Pickleball Buzz Beyond the Kitchen

Table of Contents

• From the Dink Newsletter

• New App: Piqle

• More Pickleball Odds & Ends

• Smiley Riley Pickleball Travel

• NBA Pickleball: The Cavs pickle at practice

• Pickleball Vacations Arrive in the South of France and Tuscany

• NCPA Fuels Growth of Collegiate Pickleball

• The easiest way to win points

• 3 Critical Strategies to Start Winning More Matches According to a PPA Pro

• Is It Better to Play With or Against the Wind in Pickleball According to Science?

• PPA Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA is Announced for 2025

• Poll: What's the most popular unpopular opinion?

• FBI Raids Home of Former Pickleball Rocks Owner Amid $50M Fraud Allegations

• How Much Does it Cost to Build Your Own Pickleball Court?

• Get Active on Your Partner’s Third Shot

• Pickleball Retirees Eying These Cities

• New Heights: Pickleball at the world’s tallest building

• The Biggest Amateur Team Event in History

• The Best Backhand Flick in the Game

• 21-Court Facility Sets Massachusetts Record

• Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios Confirms Pro Pickleball Debut

• 2025 Rules Updates from USA Pickleballa

• End of an Era: Dreamland Closing its Doors

• Matchup: Kevin Hart vs Naomi Osaka

• Adjusting to Modern Pickleball

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Piqle: Revolutionizing Pickleball with Passion, Innovation, and Community

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a way to connect, have fun, and bring people together. And now, thanks to the creative minds behind Piqle, it’s also getting a tech-savvy upgrade that’s as exciting as the game itself. Meet Piqle, the app that’s turning pickleball into a gamified, socially connected experience—and learn about the passionate entrepreneurs behind this game-changing platform.

A Vision Born on the Court

Piqle isn’t just another app; it’s a labor of love crafted by four individuals who fell head over paddles for pickleball. Solomon Shats, Andrew Smith, Vlad Shetinin, and Rodion Gorin—all successful in their respective fields—found inspiration in the fast-growing sport. After immersing themselves in local pickleball communities, they noticed how much the game had evolved. More than just a sport, it has become a vibrant social phenomenon. With their shared passion for both pickleball and technology, this dynamic team decided to create a platform that would amplify the joy and camaraderie the sport inspires. Enter Piqle, a blend of gamification, community-building, and innovation designed to take the pickleball experience to new heights.

What is Piqle?

At its core, Piqle is all about enhancing the pickleball journey—whether you’re a beginner looking for your first open play or a seasoned pro seeking new challenges. Here’s how Piqle is transforming the game:

• ● Find Your Game: The app’s Open Play Integration makes it simple to discover games in your area. Filter by location, skill level, or schedule, and find your perfect match.

• ● Build Connections: Piqle’s Social Connectivity features let you connect, message, and even challenge fellow players. Whether you’re sharing scores or planning a pickleball outing, it’s about building a community, one rally at a time.

• ● Gamified Fun: Daily tasks, seasonal challenges, and achievements turn every match into an adventure. Earn points for completing challenges like “Play with a new partner” or “Win three games this week,” and trade those points for rewards.

But the real magic? Club Wars. This in-app competition lets pickleball clubs battle for bragging rights, prizes, and top spots on the leaderboard. It's a friendly rivalry with a big dose of fun.

Meet the Dream Team

Behind Piqle is a group of dreamers and doers:

• ● Solomon Shats (CEO): A serial entrepreneur with a love for sports and tech, Solomon is the visionary steering Piqle’s future.

• ● Andrew Smith(COO): The operations mastermind ensures the app is as seamless as your best serve.

• ● Vlad Shetinin (CBDO): The ultimate connector, bringing Piqle into partnerships with clubs and brands.

• ● Rodion Gorin (CPO &CMO): The creative genius shaping the app’s user experience and spreading the Piqle love through clever marketing.

Together, they’re combining their tech expertise and pickleball passion to create something truly special.

Why Piqle Matters

Pickleball is booming, but Piqle isn’t just riding the wave—it’s carving out a new path for players and clubs alike. This app makes pickleball more inclusive, engaging, and rewarding. Whether it’s helping a newcomer find their first game or giving a seasoned player fresh challenges, Piqle creates opportunities for growth, connection, and fun. For clubs, Piqle is a game-changer. Features like event management, integrated booking, and Club Wars competitions provide tools to grow membership and build stronger communities. By streamlining logistics and boosting engagement, it’s a win-win for clubs and players.

A Bright Future for Pickleball Innovation

The Piqle team is just getting started. With plans to introduce a Battle Pass subscription, more gamified elements, and deeper social integration, they’re setting the stage for even more exciting pickleball experiences. Their goal? To bring the global pickleball community closer while keeping the game fresh and inspiring.

Be Part of the Movement

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning every pickleball match into an adventure—or just want to meet more amazing players—Piqle is for you. This is pickleball for the digital age, powered by a team of innovators who believe in the power of sport to connect and uplift. Ready to take your pickleball journey to the next level? Grab your paddle, download Piqle, and join the fun. Together, we can make every serve, rally, and point a step toward building an even stronger pickleball community. Here’s to a future where pickleball is more than a game—it’s a way to grow, thrive, and play like never before. Thanks to Piqle, that future starts now.

piqle.io

Meet Riley Palmer

Riley is a Professional Certified Pickleball Coach with a love for the game and industry. “I am an avid Pickleball tournament player and coach. I have mentored under some of the top coaches in the world and I’ve had the opportunity to coach in several states in multi-day clinics, as well as in Croatia and Mexico. I have taught over 2900 students in private, semi-private, clinic, and large group events. I am lucky to be one of the coaching pros at the well-renowned JW Marriott Desert Ridge with 17 Pickleball courts and incredible programming. I am well-versed in adding Coaching, to all levels of players.”

Riley owns her own private coaching business Smiley Riley Pickleball that focuses on individual and group sessions. “I work many private team building and group events. If you dream of it I will help you create the perfect event. As a Certified Travel Agent, I also specialize in Pickleball vacations worldwide. With a Niche in the Cruising Pickleball Vacations and Mexico Pickleball Vacations.”

Calling all Pickleball Clubs and Coaches.

Offers for special pricing for coaches and Club Managers and incentives for free trips as well. Ask for details. Bring your players on one of our 4 carefully curated luxury Pickleball Trips next summer in Greece and Croatia. Enjoy pickleball on the water and in the most beautiful land locations during your trip.

PICKLEBALL IN GREECE

Explore the beauty of Greece while traveling aboard the Elysium – A Boutique LUXURY LINER. Step aboard the exceptional Elysium and lose yourself in a world of casual comfort. This renovated boutique cruise ship offers an unparalleled sailing experience, seamlessly blending comfort, style, and exceptional service.

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