Leave it to ‘Florida Man’ to bring out some buck wild words for — well, anything, but in this case, the pickleball community…

In this issue:

• The solo drills that make you faster on court

• A fresh eyewear brand for serious players

• Ben Johns’ #1 tip for improving your game

• The summer giveaway you shouldn’t skip

“You Come to MY Court on the Day of My Daughter’s Wedding…”

At a recent zoning meeting in St. Johns County, Florida, a local opponent of a proposed indoor pickleball facility made a wild claim: pickleball players are part of a “Pickle Mafia.”

The project, which seeks to build a private, membership-based pickleball complex in an industrial park, has met resistance from nearby business owners.

The concerns?
→ Parking overflow
→ Pedestrian safety
→ Too many pickleballers turning the area into their turf

In other words…BS.

During the public comments section, one local said, “With the Pickle Mafia…where it’s at, it becomes their ground and they start taking it up and taking it over.”

Despite the drama, the zoning board approved the project with conditions to improve signage and manage parking.

Tell Tony to ease up, for now…

We teamed up with Centerline, CRBN, Sqairz, and The Gist to give three players a stacked summer prize pack, including a new paddle, fresh apparel, court-ready shoes, and a few extras we think you’ll love.

Enter the Giveaway →

🗓 Ends July 14 · 📍 U.S. & Canada · 🎯 Winners announced July 18

Around the Picklesphere

🥵 The real reason you’re gassed after game 2
🎉 SUMMER GIVEAWAY: 3 winners, $600+ in prizes each
🤔 Is it weird to live in your pickleball clothes?
⁉️ Would you rather: Pickleball Edition

⚡7 Solo Drills to Train Reaction Time

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Want to play faster, defend better, and own the kitchen line? You’ve got to train your reaction time—and you don’t need a partner to do it.

These seven solo drills are easy to set up and focus on exactly what pickleball demands: fast feet, quick hands, and sharp tracking skills.

🎯 Try these:

Wall Ball Drill – Volley against a wall to build speed and control. Use your garage, gym wall, or any flat surface.

Paddle Toss & Catch – Toss a ball, switch hands mid-air, and catch it on the paddle. Builds focus + coordination.

Shadow Volleys with Quick Feet – Practice movement and paddle control in front of a mirror (like shadowboxing, but pickleball).

Reflex Punch Drill – With a partner, touch a cone before reacting to a feed. Mimics chaos and pressure.

Bounce & Hit Drill – Use an angled wall or unpredictable surface to mimic wild bounces. Great for chaos training.

Ball Drop Reaction – Catch a dropped ball mid-fall—great for pure reaction speed.

Kitchen Line Quick Hands – Fire volleys at a wall from the kitchen line. Train for speed without stepping back.

✅ Pro tips: Keep sessions short (10–15 min), stay relaxed, and always warm up.

🔗 See full training guide

New Name to Know: Brioti Eyewear

If you’ve been squinting, fogging up, or second-guessing line calls under bad lighting, Brioti might be your new go-to. Their FOCOS glasses are designed specifically for pickleball—with impact-rated protection, no-slip grip, and lenses that actually help you see the ball better. Indoor or outdoor, bright sun or LED glare, they’ve covered the tricky stuff most brands ignore.

Take a look at Brioti to find your frame and explore their lens lineup. The 4D Boost and 4D Shade options are built for real play, not just looking sport. Your eyes (and your net game) deserve better.

📺 Gear Review: Centerline

Gina and Neil suited up in Centerline’s lightweight gear and were seriously impressed. The Air Lite long sleeve, après hoodie, and leggings all passed the test for breathability, movement, and style. From UV protection to all-day comfort, this apparel held up on and off the court. One small fit note on the hoodie, but nothing that stopped them from reaching for it again.

▶️ Watch the full review on YouTube

🎤 Ben Johns Shares His Top Tip for Amateur Players

World No. 1 Ben Johns recently appeared on CNN to talk about the sport’s meteoric rise, but it was his advice for everyday players that really stood out.

When asked for his best tips for amateurs, Johns didn’t hesitate:

That’s a simple but game-changing mindset. Most players lose points by trying to do too much, ripping low-percentage shots when a smart, consistent return would have done the job.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Johns’ approach for leveling up your rec game:

✅ Consistency > Flash

Stop trying to end every point. Keep the ball in play and pressure your opponent to miss.

✅ Smart Shot Selection

Think before you swing. High balls? Attack. Low balls? Reset. Respect the bounce.

✅ Play Within Yourself

Focus on placement and patience, not power or trick shots. You’ll win more rallies(and frustrate flashy players).

Johns didn’t become the #1 men’s player in the world by making highlight reels, though he’s certainly made a few.

He got there by mastering the basics and executing under pressure. Take a page out of his playbook: play smarter, not riskier.