Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

AC and Kevin celebrate the 50th episode of Cracked Paddles with a breakdown of PPA Las Vegas, including the tour's controversial late-night scheduling, AC's continued struggles with knee recovery, and the mental challenges of competing against the world's best without consistent practice. The guys also discuss Ben Johns' surprising "triple frown," the growing parity in men's doubles, and why the unpredictable nature of pickleball is making the professional game more competitive than ever.

Later, Kevin recaps his weekend at the Brick Wall tournament, where he battled through lingering flu symptoms while competing in men's and mixed doubles. He shares two important lessons from the experience: why leg strength and endurance matter more than many players realize, and why giving opponents too much respect can lead to unnecessary mistakes. The guys also discuss tournament strategy, recognizing when a winning pattern stops working, and their upcoming events in Chicago and Louisville as they look ahead to the next 50 episodes.

Watch the episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer.

Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin catch up after a chaotic stretch that included illness, travel, and one of AC’s roughest tournament experiences yet. AC recounts suffering full-body cramps during singles in Mesa, the dehydration that ultimately forced him off the court, and the IV treatment he needed afterward. That leads into a larger conversation about the current pro pickleball landscape, including rankings, qualifying, international events, prize money, wild cards, and the difficult position unsigned players can find themselves in while trying to climb the professional ranks.

Later, Kevin breaks down a 5.0 tournament he played alongside his brother Brian, using the experience to highlight some important lessons for players trying to move up a level. The guys discuss third-shot decisions, recognizing when to advance toward the kitchen, escaping “no man’s land,” positioning in transition, and adapting to the quality of your opponent’s fourth shot. They also take a closer look at Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters to show how much strategy and anticipation goes into elite-level pickleball before looking ahead to their upcoming tournaments.

Watch the episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer.

Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

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AC and Kevin start by preparing Kevin’s brother Brian for his first 5.0 tournament, breaking down the most common mistakes they see from 4.5-level players. From overhitting drives and forcing offense to poor transition decisions, counter technique, and unclear shot intentions, the guys explain the adjustments that can help intermediate and advanced players take the next step.

Check out the video of this episode by clicking here.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

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AC and Kevin break down the end of the Columbus Sliders’ MLP season in Newport Beach, including the playoff loss to Brooklyn and AC’s difficult DreamBreaker performance against Christian Alshon. AC reflects on the pressure of returning to singles after months without a DreamBreaker, lineup decisions that didn’t work out, what he learned from his first MLP season, and whether he can earn another opportunity in the league through improved doubles results. The guys also look ahead to the remaining MLP playoff matchups and the championship weekend in New York.

Later, Kevin recaps his weekend at APP Detroit, from the unique convention-center setup to his mixed and men’s doubles results. He discusses the technical issues he noticed in transition, a frustrating officiating situation, and the adjustments he and Wade made throughout men’s doubles. The conversation closes with lessons about adapting faster during matches, Kevin’s continued ankle recovery, AC’s ongoing knee work, and what lies ahead as both guys prepare for their next stretch of tournaments.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro & Columbus Sliders playoff exit

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AC and Kevin break down one of the strangest controversies of the season after Thomas Yu and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou were forfeited from an APP event over matching-clothing requirements. The guys dig into the rule itself, the conflict between tournament policies and player sponsorship obligations, and whether the punishment fit the situation. They also discuss recent APP format changes, including the return of the backdraw and the growing effort to give players more input on tour decisions.

Later, Kevin recaps his return to competition at APP Chicago after battling an ankle injury, including the mental hurdle of trusting his movement again, mixed and men’s doubles results, and the adjustments he made throughout the weekend. The conversation then turns to off-court reflex training, as AC and Kevin debate whether gaming, juggling, eye-tracking exercises, and balance work can actually improve pickleball performance before wrapping with rehab updates and AC’s upcoming MLP playoff trip to Newport Beach.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro and episode preview

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AC and Kevin return with plenty to catch up on, starting with injury updates before breaking down the end of the Major League Pickleball regular season. They discuss the electric atmosphere at MLP Orlando, John Lucian Goins’ continued rise, the first round of the playoffs in Dallas, and the newly announced matchups for Newport Beach. AC also looks ahead to potentially helping the Columbus Sliders in a DreamBreaker as the MLP postseason heats up.

Later, the guys debate pickleball etiquette after the heated Zane Navratil–Casey Diamond moment in Dallas, covering everything from celebrations and body bags to paddle taps and where competitive intensity crosses the line. They finish with an extended discussion of the new World Pickleball Rankings, including the 50% gender doubles, 35% mixed doubles, and 15% singles weighting, how it could affect tournament qualification and byes, and why AC believes singles still deserves an important place in professional pickleball.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro and injury updates

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AC and Kevin return after a brief break to recap the latest Major League Pickleball action in San Diego and Chicago. AC breaks down the Columbus Sliders’ run to the San Diego final, the difficult matchup against Dallas, and how the Chicago results affect the team’s chances of earning a first-round playoff bye. The guys also discuss DreamBreaker strategy, the rapidly changing MLP standings, and AC’s preparation for a potential return in Newport Beach.

Later, AC and Kevin compare their ongoing knee and ankle recoveries and explain why rehabilitation is rarely a linear process. They then share several pickleball hot takes they genuinely believe, including why you do not always need to practice with better players, why rising lefty Elliot Schup could become one of the sport’s best, and why tournament players should practice taking timeouts during recreational games.

Check out the video of this episode by clicking here.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down the biggest storylines from MLP Grand Rapids, including the Shock's dominant performance, Georgia and Anna Leigh Johnson's first women's doubles loss of the season, and the tactical decisions that shaped the championship weekend. They also discuss the growing parity across Major League Pickleball and which teams are emerging as legitimate title contenders heading into the second half of the season.

Later, the conversation shifts into one of the most educational episodes yet as Kevin dives into Real Clear Stats and explains the advanced metrics that actually correlate with winning. From third-shot success rates and slugging percentage to transition efficiency and kitchen-line performance, the guys discuss how players of every level can use analytics to better understand—and improve—their game.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin recap everything that happened at MLP New York, breaking down the biggest surprises from the weekend, standout team performances, and how recent roster moves are already changing the league. The guys discuss which teams are beginning to separate themselves, the impact of recent trades, and why chemistry continues to be one of the biggest factors in Major League Pickleball.

Later, AC shares an update on his recovery and preparations for the remainder of the season, including where his game currently stands after months of battling injuries. The conversation also touches on paddle recommendations, upcoming tournaments, and what each of them is looking forward to over the next stretch of the professional pickleball calendar.

Check out the video of this episode by clicking here.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin react to another chaotic week in Major League Pickleball, breaking down the biggest trades, roster moves, and storylines coming out of MLP St. Pete. They discuss team chemistry, DreamBreaker strategy, the impact of recent player movement, and which teams are best positioned as the season heads toward the playoffs.

Later, the conversation shifts from the pro tour to practical improvement tips after Kevin shares the story behind his recent ankle injury. Using a lesson he taught over Father's Day weekend, the guys explain why so many recreational players struggle with counters, volleys, spacing, and weight transfer, offering simple adjustments that can immediately improve your game.

Midwest Sports

If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands.

Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on.

0:00 Intro

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.