~50 million Americans played pickleball

Don’t Snooze on The Lob Shot:

So, what’s a lob shot?

Simply put, it's a move that involves hitting a high and deep shot by opening the face of your paddle. Its main purpose? To push opponents away from the kitchen line and catch them off-guard (see above example). Talk about a sneaky tactic.

A well-executed lob creates more time and space for yourself on the court and throws your opponent's rhythm off balance. But beware, timing and placement are crucial here. A lob shot leaves little room for error. If it falls short, it becomes a perfect volley opportunity for your opponent. And if it goes too far, well, you'll be watching it sail out of bounds.

To pull off a successful lob, you'll need finesse and precision. Picture this: a soft touch with a hammer grip and minimal backswing. Start in a low squat, then rise up, lifting and pushing the ball with control. Keep that wrist and elbow steady as your shoulder and legs work their magic.

Now, when should you whip out this lob shot? Use it as an offensive weapon when your opponent is too focused on the kitchen, not paying attention, or in a downright terrible stance. And if you find yourself on the defensive, the lob can be a last-resort option to reset the exchange. It's all about exploiting gaps in your opponent's backcourt, adding unpredictability, and creating the precious time and space you need.

Star-Studded Ownership:

Quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has ventured into a new pickleball-related endeavor as one of the owners of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) franchise, the Frisco Pandas. Prescott joined forces with Frisco-based Dude Perfect, a group known for their viral trick-shot videos, in investing in the team. The exact financial details and ownership percentages remain undisclosed. The Pandas, formerly known as the Frisco Clean Clause, will participate in an upcoming MLP tournament starting on June 15 in San Clemente, California.

Prescott is not the first to the party. The MLP has attracted numerous sports stars and celebrities to its ownership circle, including LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, and Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks. This surge of notable investors is seen as a significant boost for pickleball's rapid growth.

As for the name change to the Frisco Pandas, it aligns with Dude Perfect's mascot, the panda, which has intrigued fans and sparked speculation about the person inside the costume.

The hope is that this influx of prominent athletes and entertainers as team owners will further propel the sport's popularity, particularly among young fans.

1. Scotland has seen a surge in pickleball popularity, boasting 10,000 registered players, including a well-known face in the tennis world, Judy Murray. Murray, after trying the sport during a trip to South Carolina, became an advocate for pickleball, praising its accessibility and adaptability. She believes the sport's growth is inevitable and predicts it will eventually become an Olympic and Paralympic sport.

2. The APP and Kittch have teamed up to revolutionize pickleball's food experience. The partnership, unveiled on Good Morning America, introduces "The Kittch'n" as the rebranded kitchen area, and the Kittch'n Court as a vibrant food festival at tournaments. Chief Marketing Officer of the APP, Tom Webb, expressed excitement about merging the worlds of sport and gastronomy, enhancing fans' appreciation for the sport through unforgettable culinary experiences.

3. In its latest pickleball participation research, the APP revealed impressive findings. Over the past 12 months, nearly 50 million American adults aged 18+ have engaged in the sport, marking a significant 35% surge since August 2022.

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