This week, we’ll be going over the up-and-coming challenger series of the PPA and APP tour, Next Gen and the PPA Challenger Series. Anna Leigh Waters shocks herself, and her fans, in a surreal moment in Times Square. We’ll be going over these and the topics below this week:

• PPA Challenger Series & APP Next Gen - New Generation of Pickleball Talent Rising

• Survive the Sizzle: 4 Ways to Stay Sharp on a Hot Pickleball Day

• Anna Leigh Waters takes on Time Square

• Is it time to break up with your paddle? Here are some signs

Happy Friday, let’s get right into it!

PPA Challenger Series & APP Next Gen - New Generation of Pickleball Talent Rising

Let’s be real—everyone loves watching the Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters of the world battle it out on center court. But what if I told you that the real grit, and breakout stories are brewing in the PPA Challenger Series and APP Next Gen tournaments? These aren’t just B-tier events—they’re the launchpads for tomorrow’s legends.

The Challenger Series is the proving ground where rising stars sharpen their swords (or should we say paddles?) against equally hungry opponents. It's intense, it's unpredictable, and it’s full of jaw-dropping moments you won’t find in the headline PPA matches. Think of it as pickleball’s version of the G-League with a twist—winners here are potentially tomorrow’s center-court headliners.

Meanwhile, the APP Tour runs the Next Gen Series—a tournament circuit designed specifically for players aged 16 to 23. It’s focused on developing the future of the sport with coaching, mentorship, and serious competition. These events aren’t just for show—players here are fighting for national attention, scholarship opportunities, and brand sponsor opportunities.

So next time you're scrolling through the schedule, don’t sleep on these events. The next Ben Johns might just be dropping 11-2 games in court 5 before making it big.

Survive the Sizzle: 4 Ways to Stay Sharp on a Hot Pickleball Day

Let’s face it—summer pickleball hits different, especially in South Florida. The sun’s blazing, the humidity is hitting, your paddle’s sizzling, and the court feels like it’s located three feet from the sun. But don’t worry—we’ve got the ultimate hydration + performance game plan to keep you cool, sharp, and dominating the dinks all summer long.

1. Start Hydrating the Night Before 🥤
If you’re chugging water only after you’ve started sweating bullets, you’re already behind. Sip water and electrolyte drinks the evening before your big match day. Think of it like preloading your hydration tank so you can outlast the heat and your opponents.

2. Sip Like a Pro, Not a Camel 🚰
Don’t wait until you're gasping for air and seeing mirages of ice baths. Take small sips every 15–20 minutes. Pro tip: add a pinch of sea salt or use electrolyte tablets like LMNT, Liquid I.V., or Nuun to keep your sodium and potassium levels on point.

3. Snack Smart 🍌
Grab cooling, hydrating snacks between games—bananas, watermelon, oranges, cucumber slices. They're nature's Gatorade (without the food dye and sugar crash).

4. Shade & Splash ⛱️💦
Bring a pop-up tent, towel, and spray bottle for that courtside misting spa treatment. Douse your neck, wrists, and ankles with cold water during breaks—it’ll trick your body into cooling down faster and keep your brain sharp.

Anna Leigh Waters takes on Time Square

Pickleball just had a major moment—and it came with flashing lights, big screens, and the one and only Anna Leigh Waters front and center in Times Square! Yep, you read that right. The world’s #1 women’s pickleball player just took over the most iconic block in NYC like the superstar she is.

This isn’t just a big win for Anna Leigh—it’s a huge milestone for the sport. Seeing a pickleball pro on a billboard in the media capital of the world means we're officially out of the backyard and into the spotlight. With her fierce game face and unstoppable record, ALW is repping the sport with power, poise, and some serious main-character energy.

Is it time to break up with your paddle? Here are some signs

We know—you’ve been through a lot together. The epic rallies. The last-second dinks. That one serve you swear clipped the line. But even the pickleball paddle has an expiration date. So... how do you know when it’s time to swipe right on a new one?

1. Your Sweet Spot Turned Into a Sour One 🍋
If your once crisp, poppy paddle now sounds like you're hitting a sponge—and balls are dropping short for no reason—you might be dealing with a “dead spot.” That’s paddle-speak for: I’m retired, coach.

2. Cracks, Chips & War Wounds ⚔️
Surface cracks, worn edges, or a handle that feels like it’s one dink away from snapping? It’s not just cosmetic. Structural damage = compromised performance (and possibly your doubles partner’s trust).

3. The “Feel” Is Gone 😢
Remember when every drop shot felt buttery smooth and every drive zinged off the face? If your paddle suddenly feels dull or inconsistent, the core might be breaking down. If it doesn’t feel right... it probably isn’t.

4. It’s Been a While… Like, a Long While 📆
Most serious players replace their paddles every 3 to 4 months depending on how often they play. The average players paddle lifespan is 6 to 12 months. If you’re logging 3–5 sessions a week and it’s been a year—yeah, it’s probably time.

5. You’ve Leveled Up ⬆️
Your game has evolved—shouldn’t your paddle too? If you’ve outgrown your old gear, upgrading to something with better spin, control, or power could give you the edge you’ve earned.