I like most of what the PPA and PickleballTV do but the split screen interview during play on semifinal Saturday is a poor choice. The Agassi interview was worth listening to but Connor Pardoe was not. Either way it takes the focus off great pickleball. Do the interviews between matches not during.

Watching MLP, but it’s just not my thing. Time to find some Seinfeld reruns.

Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud fell to Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in the men’s semifinals, while Patriquin and Anna Bright pushed Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns to three games in the mixed. Two tough losses — but both showed just how far Hayden’s game has come.

Both matches showcased the evolving dynamic between Patriquin and Johns. Their contrast is striking — Ben’s precision, composure, and shot discipline versus Hayden’s speed, creativity, and relentless pressure. The gap between them is shrinking.

Ben continues to refine a game already near its ceiling, while Hayden’s trajectory still points upward. His ability to seize rallies and sustain dominance for long stretches signals a player on the verge of breaking into the sport’s top tier.

A key factor yesterday was Hayden’s struggle to manage his emotions — he’s only 19, and that edge cuts both ways. Once he learns to harness it, the big wins will come. Ben also showed more emotion than usual — still composed, but perhaps feeling the steady pressure from the sport’s rising stars.

Paris Todd is fantastic as a color commentator on PickleballTV — a complete natural. The play-by-play announcer is smartly letting her explain strategy and player mindset. She’s articulate, authentic, and composed — even with her boyfriend Hunter Johnson on court. Truly professional.

Paris Todd gets it! Once a pro tennis player and now a top women’s pickleball pro, she urged tennis players to keep an open mind and experience pickleball for themselves — calling it “more fun” and praising the people who play it. (Heard on the PPA Rate Vegas Cup Broadcast)

Eric Oncins struggling at the start of this one. Hopefully, he can settle down soon

Glad to see Dave Fleming and Adam Stone on the call for this match

Great mixed doubles match between Johns/Waters and Daescu/Rohrabacher. Can’t say the same for the announcing.

The PPA replay system is great. It’s easy to tell if a ball is in or out, speeding up the decisions.

Will Howell just hit an erne lob! Incredible

I’m really trying to give MLP pickleball a chance. Good decision to get rid of the goofy scoring, but I really like the 3 game set to determine a winner. I’m watching ALW/Dizon v Schneemann/Parker. A combination not seen anywhere else. Great matchup. Give us 3 games.

I struggle with dehydration when playing pickleball, especially during Wisconsin summers. I’ve tried commercial electrolytes with some success, but it’s pricey. I have been mixing my own for a couple of years. 40oz of water, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp potassium citrate, 1/2 tsp magnesium glycinate

Great win for Johnson/Klinger. The 5TH SEED! The partner shake ups have been the shot of adrenaline championship Sunday needed.

Fascinating matchup right now between Johns/Tardio and Johnson/Klinger. Also looking forward to the women’s doubles with the partner switch match between ALW/Bright and Parentau/Rohranacher but expect ALW and AB to come out on top.

Rough day on the court. Sprained the MCL on my left knee. Probably out 2-4 weeks

Serving is like shooting a free throw in basketball. Have a routine and do it every time.

I'm back playing with my regular group in WI. Strong group. 4.3 to 4.8 DUPR. In AZ, I was playing everyday but competition not nearly as consistent. Almost shocking how my game eroded in 3.5 months, despite playing nearly every day. Many bad habits. Iron sharpens iron. Lesson learned.

I went to our local courts today. A large group of women were playing on 4 courts having a Mother’s Day weekend event. They were having a great time playing pickleball. The more experienced players were teaching the beginners how to play. Pickleball is growing because of these type of activities.

Playing intentional pickleball means every shot has a purpose. You're not just reacting—you're targeting, adjusting, and dictating pace. Less autopilot, more awareness. Control the rally, don’t chase it. #pickleball

Used to drop every third. Now I drive most thirds, drop the fifth. My default drive: mid-net, slightly off-center. -Low net -Causes hesitation/confusion -Tough return on the move Master that, then level up with targeted drives—sideline, wing, or body. #Pickleball

I’m using the PickleballTV app to watch this weekend. It’s impressive. I’m casting from an iPhone to the tv. Nice, quality image. It’s easy to switch between center and grandstand courts.

Watching MLP today. Definitely like the side out scoring switch

It will be interesting to see the ALW/Agassi pairing. ALW is at the top of the profession and Agassi’s interest seems good for pickleball.

Open play pickleball: come for the cardio, stay for the silent judging.

Playing tonight. Hoping for a better performance. Playing the Selkirk ball for 4 months made going back to X-40 a challenge

I’m back playing with my regular group after playing at retirement community in AZ. Rude awakening. I’ve got work to do. Playing tomorrow after 2 days off. Hoping to do better.

Taking a break for a few days. Knees are hurting

I just got back to Wisconsin on Tuesday. Played last night with my regular group. Great to see everyone again.

A hammer is great—but not for every job. Same with power. Use it wisely, or your opponent will use it against you. #Pickleball

#Pickleball is taking over Baseball on their off days! www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Ripping a shot straight at someone’s paddle? That’s a gift. Make them move, make them stretch, and make them miss. #Pickleball

A 50% speed shot to the right spot is more dangerous than a 100% speed shot to the wrong one. Hit hard to the wrong place, and it’s coming back harder. #Pickleball

Thinking about how close you are to winning? That’s when mistakes creep in. Stay present. Play the rally, not the scoreboard. #Pickleball

You wouldn’t yell at a teammate for missing a shot—so why do it to yourself? Encourage. Adjust. Move on.

Frustrated? Shoulders slump. Legs slow down. Shots get sloppy. Solution? Smile—yes, smile. Trick your brain into staying loose. Your body will follow. #Pickleball

I saw an unfortunate occurrence at our courts yesterday. In ladders competition, which is competitive, a woman was targeted for the entire 3 game match. The scores were all lopsided and the same woman lost all three. She left in tears. I understand why it happened, but I hope she doesn’t give up.

Played today at the Del Cerro tennis and pickleball club. I didn’t see anyone playing tennis but many playing pickleball

Ever notice how your touch shots get worse when you’re mad? Tension kills feel. Stay loose, breathe, and let your hands work. #Pickleball

Confidence isn’t about never missing—it’s about believing you’ll make the next shot. Train your mind. #Pickleball

Most players don’t lose because they’re terrible. They lose because they make a mistake… and then spiral. Mistakes don’t kill progress—frustration does. The best players in the world? They aren’t perfect. They just recover faster. No sulking. No self-punishment. Just course correction. #Pickleball

Great win over the Girlies for the Kowamoto sisters at the North Carolina open!

Target the returner on every third shot—even if they've made it to the kitchen. Get used to rushing them. You'll be shocked at how many easy points this creates.

We're often taught to rush to the NVZ, but against frequent lobbers, that's a mistake. Stopping 3–4 feet short after hitting your serve return makes it easier to move back and attack the lob. If you consistently punish their lobs, they'll think twice before sending another one. #pickleball

The counter to the chip and charge is the lob. If you rush to the NVZ, a good lobber will send one over your head as you move up. Against these players, stop in mid-court and assess the shot. This keeps you in position for both the lob and the drop.

I recently talked about how to beat a 'banger.' My first tip: chip and charge on the return. Hit a loftier return and move quickly toward the line. As they hit their third shot, split step or stop—being set is more important than reaching the kitchen.