Pickleball Today - The POD

Pickleball Today and Pickleball Today - The POD are Canada’s National Sources for Pickleball News. If it’s Pickleball, and it’s Canadian, it’s here. We cover Canadian Pickleball Players, Canadian Pickleball Clubs, Canadian Pickleball Tournaments, and Canadian Pickleball Business, travel, tips, gear, and more. Canada Pickleball has a vibrant and rapidly growing community, Whether via rec. centres, community courts, churches, private clubs, non profit clubs associated with Pickleball Canada or non Pickleball Canada and provincial pickleball associated clubs.

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Episodes

5 days ago

In Episode 7, Mark and Patrick discuss their recent pickleball activities and share updates from their club. They also talk about training tips, a ladies-only DUPR night, and the importance of endurance in tournaments.
They mention the DUPR rating system and its benefits for fair competition.
Additionally, they discuss various paddle brands and the discounts available on their website as well as paddle options and price ranges
 
In this conversation, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss various topics related to pickleball equipment and strategies.
 
The conversation then shifts to the topic of handling lobs in pickleball and the strategies behind it. They discuss the importance of communication with your partner and the need to hit soft and controlled shots when running forward. The conversation ends with a discussion about upcoming plans for the Canada Day long weekend.
 
 
Keywordspickleball, training, duper night, endurance, tournaments, Dupre rating system, paddle brands, discounts, pickleball, equipment, paddles, prices, Rev Aria, Rev Platinum, Tyrol shoes, gear bags, lobs, strategies, communication, soft shots, Canada Day
Takeaways
Pickleball players can improve their game by focusing on training and practicing specific shots, such as the volley shot.
Hosting ladies-only DUPR nights can provide a competitive and enjoyable experience for female players.
The DUPR rating system helps ensure fair competition in tournaments by placing players in appropriate skill categories based on their ratings.
Endurance is important in pickleball tournaments, and participating in longer playing sessions can help build stamina.
There are various paddle brands available, and players can take advantage of discounts offered on the Pickleball Today website. There are various paddle options available for pickleball, price ranges go from about $69 to over $300 and all paddles have a minimum discount.
When handling lobs in pickleball, it is important to communicate with your partner and decide who will go for the lobs.
The recommended shots to use when returning lobs are drop shots into the kitchen or returning the lob with another lob.
When running forward to hit a ball, try to hit it soft and controlled to allow more time to get back into position.
The Canada Day long weekend is a popular time for boating and enjoying the water.
Titles
Building Endurance for Tournaments
Training Tips and Ladies-Only Duper Night Enjoying the Canada Day Long Weekend
Exploring Pickleball Equipment and Prices
Sound Bites
"When you're in ready position, holding that paddle at 11 o'clock, if you're right-handed, it'd be one o'clock. If you're left-handed slightly to that backhand, just easier to defend your body and your shots on the backhand."
"Some ladies wanted to just play against themselves and enjoy those type of games."
"If you sign up for a tournament in DUPR, then it's based on your rating, you will be put into the category that you belong instead of just assigning yourself to a category."
Chapters
00:00 From Hockey to Pickleball: Transitioning to the Main Topic
04:25 Improving Skills with Training Videos and Practice
06:13 Creating a Competitive Environment with Ladies-Only Nights
07:24 The Importance of the Duper Rating System for Tournaments
12:29 Exploring Paddle Discounts and Partnerships
28:40 Tips for Handling Lobs in Pickleball
30:54 Communication Strategies for Dealing with Lobs
37:51 Upcoming Plans for Canada Day Weekend
43:13 Pickleball Today Outro video.mp4

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024

Summary In this episode of Pickleball Today - The POD, Pat and Mark discuss the recent hot weather and its impact on pickleball.
They also talk about recent pickleball events, including the CPA Pro Tour and Major League Pickleball. They mention the growing excitement among fans and the benefits of watching team events.
They also mention their sponsor, Crown Pickleball, and the quality of their pickleballs.
Mark shares his experience organizing a singles tournament at Corte.
Mark talks about who should be making calls in Doubles Play.
Mark and Pat discuss the importance of communication and calling shots in pickleball. 
Additionally, they share updates on upcoming pickleball tournaments and new paddle products.
Takeaways
Hot weather can impact pickleball play and tournaments.
The CPA Pro Tour and Major League Pickleball are gaining popularity among fans.
Team events in pickleball seem to be very enjoyable for spectators.
Crown Pickleball offers affordable and high-quality pickleballs.
Agreeing on how to call balls in doubles play is important for effective communication.
Clear communication during a game is important, such as using the word 'you' to indicate who should take a shot.
Upcoming pickleball tournaments include the WRC Canada Day Classic in Whistler, the SCPA Members Only Tournament in Sherwood Park, and the National Championships in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
The company 6-0 Paddles is expanding and launching new paddle models, including the 14 millimeter Ruby and the value line called Quartz.
Crown Pickleball is sponsoring the podcast and offering a great deal on 100 balls.
Titles
The Impact of Hot Weather on Pickleball
The Benefits of Team Events in Pickleball Partner Responsibility in Calling Shots
Clear Communication for Better Gameplay
Sound Bites
"The CPA Pro Tour was a great success for a start for a new tour in Canada."
"Women's doubles just seems to be the most intense."
"Crown Pickleball: Affordable and high-quality pickleballs."
"It's your partner's responsibility to call those balls out for you."
"Only one person should ever make the call."
"Say the word no or ole or let it bounce."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:00 It's Hot!
03:00 New Articles on Pickleball Today
03:30 Catherine Parenteau - Blocks and Counterattacks
05:00 The Success of the CPA Pro Tour - Toronto
06:00 Pickleball Fans and Excitement of Watching Women's Doubles
09:30 Pickleball and Betting
10:00 TV and Online Pickleball Viewing Sources
13: 00 Crown Pickleball
16:00 Hot Weather Pickleball Ball and Paddle Storage
17:30 Etiquette in Pickleball: Calling Balls In or Out
22:50 Expansion of Saugeen Shores Pickleball @ Lakeshore Rec. & Fitness
23:50 The Fairgrounds - Toronto
24:30 New Six Zero Paddles and Factory
27:00 Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments in Canada
36:36 Thank You and Outro
 
Keywordspickleball, hot weather, CPA Pro Tour, Major League Pickleball, fans, team events, Crown Pickleball, singles tournament, calling balls, pickleball, communication, calling shots, partner responsibility, tournaments, paddle products

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024

Summary
In this conversation, Pickleball Today hosts, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss their weekend activities and introduce their special guest, Sharon Ricci, the founder of Pickleball Chicks.
Sharon talks about the challenges women face in pickleball tournaments and the need for a supportive and inclusive environment, and more about her organization and their tournaments, and more.
They also discuss an upcoming tournament hosted by Pickleball Chicks in Canada. 
The conversation then shifts to a review of the CPA Pro Tour finals, highlighting the medalists in various categories.
Mark shares some coaching tips, involving playing better players in recreational games to improve one's own game.
He also a weekly training schedule for pickleball players looking to improve their skills.
Finally, Pat wraps up with our weekly cross country Canadian Pickleball Tournament list.
Summary In this conversation, Pickleball Today - The POD, hosts, Patrick Batty and Mark Bittorf discuss their weekend activities and introduce their special guest, Sharon Ricci, the founder of Pickleball Chicks. Sharon talks about the challenges women face in pickleball tournaments and the need for a supportive and inclusive environment, and more about her organization and their tournaments, and more. They also discuss an upcoming tournament hosted by Pickleball Chicks in Canada.  The conversation then shifts to a review of the CPA Pro Tour finals, highlighting the medalists in various categories. Mark shares some coaching tips, involving playing better players in recreational games to improve one's own game. He also talks about a weekly training schedule for pickleball players looking to improve their skills. Finally, Pat wraps up with our weekly cross-country Canadian Pickleball Tournament list.
 
00:00 Into Pickleball Today Ep: 5
02:40 Pickleball Chicks - Sharon Ricci
18:02 Upcoming Pickleball Chicks Tournament in Cambridge, Ontario
23:45 Congratulations to Hi Sports and the CPA Pro Tour
25:00 CPA Pro Tour Overview, Celebration of the medalists.
29:30 Multi Medal Winners, a Triple Crown and Exceptional Performances
35:54 Improving Your Game with Targeted Training
39:23 Weekly Pickleball Practice Plan
42:45 Upcoming Tournaments in Canada
45:00 Thank You to Grand River Freeport staff and Alzheimer's Assoc.
46:30 Wrap Up
 
 
Sound Bites
"We don't give out medals. We give out pickleball chick crowns." - Susan
 
 

Friday Jun 07, 2024

Joola / USAPA GEN 3 Paddle Update, June 5, 2024: Episode 4.1 This is an update to our earlier podcast published today.
Subsequent to our earlier regular full podcast episode the this week, which was jam-packed with lots of cool discussion with Mark, myself and Yui See Lau, the USAPA and Joola issued important updates about all time best seller paddle, the Joola Gen 3 pickleball paddle.The new paddle submitted by Joola has again Failed it's testing and is not deemed Legal by USAPA.
Joola, in response had now offered customers refunds. You should contact your dealer for info.Also a recent class action lawsuit against Joola has been launched but in our estimation it would be better to just get the refund if you don't want to play with the paddle.
Pickleball Canada, the CNPL, CPA Pro Tour all use USAPA regulations and rely on USAPA to approve paddles.So effectively, these paddles can not be used in tournament play in Canada.
Thanks very much. 
Let's play Pickleball
Patrick
Pickleball Today - The POD

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024

In this episode of the Pickleball Today Podcast, Mark and Patrick discuss various topics including an update on Joola paddle controversy, the CPA Pro Tour, Catherine Parenteau,  the importance of proper pickleball shoes, and Patrick's favorite books. 
 
Keywords: pickleball, podcast, Joola paddle, CPA Pro Tour, Catherine Parenteau, Catherine Parenteau training pickleball shoes, pickleball, book recommendations, pickleball coaching tips, pickleball tournament formats, upcoming tournaments, upcoming paddle brands
 
Takeaways
The Joola paddle controversy: The USAPA banned Joola paddles due to an administrative problem with the testing process. USAPA testing is somewhat fluid, but Joola messed up too.
The CPA Pro Tour: Yui See Lau joins us today to discuss the CPA Pro Tour in Canada, which aims to provide opportunities for amateur players to compete at a high level.
Catherine Parenteau is a top-ranked pickleball player in women's singles and doubles, and her training videos are now available on Pickleball Today.
The importance of proper pickleball shoes: Mark emphasizes the importance of wearing pickleball-specific shoes for better support and movement on the court.
Patrick's favorite pickleball books: Patrick recommends a book on court positioning in pickleball, which has helped him improve his game. 
Book recommendation: 'Mastering the Mental Game of Pickleball' by Joe Baker focuses on the mental aspect of the game and helps players avoid making mental mistakes.
Tournament formats vary, but round robin style allows players to get more playtime and warm up before the playoffs.
Watching tournaments can be a great way to learn from skilled players and get more comfortable with the tournament atmosphere.
Trying different paddles is important to find the right fit, and there are new paddle brands coming to Canada that offer more options for players.
Upcoming tournaments in Canada include the CPA Pro Tour, Atlantic Regionals, PB Sport Open, Tecumseh International, British Open, and Parkland Pickleheads Season Opener.
Titles
The Importance of Proper Pickleball Shoes
Patrick's Favorite Book on Court Positioning New Paddle Brands Coming to Canada
The Importance of Trying Different Paddles in Pickleball
Sound Bites
"So we're going by the USAP rulings. So until we get an update right now, something that we're allowing at our events."
"We've been able to be creative and stay in the game and then stay in the game in a big way still, obviously now expanding over to China where I'm also pretty actively working in as well."
"Catherine Parenteau is number two. She's rated number two worldwide, both in women's singles and women's doubles."
"At the Line Pickleball is the best book I've read out of maybe 20"
"So many of my own mistakes are mental mistakes"
"I personally like the round robin style"=
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the CPA Pro Tour and CNPL
05:44 CPA Pro Tour with Yui See Lau
14:30 Crown Pickleball
16:31 Catherine Parenteau
20:47 A Bit of OT Edmonton Oilers Talk
21:50 The Importance of Proper Pickleball Shoes
26:39 Favourite Pickleball Books and Some Coaching from Mark
33:29 Pickleball Tours
36:05 Tournament Formats
42:13Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments Across Canada
50:52 Summary and Thanks for Liking, Sharing, Following, Subscribing
51:35pickleball today outro.mp3
 
Our website is: Pickleball Today
Your Hosts: Patrick Batty, Mark Bittorf
Our Sponsors
Crown Pickleballs
Pickleball Tours - Mention Pickleball Today for a Discount
Tyrol Pickleball Shoes and Bags  a Canadian Company
 
Keywords: pickleball, podcast, Joola paddle, CPA Pro Tour, Catherine Parenteau, Catherine Parenteau training pickleball shoes, pickleball, book recommendations, pickleball coaching tips, pickleball tournament formats, upcoming tournaments, upcoming paddle brands

Wednesday May 29, 2024

Summary
 
This week Pat and Mark’s conversation revolves around, this past weekend’s CNPL (Canadian Professional Pickleball League) Tournament, the quality of play, and the challenges and extreme effort it is to host such a series as this across Canada.
We quickly introduce ourselves being this is an early episode and we already have so many new viewers or listeners.
We introduce Crown Pickleball to Canada, as a high-quality but value-priced supplier to clubs and players across the country.
Mark talks about the keys to improvement from an advanced beginner to an intermediate player. (3.0 to 3.5 or more)
Patrick introduces a Canadian pickleball tour supplier that is doing some very exciting pickleball travel tours this fall and next year.
 
Mark discusses pickleball etiquette for public courts and open play.
We briefly introduce the Selkirk Amped Pro Air Paddle.
And, finally, we talk about the upcoming CPA Pro Tour, and some pickleball tournaments coming up in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC.
 
Keywords mentioned:
Canadian Pickleball, CNPL tournament, player experiences, Crown Pickleball, PPA, Crown Pickleball,  quality of play, pickleball, equipment, tournaments, pickleball etiquette, control vs. power, paddle selection, pickleball tours.
Sound Bites:
“The effort to put on a tournament series across Canada is immense, and the CNPL must be commented.”“The quality of play this year is a major step up, it seems to me.”
“If you and your teammate are in doubt, call the ball in.”
 
Please be sure to LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT
 
Chapters:
00:00 Podcast Intro
02:10 Personal Intros
10:00 CNPL Review
26:30 Crown Pickleball
31:15 The Keys to Pickleball Skill Improvement at the 3.0 - 3.5 level
36:25 Pickleball Travel and Tours
43:00 Paddle News - Selkirk Amped Pro Air50:45 CPA Pro Tour
51:44 Saugeen Shores Pickleball Club Charity Tournament
53:30 Public Court and Social Play Etiquette
56:45 Upcoming Tournaments in:New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba,Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia
 
Thanks everyone..
Please be sure to LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT
See you Next Week.
Links
Pickleball Today
Crown Pickleball
CNPL
CPA Pro Tour
Pickleball Tours
Pickleball Brackets

Friday May 17, 2024

This is our first  "OFFICIAL" Episode of Pickleball Today - The POD. 
Last week's POD was a public beta.
The POD is an extension of Pickleball Today - Canada's National Pickleball News Source.
If it's Canadian Pickleball oriented, we'll cover it on The Pod
Your Hosts are Patrick Batty, and Jonathan Ti.
This is a jam packed episode in which we talk about:
Gen 3 Paddle problems and even delistings of Joola Gen 3 paddles from the USAPA approved lists.
A paddle that was found to have a "foreign substance" on it, why, who, and what may happen if it was intentional.
What we are planning with the Pickleball Today - The Pod Podcast going forward
A quick intro by both Jonathan and Patrick
The upcoming CNPL pro tournament in Mississauga, Ontario.
The upcoming CPA Pro Tour
New Paddles from Selkirk that I have played, and truly enjoyed.
A special Edition new Paddle from Six Zero. The Triple Black Diamond - Willinator Edition
Other Upcoming tournaments in Canada.
And generally a few other things that we thought worthwhile.
For more info on the upcoming Six Zero Launch at 6 PM on Sunday go to SIx Zero
If you like this podcast please give us a solid review, and Like, Follow, Subscribe

Wednesday May 15, 2024

This is a first "Beta" Episode of Pickleball Today - The POD.
The POD is an extension of Pickleball Today - Canada's National Pickleball News Source.In this very short episode we are testing out a bit of tech, but in general give a quick intro into what we will be covering in our WEEKLY podcasts going forward.

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