This week’s issue is all about leveling up — not by hitting harder, but by thinking sharper.

You'll find:

• How to beat power hitters, dinkers, and chaos players

• The paddle positioning habit that separates rec from pro

• A no-fluff guide to coaching camps (and which ones are worth it)

Let’s get into it 👇

🎓 The No-Fluff Guide to Pickleball Coaching

Pickleball camps, clinics, and online programs are everywhere now, but which ones are worth your time and money?

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Level Up Camps: Great for structured, group learning. Good for all skill levels.

Nike Camps: Beginner-friendly and clear instruction.

Better Pickleball Academy (Online): Ideal for players 50+ or those who want flexible, video-based lessons.

Tyson McGuffin Camps: Small groups, elite tactics. Great for players pushing 4.0+.

Destination & Cruise Camps: Play hard, relax harder. Better for intermediate players who want a vacation, too.

YouTube is great for ideas, but real, in-person feedback is can help you improve more consistently. One good coach can fix what months of self-study can’t.

🔗 Full guide to pickleball coaching here

Around the Picklesphere

📐 Guide to paddle angles (and how they affect each shot)
🏓 Two paddles. Two opinions. Zero regrets.
🤷 Nobody available? Solo drills you’ll want to run 

✋ The Hidden Key to Winning More Points? Paddle Positioning

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: You’ve heard it a million times: “Keep your paddle up.” But that’s just the beginning. Where your paddle lives between shots can be the difference between a clean volley and getting burned.

At the kitchen: You’re in the firefight. Keep your paddle out in front and eyes sharp, even if you’re not in the rally yet.

In the transition zone: Your paddle should reflect what’s coming. Ready for a speed-up or a drop? Adjust accordingly.

On the baseline: Positioning matters even here. Anticipate the path of the ball and stay balanced.

Consistency starts between shots. If you think about anything during the point, it should be about getting your paddle in the right place before the rally even starts.

Pickleball in the Islands? We’re In!

Pickleball + the Caribbean? Say less. Join pro instructor Neil Friedenberg and fellow pickleball lovers for an unforgettable getaway in Turks & Caicos this October.

Spend your mornings drilling and learning with Neil, afternoons soaking up the beach (or playing more pickleball—we get it), and evenings with open play and on-court tips from Neil himself.

📅 October 19–24, 2025
📍 Beaches Turks & Caicos

Rooms must be booked through Vibe Getaways to join the group. Check availability and details here.

📺 Gear Review: The Recovery Stick That’s Keeping Me on the Court

Pickleball has a funny way of making you feel 17…until your knees remind you that you’re definitely not.

For me, it happened mid-game. Nothing dramatic, just a little twist and—bam—my knee was suddenly not on board with the rest of my body’s plans. No tear, no crutches, just stiffness, soreness, and the creeping fear that maybe I need to dial it back.

That’s when I found Dobson’s Choice. Here’s what I liked:

• No mess. No stink. Just a smooth, hands-free stick that tucks into my bag.

• Gentle warmth without the burning weirdness of some other pain relief gels.

• Quick relief before, during, and after games with no need to ice my leg for hours.

It won’t make me 25 again, but it helped me play without discomfort.

If you’re a 40+ player still chasing down balls like it’s the U.S. Open (and paying for it the next morning), this might be your new must-have.

👟 Check it out at dobsonschoice.com. Your joints will thank you. (Full review here).

🧠 Outsmart Any Opponent: Adapting to Playing Styles

Pickleball isn’t one-size-fits-all. The key to winning more games? Stop playing your game—and start playing the game your opponent hates. Here’s how to adjust your strategy based on common player types:

1️⃣ The Banger

They hit everything like they’re trying to break sound barriers.

→ Your move: If it’s a low shot, slow it down. Drop shots and resets are your best friend. Let them overhit and make mistakes. If it’s above the waist with topsin? BANG IT BACK; you’ll put more power on it and show them they can’t muscle you out.

2️⃣ The Dinker

They could dink all day. You’ll lose by getting impatient.

→ Your move: Match their calm. Mix in lobs and speed-ups to break the rhythm. Master the fake-dink-to-a-lob; they’ll cut it out real quick.

3️⃣ The Chaos Player

Trick shots, weird spins, nonstop unpredictability.

→ Your move: Be boring. Stick to fundamentals. Punish bad decisions. You’ll clean up.

4️⃣ The Beginner

Lots of enthusiasm, not a lot of technique.

→ Your move: Stay consistent. Keep it fun. Focus on your own improvement, not showboating.

Great players don’t impose their game, they adapt to the one in front of them.

🔗 Master each technique