Everyone Is Entering Pickleball (From Walmart to Ghana)

Welcome back to The Pickleball Clinic newsletter!

In the last edition we talked about how nearly 50 million adults in the US have played pickleball — today we’ll show you how both massive companies and countries are entering the space.

Let’s dive in 👇

Pickleball is truly becoming a global sport!

And with that said we have to share this amazing story:

Winkie Laforce has been an incredible representative of our sport, bringing pickleball to Ghana and a local village called Kubugu. 🇬🇭 

So where did it all begin?

Winkie LaForce, 75, lives in North Carolina and decided to give pickleball a try back in 2015 after retiring.

She quickly fell in love with the sport and was soon playing every day. She became a certified pickleball coach and then began to compete in tournaments across the country.

But she knew there was more to do…

Winkie decided to take her love for the sport overseas to Ghana — where she facilitated building the country’s first ever pickleball court.

And what’s wild…

It’s still the only court in the country — making it the headquarters of pickleball in Ghana.

See what the No. 1 player in the world has to say about pickleball’s international growth ⤵

A weekly thought from pickleball’s GOAT Ben Johns 🐐

“Hey, bulletin buddies! This week I’ll be talking about where I see pickleball going in the next 10ish years:

1. For the pro game, I expect game styles to be more advanced in many ways. There will be much greater depth in the field of players, many more R/L teams, and further adaptation to pickleball-specific skills rather than so much transfer from tennis. I’d also expect to have significantly increased viewership on TV and streams, and therefore greater prize money and sponsors.

2. Worldwide I expect pickleball to still be lagging behind in participation compared to the U.S., but much increased compared to their participation now. I think there will be a much greater variety of international players and tournaments.

3. Olympics are an interesting possibility. Because of the bureaucratic nature of adding sports to the Olympics, I am not sure it will have made it there in 10 years, but it will be well on its way. This is also largely dependent on point #2.

No matter the growth and expansion, I expect pickleball will keep what is intrinsic to the sport - an all-inclusive, welcoming sport, with a thriving community.”

See you all for my next bulletin!

- Ben

For more from Ben, follow his Instagram here: @BenJohns_PB

Brightest ball we’ve ever seen!

At this point you know we’re big fans of the PCKL Elite 40 because of how it stands out on the court plus has been much more durable than other balls we’ve tried before, we’re still on our first 4 pack! Let us know your thoughts on this ball, now available in packs of 4, 12, 24 or 48 balls plus use PBCLINIC10 to save 10% off their entire site or grab a 4 pack on Amazon.

Footwork is key for improving your game, don’t neglect it!

In fact, I would argue that your footwork is just as important as technique and strategy. Footwork is the foundation of your play, as good positioning allows you to execute the techniques and strategies that you are working on. Here are a few of my top tips for improving your footwork. ⬇️

1. Stay on your toes between shots. It’s hard to move when you’re flat footed!

2. Learn the split step: The split step is a small hop that puts you on your toes and gets you ready to move in any direction. It should be executed as your opponent makes contact with the ball.

3. Face square to the net as you move laterally, unless you are on a dead run. Turning sideways to move at the kitchen line can only mess you up (unless you need to sprint)!

Pickleball is for ALL!

Pickleball’s No. 1 Paddles

Check out the BEST pickleball paddles in the world and join the JOOLA revolution! Used by World No. 1 Ben Johns, former World No. 1 Simone Jardim, and tons more pro and recreational players… it’s a decision you won’t regret. Check them out here!

Walmart Wants in on Pickleball

Earlier we saw how pickleball is entering countries across the globe like Ghana.

And when you have growth like that, corporations want involvement…

Walmart has partnered with sports booking platform Break the Love to invite customers and associates to play pickleball.

Under the program, 125,000 reservations to book playtime at pickleball venues nationwide will be free to Walmart customers and associates.

And that’s not it…

Walmart+ members earn first access at peak reservation times, co-branded swag, and meet n’ greets with pro pickleballers.

Why is this important?

Walmart is the first mass chain to launch a pickleball initiative — this development is sure to spur others into the space.

Interview

Aaron recently spoke with top pro pickleballer, Brandon Nsekpong.

A ton of interesting topics were discussed including:

• Brandon’s journey to the pros

• The increase of diversity in pickleball

• Finding the style of play that is best for you

A Trip You Won’t Forget!

Join Pickleball Getaways and its team of top pro players on the highest quality pickleball travel experience in the world.

Pickleball Getaways provides exciting vacations combined with world-class pickleball instruction and organized recreational play. They take care of ALL the travel planning, so all you have to do is show up with your luggage, your paddle, and your energy! It’ll be a trip you won’t forget.

Find out more about Pickleball Getaways and book a trip here!

Are your opponents returning too many of your overheads?

Matt gives some great tips you can implement right away👇

The three main takeaways:

1. Pivot sideways to hit

2. Raise your non-dominant arm as you pivot to guide the motion

3. Drop the paddle behind your head and reach up to contact the ball with a straight arm

The first permanent pickleball court was built in 1967.

Thanks for reading today!

- Your Friends at The Pickleball Clinic

Join the conversation below! ⬇️

*Correct answer to the trivia question: Washington