Ever wondered why your DUPR score nosedives after a win, and you're wondering if your app is gaslighting you? What is happening in the pickleball matrix? In this episode, we sit down with Tito Machado, the most loved and rage-texted man in pro pickleball. He’s the CEO of DUPR, the rating system that somehow manages to both unite and divide the pickleball community like it’s the pineapple on pizza of the pickleball world. Tito opens up about the chaos, the criticism, and the sheer volume of "fix my rating" DMs that hit his inbox daily. We also confess our own crimes, yes, we may or may not have created a fake verified account to see just how easy it is to game the system (don’t worry, we turned ourselves in to the DUPR police). What follows is a wild mix of real talk, good laughs, and some serious behind-the-scenes transparency into how pickleball ratings actually work. Here’s what you’ll dink away with: Why a win won’t always raise your DUPR score and how your reliability score factors in What the DUPR forecast really tells you (beyond the red arrow of doom) How pickleball data reveals player performance and flags sandbaggingWhy some avoid pickleball tournaments and how that trend is shifting What’s coming in 2026 for competitive pickleball: sub-ratings, verified accounts, and cleaner match records Tito’s spicy takes on rec pickleball, DUPR jail, and his dream court showdown with Kobe and Ronaldo This episode delivers smart insights and just enough chaos to keep your next paddle tap interesting. Rating junkies, proud 3.0s, and anyone still pretending not to care about their DUPR will want in on this one. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Ever tried organizing a pickleball game with five group chats, two calendars, and someone’s cousin who “might show up if it doesn’t rain”? It’s like herding cats… in court shoes. And just when you finally get a foursome, someone drops out at 7 a.m. Sound familiar? This week on Dinks on Tap, we’re sitting down with Dan and Steve, the creators of DiNKR, the pickleball app designed to bring order to your game day chaos. Tired of juggling endless texts and flaky invites, they set out to build something better: a smarter way to connect players, schedule games, and grow your pickleball community. Whether you're into recreational pickleball, chasing wins in competitive pickleball, or curious about that low-key dating feature (yep, it’s real), DiNKR is changing how we find our people on and off the court. In this episode, we unpack it all from the moment the DiNKR paddle-heart logo was born, to whether or not it’s ethical to “target Emma Watson” in rec play. (Yes, that came up.) Here’s what you’ll dink away with: How a movie script turned into a friend finder app that’s actually fun (and works) Why “sequential invites” might be the game scheduling hack your group text dreams of Early user stories, including the one where a 3.5 with “good vibes” became the hottest swipe Why this might be the best thing to hit outdoor group activities since SPF 50 How vibe > rating and why a true sports connection app is about chemistry, not just DUPR numbers If you’ve ever Googled how to find pickleball players or dreamed of a less chaotic way to build your pickleball community, grab a drink, hit play, and find out why DiNKR might just be your new favorite doubles partner. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Winning gold sounds great… until the court lights shut off mid-point, and someone’s Uncle Larry is heckling from the sidelines. Welcome to pickleball tournaments, where the only thing more unpredictable than the tape lines are the emotions running high. In this episode of Dinks on Tap, we take you inside our latest wild ride at a local tourney in Austin, complete with lighting meltdowns, DJ shutdowns, and one of us possibly forgetting how to see the ball entirely (glasses next time, anyone?). Between the laughter and the performance pressure, we’re breaking down the real story of what happens when performance anxiety meets competitive pickleball and how you can still walk away with silver and a smile. During the tournament, we even bumped into Tom Irady, the unofficial bard of the pickleball community, famous for his hilarious parody songs like “Dinks in the Kitchen.” Tom was a perfect reminder that play is supposed to be FUN, even when you’re sweating through your skort. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: A reminder that mental toughness isn’t just for the pros, it's your best defense when the bracket breaks How to adapt your pickleball strategy when things go sideways (and the lights go out) Simple focus training tricks to help you stay in the mental game, even when distractions pile up Real talk on team dynamics and how to support your partner when one of you’s running on vibes only Tournament red flags: what makes a great pickleball event vs. one that makes you question your life choices   If you’ve ever found yourself mid-rally thinking, “Is it me, or did the court just move?”, this one’s for you. Hit play, laugh with us, learn a few pickleball tips, and get the inside scoop on what really happens behind the bracket board. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Curious how your pickleball rating actually gets calculated? Check out VAIR, the new pickleball rating system: https://www.vairified.com/?ambassador=7180389   Pickleball rating systems can feel like the Wild West… where matchups make zero sense and “fair play” is more myth than rule. One minute you’re rallying with a retired pro, the next you’re getting smoked by a 13-year-old with braces and a wicked backhand. In this episode, we dig into the accuracy drama with Mike Barker, the brains behind VAIR (Visually Assessed International Rating),  a next-gen player rating system that promises to clean up the chaos. Mike’s not just a ratings guy; he’s a former semi-pro footballer, tech entrepreneur, and the kind of guy who brings AI camera systems and court-side video analysis into your average Tuesday night match. He’s passionate about one thing: making sure your rating is actually accurate!   We share wild stories from mixed brackets gone wrong, debate what counts as a “real” rating, and explore how skill-based matchmaking is reshaping both recreational pickleball and the future of competitive pickleball. What you’ll hear: Why most rating systems feel like a bad doubles partner: unclear, unreliable, and kind of holding you back The age + gender mix-ups that make you wonder if you accidentally signed up for a youth camp or the retirees’ tour How VAIR uses AI, camera systems, and smart player data to give us finally giving us real-deal skill evaluation  What separates a rec rating from a verified one, and why that tiny decimal point can make a huge difference How clubs are using smart tech, solid pickleball techniques, and juicy game insights to create the matchups we actually want So grab your margarita, tune in, and find out how the new VAIR rating system could mean better matchups, fewer mismatches, and way more fun for the whole pickleball community. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com  

You can perfect your third shot drop… but can you survive a 10-day pickleball trip with your doubles partner and still want to split a margarita after?  This week, we’re talking all things chemistry on and off the court. We’re covering pro-led clinics in Spain, silent side-eyes during rec play, and everything in between as we dig into what really holds a team together (and what quietly breaks it). First, we catch up with Stephen Moore of Pickleball Trips, the boutique travel company blending adventure travel with pro-level play. From Japan to Costa Rica to courtside ceviche in Spain, Stephen takes us behind the scenes of how his family turned their love of sport and travel into world-class pickleball tours. Yes, there’s travel with purpose, but there’s also stretchy pants, five-star meals, and a whole lot of dinking with locals. Then, we sit down with Molly Bonner, the team mom, hug dealer, and unofficial snack coordinator of the Dinking Buddies, to talk about what really happens behind the paddles. This isn’t just about dinks and drops. We’re talking team dynamics, emotion in sports, and what it takes to stay connected when you’re trying to win without losing your cool (or your bestie). In this episode, you’ll hear: Why picking a pickleball partner can feel weirdly similar to dating (yes, really) How a shared competitive mindset can totally bond you or quietly blow things up The underrated magic of trust and why it’s way more clutch than your drop shot What actually makes team chemistry click (and how to know when it’s off) The messy middle: conflict, growth, and navigating partnership like a grown-up And all the stuff no one teaches you in pickleball clinics, but probably should! So if travel and play is your love language, consider this your official invite. From coaching sessions in Patagonia to building real connection with your doubles partner, this episode has the vibes and the insight. Paddle up, press play, and let’s go.   Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Once upon a time, Kaitlin Miller was covering broadcast journalism red carpets and national headlines. Now she’s helping the Nashville pickleball scene blow up one rooftop pickleball rally and post-game marg at a time. With a paddle in one hand and a mic in the other, she’s turning rec play into a real movement, and she’s just getting started. In this episode of your favorite pickleball podcast, Dinks On Tap, Kaitlin spills the sweet tea on how she went from chasing breaking news to building courts with Court Kings, hosting celeb tournaments, and giving newbies pickleball tips not to freak out in the kitchen. Whether she’s running drills at Pickleball Kingdom, throwing rooftop matches, or sipping martinis mid-dink, she’s blending paddle sports with Southern charm and redefining what it means to play for the long game. Kaitlin’s breaking down everything from shady open-play vibes to the little mindset shifts that actually matter from newbie nerves to pro-level coaching pickleball moments. We get into: The real role of team building events and how they make corporate court time way less awkward Why the US Open pickleball scene has nothing on a good country music Nashville courtside playlist Why having a tennis background can help but won’t save you from getting schooled by an 80-year-old with fast hands and a knee brace What the future of inclusivity in sports really looks like (and why open play still has some work to do) How women in sports are leading the charge on the court, in the booth, and behind the business deals From broadcast booths to pickleball courts, this episode hits every line. Expect big laughs, real talk, and the kind of strategic glow-up that happens when women run the show. Grab your paddle and your drinks, happy hour starts here.   Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What would happen if pickleball got a Caitlin Clark–level shake-up, a blast of PR glitter, and just enough paddle-side gossip to keep the courts buzzing all weekend? That is exactly what we are serving today! First up, our resident pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, spills why the sport still hasn’t found its breakout star and what it could steal from the sports marketing playbook of the WNBA. We’re talking player branding that goes way beyond logos on paddles, plus the coaching strategies that could make the pickleball community as binge-worthy as your favorite competitive sports. Then, Dr. Joy Macci takes the mic for a masterclass in mental toughness, mindset training, and game psychology. She’s worked with elite athletes at the top of their game and she’s dropping pickleball tips that go way past the dink. Think paddle positioning secrets, shot selection tweaks, and micro-adjustments that create major performance improvement. We get into: Why sports confidence starts long before your first serve How a positive mindset can flip a bad point into a teaching moment The surprising pickleball strategy change that can instantly upgrade your pickleball skills Why skill development is a forever thing, not just for newbies How athletic performance could soar with better storytelling and sports growth that actually sticks It’s got spice, it’s got receipts, and it’s packed with takeaways whether you’re medal-chasing, brand-building, or just here for the mental edge. Grab your marg (or martini), park it courtside, and let’s serve up the kind of real talk this game’s been begging for. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What do you get when two podcasters train like pros, catch COVID five days before a tournament, and still walk away with medals (and maybe a mild cough)?  You get an episode that’s equal parts redemption story, hydration plan, and doubles therapy session. In this week’s episode of Dinks on Tap, we break down our wild ride to the Dallas Classic from getting smoked in Houston to sharpening our pickleball strategy, drilling with stronger players, leveling up our game preparation, and crushing teenagers with braces and unreal reflexes. We talk about adjusting our game mode, building mental resilience, and staying locked in through a surprise round of covid recovery (plus a few Trader Joe’s runs and enough hydration tips to last a lifetime). Then we sit down with Ben McNair, who brings the perfect blend of biomechanics, dry humor, and strategic gameplay. He shares how to master the transition zone, prevent injuries, and read your opponents with stronger court awareness. We also touch on the evolving world of high-level pickleball, how team dynamics shape performance, and what it’s like facing off against hyper-focused youth players who may or may not be checking TikTok between matches. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode: How to shift your mindset and prep like a pro for tournaments Real talk on staying sharp through setbacks, snacks, and sickness Practical tips on reading the court and improving pickleball shot selection Ben’s take on biomechanics and building smarter play habits Insight into partner communication and staying cool under pressure If you’re down to laugh, learn, and maybe reconsider playing a tournament five days post-covid, tighten those laces, pack your snacks, and let’s get into it. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap Want to see more from Ben McNair? Catch him live at Picklecon 2025—don’t miss your chance to connect with one of the most insightful voices in the game! Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What do you get when pickleball ratings make no sense, sandbagging gets a spotlight, and a restaurant entrepreneur turns out to be a beast on the court? You get an episode that’s part strategy session, part cocktail hour, and a whole lot of real talk. This week, the pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, returns with the kind of hot takes only he can deliver, questioning DUPR math, calling out tournament trickery, and unpacking why your 4.0 rating might only count in your zip code. It’s spicy, it’s chaotic, and it might just change how you play rec. Then we meet Brenton Phillips of Written by the Seasons, who’s serving up cold-pressed cocktails, thoughtful business partnerships, and the kind of communication strategies that work whether you’re running a restaurant or hitting a drop shot. He talks about how he and his wife keep it cool on the court (most of the time), what pickleball taught him about energy and awareness, and why calling a timeout mid-game can feel a lot like defusing a tense dinner service. We talk about: Why ratings systems feel made up (because…they kinda are) How to manage egos, emotions, and court chaos The grind behind building a restaurant brand with soul And what happens when you and your spouse run a business and share a kitchen (in both senses of the word) Grab a glass, hit play, and let’s get into it. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What happens when you mix pickleball vs tennis debates, spicy pickleball TV ratings, and a 9-month pregnant woman dinking like a champ? You get an episode that’s equal parts spicy, sweaty, and a little bit unhinged in the best way. In this episode, we kick things off with our resident spice specialist, Andrew Kole, who casually compares Anna Leigh Waters to Serena Williams and questions if Pickleball TV Ratings are even a thing. (They are. Sort of.) Then we meet Hugh Zhang, owner of the Houston Hammers in the National Pickleball League. He’s building something bigger, and he’s using pickleball to support veterans, 50+ athletes, and anyone who thinks their best playing days are behind them. Spoiler: they’re not. And just when you think we’ve covered it all, we introduce you to Sarah, who was competing until four days before giving birth. Yes, really. Dinking for two, and dominating. We talk about: The difference between dominating and growing a sport Whether Serena could crush it on a pickleball court (answer: obviously) The strange psychology of pickleball player ratings How the National Pickleball League is rewriting the playbook And the speakeasy in Houston that may or may not have changed us forever This one’s big. It’s warm. It’s a little unhinged.And it’s everything we love about this wild, weird sport.So grab your drink, hit play, and meet the people who are shaping the future of pickleball, whether they meant to or not. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Craving a speakeasy moment with less controversy and more carbs?Enoteca Rossa is where we wrapped up our Houston weekend. A glass of Lambrusco in hand, pizza on the way, and zero talk of who’s more dominant on the court.📍Bel Air, Houston. Come for the carbs, stay for the secret door.https://www.enotecarossa.com/    Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What happens when two confident 4.0 players stroll into a pickleball tournament thinking they’re ready… and Houston says, “Bless your hearts”? You get this episode of Dinks on Tap. We packed our paddles, mics, and maybe a little too much confidence for a Houston pickleball tournament, only to get served by next-level talent. Turns out, getting humbled was exactly what we needed to spark real pickleball growth. We left calling our coach and rethinking everything from strategy to mindset. Then Andrew Kole drops in for a spicy “On the Rocks” segment and challenges us to a game-show-style throwdown about pickleball ratings. DUPR, UTR-P, USAP… none of it makes sense, and Andrew’s here to make that point, loudly and hilariously. And don’t miss our sit-down with Hal Martin, the visionary behind one of the most impressive pickleball facilities we’ve ever set foot in. With 13 indoor pickleball courts, top-tier lighting, and built-in vibes, this spot is redefining what pickleball training spaces can be. Just when we thought Houston couldn’t impress us more, in come Raz and Jesse, two junior players (13 and 15!) who strolled into the men’s 4.0 division and left with gold. Total naturals.  We talk about: Why Houston might just be the unofficial capital of indoor pickleball What it really feels like to be outplayed (and why that’s good for your game) The acronym anarchy of pickleball ratings (we barely survived) What makes a pickleball facility more than just a court Grab your martini. Text your coach. And maybe don't get too comfy. Houston’s got smoke to spare. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com  

What do you get when you mix a booming pickleball community, a bunch of angry neighbors, and one very opinionated provocateur?An episode that’s equal parts civic chaos and court-side commentary. This week, we’re diving into the pickleball controversy that’s taking over cities everywhere, starting with our favorite instigator, Andrew Kole. He’s got numbers, bold claims, and a not-so-quiet warning about pickleball franchises that might be growing faster than they can handle. Then we tag in Denver Parks and Rec Director Jolon Clark (and yes, Park Hill Dave makes a cameo). Jolon breaks down the rise of urban pickleball, the unexpected science of pickleball noise, and why so many noise complaints are landing on his desk. He also shares how cities are using quiet pickleball balls, smarter urban planning, and policy pivots to keep things civil on the courts. Because when community sports grow this fast, they don’t just build connections, they stir up real pickleball drama. We talk about: Why your brain literally can’t ignore pickleball noise What happens when city staff becomes a paddle referee How pickleball tournaments fit into the future of public spaces And what the noise ordinance means for your neighborhood court If you love this sport, and want to keep it growing without the blowups, this one’s for you. Grab your marg. Text your doubles partner.And maybe don’t blast music on Court 4. Cheers, Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

When a court clash turns spicy and the hot takes are served shaken, not stirred, you know it’s a Dinks on Tap episode. You’ve seen the clips. You’ve read the threads. But now we’re talking exactly what went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin at Major League Pickleball Orlando. Real tension? PR stunt? Secret teen love story? (We wish we were joking.) Our friend (and professional instigator) Andrew Kole, from Pickleball is Great, joins us for our brand-new segment “On the Rocks”, and let's just say… he’s not holding back. Then we tag in America’s pickleball referee MVP Courtney Miller Johnson (who was literally courtside for the showdown) and bring back straight-talker Ben Paquette for a brutally honest take on the DUPR rating system (a.k.a. the algorithm everyone loves to hate). In this episode: What really went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin Why Major League Pickleball’s official response got roasted harder than a courtside jalapeño marg The truth about the DUPR rating system (and why your 4.1 might be lying to you) How even a messy pickleball controversy can level up the game And why losing every match still counts as winning (sometimes) Grab your paddle. Grab your marg. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What do you get when you mix a high-stress finance job, a family health scare, and a few curious visits to the local gym? If you're Ben Paquette, you get a full-on life remix served underhand. In this episode, we sit down with the man who first taught us how to dink without overthinking: pickleball coach Ben Paquette. What started as a few casual games turned into a complete career pivot. Now he’s teaching pickleball, traveling for professional pickleball tournaments, and building a thriving pickleball community in Dallas—all while keeping that signature chill-coach energy. We talk about: The wake-up call that made Ben trade spreadsheets for spin serves Why the pickleball mindset might be more important than your paddle What those mysterious coaching certifications really mean How to get through the dreaded YIPS (spoiler: it’s not just about your backhand) And the true test of any partnership—pickleball doubles or otherwise This one’s deep. It’s funny. It might even make you rethink your doubles partner. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the game is just the beginning of finding purpose. So grab your marg, hit play, and meet the coach who changed our game—and maybe our lives (no pressure, Ben). Cheers, Casie and LaurenDinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com  

Let’s be honest: switching careers is hard. But switching athletic careers after more than two decades? That’s a whole different level. In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Jakovljevic, who walked away from a 23-year soccer career to go all in on the world of pro pickleball. And it all started because he had a crush! We dig into his unexpected pickleball journey, what it’s like learning a totally new sport later in life, and how he keeps his athlete mindset sharp even when he’s running on very little sleep and way too many gummy bears. From emotional discipline on the court to learning how to find joy in the grind, Ivan shares what helped him make a big change in career, found purpose through pickleball coaching, how he stays focused, and why connection in the pickleball community matters just as much as competitive drive. If you’ve ever considered a bold pivot, wondered what it’s really like to go pro, or just want to hear a story that proves it’s never too late to start over, this one’s for you.   Let’s dink, sip, and get into it. Cheers,Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Let’s be real for a second: playing pickleball with your romantic partner isn’t always a love story. Sometimes, it’s a full-blown drama. You’re holding hands one minute, and the next, you’re side-eyeing their third shot drop like they betrayed you. We’ve been there. That’s why this episode of Dinks on Tap hit home in the best way.   In this episode, we chat with Teri Citterman and Dr. Stormy Hill, co-authors of In a Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other. We dive into the wild world of playing pickleball with your romantic partner, where tension, love, competitive behavior, and the occasional eye roll collide.   From emotional intelligence on the court to safe words, love languages, and intention-setting before a match, this conversation is full of real strategies for keeping both your game and your relationship strong.    We also touch on important topics like relationship advice for couples who play sports together, communication in sports, and how understanding partner dynamics can actually lead to deeper relationship growth, both on and off the court. Plus, we get into some unspoken rules of pickleball etiquette and the power of intentional play when the pressure is high.   Whether you're in love, in competition, or both, this episode is packed with relatable insights to help you play better together and maybe even argue a little less, on and off the court.   Cheers,Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com   The must-read for couples who love (and survive) playing pickleball together:  In A Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other   Explore more tools, tips, and upcoming retreats at LoveandPickleball.net   Follow the fun and join the Love nad Pickleball community: Instagram: @love_and_pickleball Facebook: @love.and.pickleball TikTok: @loveandpickleball

Are you stretching the wrong way? You might think a quick quad stretch before a match is enough, but according to soft tissue specialist Albert Ibanez, most players are skipping the real key to pickleball injury prevention… and it's not what you’d expect.   Albert, known as the Muscle Whisperer, has worked on countless athletes, including some of the best pickleball players in Dallas. In this episode, he reveals why so many players struggle with chronic shoulder, elbow, and lower back pain and how small changes in your stretching routine can help you play longer and feel better.   One game-changing tip? If you're not doing an ice bath for athletes after intense play, you’re missing out on faster muscle recovery and better performance. But don’t worry, Albert also shares easy alternatives for those of us who hate freezing water. Listen now and learn how to keep your muscle health in check, stay pain-free, and keep dinking like a pro.   Cheers,Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What if we told you that having fun off the court is just as important as practicing your dinks and drives? Sounds wild, right? But after an epic pickleball team-building trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we’re here to tell you… IT WORKS.   In this episode, we’re diving into why team building is important for every pickleball league (and any competitive sport, really). We’ll share how doing team bonding activities like a Mardi Gras night, petting zoo adventures, and even a choreographed team entrance helped us feel more connected and confident going into a super competitive pickleball season.   We’ll also get real about the nerves that come with leveling up in competition, how building community and connection off the court helps us play better on it, and why staying loose is the secret weapon to better performance.   So, if you’ve ever wondered how to build trust with your doubles partner, strengthen your pickleball team, or just want an excuse to plan a fun team trip, this episode is for you!   Hit play and let’s talk about why fun actually makes you a better player.   Cheers,Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know how fast things can get heated- bad line calls, foot faults, and that one player who lobs every single shot.    But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the person making the tough calls? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on this episode!   We got to sit down with Courtney Johnson, the Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP) and one of the most respected referees in the game. She’s been a USA Pickleball certified referee since 2018, has officiated some of the biggest matches in pro pickleball, and even had to stand her ground against John McEnroe at the Pickleball Slam.   Courtney shares how she went from a casual rec player to one of the most well-known refs in the sport, breaks down the viral “Two Becomes One” rule, and explains why MLP switched from rally scoring to side-out scoring. We also get into the biggest mistakes rec players make, the best way to handle bad line calls and lobbers, and whether pickleball is still the inclusive, welcoming sport we all love or if it's becoming too exclusive.   Plus, there’s an exclusive giveaway you won’t want to miss! If you love pickleball tips, pro pickleball insights, and fun conversations, join us for this episode!   Cheers,Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Have you ever rescheduled a meeting or called in sick just to play pickleball? We get it!    In this episode, we explore the mental game of pickleball with Dayne Gingrich, a seven-time national champion, and Jill Martin, a former attorney turned fitness pro.    As co-authors of Pickleball Mindset, they share winning strategies for improving mental toughness, building confidence, and becoming a better pickleball partner.   We dive into essential pickleball psychology topics like pre-acceptance versus pre-expectance and how to stop overthinking mistakes, reset rituals to improve focus and consistency, and practical ways to strengthen your doubles pickleball partnership.    We also discuss common pickleball pet peeves, how to handle pressure in tournaments, and the biggest mindset shifts that separate elite players from the rest. To keep things fun, we wrap up with rapid-fire questions, including our dream pickleball foursomes and what superpowers we’d love to have on the court.   This episode is packed with laughs, lightbulb moments, and real talk about the mental game of pickleball. Grab a drink, get cozy, and listen in!   Cheers,Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com