Good morning pickleballers!

Hopefully, you survived Monday - I did, just about. So much happening here in PKLBull HQ.

Yesterday, following some very strict advice from someone far wiser than I the decision was made to start to separate PKLBull and the World Pickleball Magazine more clearly.

Therefore, you might have already seen that the PKLBull Facebook and Insta pages are now rebranded and in the coming days there will be a World Pickleball Magazine website at worldpickleballmagazine.com - this will then be where you buy the magazine and all that good stuff.

Interviews have been going exceptionally well and we are on track for issue #2 being launched on March 3, next Monday!

Yesterday, Joe James took a closer look at the new APP USA National Team Roster and why they are going down this road - read about that here.

And I have your PKLBulletin - enjoy.

Agassi Aces Pickleball: Tennis Legend Teams Up with World No. 2 Buckner to Launch New Paddle

Andre Agassi is stepping into the pickleball world, partnering with World No. 2 Brooke Buckner to launch the Agassi Pro paddle. This collaboration marks a significant move for the tennis icon, who has increasingly been involved in pickleball events in recent years.

Agassi's connection to pickleball extends beyond just playing. He and his wife, Steffi Graf, have previously collaborated with JOOLA, a pickleball equipment company. Now, Agassi is taking his involvement a step further by launching his own line of paddles, starting with the Agassi Pro. Buckner, currently ranked World No. 2 on the PPA Tour, expressed her inspiration from Agassi.

Agassi has actively participated in the rise of pickleball, being a part of all three editions of the Pickleball Slam. In the most recent Pickleball Slam 3, Agassi and Graf defended their title against Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard, competing for a $1 million prize. Agassi's passion for pickleball is evident, as he humorously suggested that Roddick might now take up the sport after their match. The Agassi Pro paddle is set to launch on March 4, 2025.

Pickleball Phenom: Is Anna Leigh Waters Unbeatable?

Anna Leigh Waters has taken the pickleball world by storm, prompting the question: Is she unbeatable? At a young age, Waters quickly rose to the No. 1 ranking, showing no signs of slowing down.

Anna Bright, a frequent challenger in both mixed and women’s doubles, offered insights into Waters' dominance. According to Bright, Waters excels in almost every aspect of pickleball, possessing a combination of unreal hand-eye coordination, soccer-honed footwork, exceptional power, and impressive anticipation. Bright also emphasized the significance of Waters' training situation with her mother, Leigh, highlighting the advantage of having a dedicated and knowledgeable parent.

Bright addressed the question of whether incoming tennis players could surpass Waters, but she doesn't believe anyone will easily beat Anna Leigh Waters. Bright likened Waters to Simone Biles, suggesting people don't realize how special she is. Waters' determination and competitive spirit further solidify her position at the top. Waters' skills and unwavering determination make her a formidable force on the court.

Waters Survives Upset Bid: Teen Star Shows Grit in Comeback Win

Anna Leigh Waters faced a tough challenge at the recent tournament, but she demonstrated resilience in a comeback win. In the women’s singles final, Waters survived an upset bid from Brooke Buckner, ultimately securing victory with a score of 4-11, 11-9, 11-5.

The match began with Buckner taking an early lead, winning the first game 11-4. Buckner, known for her baseline drives, showcased improved play at the kitchen line, posing a threat to Waters. In the second game, Buckner surged ahead with a 9-4 lead, bringing Waters close to defeat. Waters then shifted gears, opting to approach the net more frequently. This adjustment proved effective as she closed out Game 2 with a seven-point run.

Securing the second game, Waters carried her momentum into the third, winning comfortably and clinching the title. Waters acknowledged Buckner’s consistent play and power, noting that her adjustment to come to the net allowed her to take control of the match. This victory showcased Waters' ability to adapt and persevere under pressure.

Johns Claims Victory in Mesa: Injury Can't Stop the Champ

Ben Johns clinched the men’s singles title in Mesa, overcoming challenges to secure his first singles tournament win of 2025. Johns defeated Hunter Johnson with scores of 12-10, 11-1, in a final that saw Johnson sustain an ankle injury.

In the first game, Johnson initially trailed but managed to gain a lead, reaching 10-8 and 10-9. However, errors on passing shots allowed Johns to rally and win the game. Johnson’s momentum was further hampered when he injured his ankle while attempting a backhand passing shot.

Despite the injury, Johnson continued, taking a medical timeout in the second game. However, he was unable to recover fully, and Johns capitalized, winning the second game decisively. Johns acknowledged the competitive nature of singles play, noting that opponents can hit clean winners from anywhere.

Despite not entering the tournament with high expectations, Johns expressed satisfaction with the win. Johnson, despite the defeat, remained confident, building on a gold medal win in Tucson and aiming to beat Johns in future matches.

Georgia on My Mind: Junior Pickleball Stars to Clash at CTA Tournament

Young pickleball players are gearing up for the CTA Junior Pickleball Singles Tournament, set to take place on March 2 in Suwanee, Georgia. The event will be held at an outdoor hardcourt facility and feature level-based competition for players aged 10-19.

The tournament aims to create a welcoming and competitive environment for junior athletes of all skill levels. The competition will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include two singles brackets: one for players 14 and under, and another for those 19 and under. Participants will play in a round-robin scramble format, ensuring that each player gets multiple matches.

The format for each match leading up to the finals will be a single game to 11 points, with a win-by-two rule. The championship match will be a game to 15, also requiring a two-point margin for victory. Referee scoring will be used to officiate the matches. Gold medalists from each bracket will receive a $100 prize. The entry fee is $50, with an additional division fee ranging from free to $5.

Dorchester's Dinking Delight: Free Pickleball Taster Sessions Offer Fun for All

The Dorchester Dinkers Pickleball Club is inviting the community to experience the joy of pickleball with free taster sessions. This initiative aims to introduce more people to the sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is rapidly growing in popularity across the UK.

The Dorchester-based club, established in 2013, seeks to provide a welcoming environment for individuals to learn, enhance their skills, and enjoy the health benefits of pickleball. These introductory sessions are open to adults over 18. Participants will have the chance to meet club members, receive coaching from experienced players, and engage in games.

Mick Gray, chairman of the Dorchester Dinkers Pickleball Club, expressed excitement about welcoming new players and fostering a vibrant pickleball community in Dorchester. He emphasized the club's focus on fun, friendship, and enjoying pickleball together.

Regular sessions are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Thomas Hardye School. No prior experience or equipment is needed; however, participants are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Pickleball Goes Global: Vietnam School Serves Up International-Standard Court

Pickleball is gaining international traction, as evidenced by the University of Education Practice High School in Ho Chi Minh City opening its M Sports Court, an international-standard sports facility designated for pickleball and other sports.

Designed to meet standards set by the International Basketball Federation and the International Tennis Federation, the court ensures durability, flatness, and traction for players. While the M Sports Court can accommodate multiple sports, pickleball will be the first official sport introduced to students.

Principal Nguyen Thi Tu stated the school wants to give students the chance to learn and play pickleball, and hopes both students and teachers will utilize the facility for training and development. Student Bao Tran shared her excitement, noting that many classmates are eager to sign up for lessons.

The trend of investing in sports infrastructure for pickleball is growing in Ho Chi Minh City, with schools such as Mac Dinh Chi High School, Hung Vuong High School, and the High School for Gifted Students also introducing courts. The M Sports Court recently hosted a sports competition for teachers and staff from 11 high schools, which included pickleball, badminton, and other activities. The event was praised, and teachers expressed hope that more schools will introduce dedicated pickleball courts.

CNPL Goes International: League Welcomes Global and Youth Talent in Draft Shake-Up

The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is shaking up its draft rules for 2025, now welcoming international players and athletes under 18. This move aims to broaden the talent pool and elevate the level of competition within the league.

For the first time, CNPL teams have the option to draft one international player, provided they meet specific pre-draft requirements. These include participating in a CNPL Showdown or MiLP event or holding a pro-level contract with a recognized league like MLP, PPA, or APP. Teams that select an international player will be responsible for managing their visa requirements.

To foster young talent, the CNPL is also opening its draft to players under 18, with no limitations on the number of spots available. Teams drafting underage players must have SafeSport certification to ensure a safe environment, and a parent or legal guardian must accompany the athlete to all CNPL events. These rule changes position the CNPL as a premier destination for competitive pickleball, introducing fresh talent and raising the bar for gameplay across the league. Aspiring players meeting the new criteria are encouraged to register and prepare for the upcoming draft.

From Paralympics to Pickleball: Swimmer Morgan Ray Finds New Passion on the Court

Paralympic swimmer Morgan Ray has found a new passion in pickleball, embracing the sport's social and competitive aspects. Ray, who helped the United States win a silver medal in the 4x50 meter medley relay in Paris, appreciates the team dynamic of pickleball, a contrast to the individual nature of competitive swimming.

Ray was first introduced to pickleball in the 1990s by his grandfather. He rediscovered his love for the sport when he took a six-week break from swimming after the 2024 Paralympics.

Ray acknowledges that he is still developing his pickleball skills, especially when compared to his brother, Michael, who is on the University of North Florida (UNF) pickleball team.

Standing at 4-foot-5 due to achondroplasia, Ray faces unique challenges in pickleball:

• His height can be a challenge.
• Planning shots.
• Planning where the return shot will be.

Ray sees pickleball as a valuable outlet as he prepares for the World Para Swimming Championships and the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles. Ray notes the increasing popularity of pickleball in Jacksonville and across Florida.

Unlock Your Inner Pickleball Pro: Three Simple Strategies to Dominate the Court

Want to improve your pickleball game? Jordan Briones of Briones Pickleball offers three simple strategies to beat 99% of all players.

Aim for your opponent's feet. Whether they're at the non-volley zone, transition zone, or baseline, this tactic forces errors. Instead of aiming for the middle of the non-volley zone, push dinks further and roll them toward your opponent’s toes. This forces them to either volley low or step back to play defence. At the baseline, drive the ball back to keep them pinned and open up angles.

Target the middle of the court more often. This tactic has three benefits:

• • It utilizes the lowest part of the net.
  • It limits your opponent’s attacking angles.
  • It reduces errors. Playing down the middle gives you a larger margin for error and restricts your opponent's offensive options.

Shade or follow the ball. If you follow the ball with your feet, you'll be in a strong position. If the ball is down the line in the corner on your left side, move over to cover the line. Your partner should then slide over to cover the middle as they track the ball. This puts you in a solid counterattack position and clarifies who takes which balls in the middle.