Are you avoiding games against stronger opponents? In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dive into a hot community debate: is your unwillingness to seek out tougher competition what’s holding your game back? We also break down the latest drama and excitement from Major League Pickleball playoffs—including shocking upsets, dream breaker chaos, and betting entering the pickleball world. Plus, we share unfiltered first impressions of Selkirk’s newest power paddle, the Boomstick, and why it’s already changing the game. ⏱ What You’ll Learn:

• Why challenging yourself against higher-level players can accelerate improvement.
• How the Columbus Sliders shocked the pickleball world by knocking out the Dallas Flash.
• What betting on MLP could mean for the future of the sport.
• Honest player feedback on the Selkirk Boomstik (and whether it really lives up to the hype).

First, the new UPA Players Association:

• What it means for PPA and MLP pros
• Why Zane Navratil was voted in as player rep
• How it could shift rules, fines, contracts, and working conditions
• The long-term impact on trust, pay structure, and competitive balance

Then, we dive into the new official tour ball:

• The Lifetime ball’s performance
• How it compares to the Vulcan, Dura, and Selkirk Pro S1
• What pros are saying (and what it might mean for the amateur game)

Plus: thoughts on recent MLP event quality and why top-team matchups matter for fan excitement.

Major League Pickleball just had its most chaotic week ever—and we’re here to break it all down.

In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dissect the blockbuster trade that sent Ben Johns to the LA Mad Drops and reshaped the MLP power structure. Which teams are legit title threats? Who's just cashing out? And what team chemistry questions remain?

We also dive into:

Our updated Top 5 MLP Teams 🏆

Whether Premier Division is too top-heavy

Surprising takes from the community on rule changes

Should the serve be regulated more strictly?

And yes… is it time to change the name “pickleball”?

In this episode of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea break down the latest changes to the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), including how you can now lose rating points even after a win. 🤯 We cover:

• Why winning isn’t enough anymore
• The real consequences for high-level players
• How rally scoring and “margin expectations” change everything
• Whether DUPR should factor in age and gender
• The bigger issue of sandbagging in tournaments
• And… an AI-powered solution that might actually fix it all 👀

This week on The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea dive deep into two HOT topics in the pickleball world 🔥:

🏓 1. Should Your Rec Games Count Toward DUPR?

💰 2. New PPA/MLP Prize Structure for Pros

👉 Let us know in the comments: Would YOU still show up to rec play if every match counted toward your DUPR?

✅ Like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected with all things pickleball.

In Episode 44 of The Pickleball Connection, Barrett and Danea sit down with legendary coach and educator Mark Renneson to explore the future of pickleball coaching—and challenge the outdated methods many instructors still cling to 🧠 🔥 🎙️ In this episode:

• Mark’s journey from tennis to pickleball coaching
• Why third-shot drops and dink drills might be a waste of time for beginners
• The difference between a good coach and a great one
• What makes Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) a game-changer in coach certification
• How PCI is expanding access to quality coaching—even in Africa

💡 Whether you're a current coach, aspiring instructor, or just obsessed with learning the game, this episode is packed with insight 👇 Let us know in the comments: What's the best coaching advice you've ever received?

Welcome to Episode 43 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass share what it's like playing competitive pickleball with your spouse. They also discuss the growing influence of AI on pickleball, including its potential to enhance coaching and gameplay analysis, as well as the impact of pickleball paddle technology on the growth of the sport. Higher quality paddles can make a significant difference in performance, but having an understanding paddle technology is crucial for players looking to improve.

Welcome to Episode 42 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the evolving techniques in pickleball, particularly the increasing popularity of the two-handed backhand, and whether this shot is essential for high-level play. They also share their thoughts on the differences between the MLP and PPA leagues, including viewer engagement and competitive dynamics. Plus, strategies for recreational play and the balance between winning and improving skills.

Welcome to Episode 41 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass introduce a new segment called the 'Pickleball Hot Seat,' where Danea answers strategic questions about pickleball gameplay. They also discuss different aspects of pickleball strategy, including when to contact the ball on the rise, how to adjust your game plans when you're stuck, and the differences between mixed and women's doubles strategies. They also share their personal experiences with the mental aspects of playing pickleball, including managing your momentum and personal energy levels during matches.

Welcome to Episode 39 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass recap the PPA Atlanta Pickleball Championships, including surprising wins (and losses). Federico Staksrud tweeted that singles pickleball has become mini-tennis, a comment that everyone seems to be talking about. Barrett and Danea discuss whether singles pickleball is more like doubles pickleball or tennis — and if former tennis players have an advantage in singles pickleball. They also talk about the evolution of pickleball, including the impact of paddle technology on gameplay and strategy, and the growing concern for eye protection as the game becomes faster and more powerful.