core, goes beyond providing a satisfying bite spin; it's crafted with precision using a non-thermoformed process to enhance the paddle's control capabilities.
Available in three distinct shapes - Invikta, Epic, and S2 - each paddle is crafted to suit your unique style. If you're seeking consistency without compromising on spin, this paddle is your ideal choice. Check out the Vanguard Control Series paddle today and redefine your game!
Pickleball Growth Outpaces All Other Sports in 2023
We have said it before but we will say it again, pickleball is America’s new favorite pastime. Even MLB players are trading their gloves for paddles (more below).
You want data? Fine, we’ve got your data right here.
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association announced that pickleball is again America’s fastest growing sport. The game saw a 52 percent increase in participation last year. That is on top of the 86 percent increase in the previous year.
There is still a long way to go to catch some other mainstream sports but continued growth is key. The SFIA estimates pickleball participation to have reached 13.6 million players last year. For reference, tennis has an estimated 23.8 million players and basketball tops the list at 29.7 million.
Send it Around the Horn
The Philadelphia Phillies are getting into the pickleball swing of things while they train for the upcoming season in Florida.
The team has adopted a new cross-training technique that they call 'Pacoball' after outfield coach Paco Figueroa. The game is played 2 vs 2 on a 60’x60’ court without a net. Players hold the paddle in their non-dominant (glove) hand and the pickleball is swapped for a racquetball.
Figueroa believes the game contributes to quickness and confidence. It helps his players get a jump on the ball and aggressively approach it with their paddle.
Having a paddle in their glove hand benefits coordination and wrist manipulation. It’s safe to say we’re expecting the Phillies to bring home some Golden Glove awards in the outfield this year.
If you’re headed to any spring training games this season, keep an eye out for Pacoball in the pregame. Whether your preference is Cactus League or Grapefruit League, you can find courts to keep you busy between innings.
Pickleball in the French Riviera?
Imagine soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the French Riviera, sharing laughs with new friends as you warm up for epic morning rallies on the courts of Nice, France. This can be your reality, fellow dinkers.
From May 6 - 11, 2024, elevate your pickleball skills with Nike's Director of Pickleball, then unwind with local wines and seaside strolls. Pickleball de France's retreat offers a serious pickleball camp (levels 3.0 - 4.0 are welcome) combined with a cultural dive into the breathtaking Mediterranean lifestyle.
Get a sneak peek of the action, check out the curriculum, and explore planned activities (hint: rosé tastings and Monte Carlo outings included). Spots have almost filled up—join players from around the world and reserve yours now. Click for details.
College Pickleball Grows 142% in 2023
One reason pickleball has seen sustained growth is the inclusion of younger players. Yesterday DUPR released statistics on the growth of collegiate pickleball last year.
Overall they saw a 142 percent growth in the number of college participants. The number of players grew from 151 to 365. The number of schools competing more than doubled, going from 16 to 36.
Not only did the number of players receive a bump, but the skill level of college competitors is also on the rise. The average DUPR of the Top 10 players rose from 4.765 to 5.549.
With more colleges putting in courts and students adopting the game, it’s pretty safe to say these numbers will only be going up in 2024.
Agassi Links Up with Life Time
Andre Agassi has not been in the news this much since 2003. From the Pickleball Slam 2 to joining the board of DUPR, Agassi has taken retirement to a new level.
Andre’s latest appointment is a new beast all its own. Yesterday Agassi was named as the inaugural chair of Life Time’s newly formed Pickleball and Tennis Board.
In 2023, Life Time Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Bahram Akradi made a commitment to become the nation’s leader in pickleball courts and programming. The company now has 630 courts in 130 clubs.
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Landon Hallam
Dinkville Founder/CEO