The Pickleball Connection

Welcome back to The Pickleball Connection! In this episode, Barrett puts Danea in the "Hot Seat" for a rapid-fire series of questions on the state of the game, how it’s changed since 2019, and where the industry is heading. In this episode, we discuss: The Evolution of Play: How paddle technology changed the game from "cat and mouse" dinking to attacking balls at your ankles. The Death of the 3rd...

Big Pickleball Connection Podcast episode today. We’re breaking down three stories that had pickleball social media buzzing: UPA contract terminations — Ryan Fu, Vivian Glozman, and James Ignatowich reportedly had contracts terminated after an overseas trip, with Paris Todd “under review.” We talk through what’s been said publicly, why it feels extreme, and what a fair penalty should look like. Se...

It’s the year of the upset — and the year of controversy. This week on The Pickleball Connection Podcast, Barrett and Danae dive into: 🎾 The wave of massive upsets shaking up the pro scene (including Jack Sock’s early exit) 🔥 Why the field feels more unpredictable than ever 😬 A viral forum debate over whether targeting weaker players in rec play is strategy or bullying 💬 Who the community says...

Things got heated in pro pickleball this week. Barrett and Danea break down one of the most bizarre scandals yet — PPA Challenger player Dennis Uspenski caught blatantly cheating, threatening other players, and doubling down online 😳 In this episode: - Why Uspenski’s 90-day suspension might be way too soft - What his viral apology got wrong - How this controversy impacts the sport’s reputation -...

In today’s episode of the Pickleball Connection Podcast, we hit three hot topics: Rec-Play Drama: What do you do when someone shows up with a clearly out-of-spec or delaminated paddle? Where we draw the line (and a funny racquetball racket story). Vintage Open Takeaways: Pros played with identical wooden paddles—who popped, who struggled, and what this says about modern styles vs. gear. Malaysia C...

The PPA Cincinnati Open was full of surprises—huge upsets, paddle drama, and even a sneak peek at the upcoming Sacramento Vintage Open 🎾 In this episode of The Pickleball Connection Podcast, Barrett and Danea break down: How Jackie & Jade Kawamoto stunned Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright—and then won it all. Why paddle testing shook up the pro scene and left players scrambling. What destru...

In this Pickleball Connection Podcast episode, Barrett & Danea dig into two big topics shaping your game right now: 1) “Learn New Shots” = Level Up? Why adding tools (60% dipping drives, one-hand flicks, the bunt drop, smarter baseline defense) matters—and how rhythm and timing can instantly upgrade your drives, drops, and dinks even more than swinging harder. 2) DUPR Debate (Age/Gender &...

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 pick...

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 pro...

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 updat...

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 g...

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 be...

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 paddl...

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 dyn...

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 difference...

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...

Welcome to Episode 40 of The Pickleball Connection podcast. In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the significant fine imposed upon pro pickleball player Quang Duong by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) for violating his contract by playing in a hometown pickleball tournament in Vietnam. They share their thoughts on the implications of fines in professional pickleball, the re...

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...

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea discuss pro pickleball, and especially the recent withdrawal of pro players Ben and Collin Johns from a Major League Pickleball (MLP) tournament due to safety concerns over lighting. What does this mean for their team, the fans, and professional pickleball as a whole? Barrett and Danea discuss reactions...

Welcome to Episode 37 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss navigating playing with an emotional and/or frustrated partner, and how to manage your own emotions on the pickleball court. High-pressure situations (like a pickleball game) can lead to performance anxiety — but what can you do to help your pickleball partner manage their emotions? They exp...

Welcome to Episode 36 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass discuss the impact of tariffs on the pickleball industry, especially for those pickleball paddle companies that rely on overseas manufacturing. Barrett and Danea explore the potential inflationary effects on paddle prices and the uncertainty surrounding supply chains. They also discuss the recent br...

Top pickleball coaches Barrett and Danea talk about the crazy WINDS at the PPA Texas Open and how that affected gameplay, including what YOU could do about playing in the wind. They also reveal the evolution of pickleball from its classic roots to the MODERN game, highlighting changes in strategies, paddle technology, and gameplay dynamics. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the future...

Welcome to Episode 33 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass welcome Mike and Rob Barnes, co-founders of Selkirk Sport. They talk about starting the pickleball company in their dad's basement, how they bootstrapped the business without any external investors, and building the company on controlled risk-taking. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 70% drop in pickle...

Welcome to Episode 32 of The Pickleball Connection podcast! In this episode, Barrett and Danea Bass talk all things recreational pickleball: including rec leagues and tournament dynamics. Learn about partner compatibility, deal breakers in pickleball tournaments, and the significance of maintaining a positive atmosphere on the pickleball court. Barrett and Danea also talk about pickleball etiquett...