PPA & MLP Merger, Neonic Flow, 4th Shot!

NEWS
PRO PRESS
PPA & MLP Merger, and Article on Upcoming Tourney!

You can read more articles, including these two from PPA, here!

Here is a small portion of insight on what happened over the weekend! This is great news in the pickleball world, not only for the fans, but the players included. In the past, there has been some contract drama, and some debating on whether this would happen or not but we’re finally here! This helps players get paid and continue playing the game we all love to watch!

“The merger combines the leading individual bracket-style tour and team-based professional pickleball formats, with the PPA Tour and MLP retaining their distinct brands and the unique and exciting formats fans and players enjoy.

More than 150 professional pickleball players – including the top ranked players in the world – have signed multi-year contracts with the new entity, with many of them set to participate in an expanded calendar that combines individual (PPA Tour) and team (MLP) events throughout the year. This will provide players, fans, and sponsors with the benefits of a streamlined schedule, and will make following the sport easier for both avid and casual fans. Combined annual player payouts under the new unified organization in 2024 are expected to increase by nearly 250%, compared to 2023, which will provide more players with the opportunity to approach the sport as a full-time career...”

On to the next!!! These are some intriguing facts about what’s to come at the next tournament! Ben will not be there by choice, so Collin will see what he can do with Matt Wright!

“OVERALL TOP 5:

• LOUD KNOCKS – Opportunity knocking for the field – no Ben or ALW (& others) in the field. 

• I SEE CJ: Collin Johns steps in for the injured Ignatowich to play with Wright and Bright.  

• THROUGH THE ROOF: Indoor tournament – different sight lines and pace of play. 

• SOCK IT TO ME: Does Jack Sock make his first 2024 final? 

• TIME OF YOUR LIFE TIME: 3^rd year at this MN Life Time venue just down the road from Life Time HQ

VENUE/TOURNAMENT/TV:

• Event #4 of the year – one of 15 Opens in 2024, with 1000 points up for grabs for the winners. 

• Traditional draw (playing singles Thursday, mixed Friday, gender Saturday, Finals Sunday).

• Over 900 amateurs playing.  

• All coverage on PickleballTV…”

PADDLES
WHAT’S NEW

Paddle Stats Spreadsheet - HERE for discounts, and stats!

Give PBJourney a try for 10% off!

NEONIC FLOW 16mm

Neonic is another brand who prides themselves in unique, budget thermoformed paddles! This is somewhat new, and a species of hybrid shape that we haven’t really seen before!

This paddle is $130 retail, but you can try our code for a special discount!

Our RPM test came out to - 2295

For $130 this is hitting some very high numbers!!! We’re reaching a point in the pickleball market where we get higher quality for a lot less! Who doesn’t love that?

Their Swing Weight test came out to - 115

For the now common “aero” shape, this is very average with a 16mm! Slightly below elongated is where this falls in line.

Our Twist Weight test came out to - 6.6

6.6 is also a very average standard when it comes to these shaped paddles, and gladly, sweet spots are only getting better and better in the market!

“SPECIFICATIONS:

SPECIFICATIONS:

Length: 16.25"

Width: 7.4" flare up to 7.625"

Surface: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Grip Length: 5.5" (6.0" usable with overgrip)

Grip Circumference: 4.125”

Thickness: 16 mm

Weight Range: 8.0-8.2oz

Swing Weight: 115

Twist Weight: 6.6

Thermoformed, unibody with foam injected edges

Control: High
Pop: Medium
Power: High
Spin: Very High

WARRANTY:
Paddles are covered by a 6-month warranty. This covers common manufacturer defects such as delamination, crushed core, and loose edge guards. Broken handles won't be an issue with our paddle!


USAPA Appoved!”

TIP OF THE WEEK
 Do THIS With Your 4th SHOT - 5 Strategies!

Tip #1 - Realizing Court Positioning of the Opponents.

As your opponents have to get up to the kitchen, the best place to put your aggressive attacks won’t be where their feet are at. The best place will be where THEIR FEET WILL BE. 

Tip #2 - Stance.

If you come to the kitchen standing straight up, and your opponent hits a drop, you won’t be able to reach down effectively. Ideally, you want to have a good, wide, and low stance so no matter whether the opponent drives, or drops, you’ll be ready and stable in your shots! Stance has a huge play in consistency.

Tip #3 - Paddle Angle.

The priority is keeping the ball in play, but of course you want to keep the ball lower to avoid pop ups. If you’re not comfortable or confident in your shots, have a slightly open paddle face to keep the ball in play. Yet, be mindful once you get more comfortable throughout the game, remind yourself to keep that paddle face closed. The end goal is making low, top spin shots that land at your opponent’s feet….

Watch the rest of the tips here! 

Subscribe to Pickleball Journey!

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

“Functional Mobility for Pickleball Athletes

Functional mobility is crucial for pickleball athletes, as it allows them to move efficiently and effectively on the court. Focusing on pickleball stretching exercises can help improve your functional mobility, ultimately enhancing your performance in this fast-paced sport.

Dynamic Stretching Exercises

Based on extensive research and user feedback, we suggest incorporating dynamic stretching exercises into your warm-up routine. These exercises 

• increase blood flow

• improve flexibility

• prepare your muscles for the game

• And more

Some highly recommended dynamic stretches for pickleball players include:

• Leg swings

• Arm circles

• Hip circles

• High knees

• Butt kicks

Static Stretching Exercises

After your game or practice session, focus on static stretching exercises to help your muscles recover and maintain flexibility. These stretches, held for 15-30 seconds, target specific muscle groups and can prevent injuries. A few key static stretches for pickleball players are:

• Hamstring stretch

• Quad stretch

• Calf stretch

• Shoulder stretch

• Triceps stretch”

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