Anna Leigh breaks up with Catherine Parenteau | How to improve your Pickleball dinks

Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters Partnership Splits

In a shake-up that’s got the entire pickleball world buzzing, one of the sport’s most iconic duos—Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters—have officially split. That’s right, the reigning queens of domination are parting ways, and fans everywhere are left with jaws on the floor and paddles in hand. After countless titles, electric rallies, and those signature synchronized fist pumps, the dynamic chemistry between CP and ALW has come to an end. While the breakup might sting for some, it also signals a new era of unpredictability and intrigue on the pro tour.

So what’s next? Rumors are already swirling about new partnerships, behind-the-scenes drama, and who will emerge as the next power pair. Will this open the door for a new wave of challengers? Could we see former rivals now teaming up? One thing’s for sure—pickleball just got a whole lot spicier. Stay tuned, because the court is heating up, and we’ll be serving all the juicy updates, one dink at a time.

Mastering the Dink

New to pickleball or just want to sharpen your soft game? Let’s break down the dink—a slow, controlled shot that lands just over the net in your opponent’s kitchen (no, not that kitchen 🍳). Here's how to do it:

1. Grip it light – Use a continental grip (like shaking hands with your paddle). Keep it soft, like you’re holding a baby bird.

2. Bend your knees – Stay low so you can push from your legs, not just your arms.

3. Push, don’t slap – Gently push the ball with a short swing. Think “lift and guide,” not “smash and hope.”

4. Watch the bounce – Let the ball drop into your strike zone, ideally around knee height.

5. Target the kitchen – Aim for just over the net to keep your opponent on their toes (and out of attack mode).

The dink isn’t flashy, but it wins games. Control the pace, stay patient, and wait for your moment to strike. It’s a game of chess, not checkers—one soft shot at a time.