Ben's Singles, 6.0 BD Infinity, Tips to Advance!

NEWS
PRO PRESS
More Paddle Contracts!

Ben gets defeated AGAIN early on in singles!

There is speculation that Ben is no longer enjoying the gruesome, exhausting game of singles!

If you watched him play this weekend, he hit 10+ returns out, serves in the net, drives out long, etc. Many spectators are saying the ball is messing with him, the wind, his new Joola Alpha 2024 Paddle, and more! He no longer looks thrilled on the court and seems extremely frustrated with himself.

Anna Leigh Waters has already surpassed him in triple crowns, do you think he’ll get back in the groove? Or will Federico, Tyson, or the up-and-coming Jaume Martinez Vich replace his consistent singles titles? Even if Ben stopped playing singles today, it would take time before even Federico #2 could surpass him in the matter of point rankings!

James Ignatowich was the first person to put Pickleball in the Sports Center #1 Clip this week! In the match playing against the smiling duo, Vivienne David and Thomas Wilson, James goes for a behind the back, underhand slap ATP!!! James and Anna Bright end up copping the Win that puts pickleball on the map for one of the many huge highlights of gameplay this weekend!

PADDLES
WHAT’S NEW

Paddle Stats Spreadsheet - HERE for discounts, and stats!

For 6.0 Paddles, give PBJourney a try for %10 off!

Six Zero Black Diamond Infinity 16mm

Right after the DBD Infinity, this is another hot selling release from 6.0.

Our RPM test came out to - 1800

This is around the slightly below average spin rate as of recently with the thermoformed paddles taking over the market! The original Black Diamond has 2,000+ RPM’s.

Our Swing Weight test came out to - 110 

110 for a 16mm paddle is OUTSTANDING! This means the Black Diamond Infinity is extremely fast in the hands for punch volleys, fire fights, etc.

Our Twist Weight test came out to - 6.0

This twist weight measurement is actually above average for an edgeless paddle! Most edgeless paddles are around the 5.0 mark for twist weight, which doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but it is actually impressive!

“SPECIFICATIONS:

Registered Approval Body: USA Pickleball

Face material: Japanese Toray Proprietary Raw Composite Material

Length: 16.3” / 413mm

Width: 7.5” to 7.7” / 192mm to 196mm

Core Thickness: 0.63” / 16mm

Grip Length: 5.5” / 140mm

Grip circumference: Launch Run: 4.5"/114mm; Following Runs: 4.25"/108mm

Average Weight:   8.2 ounces / 232gm +/- 10gm     

Swing Weight: 108

Twist Weight: 5.9 - 6.0

*Estimated weights based on manufacturer testing  “

TIP OF THE WEEK
 Advanced Players Do These 3 SIMPLE Skills (ALWAYS)

After playing with and watching a lot of advanced players over the past few years, these are 3 things I’ve noticed every advanced player does.
 

NOW! The first Advanced Skill is -

1 - Same Shot Miss - What we mean by this is missing mostly in the same spot. Advanced players give themselves margin for error! They don’t aim DIRECTLY ON the line. They don’t aim their drives to skim the very top of the net. They don’t make their drops sit on top of the net, they may pop the ball up on a bad drop, but it’s keeping the point going versus ending the point instantly by hitting mid-net!

Don’t be afraid to give yourself room to mess up! Have your “miss” be deep! The Pro’s aren’t perfect, but they give themselves room to make mistakes, but keep the point going!

2 - Split Step - The purpose of the split step is to go from a moving position, to a still position! Where and when do we want to split step?

Typically, you want to split step when you’re moving from the baseline to the kitchen line. Anytime you’re in the transition zone, is when you want to expand your stance, and cover a lot more court than usual! For timing, you want to split step whenever your opponent is ABOUT to hit the ball. Majority of times, you won’t have to split step at the kitchen line though, but it doesn’t hurt to bend your knees and be ready regardless!

3 - Hit Good Deep Returns - Some say that the return is one of the most important parts of the game! This is because a good, deep return keeps your opponents from having a good drop. This especially keeps your opponents from hitting a good, hard drive.

When we hit it deeper, and a little higher over the net return it gives US time to get to the net before they do, leading to easier points for us!

Watch the video here! 

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DISCOUNTS
WAYS TO SAVE

CRBN 10% Off: PBJourney10 

Is there a tiny voice in the back of your head saying “PROTECT YOUR EYES” every time you play pickleball?

Well, CRBN is here to save you money, and your eyesight! These glasses have SO many options, styles, and ways to wear them! Is your budget an obstacle? The SHOP APP will allow you to do payments! These have a 1 YEAR WARRANTY! With our code, the price will come out to about $85, in comparison to other brands of $100-$300! Save your eyesight, and your wallet from hospital bills!

JustPaddles + Pickleball Journey Discount

Do you want a drilling partner who doesn’t talk smack? Here’s the SpinShot with $50 off!!!

RECOVERY
STRETCHES/EXERCISES

“Core Strengthening Exercises for Pickleball

Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that requires agility, speed, and core strength. In the context of pickleball stretching exercises and fitness and training, it’s essential to incorporate core strengthening exercises for pickleball into your routine. 

Plank Variations

A strong core is crucial for maintaining balance and power during pickleball matches. Plank variations, such as

•  the traditional plank

• side plank

• reverse plank

are excellent choices for working on your core stability. As you progress, consider incorporating plank leg lifts or plank rotations to further challenge your core muscles.

Russian Twists

This rotational exercise targets the obliques, which are crucial for generating power in pickleball strokes. 

To perform Russian twists, 

1. sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat

2. Lean back slightly, engage your core, and twist your torso from side to side, tapping the ground beside your hip each time. 

3. You can increase the difficulty by holding a medicine ball or dumbbell in your hands.”

Thanks to Pickleball Wiki for all this information and these routines! Read more here!