Pickleballer kicked in the face during match

Good evening, picklers.

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

• Pickle Talk: Chaos at the Quintana Roo Invitational: A Sportsmanship Fail

• Bite-sized: The bite-sized recap for the PPA Milwaukee Open

• Golden Pickle: Pickleball pet peeves: What annoys players the most?

PICKLE TALK

Chaos at the Quintana Roo Invitational: A Sportsmanship Fail

Drama hit center stage at the Quintana Roo Invitational in Mexico when a post-match celebration spiraled out of control.

Here’s what went down: 🤬

• The Setup: Peter Shonk, rocking a Mexican soccer jersey, clinched the final point for his team. He celebrated with an enthusiastic “C’mon!” and “F*** yeah!”

• The Incident: During post-match handshakes, Shonk accidentally knocked an opponent’s paddle to the ground. The opposing player, in pink shorts, retaliated by kicking Shonk square in the face.

• The Aftermath:👀

• Shonk suffered a three-hour memory loss but declined to press charges.

• The kicker? Banned from all future events at the venue.

• The video of the incident? Viral gold. Shonk even joked, “We broke the internet,” on Instagram.

Watch Here 👁️👁️

BITE-SIZED PICKLES to watch out for this week 👀

1/  The bite-sized recap for the PPA Milwaukee Open

🏆 Hunter’s Hot Streak

Hunter Johnson clinched his second PPA singles gold, defeating Federico Staksrud in a rollercoaster match: 11-4, 0-11, 11-3. Bronze? Surprise star Adam Harvey (#30 seed).

🎾 Kawamoto Comeback

Jade & Jackie Kawamoto pushed top seeds Bright/Rohrabacher to a thrilling five-game women’s doubles final but fell short 4-11, 11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7.

🥇 Bright & Brilliant

Anna Bright claimed two golds, teaming with Dylan Frazier in mixed doubles and winning her women’s doubles showdown.

🔥 Fahey’s Dominance

Kate Fahey proved untouchable (except by Anna Leigh Waters), edging out Zoey Wang in a tight 11-5, 5-11, 11-9 singles final.

⏩ Up Next

The MLP Finals hit Orlando this weekend. Then, it’s on to the CIBC PPA Finals in San Clemente for a showdown of the season’s best!

How’s that for a quick recap?

2/  🔥Topspin vs. Slice Drops: The Shots You NEED in Your Arsenal 🔥 

In pickleball, your drops are your secret weapon. But knowing when and how to use a topspin or slice drop? That’s where the magic happens.

Here’s the playbook (Thanks to Selkirk TV & James Ignatowich Show)

🌀 Topspin Drop

• When to use: Backcourt battles, windy days, or when you need ultimate control.

• How to hit it: Tilt your paddle forward, start your swing low, and brush up to add that sweet topspin. Finish with your paddle above your shoulder for precision landing in the kitchen.

Pro Tip: Topspin isn’t wind’s bestie—it’s unaffected and cuts through like butter. Perfect for baseline rallies where reliability is key.

✂️ Slice Drop

• When to use: Mid-court or closer, resetting points, and stopping attacks in their tracks.

• How to slice it: Open your paddle face slightly, swing high to low, and aim for a soft, floaty drop. Short follow-throughs keep you in control, and center-court aiming limits opponent returns.

Pro Tip: Don’t slice from the baseline—it’s wind-prone and unreliable. Stick to net resets.

🏓 When to Choose

• Topspin Drop: Baseline = best. Control, reliability, and spin dominance.

• Slice Drop: Mid-court or closer = perfection. Stops attacks cold.

Master both, and you’ll keep your opponents guessing while dominating the court. 🏆 Game, set, and match.

GOLDEN PICKLE: Your must-clicks of the week

Just a few crumbs before you go…😉

1. California prisoners find connection 🤝 through pickleball. Inmates across California prisons are rallying around pickleball, using the sport as a tool for rehabilitation and camaraderie. The game offers them not just recreation but a sense of community and personal growth within an otherwise isolating environment .

2. India 🇮🇳 shines at the World Pickleball Championship in Mumbai. India hosted its first-ever World Pickleball Championship in Mumbai, and local players dominated the event. The competition saw players of all ages winning medals and celebrated the country’s growing prominence on the global pickleball stage .

3. Black Friday pickleball bargains on the horizon💸. Get ready to snag some serious deals this Black Friday with discounts on pickleball gear. From paddles to accessories, these limited-time offers can help players elevate their game without breaking the bank. (Thanks John Kew Pickleball!)

4. Pickleball pet peeves 😒: What annoys players the most? A Reddit thread dives into the most frustrating habits in pickleball, from overzealous “kitchen” violations to drawn-out serve routines. Players vent their common gripes, highlighting the quirks that make the game both fun and challenging .

5. Miss the last Pickle Talk? 👉🏻 British Columbia pickleball courts silenced by noise complaints. Pickleball’s rapid rise faces a setback in British Columbia, where courts are being shut down due to noise complaints. This ongoing saga reflects the growing tension between enthusiasts and nearby residents .