Advertise on podcast: Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

AC and Kevin catch up after a chaotic stretch that included illness, travel, and one of AC’s roughest tournament experiences yet. AC recounts suffering full-body cramps during singles in Mesa, the dehydration that ultimately forced him off the court, and the IV treatment he needed afterward. That leads into a larger conversation about the current pro pickleball landscape, including rankings, qualifying, international events, prize money, wild cards, and the difficult position unsigned players can find themselves in while trying to climb the professional ranks. Later, Kevin breaks down a 5.0 tournament he played alongside his brother Brian, using the experience to highlight some important lessons for players trying to move up a level. The guys discuss third-shot decisions, recognizing when to advance toward the kitchen, escaping “no man’s land,” positioning in transition, and adapting to the quality of your opponent’s fourth shot. They also take a closer look at Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters to show how much strategy and anticipation goes into elite-level pickleball before looking ahead to their upcoming tournaments. Watch the episode on YouTube by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:57 AC full-body cramps in Mesa 12:13 Pro rankings, international events, and the unsigned-player grind 22:33 AC’s future on tour, sponsorships, and Vegas qualifying 29:31 What Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters can teach you 34:23 Midwest Racquet Sports 35:28 Kevin and Brian take on a 5.0 tournament 43:45 Positioning, transition movement, and lessons from playing up 50:33 Vegas, upcoming tournaments, and outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin start by preparing Kevin’s brother Brian for his first 5.0 tournament, breaking down the most common mistakes they see from 4.5-level players. From overhitting drives and forcing offense to poor transition decisions, counter technique, and unclear shot intentions, the guys explain the adjustments that can help intermediate and advanced players take the next step. Later, they recap the MLP Finals in Central Park and debate whether MLP or the PPA offers the better viewing experience before turning to AC’s week at PPA Nationals. AC details his run through qualifying, his win over Connor Garnett, the brutal playing conditions, doubles struggles, his singles performance, and the encouraging progress of his knee. The episode closes with a strange DUPR issue involving several high-profile results disappearing from the system and a preview of what’s next for both AC and Kevin. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:23 The biggest mistakes 4.5 players make 19:05 Midwest Racquet Sports 22:15 MLP Finals recap and PPA vs. MLP debate 31:48 AC’s PPA Nationals qualifying and doubles recap 43:19 AC’s singles run, Connor Garnett win, and Nationals takeaways 51:16 DUPR deleting matches and upcoming tournaments 54:19 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down the end of the Columbus Sliders’ MLP season in Newport Beach, including the playoff loss to Brooklyn and AC’s difficult DreamBreaker performance against Christian Alshon. AC reflects on the pressure of returning to singles after months without a DreamBreaker, lineup decisions that didn’t work out, what he learned from his first MLP season, and whether he can earn another opportunity in the league through improved doubles results. The guys also look ahead to the remaining MLP playoff matchups and the championship weekend in New York. Later, Kevin recaps his weekend at APP Detroit, from the unique convention-center setup to his mixed and men’s doubles results. He discusses the technical issues he noticed in transition, a frustrating officiating situation, and the adjustments he and Wade made throughout men’s doubles. The conversation closes with lessons about adapting faster during matches, Kevin’s continued ankle recovery, AC’s ongoing knee work, and what lies ahead as both guys prepare for their next stretch of tournaments. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro & Columbus Sliders playoff exit 10:02 AC’s MLP season reflection and what comes next 19:55 MLP playoff picture and championship weekend preview 24:52 Midwest Racquet Sports 26:32 APP Detroit: venue, mixed doubles, and transition struggles 36:49 Officiating controversy and Kevin’s mixed doubles recap 45:08 Men’s doubles, tactical adjustments, and match awareness 55:02 Injury recovery, training, and upcoming tournaments 1:01:51 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down one of the strangest controversies of the season after Thomas Yu and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou were forfeited from an APP event over matching-clothing requirements. The guys dig into the rule itself, the conflict between tournament policies and player sponsorship obligations, and whether the punishment fit the situation. They also discuss recent APP format changes, including the return of the backdraw and the growing effort to give players more input on tour decisions. Later, Kevin recaps his return to competition at APP Chicago after battling an ankle injury, including the mental hurdle of trusting his movement again, mixed and men’s doubles results, and the adjustments he made throughout the weekend. The conversation then turns to off-court reflex training, as AC and Kevin debate whether gaming, juggling, eye-tracking exercises, and balance work can actually improve pickleball performance before wrapping with rehab updates and AC’s upcoming MLP playoff trip to Newport Beach. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and episode preview 3:50 APP clothing scandal: Thomas Yu & Purple Jesus 15:20 Did the APP follow its own policy? 18:00 Player feedback and the return of the backdraw 21:05 Kevin’s return to competition at APP Chicago 26:30 Mixed doubles struggles 40:00 Injury recovery, movement, and confidence 45:41 Midwest Racquet Sports 48:09 Can video games improve pickleball reflexes? 1:01:32 AC previews the MLP Newport Beach playoffs 1:03:52 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin return with plenty to catch up on, starting with injury updates before breaking down the end of the Major League Pickleball regular season. They discuss the electric atmosphere at MLP Orlando, John Lucian Goins’ continued rise, the first round of the playoffs in Dallas, and the newly announced matchups for Newport Beach. AC also looks ahead to potentially helping the Columbus Sliders in a DreamBreaker as the MLP postseason heats up. Later, the guys debate pickleball etiquette after the heated Zane Navratil–Casey Diamond moment in Dallas, covering everything from celebrations and body bags to paddle taps and where competitive intensity crosses the line. They finish with an extended discussion of the new World Pickleball Rankings, including the 50% gender doubles, 35% mixed doubles, and 15% singles weighting, how it could affect tournament qualification and byes, and why AC believes singles still deserves an important place in professional pickleball. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and injury updates 3:47 MLP Orlando and the playoff race 11:30 MLP Dallas and Newport Beach playoff matchups 19:57 Pickleball etiquette, celebrations, and paddle taps 37:03 Midwest Racquet Sports 38:23 New World Pickleball Rankings explained 50:38 Challengers, qualification, and ranking strategy 54:12 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin return after a brief break to recap the latest Major League Pickleball action in San Diego and Chicago. AC breaks down the Columbus Sliders’ run to the San Diego final, the difficult matchup against Dallas, and how the Chicago results affect the team’s chances of earning a first-round playoff bye. The guys also discuss DreamBreaker strategy, the rapidly changing MLP standings, and AC’s preparation for a potential return in Newport Beach. Later, AC and Kevin compare their ongoing knee and ankle recoveries and explain why rehabilitation is rarely a linear process. They then share several pickleball hot takes they genuinely believe, including why you do not always need to practice with better players, why rising lefty Elliot Schup could become one of the sport’s best, and why tournament players should practice taking timeouts during recreational games. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 3:16 MLP San Diego recap 9:44 MLP Chicago recap 14:26 Orlando and the Sliders’ playoff scenario 18:00 Why injury recovery is not linear 22:12 Midwest Racquet Sports 23:50 Pickleball hot takes 39:11 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down the biggest storylines from MLP Grand Rapids, including the Shock's dominant performance, Georgia and Anna Leigh Johnson's first women's doubles loss of the season, and the tactical decisions that shaped the championship weekend. They also discuss the growing parity across Major League Pickleball and which teams are emerging as legitimate title contenders heading into the second half of the season. Later, the conversation shifts into one of the most educational episodes yet as Kevin dives into Real Clear Stats and explains the advanced metrics that actually correlate with winning. From third-shot success rates and slugging percentage to transition efficiency and kitchen-line performance, the guys discuss how players of every level can use analytics to better understand—and improve—their game. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:12 MLP Grand Rapids 11:04 Real Clear Stats 18:12 Midwest Sports 19:18 Using match statistics to improve your game 23:48 Which statistics matter most in singles? 27:30 Kevin’s upcoming tournament schedule 28:42 MLP San Diego preview 31:40 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin recap everything that happened at MLP New York, breaking down the biggest surprises from the weekend, standout team performances, and how recent roster moves are already changing the league. The guys discuss which teams are beginning to separate themselves, the impact of recent trades, and why chemistry continues to be one of the biggest factors in Major League Pickleball. Later, AC shares an update on his recovery and preparations for the remainder of the season, including where his game currently stands after months of battling injuries. The conversation also touches on paddle recommendations, upcoming tournaments, and what each of them is looking forward to over the next stretch of the professional pickleball calendar. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:10 MLP New York recap 5:55 Team performances and standout results 10:50 Dylan Frazier trade and Nico Montoya discussion 16:10 AC's injury recovery and returning to competition 25:30 Midwest Sports 27:20 Paddle recommendations and equipment talk 29:15 Portland Challenger preview and tournament plans 33:50 Long-term recovery, rehab, and training philosophy 40:15 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin react to another chaotic week in Major League Pickleball, breaking down the biggest trades, roster moves, and storylines coming out of MLP St. Pete. They discuss team chemistry, DreamBreaker strategy, the impact of recent player movement, and which teams are best positioned as the season heads toward the playoffs. Later, the conversation shifts from the pro tour to practical improvement tips after Kevin shares the story behind his recent ankle injury. Using a lesson he taught over Father's Day weekend, the guys explain why so many recreational players struggle with counters, volleys, spacing, and weight transfer, offering simple adjustments that can immediately improve your game. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:05 Injury updates and MLP St. Pete recap 6:00 MLP trades, waiver moves, and league reactions 16:00 Sliders, Shock, and the playoff picture 26:40 Midwest Sports 28:05 Paddle discussion: Friday Fever vs. Proton 30:00 Kevin's lesson: fixing volleys and counters 33:15 Spacing, weight transfer, and generating more power 36:25 Final thoughts and outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin are back for Episode 40, and the conversation starts with Kevin sharing the details of a serious medical scare that landed him in the hospital. The guys discuss what happened, recovery, and the challenges of balancing work, travel, and tournament play during a busy stretch of the pickleball season. They then break down MLP St. Louis, including standout performances, team results, and the players who impressed most throughout the event. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts toward player development as AC and Kevin discuss what newer pickleball players should actually be drilling, common mistakes players make when transitioning from other racket sports, and the skills that matter most for long-term improvement. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Kevin’s hospital scare and recovery story 5:45 MLP St. Louis recap and major takeaways 13:10 Top performers and team storylines from St. Louis 20:15 APP Cincinnati discussion 26:50 Midwest Sports 28:10 Beginner pickleball development and drilling philosophy 35:20 Transitioning from tennis to pickleball 42:00 What newer players should practice most 49:15 Pickleball documentary and tour discussion 55:00 Closing thoughts and upcoming events Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin returns from the Philippines and shares everything he learned from an eye-opening week of clinics, tournaments, and community events with Friday Pickleball. The guys discuss the incredible growth of pickleball in the Philippines, why participation is skyrocketing, and how the sport is developing differently than it has in the United States. Along the way, Kevin shares stories from his travels, observations about the local pickleball culture, and what surprised him most during the trip. Later, the conversation turns to the on-court experience as Kevin breaks down his first time teaching clinics, competing internationally, and the lessons he took away from tournament play. From player development and coaching challenges to the future of global pickleball, this episode provides a fascinating look at one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:15 Why pickleball is exploding in the Philippines 7:40 The growth of pickleball outside the United States 13:10 Pickleball's expansion strategy in Asia 21:05 Midwest Sports 22:00 Teaching clinics in the Philippines 29:30 Running events, coaching, and player development 34:45 Tournament experience and competing internationally 40:10 Lessons learned from the trip 44:30 Final thoughts and future international growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down everything from MLP Columbus, including the teams and players who helped themselves most through the first stretch of the season. From standout performances and surprise results to roster construction and trade implications, the guys analyze which organizations should be feeling confident and which teams still have major questions to answer moving forward. Later, the conversation shifts from professional pickleball to player development, as AC and Kevin discuss the skills that most players need to improve in order to take the next step. They dive into footwork, transition-zone play, and common mistakes that hold players back before wrapping up with Kevin's recent tournament experience and a look ahead to upcoming events. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:45 MLP Columbus winners and biggest surprises 9:30 MLP Columbus losers and teams facing questions 14:20 Trade reactions and roster movement discussion 20:05 How teams should evaluate early-season results 24:20 Kevin's Philippines tournament experience 28:15 Midwest Sports 29:10 Most important skills for improving players 31:20 Footwork and movement fundamentals 33:40 Transition-zone strategy and common mistakes 38:00 Kevin's silver-medal run and final takeaways 40:45 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down everything that happened at MLP Dallas, including the biggest surprises of the weekend, standout player performances, and why certain teams exceeded expectations while others struggled to find consistency. AC gives an inside perspective from competing during the event, discussing team chemistry, momentum swings, and how strategy changes throughout a long MLP weekend. The conversation also dives into individual player performances, including reactions to Ben Johns and several of the tour’s biggest names, along with broader discussion about where MLP currently stands and how teams may continue evolving moving forward. The guys also touch on Kevin’s recent Philippines trip, upcoming tournaments, and what they expect from the next stretch of the professional pickleball season. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and Kevin’s Philippines medal story 1:45 MLP Dallas overview and AC’s perspective from the event 6:10 Best teams, surprises, and Dallas takeaways 11:40 Team strategy, momentum swings, and DreamBreaker pressure 17:15 Standout performances and player reactions 21:50 Ben Johns discussion and top player analysis 28:20 Midwest Sports 29:10 Upcoming tournaments and Portland Challenger talk 33:15 AC’s training, recovery, and preparation moving forward 37:40 Future tour outlook and closing thoughts 41:40 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down the biggest conversations happening around professional pickleball, including recent tournament takeaways, player performances, and how the pro game continues evolving at the highest level. The guys discuss strategy trends, confidence swings, and what separates players who are consistently rising from those struggling to maintain momentum on tour. The conversation also expands into paddle technology, player development, and the broader direction of professional pickleball moving forward. Along the way, AC and Kevin mix in personal updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and their thoughts on what fans should be watching closely as the next stretch of the season approaches. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:10 AC’s upcoming MLP schedule and summer travel 4:30 APP signings and Omar Wazir discussion 6:45 What beginners should focus on first 10:40 Counters, blocking, and fast hands 18:47 Midwest Sports 20:05 Footwork, court positioning, and efficient movement 27:30 AC and Kevin preview their Portland Challenger partnership 30:15 Doubles strategy: drives, crashes, and limiting errors 34:10 Kitchen movement, Ernes, ATPs, and match patterns 37:20 Outro and upcoming travel plans Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AC and Kevin break down one of the biggest breakout performances in recent pickleball, diving deep into Tama Shimabukuro’s rise and why his game has suddenly become one of the most talked-about stories on tour. The guys analyze what makes Tama so effective, including his movement, hands, court awareness, and ability to transition his tennis background into high-level pickleball success. They also discuss Tour Finals storylines, standout results, and what these performances could mean moving forward. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts toward the global growth of pickleball as Kevin previews his upcoming trip to the Philippines with Friday Pickleball. The guys explore how paddle brands may expand internationally, what the pickleball scene looks like overseas, and why Asia could become one of the sport’s biggest growth opportunities in the coming years. AC also shares updates on his knee recovery, training progress, and preparation heading into the next stretch of MLP and tournament play. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 - Intro 3:25 - PPA documentary reaction and AC’s “Partners” snub 8:15 - Tama Shimabukuro’s breakout run 11:05 - Tama’s game style, hands, footwork, and pickleball IQ 15:50 - Midwest Sports 17:20 - Utah, Connor Garnett, and Tour Finals storylines 21:35 - Tour Finals format, results, and TV implications 23:20 - Kevin’s Philippines trip with Friday Pickleball 26:20 - Friday’s Asia strategy and global paddle growth 30:20 - Travel logistics, clinics, and overseas pickleball plans 34:05 - Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.