Welcome to Episode 30 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about the latest changes in Major League Pickleball (MLP), including the removal of rally scoring, as well as new rules on roster requirements and pro pickleball player eligibility. How will these MLP changes affect the overall landscape of professional pickleball, and UPA specifically? MLP teams will have to do more to scout new talent than they are now, as well as find ways to increase engagement by viewers and pickleball fans.

Welcome to Episode 29 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about the global growth of pickleball, specifically Club Med Cancun, where their dedicated courts have increased pickleball tournaments and games in the area. Barrett and Danea also discuss the upcoming Vintage Open tournament, which only allows players to use wooden paddles. They also talk about pickleball paddle technology, paddle bans, and if a "win" at a pro pickleball tournament where the player was using a banned paddle should come with an asterisk.

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about the pro pickleball scene, including new and changing streaming services, Gabe Tardio's new contract and partnership with Ben Johns, and if paid subscriptions will affect viewership of pro pickleball. They also discuss controversy around player rankings and qualifying rounds, and how to balance pickleball's growth and inclusivity.

Welcome to Episode 27 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about the latest news that Ben Johns and Collin Johns won't be playing together in 2025. What are the implications for their careers and who will they be playing with in 2025? Barrett and Danea also discuss pickleball etiquette for recreational play, pickleball partner communication and lingo, and why patience and strategy are so important on the pickleball court.

Welcome to Episode 26 of The Pickleball Connection Podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about the kicking incident that led to a video that has gone viral. What do you do if your opponent (or partner) is highly emotional, negative, or violent? Plus, why control and finesse is so much more important than power in pickleball and why players should focus on high percentage shots rather than risky plays. They also focus on other pickleball strategies to improve your game, including the split step, why letting out balls go can enhance overall performance, and player dynamics.

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about bangers vs. soft players in recreational pickleball play. So many rec pickleball players have preferences in their game style, so it's a good idea for all players to be open to all kinds of players, playing as a team, keeping a positive mindset, and why you need to focus on your own game rather than trying to change everyone else. They also talk about how to handle nights where you have no pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about new pickleball paddle regulations, including the formation of the UPA-A, new certification fees for paddle manufacturers, and the implications of spin limits and testing reliability. They discuss continued challenges of regulation paddle technology and if it will eliminate the fair playing field in professional pickleball, and how to keep smaller companies in the game (with a $20,000 fee!).

Welcome to Episode 23 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk about some pickleball strategy that can disrupt your opponents' rhythm, including dinking in the middle, lobbing, and playing against their strengths. They also discuss why rec pickleball play should be just as competitive as tournaments.

Welcome to Episode 22 of The Pickleball Connection! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass share their top tips for players who are rated 4.0 and below. The most important things you can work on are drilling that focuses on: mastering the transition zone, working on your footwork, and simplifying your swing to reduce errors. Most importantly, you should be playing to your strengths during games and tournaments.

Welcome to Episode 21 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass are talking about the latest in pickleball news, including the controversies surrounding different serving rules in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), the newly enforced 25 percent rule regarding line calls, and why there is so much confusion caused by different rules across leagues. As a rec player, should you be paying attention to pro pickleball rules and how do they apply to you? They also talk about pickleball strategy, including pre-game communication between partners and understanding your partner's strategy is crucial during matches.