This week on Cracked Paddles, hosts Alex Crum and Kevin Dong dive headfirst into the drama shaking the pickleball world — the Dennis Uspensky cheating scandal. They unpack the timeline of events, the reactions from players and fans, and what this moment means for the sport’s growing professional scene. Nothing is off-limits as they debate the culture of competition and integrity in a sport still defining its identity.

After the controversy, the hosts lighten the mood with some personal updates — Kevin recounts his week in Fort Lauderdale, while Alex shares behind-the-scenes stories from the PPA Virginia Beach event. The duo closes with the latest paddle news, giving their unfiltered takes on new releases, player sponsorships, and how tech innovations are reshaping the paddle market. It’s an episode that captures the full spectrum of pickleball — from the serious to the absurd — and everything in between.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

Hosts Alex Crum and Kevin Dong return to the mic to break down what it truly takes to train like a professional pickleball player—and why the financial landscape of pro pickleball may be due for a reset. From daily routines and mental discipline to the realities of prize money and sponsorships, the hosts take a hard look at the current state of the sport and what separates weekend warriors from the world’s elite players.

Later in the show, they welcome Jacob Smith, Director of High School and Collegiate Pickleball for DUPR, to explore the future of pickleball at the collegiate level. Jacob explains how DUPR is shaping the competitive format for college events, what it will take to make pickleball an NCAA-sanctioned sport, and which universities are setting the standard right now. It’s a candid and forward-looking discussion about the next generation of players and the infrastructure that could propel pickleball into the collegiate mainstream.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

In this episode of Cracked Paddles, hosts Alex Crum and Kevin Dong sit down with Jason Aspes, a leading voice in pickleball branding, product design, and international growth. From exploring where his passion for paddles began to breaking down the true cost of performance gear, Jason offers an insider’s look into what it really takes to bring a paddle from concept to court.

The conversation dives deep into paddle marketing, the new PPA certification standards, and the science behind paddle testing—including the drama and debate surrounding the new approval process. Jason also shares his perspective on the rapidly emerging Asian pickleball market and what global expansion could mean for the sport’s next wave of innovation.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

In this episode, Alex Crum and Kevin Dong sit down with tennis star-turned-pickleball-innovator Danielle Collins to dive deep into her unexpected journey from Grand Slam courts to the paddle game. Danielle shares the story behind designing her signature Tecnifibre “Danimal” paddle — from R&D and material choices to the challenges of launching a paddle in a crowded market. Along the way, she connects her competitive mindset in tennis to her new pursuit, revealing how she balances athletic identity, entrepreneurship, and the future of pickleball gear.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

This week on Cracked Paddles, Alex and Kevin dive into all the latest buzz shaking up the pickleball world. Alex kicks things off with a full recap of his recent Challenger event before the duo breaks down the hot-button topic of the week: the brand-new paddle regulations from the UPA. Are these rules a game-changer, or just more drama for the players and manufacturers?

Alex also shares what it was like stepping behind the mic for Pickleball TV commentary, giving listeners an inside look at the broadcast experience. From there, the guys turn their attention to Cincinnati, reviewing the venue, event atmosphere, and standout storylines from a packed tournament week.

To close things out, Alex and Kevin answer listener questions—tackling everything from gear tweaks to big-picture trends in the sport.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

In this episode of Cracked Paddles, hosts Alex Crum and Kevin Dong catch listeners up on their latest tournament runs. Alex dives into his Vegas Open performance, including his second straight upset of #1 seed Federico Staksrud. Kevin breaks down his APP Chicago experience, highlighting key matches and takeaways from the event. To wrap things up, the duo answer a batch of viewer questions, mixing in insights, hot takes, and a few laughs along the way.

Check out today's 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.

00:00 - Intro

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

Alex Crum and Kevin Dong open this week’s episode of Cracked Paddles with some big personal and pickleball news—Kevin’s wedding weekend and their reactions to the Major League Pickleball Championship.

They dive into the latest in paddle talk before sitting down with special guest Bryson Alexander from Midwest Sports. Bryson shares his journey with MWS, how they prioritize products and brands, what players should look for when demoing paddles, and why the new Cracked Paddles partnership is an exciting next step. He also gives a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon for Midwest Sports.

To wrap things up, Kevin previews his run at the APP Chicago event, while Alex looks ahead to the Vegas Open and a packed schedule of upcoming tournaments.

Check out today's 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.

00:00 - Intro

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

This week on Cracked Paddles, hosts Alex Crum and Kevin Dong are joined by Zane Navratil for a wide-ranging conversation that spans both the court and the content world. Zane reflects on his new role as president of the Pro Player Council, recaps the action and atmosphere from the Dallas MLP event, and shares insights into his approach to creating pickleball content. The group also looks ahead at their personal goals within the sport and offers advice for aspiring content creators looking to break into the pickleball scene.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

Alex Crum and Kevin Dong break down the debut of the new Lifetime pickleballs being used on tour — how they feel, how they play, and what impact they might have on the pro game. Plus, Alex shares his own results from the Bristol PPA event, including key takeaways, memorable matches, and what’s next on his competitive calendar.

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.

00:00 - Intro

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

Alex Crum and Kevin Dong sit down with DUPR CEO Tito Machado to unpack the biggest change in pickleball ratings history. In this episode of Cracked Paddles, Tito breaks down DUPR's revamped algorithm—what’s changed, why it matters, and how it impacts players at every level. It’s no longer just about wins and losses. From rally scoring adjustments to performance-weighted matches, we dive deep into the math and the mission behind the update.

Whether you’re a casual rec player or a tournament grinder, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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.

00:00 – Intro 05:20 – What was the motivation for updating the algorithm? 07:30 – What are the changes that were made? 13:15 – Midwest Sports 15:45– Moving up in a loss vs going down in a win 18:00 – Removing the third decimal point 20:30 – Beating expectations 28:30 - Will top pros see a deflation due to early rounds? 32:40 - Match data decay 37:15 - The more data the better 40:40 - How will infrequent players be affected? 45:35 - Striving for accuracy 51:20 - What to look forward to

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