The Dink Pickleball Newsletter: Players on the Move at the Premier Level, MLP Virginia Beach Standouts, and Can These 5 Strategies Make You a 5.0?
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As the Major League Pickleball trade deadline passed yesterday, one team capitalized on the opportunity, while some struggling teams seized the chance to shake up their rosters.
A Callie Smith trade started a chain reaction that allowed the Utah Black Diamonds to get paid, not once, not twice, but three times. We break it down below.
School is in session.
Our Picks ??
?? Image: Pickleball Returns to the National Mall
?? Video: Your Serve is Probably Illegal
But do you know why? → watch this
?? It’s College Pickleball Season!
DUPR Collegiate: 美国杜克大学 , University of Virginia , Liberty University , and 美国北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校 get the bid
Association of Pickleball Players Collegiate: Grand Canyon advances in APP qualifier
5 Advanced Strategies to Reach 5.0
The road to 5.0 is long and arduous. You’ve got to work your way up and take your lumps before you’re ready to run with the big dogs. Here are five tips to help speed up the process:
1. Adopt a Systematic Approach
Enter each game with a systematic approach. If your first strategy fails, know what you’re going to try next. Stay on the same page with your partner so you can attack as a united front. See an example of the systematic approach here.
2. Expand Contact Point Capabilities
Don’t just practice shots that are hit straight at you—focus on the ones that require you to stretch and lunge. Replicating tougher shots in practice means you’re more likely to be game-ready.
3. Neutralize Speedy Attacks
Attacking a 5.0 can feel futile. They seem to be ready for the attack and have an answer for the aggression. Channel that energy and don’t be intimidated by big drives and power play.
Against aggressive drives, hold your position at the line, bend your knees, and block the ball into the open court.
4. Deceptive Speed Ups
If you’re going to attack at higher levels, deception is your friend. Be aware of your body language.
Advanced players will hold their shot until the last second to read their opponent. If they are in position and prepped, settle for a dink. If you catch them leaning or sliding early, fire away.
5. Strategic Lobbing
Regardless of how you feel about them, lobs work. Which is one reason they’re so annoying. If you want to be the best player possible, you must have them in your arsenal.
Master the diagonal lob and give your opponent fits as they try to decide if the ball is landing in and who should run back to cover it.
Work on these strategies in your drills and games this week, and watch your DUPR skyrocket.
Your Game, Your Way
Introducing the GAMMA Sports Airbender 10 and 13, the latest additions to the Airbender family. With customizable weight options, you can match these paddles to your playing style. Go for power with the Airbender 10 or choose the Airbender 13 for all-court versatility.
Change your game with the GAMMA Airbender. Shop the paddles today. *accessory kits sold separately
Sell, Sell, Sell for the Black Diamonds
The Utah Black Diamonds became the first team eliminated from the MLP playoffs, and in response, management seized the opportunity to cash in on their players with three trades yesterday.
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Utah traded:
But Utah wasn’t the only busy team.
See a full breakdown of these trades and the implications for this and next season here.
Miami is Back on Top
Virginia Beach warmly welcomed pro pickleball action over the weekend, hosting an Major League Pickleball Challenger-only event. The PPA Tour will piggyback this event with the Virginia Beach Cup, where qualifier rounds are currently underway.
Inserting Top Talent
When the Fab 5 were inserted into the Challenger Level during the last waiver period, there was no doubt they would have a big impact.
In Virginia Beach, it was two of the five, Jillian Braverman and Megan Fudge who topped the player standings chart.
Unsurprisingly, it is the five teams that landed the Fab 5 who are now leading the league. Here are the top 5 based on points per match:
MLP Virginia Beach Results
Collin Shick ’s ATP(above) was the highlight of the weekend and landed him the SportsCenter’s Top 10.
The next stop for Major League Pickleball is Las Vegas on the tail end of the PPA Tour Championships, Oct 14-16.
The Project Roadrunner Is Here
Dink Fam…have you caught wind of Proton Sports Inc newest paddle? It’s their Series Four paddle, also known as 'Project Roadrunner,' and it's turning heads in the pickleball world. This isn't just any paddle—it’s crafted from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and Kevlar, built for players who are serious about taking their game to the next level.
The Series Four stands out with its unique hybrid core that perfectly balances power and soft touch, making every shot smooth and powerful. Plus, the edgeless design is not just about looks; it enhances your play by increasing dwell time for better accuracy and control.
And the best part? It's incredibly durable. The combination of carbon fiber reinforced with Kevlar fibers and finished with a ruggedized resin means this paddle can handle intense play while maintaining top-notch spin and performance.
Head over to Pickleball Central to grab this game-changing paddle, and don’t forget to use the code THEDINK to snag $25 off your purchase.
Why Are Your Serves so Illegal?
You know you've made it in pickleball when they change a rule because of you. Will Howells performance at Major League Pickleball NYC was one of the reasons a new rule was in place days after the event.
Learn how Will has adopted pickleball after a tennis career at Notre Dame, find out who is behind the Will Howells fan page on IG, and hear all about The 5s experience in the Big Apple. Catch the premiere now.
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