A lot of exciting things happened this week (me losing my first round match at the U.S. Open Pro Split age was not one of them) including MLP Orlando finishing and the U.S. Open starting last Saturday. Things got heated with Hayden Patriquin and Anna Leigh Waters in their final match. Hayden said something that set Anna Leigh Waters off. She had to be separated after she got into his face. We’ll get into it and the topics below:

• Major League Pickleball Orlando Recap (and spice)

• Hotter paddles than the South Florida Sun

• Master Your DUPR: Tips to Level Up Your Pickleball Game!

• The New networking (and social) sport

• Pickleball Exercise of the Week: Shoulder External Rotation

• Pickleball Is Heating Up (Literally…!)

There’s a lot of heat this week, let’s get right into it.

Major League Pickleball Orlando Recap (and spice)

Exciting time at the MLP Orlando event (and drama), for the pros and amateurs with several local Miami players bringing back home medals in the amateur divisions — congrats to all the medal winners. The top 3 teams in MLP so far are: New Jersey 5s (13 points), Dallas Flash Pickleball (12 points), and the Columbus Sliders (10 points). Ben John’s team, the Carolina Hogs, didn’t have the best showing this past weekend losing both of there matches as a team, reinforcing Ben’s decision from splitting with his brother Collin Johns on the PPA tour. Considered the strongest Men’s Doubles team for over 2 years, having won 33 gold medals (44 total medals) together on the PPA tour and redefining excellence, and patient playing style, on the pickleball court, they don’t have the same mojo as they once had.

In the final match with the New Jersey 5s and The St. Louis Shock, things heated with up with Anna Leigh Waters (ALW) and Hayden Patriquin. Hayden Patriquin called the queen a “b!*ch,” and she didn’t take it lightly. After they finished there mixed doubles match, ALW went to the Shock’s bench and had some words for Hayden Patriquin, having to be separated. Things are spicing up early this MLP Season, and we’ll see if New Jersey 5s can continue there dominance at MLP Columbus on May 1st.

Hotter paddles than the South Florida Sun

These days, when you're out on the courts—whether with your rec crew or in a tournament—the pace is faster, and points are wrapping up quicker than the blink of an eye. The new paddles from PaddleTek, Joola, Selkirk, and others are practically launching the ball into another dimension with speed and spin that could rival the Earth's rotation. Pro players like Collin John's and Anna Leigh Waters are sporting protective eyewear to keep up with the wild pace—because, let's be real, those balls are coming at you looking for that body bag.

If you want to stay competitive, sharpen those skills at the kitchen (we're talking volleys here!) and work on your quick speed-ups. You'll be snagging points left and right and, best of all, watching your opponents grow more and more frustrated with every shot.

Pro Tip: Keep that paddle in front of you, stay balanced, and hit with confidence. Win more matches, and remember—the eyes are not the target. 😉

Master Your DUPR: Tips to Level Up Your Pickleball Game!

If you’ve heard players tossing around numbers like "I’m a 4.23" at your local courts, they’re talking about their DUPR — the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. DUPR is the gold standard for measuring your skill, ranging from beginner to pro (2.0 to 7.0+), and it updates based on your wins, losses, and even how competitive your matches are. It factors in games played anywhere — tournaments, rec play, or even your local ladder league — so every match can make a difference. Unlike other rating systems, DUPR doesn’t just focus on whether you win or lose; it also looks at the score to assess how close the match was, which means fighting for every point really does matter!

Want to see your DUPR climb? Focus on consistent match play against slightly higher-rated players, aim for close, competitive scores (even if you don’t always win!), and play often — DUPR rewards activity. Also, make sure your matches are properly recorded through apps or club systems that report to DUPR! Remember: your journey isn’t just about chasing a number; it's about sharpening your skills, staying resilient in tough games, and having a blast while doing it. So next time you step on the court, think of each point as a stepping stone to your next personal best!

Pro Tip: If you play with a partner that has a lower DUPR rating, your DUPR score will go up more than if it’s with a similar skilled level partner if you win

The New Networking (and social) Sport

For decades, golf reigned supreme as the go-to sport for business networking—deal-making happened on the green, handshakes sealed agreements between birdies and bogeys, and executives carved out five-hour blocks to bond over tee times. But times are changing, and there's a new contender on the court: pickleball. What once sounded like a quirky backyard pastime has quickly drawn in CEOs, entrepreneurs, and young professionals alike. Unlike golf, which demands hours and expensive gear, pickleball is fast-paced, easy to learn, and can be played in under an hour—with just a paddle, a wiffle ball, and a willingness to laugh at your own footwork.

Pickleball's real power, though, lies in its social magic. The smaller courts and doubles format mean you're constantly chatting, rotating, and connecting in a way that’s far more dynamic than chasing a golf cart in silence. It’s the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, and its accessibility means anyone—from the intern to the investor—can join in. As companies seek more inclusive and time-efficient ways to build relationships, pickleball is serving up exactly what the modern professional needs: a little sweat, a lot of smiles, and surprisingly strong networking ROI. Game, set, match—pickleball is the new business playground.

Pickleball Exercise of the Week: Shoulder External Rotation

For decades, golf reigned supreme as the go-to sport for business networking—deal-making happened on the green, handshakes sealed agreements between birdies and bogeys, and executives carved out five-hour blocks to bond over tee times. But times are changing, and there's a new contender on the court: pickleball. What once sounded like a quirky backyard pastime has quickly drawn in CEOs, entrepreneurs, and young professionals alike. Unlike golf, which demands hours and expensive gear, pickleball is fast-paced, easy to learn, and can be played in under an hour—with just a paddle, a wiffle ball, and a willingness to laugh at your own footwork.

Pickleball's real power, though, lies in its social magic. The smaller courts and doubles format mean you're constantly chatting, rotating, and connecting in a way that’s far more dynamic than chasing a golf cart in silence. It’s the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, and its accessibility means anyone—from the intern to the investor—can join in. As companies seek more inclusive and time-efficient ways to build relationships, pickleball is serving up exactly what the modern professional needs: a little sweat, a lot of smiles, and surprisingly strong networking ROI. Game, set, match—pickleball is the new business playground.

Pickleball is Heating Up (Literally…!)

Stay safe out there Floridians. The MLP’s Orlando Classic saw players leaving the premises with heat stroke and in wheelchairs from sun overexposure. Others experienced major sunburns and left with a burn alongside their medals…

How to Stay Safe Playing Pickleball this Summer

The summer heat is no joke, especially for Floridians and east or west coast players. With temperatures peaking at 98 degrees last summer in Florida with projections for a possible 100+ degrees this year. Aside from the basics like keeping a cool towel nearby and ice in your thermos, keep electrolytes on hand from LiquidIV to LMNT (there are plenty of flavors and brands to choose from), bring a hat or visor to protect from sun burns and sun poisoning in more extreme cases, and take breaks playing as needed.

Use your Timeouts!

In an intense set of 3 at the US Open or a major APP or PPA event? Feeling lightheaded mid-match but afraid to mess up your flow? Take a timeout. Endangering your health is not worth the next few points. With most tourneys allowing 1-2 timeouts per game, fear not and remember that a splash of ice cold water and a quick break could be what you need to take charge of the match. Even the pros take timeouts for a reason. You’re human, and dragging through a few more points is not worth the potential hospital stay.