Tip of the Day

How to get faster hands at the net by improving your ready position by Zane Navariltil

Zane explains that many players favor their backhand too much when at the kitchen. While the backhand is used to protect the body, it's important to be ready for forehand shots too.

Zane suggests a drill where players point the opposite edge of their paddle toward their opponent (see the image below) after each hit to break this habit.

While this may not be your actual ready position in games, the drill will improve your blocks, resets, and attacks because you’ll be more comfortable using your forehand (and not just your backhand!).

Key Points:

• Be ready for backhand AND forehand shots when at the kitchen.

• When practicing, point the opposite edge of your paddle towards your partner after each hit so your ready position doesn’t favor your backhand too much.

Watch the full tutorial here.

Gear Review of the Day

GRUVN RAW-16X pickleball paddle review by STS PICKLEBALL

STS Pickleball thinks the paddle has great spin and an exceptional sweet spot, but it's not as powerful as some other paddles. They compare it to the JOOLA Perseus and the Selkirk Labs Project 002 Invicta, saying the GRUVN RAW-16X has more spin and control but less power.

The price is also significantly lower than the Perseus and Project 002, making it a solid choice for players who like those paddles but don’t want to spend $250-$330.

Quick specs:

• Price: $159.00

• Paddle shape: Elongated

• Surface material: T700 raw carbon fiber

• Average weight: 7.9 ounces

• Thickness: 16mm

Watch the full review here.

Deal of the Day

Electrum Model E for $119.99 ($60 off) - An amazing price for one of the best pickleball paddles so far.

Meme of the Day

This is me every time I hear the word “pickleball” when I’m not at the courts. 🤣

That’s it for today! Thanks for reading. Please reply to this email if you have any feedback about today’s newsletter.

Happy pickling,

Paul