Good morning pickleballers!

Tuesday again. Lots to do.

So straight on with it today.

Joe James has taken a deeper look at India and how they are quickly positioning themselves as the place to be watching when it comes to pickleball.

And here's the PKLBulletin!

Fleet Aces Serve Up World Record Attempt for Red Nose Day

Fleet Aces, in the south of England, are gearing up for an ambitious world record attempt to support Red Nose Day in March. On Friday, March 21st, the club aims to break the record for the most people participating in a single pickleball match over 12 hours. The current record stands at 264 participants and was set in the USA in November 2023.

In addition to the record attempt, Fleet Aces will host skills challenges and fun play activities. The club hopes to surpass the £2,354 raised last year for Comic Relief, which has supported over 100 million people worldwide over the past 40 years.

The event combines sportsmanship with philanthropy, offering a chance for pickleball enthusiasts to contribute to a worthy cause while participating in a memorable experience.

Those interested in participating can contact the club via email for more details. This initiative showcases the growing popularity of pickleball and its capacity to bring communities together for charitable causes. This event occurs in the broader context of pickleball's increasing global recognition, as seen by recent events such as European masterclasses and tournaments, as well as rising market interest.

Beat the Winter Blues: New Indoor Pickleball Complex Opens in Pocatello

Pocatello, Idaho, USA, residents now have a new way to stay active during the cold winter months with the opening of Poky Pickleball, an indoor pickleball facility. Opened on February 7th, Poky Pickleball features five full-sized pickleball courts and a pro shop within a temperature-controlled building.

Jared Huckstep, the owner of Poky Pickleball, recognized the need for indoor activities during Idaho's long winters. "There needs to be other activities to do besides sit at home, watch TV, play video games," Huckstep said. He added that the facility would help people feel like they're part of something.

Courts can be rented for $10 per hour, and membership plan options are also available.

This opening reflects a broader trend of increasing investment in pickleball facilities, similar to the growth seen in Nashville. As the sport gains popularity, cities are recognizing the need for dedicated spaces that cater to pickleball enthusiasts, ensuring access to top-tier playing conditions. Poky Pickleball's website provides additional details for those interested in learning more about the facility. This initiative aligns with the rising market interest in pickleball, offering a unique advantage due to its accessibility and smaller court size.

Is Padel Past Its Prime? Pickleball's Surge in South Africa Attracts Investors

Padel's rapid growth in South Africa since 2020 may be slowing, opening the door for pickleball to gain traction. While padel saw significant investment and participation, with over 206 clubs and 600 courts, occupancy rates have dropped from 70% to 30-50%, causing investors to reconsider.

The high cost of building padel courts, ranging from R600,000 to R1 million, combined with declining occupancy, has made investors cautious.

Pickleball, which caught on later in South Africa, is expected to grow significantly. The pickleball market is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 23.49% from 2024 to 2029 due to its affordability and accessibility. Pickleball's smaller court size makes it ideal for converting underutilized tennis courts, especially in underserved communities. This accessibility may attract investors seeking more sustainable opportunities.

This shift reflects a broader trend of pickleball's increasing global recognition and market interest, contrasting with padel's potential oversaturation. As investors learn from the padel boom, pickleball presents a promising alternative in the South African sports market.

Learn from a Champ: European Pickleball Masterclasses Coming to Bodmin

Pickleball enthusiasts in Bodmin, UK, have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills with Richard Love, the reigning European and national pickleball champion. He will conduct exclusive doubles masterclass sessions at Bodmin Leisure Centre on Tuesday, March 11.

These sessions are designed for players with a solid understanding of the game.

Under the auspices of the Better brand and managed by GLL, Bodmin Leisure Centre offers pickleball group sessions on its indoor tennis courts, providing all necessary equipment. Richard Love will offer small group coaching masterclasses from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at £35 per player. Additional group coaching sessions are scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a participation cost of £25 per player.

Steve Holmes, tennis manager at Bodmin Leisure Centre, notes this is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the highest-ranked players in the world saying, "Richard will teach effective patterns of play to enhance on-court teamwork, alongside strategic techniques that can outsmart opponents. He is an exceptional coach with extensive experience and impressive credentials."

Advance booking for the sessions is mandatory to secure a spot.

Mesa Heats Up: Qualifying Rounds Kick Off at Carvana Mesa Cup

Action has begun at the Carvana Mesa Cup presented by Proton, with qualifying rounds taking place at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ. The main draw matches are set to commence early Tuesday morning at 8:30 am MST.

The tournament features competition across men's singles, women's singles, mixed doubles, men’s doubles and women’s doubles.

Several players have battled their way into the main draw, including Oliver Frank, Spartak Rahachou, and Jace Morris in Men’s Singles. On the women’s side, qualifiers include Ariana Rodriguez, Tiffany Ash, and Jalina Ingram. In mixed doubles, teams such as Eduardo Santini Ayon/Florencia Rossi Luque and Oliver Frank/Simone Leonard have advanced. Qualifying teams in men’s doubles include Will MacKinnon/Victor Rodrigo and Jace Howard/Andre Mercado. Lexi Jensen/Tiffany Ash and Mya Bui/Audrey Banada are among the women’s doubles teams who qualified.

K-Pop Star or Pickleball Pro? Mihae Kwon Dazzles on and off the Court in Vietnam!

Mihae Kwon, a 25-year-old South Korean pickleball player, has captured attention not only for her athletic prowess but also for her striking beauty. Kwon competed at the Asian Pickleball Tournament - Hoiana WPC Finals in Vietnam, making a lasting impression.

Graduating from the Department of Physical Education of Andong National University, Korea, Kwon has achieved significant success in pickleball. In 2023, she won gold in the women's singles at the Seoul Pickleball Open. In 2024, she was crowned champion at the WPC Korea 2024 tournament organized by Pickleball Global.

Fans have dubbed Mihae Kwon a "baby-faced assassin" because her powerful shots on the court belie her delicate appearance.

Kwon's participation in the Asian Pickleball Tournament - Hoiana WPC Finals marks a significant event in the sport's development in the Asia-Pacific region. The WPC Series - Asia Pacific includes 12 tournaments held in 12 countries. Kwon also recently starred in the World Pickleball League in India.

Secret Weapon: Pickleball Pros Reveal Their Surprising Workout Routines!

To compete at the highest levels, pickleball pros maintain peak physical condition through diverse and sometimes surprising workout routines. Unlike traditional sports, pickleball requires a unique blend of cardio, strength, mobility, and mental toughness.

• Anna Leigh Waters incorporates swimming and biking to avoid running, focusing on weight, mobility, balance, and reaction work.
• Allyce Jones favors weight training, using it as a way to zone out both at home and during tournaments.
• Salome Devidze is into pilates, which she credits with strengthening her core and improving her on-court stability.
• Lacy Schneemann lifts weights three times a week when not competing in tournaments, focusing on basic strength exercises.
• Christian Alshon believes diet is more important than gym workouts, emphasizing healthy eating and daily mobility, stretching, and physical therapy.

The pros' routines highlight the importance of a holistic approach to fitness, combining physical training with mental and dietary strategies. 

Forget the Court, Grab a Book: Pickleball Pros Obsessed with Fantasy Romance

While rigorous training and strategic drilling are crucial for success, many pickleball pros are turning to fantasy romance novels as a form of escapism and mental relaxation. Surprisingly, a popular series among them is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

This bestselling series, also known as ACOTAR, is a fantasy romance that starts as a Beauty and the Beast retelling but evolves into a fantastical world.

Many pros are diving into fantastical stories with big adventures, magical creatures, and epic romances, which is kind of funny considering that the pros themselves are extremely well-travelled and in healthy committed relationships. After a six-hour drilling session or a match that didn’t go their way, of course, they want to escape to Prythian and hide in the night court with a super attractive face.

Some pros like Christian Alshon love to read classic tennis books, while Alex and Angie Walker enjoy the latest booktok bestseller. Rohrabacher and Dizon recently finished A Court of Thorns and Roses and both claimed they were in one major reading slump after finishing this beloved series. Ben Johns even read this series, really enjoyed it, and went on to read the author’s other book series, Throne of Glass.

This passion for "romantasy" highlights the pros' need to unwind and take a break from the pressures of their sport. As the sport grows, understanding these relaxation methods becomes crucial for aspiring players.

Music City Goes Pickleball Crazy: Nashville Leads the Revolution!

Nashville is at the forefront of the exploding pickleball phenomenon in the United States, thanks to its vibrant culture, booming economy, and strong community. The city's growing number of courts, dedicated leagues, and professional tournaments solidify its status as a premier destination for the sport.

Nashville's active population has fueled pickleball's rapid adoption, offering a blend of competitiveness and camaraderie appealing to all ages.

Local parks and recreational centres are adding dedicated pickleball courts to meet the increasing demand. Community-driven leagues and social events are also gaining popularity. The city has hosted regional and national competitions, drawing top-tier talent and introducing newcomers to the sport. Nashville’s commitment to investing in high-quality courts is a significant factor driving the pickleball boom. Unlike sports that require expensive equipment or large-scale facilities, pickleball can be played on relatively small courts. New pickleball-focused entertainment venues are emerging, combining high-quality courts with dining and social spaces.

With ongoing investments in infrastructure and a growing number of players, the future of pickleball in Nashville looks promising. Educational institutions are introducing pickleball as part of their physical education programs, ensuring the sport's continued presence for years to come.