Conny Jo
Nov 9, 2026
NOVEMBER 09, 2026 ✦ WEEKLY EDITION ✦ ISSUE #2 |
STAYING OUT OF THE KITCHEN, STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME. The Weekly Flash YOUR PICKLEBALL WEEKLY EDITION |
👋🥎 Hey, Picklers! Here’s what’s happening.
A big week is on deck for pickleball. From November 12-15, players and fans can follow the APP Arizona Open and Pennsylvania's LevelUp Golden Ticket event, while the YMCA National Pickleball Tournament brings hundreds of competitors to Naples November 13-15.
Inside this issue, we look at the 2026 Pickleball World Championships fan experience, a USA Pickleball partnership promoting active aging, and what the Naples YMCA tournament means for recreational players. You'll also find a spotlight on Ben Johns, a Team USA Nations Cup recap, a tournament-day gear checklist, and practical doubles advice.
Whether you're entering a bracket, cheering from the sidelines, or heading to open play, there's something here to take into your next rally. |
🧠 THINK YOU KNOW PICKLEBALL? Which Washington city hosted the first known pickleball tournament in 1976?
👇 Answer at the bottom. |
🗓️ Your Week, in 10 Seconds 🏆 Follow: The YMCA National Pickleball Tournament takes place November 13-15 in Naples, Florida, with more than 600 players expected.
📅 On the calendar: The APP Arizona Open and LevelUp Golden Ticket event in Pennsylvania are scheduled for November 12-15. Check organizers for match times and spectator details.
⭐ Player to watch: Ben Johns brings smart shot selection and doubles teamwork to this week's Player Spotlight.
🎯 Try it: Return deep, call middle balls early, and check your paddle's tournament approval before your next match. |
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| 💬 26 Comments |
The YMCA National Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for November 13-15, 2026, in Naples, Florida, with more than 600 players expected.
The gathering brings a national competitive setting to a sport many people first encounter through their local YMCA.
The event is associated with the US Open Pickleball venue. Competitors should confirm the specific tournament schedule, division requirements and check-in procedures with the organizer rather than relying on a facility's general information page. Read More... |
26 readers are talking about this | Top first |
BW | Beth Wallace · 6 days ago My neighbor got me into pickleball at the Y last year. We may have to go watch a few matches in November.
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The 2026 Pickleball World Championships show how major events can introduce the sport to spectators who may never have played a match.
The fan experience matters because a welcoming first encounter can encourage people to learn the game.
Before attending, use the official championships website to confirm the latest schedule, tickets, venue access, and policies. Promotional information may change, so it is important to distinguish current organizer details from older announcements. Read More... |
11 readers are talking about this | Top first |
BC | Beth C. · 6 days ago The atmosphere matters more than people think. I tried pickleball because someone at our courts took a minute to explain the game.
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Pickleball’s appeal has never been limited to one age group, and a new USA Pickleball partnership is putting that idea front and center.
The organization has named Cogir Senior Living its official senior-living partner.
Programs that offer inclusive scheduling, introductory clinics, and patient instruction can make a court feel approachable for players at every stage. Families can support older relatives by helping identify nearby programs and taking the first visit together. Read More... |
💡 Interesting Facts |
💡 Did You Know? The Kitchen Is Seven Feet Deep
On each side of a regulation pickleball net, the non-volley zone—better known as the “kitchen”—extends seven feet from the net. That makes the full non-volley-zone area 14 feet long across both sides of the court. You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball after it bounces; the restriction is on volleying while in the zone, not on entering it.
Another court fact: A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles. Same court, very different teamwork.
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2026 YMCA National Pickleball Tournament |
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🏓 More than 600 athletes are expected at the second YMCA National Pickleball Tournament, featuring competitive play and a welcoming atmosphere for spectators. |
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APP Arizona Open |
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🏓 The APP Arizona Open is scheduled for November 12-15 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. |
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LevelUp Pickleball Golden Ticket - Pennsylvania State Championships |
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🏓 Players pursuing a Golden Ticket qualification opportunity can follow the LevelUp Pickleball event in Canonsburg, scheduled for November 12-15. |
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⭐ Ben Johns
The strategic mind behind one of pickleball's most accomplished careers.
Ben Johns is a leading professional on the PPA Tour, known for precise placement, composed decision-making and the ability to shift a rally from defense to offense. The Maryland-raised player studied materials science and engineering at the University of Maryland before building a remarkable professional career.
At the October 2026 Hong Kong Slam, Johns won the mixed doubles title with Anna Leigh Waters and reached the men's doubles final with Gabriel Tardio. His success across formats highlights the value of adaptable tactics and strong partner communication.
Take a tip from Ben: Before trying to hit harder, watch your opponent's court position. A patient reset or well-placed ball can create a better attacking opportunity than forcing a winner.
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💬 For Your Pickleball Group Chat
Copy, paste, and settle the debate:
“You get one pickleball superpower for our next doubles match: perfect third-shot drops, automatic line calls, or a partner who always calls ‘mine.’ Which one are you choosing?”
Bonus challenge: Pick one answer as a team, then practice it for ten minutes before your next game. The group chat might actually improve your pickleball. |
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🎯 Return Deep, Then Move
A deep return of serve gives opponents less room to attack and buys you time to advance toward the non-volley zone. Aim comfortably inside the baseline rather than gambling on the last inch.
Try this drill: Hit ten returns crosscourt, counting how many land beyond the service-line area. Focus on height and consistency, then move forward after each return while staying balanced. |
🌟 Quote Of The Day |
"Pickleball gives us a small court and a good reason to meet in the middle." |
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🛍️ Smart Upgrades for Your Next Rally
With the YMCA National Pickleball Tournament, APP Arizona Open and Pennsylvania Golden Ticket competition on this week's calendar, it's a good time to check the essentials. You don't need a brand-new bag of gear to play better—start with the items that make a practical difference.
🏓 Paddles: match the shape to your game. Compare options in the Selkirk paddle collection or browse JOOLA pickleball paddles. A wider face may feel more forgiving; an elongated shape can provide extra reach. Try before buying when possible.
🟡 Balls: pack a few extras. Outdoor balls take a beating in cool weather and long sessions. Explore Franklin Sports' pickleball gear, including its X-40 line, and check your event's approved-ball requirements.
👟 Shoes: prioritize lateral support. Look for court-specific footwear with secure side-to-side stability and grippy, non-marking soles when required by the venue.
✋ Grips: the small fix that pays off. A fresh overgrip and a dry towel can make a paddle feel more secure during a long doubles session.
🎒 Court-bag checklist: Water, a hat or visor, sun protection, an extra ball, spare overgrip, towel, and any event registration details.
📋 Before tournament play: Search your exact paddle model on the USA Pickleball-approved paddle list, then confirm your tournament's separate equipment policies.
Editor's note: These are editorial gear ideas, not paid endorsements. Product availability and event equipment requirements can change. |
🧠 Strategy Minute
Win the middle without crowding your partner.
In doubles, the middle of the court creates hesitation. Before each point, agree who takes a ball traveling between you-especially when one partner's forehand is in the middle. Call early, then recover to your side instead of both chasing the same shot.
One-minute drill: Have a friend feed ten balls through the middle while you and your partner practice calling “mine” or “yours” before contact. Clear communication beats last-second paddle collisions. |
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🏆 Naples Shows the Sport’s Next Big Test
More than 600 players gathering in Naples is a useful snapshot of pickleball’s expanding reach. The story is not only about tournament size; it is also about how championship-level attention can bring new players, families, and longtime competitors into the same conversation.
The active-aging angle matters, too. Pickleball continues to offer a flexible way to stay moving, meet people, and keep competing at a personal pace—whether that means a serious bracket or a relaxed weekly game.
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💛 Until the Next Rally
That's your pickleball lineup for November 9-15! From the YMCA tournament in Naples to the APP Arizona Open and Pennsylvania's Golden Ticket action, there's plenty to follow-and plenty to learn from the players on court.
Take one idea from this issue into your next game: aim for a deeper return, communicate clearly in doubles, or pack your bag before match day. Small improvements add up, one rally at a time.
Got a tournament result, player story, court photo, or event tip? Reply to this newsletter and share it with us. Until next week, keep playing, keep learning, and keep the good rallies going! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Tukwila |