Two-handed Backhand

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Hey Pickleball Enthusiasts!

Get ready for a thrilling edition of your favorite pickleball newsletter!

Here’s what we’ve lined up for you this week:

Discover the Power of the Two-Handed Backhand: Dive into this week's must-see video showcasing a thrilling pro rally and explore our comprehensive guide on mastering the two-handed backhand – a technique that could revolutionize your game.
Serve up some smileswith today's Pickleball Joke of the Day!
APP Punta Gorda Open Recap: Witness the rise of new champions and strategic plays that set the tone for an exhilarating 2024 pickleball season.
Pickleball's Professional Pivot: Uncover how the fastest-growing sport is attracting big names and even bigger investments. Is pickleball's leap to professional status a net gain for investors and players alike?
Trivia Answer Revealed: Discover if you knew the unique way points are scored in pickleball. Scroll for the answer to today's trivia!

So, grip your paddles and let's jump right into the exciting world of pickleball!

🏓 Your US Pickleball Association Team

🌟 Elevate Your Game with the Two-Handed Backhand! 🌟

The evolution of pickleball has brought various innovative techniques to the forefront, enhancing both the competitive and recreational aspects of the game.

Among these, the two-handed backhand has become a game-changer for many players.

Let's dive into the nuances of this technique and how it compares with the traditional one-handed backhand, to understand when and why to use each.

Why the Two-Handed Backhand?

✅ Power and Control: The two-handed backhand offers a blend of power and control that is difficult to achieve with one hand. It allows for better leverage and stability, especially on hard-hitting shots.

✅ Extended Reach: Contrary to common belief, the two-handed backhand can extend your reach by allowing you to use the body more effectively to stretch for distant shots.

✅ Improved Backhand Volleys: For close net play, the two-handed technique provides additional support, making it easier to counter powerful slams.

The One-Handed Backhand: A Classic Choice

➖ Flexibility and Reach: The one-handed backhand offers superior flexibility and a greater range of motion, making it ideal for slicing and creating deceptive shots.

➖ Quick Adaptation: It allows for faster transitions from backhand to forehand, giving you an edge in fast-paced rallies.

When to Use Each Technique

🔵 Two-Handed Backhand is best utilized:

When facing powerful shots that require extra stability to return.
In baseline rallies where power and precision are crucial.
For players who benefit from the added support of the second hand, especially when dealing with high-bouncing balls.

🔴 One-Handed Backhand shines:

In situations requiring quick reflexes and adaptability.
When employing slice shots to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
For players with strong wrist action and control, aiming for angled shots.

Mastering Both for Versatility

The choice between a two-handed and one-handed backhand doesn't have to be exclusive.

Many top players master both to adapt to different scenarios on the court.

Incorporating both techniques into your game can make you unpredictable and enhance your strategic depth.

Practice Drills to Consider

Two-Handed Drill: Practice hitting against a wall or with a partner, focusing on generating power from your lower body to complement your arm strength.
One-Handed Drill: Work on your slice and top-spin shots, emphasizing wrist flexibility and control.
Wall Rallies: Use a wall to practice your two-handed backhands, focusing on hitting the ball at different heights and speeds. This not only improves your stroke but also helps in developing consistency and endurance.
Feed Drills: Have a friend feed you balls to various depths and speeds, challenging you to adjust your swing and stance accordingly. This simulates real-game scenarios and improves adaptability.

Player's Insight

"Adopting a two-handed backhand improved my game significantly, especially in rallies where power and control are non-negotiable.

However, mastering the one-handed shot for quicker plays and slices has made me a more versatile player." - Alex T, USPA Member

In the dynamic world of pickleball, being adaptable and skilled in various techniques sets you apart.

Whether you favor the two-handed backhand for its power or the one-handed for its finesse, the key is to practice diligently and use each where it shines the brightest.

Embrace the game's evolution and your unique style to keep your opponents guessing and your fans cheering.

Here's to mastering the art of the backhand, in all its forms! 🏓

The 2024 Association of Pickleball Players (APP) season has set the stage for an electrifying year in the world of professional pickleball.

Kicking off with the Punta Gorda Open, the APP has already promised a bustling schedule with at least 25 events, including six international and three NextGen events, underscoring the sport's global appeal and the nurturing of emerging talent.

A New Home and Exciting Changes

The APP's momentum is not just about the number of events.

The announcement of their new headquarters and training facilities at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale marks a significant step towards professionalizing and centralizing pickleball's growing ecosystem.

Additionally, the inclusion of Golden Ticket status at select pro stops, the introduction of rally scoring for pro singles, and a revamped consolation bracket aim to enhance competition intensity and player experience.

Men’s and Women’s Pro Singles: A Showcase of Emerging Talent

The Punta Gorda Open witnessed an array of first-time winners, setting a precedent for the season.

Chris Haworth clinched his first pro gold in a thrilling Men's Pro Singles final against Hunter Johnson, signaling his arrival on the professional scene.

On the women's side, Judit Castillo emerged victorious, securing her first singles gold since April of last year, underscoring the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional pickleball.

Mixed Pro Doubles: New Partnerships and Strategic Play

The mixed doubles category saw new partnerships and strategic play, with Yates Johnson & Jorja Johnson capturing gold.

This victory is particularly notable for Yates Johnson, marking his first-ever pro doubles gold.

The APP's decision to stream matches live on Fridays reflects a commitment to increasing fan engagement and accessibility.

Men’s and Women’s Pro Doubles: A Competitive Landscape

The doubles events were no less competitive, with new and established partnerships battling for supremacy.

In Men’s Pro Doubles, Klinger & Howells took gold, demonstrating the potential of new pairings in the evolving landscape of professional pickleball.

Women's Pro Doubles saw Oshiro & Rane triumph, highlighting the depth of talent in the field.

A Focus on Senior Competitions

The APP's inclusion of Champions (50+) and Masters (60+) pro divisions is a commendable effort to recognize and celebrate the skill and dedication of senior players.

These competitions not only provide a platform for seasoned athletes but also contribute to the sport's inclusivity and diversity.

Looking Ahead

As the APP tour moves forward, the Punta Gorda Open has set a high bar for competition, sportsmanship, and professional growth in pickleball.

With new talents emerging and veterans continuing to excel, the 2024 season is poised to be a landmark year for the sport.

As fans and players eagerly anticipate the next events, the APP's commitment to enhancing the pickleball experience is clear.

For detailed results and upcoming events, be sure to check the PickleballBrackets tourney home page and draws.

The journey of the 2024 APP season is just beginning, and the excitement is only set to increase from here.

Click here for more on the APP's 2024 season and Punta Gorda Open highlights.

As pickleball ascends from America's favorite pastime to a burgeoning professional sport, the financial stakes are soaring.

The realm of professional pickleball is catching the eye of investors, including sports icons like Tom Brady and celebrities like Drake and Michael B. Jordan.

Their investments are not just endorsements of the sport's popularity but a bet on its potential to carve out a significant niche in the professional sports landscape.

The Growth Trajectory

In a short span, Major League Pickleball has expanded from a single event with eight teams in 2021 to a sprawling competition featuring 24 teams across six events.

This rapid growth mirrors pickleball's surging popularity, which saw an 85.7 percent increase in 2022, with the sport's accessibility being a key driver.

Unlike tennis, pickleball's simplicity and minimal requirement for athletic prowess have made it a hit, especially during the pandemic era.

Financial Forehand

The financial dynamics of professional pickleball are intriguing.

Team valuations range from $1 million to $10 million, offering an "affordable" entry point for investors compared to the astronomical valuations in the NBA or NFL.

This affordability, coupled with a significant participation base, provides a unique investment opportunity.

However, as valuations rise, the window for high-return investments might be narrowing.

The Television Toss-Up

A pivotal factor in pickleball's financial success will be its ability to translate on-court excitement to television audiences.

Historical examples like pingpong, despite its widespread play, have shown that popularity doesn't always equate to television success.

Yet, events like the Pickleball Slam, which attracted 237,000 viewers under 50, suggest potential.

The challenge lies in developing a star-powered roster from within the sport, rather than borrowing luminaries from other arenas.

Alternative Revenue Rallies

The focus on television might be a narrow view of potential revenue streams.

With the sport's grassroots popularity, merchandise and event-driven income could play significant roles.

The U.S. Pickleball Nationals' sponsorship deal with Margaritaville underscores the brand interest in aligning with pickleball's lively and growing community.

Long-Term Strategy

Investors like Marc Lasry view pickleball through a long-term lens, drawing parallels with the NBA's humble television beginnings.

The belief is that, given time and the sport's increasing popularity, media rights and sponsorships will follow suit, enhancing the financial ecosystem of professional pickleball.

Serving Up the Future

As pickleball navigates its professional journey, the sport stands at a crossroads of potential financial success and challenges.

With its broad appeal, backing from high-profile investors, and an emerging professional structure, pickleball's quest to become a staple in the professional sports arena is a narrative worth watching.

Whether it can overcome the hurdles of television viewership and develop its own star power remains to be seen, but the foundations for a financially profitable professional circuit are certainly being laid.

For those interested in the evolving dynamics of professional pickleball and its financial implications, dive deeper into the full article here.

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