It’s the spookiest time of the year and while I’m still being haunted by my pickleball ghost(er), I had something absolutely terrifying happen to me during open play.

I got the yips. Every single time I served, it was like I was a newbie who'd never picked up a paddle in my life. The ball was ricocheting out of bounds, I nearly nasty nelsoned my opponent, and my partner was looking at me as if I’d lost my mind.

It was a scary day on the pickleball court. But it got me thinking, what are the scariest things that happen during open play?

1.     When a net cord doesn’t go your way

2.     When your doubles partner says they want to start playing with other people

3.     When grandma Louise beats your 11-2

4.     When your DUPR goes down

5.     When you think you hit a winner, start celebrating, but your opponent returns it and you lose the point

6.     When your pickleball bestie couldn’t make it to open play and you’re forced to play with strangers

7.     When the pickleball coach is there and asks why you haven’t taken another lesson

8.     When the well-meaning moms ask why you still haven’t settled down with your doubles partner

9.    The opponent who blames every bad shot on their paddle

10.  When there’s only three people on the court and you’re forced to play 2 v 1

11.  When your opponent is such a stickler for the rules, you feel like you need a referee for a rec game

12.  When the ball cracks

13.  When it rained and the courts are still wet

14.  A court with bumps, cracks, or uneven lines

15.  When players show up with $10 plastic paddles

16.  When players don’t wear proper footwear

17.  The guy who insists on filming himself even though it’s a rec game

18.  The girl who’s angry she didn’t get into the 4.5 league and insists on banging every ball as form of punishments for the 4.0s

19.  Bangers

20.  The guy who’s not a coach but feels the need to give everyone a quick tip after every point. I don’t need to adjust my stance, Derek.

21.  When the court isn’t welcoming to newbies

22.  Playing with or next to the screamer or excessive grunter

23.  The person with bad music taste who brought a speaker to the court

24.  The guy who swears he could go pro if he didn’t have a day job

25.  The one guy who took a pro clinic back in 2022 and still thinks he has a personal relationship with Ben and Collin Johns

26.  When your opponent calls the score too quietly and you can’t hear them

27.  When your opponent doesn’t tap paddles

28.  When you forget your water bottle

29.  When you forget everything you learned from your last coaching session and all your bad pickleball habits come back

30.  When you forget to have fun

At the end of the day, pickleball is supposed to be fun. So for me, the scariest thing is when I start taking the game too seriously and forget to laugh it off and enjoy the fun of playing a game. So no matter how scary things get on the court, don’t forget to have fun.

Happy Halloween!

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The first day of the inaugural MLP Nations Cup is in the books, so let’s look at the group standings after Friday’s matches.

The top two teams in each group after Saturday will advance to the semifinal round Sunday morning; the victors from the semifinals will then meet for the title later Sunday afternoon.

Here are the group standings:

GROUP A

1. 1. Asia Domestic (2-0)
2. 2. United States (1-0)
3. 3. Europe – West (0-1)
4. 4. Canada (0-2)

GROUP B

1. 1. Australia (2-0)
2. 2. Europe – East (1-1)
3. 3. Asia International (0-1)
4. 4. Latin America (0-1)

Live broadcast coverage from Brookhaven Country Club continues Saturday at 10am CT / 11am ET on Pickleballtv.

Professional pickleball tournaments are about more than watching incredible rallies, cheering for your favorite players, and seeing the sport's biggest stars compete. For many fans, one of the most exciting parts of attending an event is getting the opportunity to meet the pros, snap a photo, get an autograph, or simply say hello. But while most professional players appreciate their fans, there are some unwritten rules of interaction that spectators should understand before approaching them.

In a recent video, professional pickleball player Zane Navratil shared some candid advice about fan etiquette, explaining what players appreciate, what they would rather avoid, and how fans can make those interactions enjoyable for everyone.

1.  
2. Don't Interrupt Practice

First and foremost, leave players alone while they're practicing. It might be tempting to walk onto a court to ask for a picture or strike up a conversation, but remember that professional athletes are at tournaments to compete. Practice and warm-ups are part of their job, and they need that time to focus and prepare.

Navratil encourages fans to wait until practice is finished or until a player has some downtime. Most pros are happy to take pictures and sign autographs when they have a moment. Just respect their preparation time and remember that you wouldn't want someone interrupting you in the middle of your workday.

2. Have Your Camera or Sharpie Ready

Tournament schedules can be extremely tight. Players often move directly from a warm-up court to their match court, leaving very little time for fan interactions.

If you're hoping to get a picture or autograph, be prepared before approaching a player. Have your phone camera open, your Sharpie uncapped, and whatever you want signed ready to go. Don't waste precious time searching through your purse or fumbling with your phone.

A little preparation makes the interaction quicker and easier for everyone, giving players more time to prepare for their next match.

3. Read the Room, Especially After a Loss

This might be one of the most important rules of all: Pay attention to a player's mood and the situation before approaching.

Losing a tough match can be emotionally draining, especially for professionals who dedicate so much time and energy to competing. The last thing many players want immediately afterward is someone asking for a selfie while they're still processing a disappointing loss.

Navratil suggests giving players a few minutes to themselves or finding them later. Most pros will probably smile and accommodate a request, but that doesn't mean it's the right time. A little empathy goes a long way.

4. Don't Expect Players to Remember You

Have you ever attended a clinic, met a professional player, and then run into them years later expecting them to remember your name? Navratil has a message for those fans: Don't take it personally if they don't.

Professional players meet thousands of people through tournaments, clinics, appearances, and other events. Even if you had a great conversation three years ago, there's a good chance they won't remember every detail.

By all means, introduce yourself and say hello. Just don't make players feel guilty for not remembering you. They aren't intentionally being rude, they're simply human.

5. Keep Conversations Short and Respect Their Time

Meeting a favorite player can be exciting, but remember that a quick interaction doesn't need to turn into a 10-minute conversation.

Unless you already have a personal relationship with the player, keep things relatively brief. Say hello, take your picture, exchange a few words, and let them get back to what they were doing.

Many pros are mentally preparing for upcoming matches, and even friendly conversations can become distractions when they're trying to stay focused.

6. Don't Ask for Free Paddles, Hats, or Clothing

One request that particularly frustrates professional players is asking them to give away their equipment or apparel.

While some sponsored players receive free paddles and other gear, that doesn't mean they have an unlimited supply to hand out. Navratil explains that players might bring only three or four paddles to a tournament, and they may choose to give some away at the end of the event.

His advice? Don't ask. If a player has something they'd like to give you, they'll offer it.

He even shared a story about a fan approaching him immediately after a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 Major League Pickleball Finals and demanding his paddle. Navratil was understandably frustrated and didn't appreciate the timing or approach.

7. Respect Personal Space, Especially When Taking Pictures

This rule should be common sense, but Navratil specifically calls it out: Don't put your arm around female professional players when taking pictures.

Just because someone agrees to take a photo doesn't mean they're comfortable with physical contact. Keep your hands to yourself, respect personal boundaries, and avoid inappropriate comments, particularly comments about someone's appearance or body.

Being a fan never gives anyone permission to make a player uncomfortable.

8. Understand That Not Every Pro Wants to Interact

Finally, Navratil points out that not every professional player has the same personality or enthusiasm for fan interactions.

Some players love taking pictures, chatting with spectators, and spending time with fans. Others prefer to keep to themselves. 

The takeaway is simple: Respect individual personalities. A player doesn't owe anyone a photograph or conversation.

The Bottom Line

Professional pickleball players appreciate the fans who support them, fill the stands, and help make the sport what it is today. But there's a difference between being an enthusiastic fan and crossing personal boundaries.

The best way to interact with the pros is to be respectful, considerate, and aware of the situation. Give players space when they're preparing, be mindful after tough losses, keep interactions brief, and respect their personal boundaries.

At the end of the day, a little courtesy can make meeting your favorite pickleball player a positive experience for both sides. And who knows? Your favorite pro might be even more excited to see you the next time around.

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Your guide to Worlds: the schedule, TV and streaming coverage, pro competition, tickets, amateur tournament, special events, and entertainment.

The biggest pickleball tournament in the world. The best players alive. Major titles. International team rivalries. A chance to step onto the courts yourself. And plenty to do between matches.

The 2026 Opendoor Pickleball World Championships bring professional and amateur pickleball together with music, shopping, food, and fan activities at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, Texas. The PPA tournament runs November 2–8, with the inaugural MLP Nations Cup opening the larger Worlds celebration October 30–November 1.

Whether you’re planning a trip, competing, or watching from home, here’s how to follow the action and make the most of Worlds.

When and where are the Pickleball World Championships?

Worlds takes place at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, Texas, in the Greater Dallas area.

• Full Worlds celebration: October 30–November 8, 2026.
• MLP Nations Cup: October 30–November 1.
• PPA World Championships: November 2–8.
• Championship Sunday: November 8.
  
  

That distinction matters when booking your trip: the international team event takes place before the week of PPA Tour competition.

Explore the official Worlds website.

Worlds 2026 schedule

The PPA portion follows a progressive draw, with the tournament advancing toward Sunday’s title matches throughout the week.

The detailed PPA Worlds order of play has not yet been released. The table above outlines the rounds scheduled for each day. Follow the PPA Tour on Instagram for the order of play once it is ready, including specific pro matchups and court assignments. Amateur start times should be checked in each player’s specific bracket.

Check the Worlds schedule page for updates. All schedules are subject to change.

How to watch Worlds: TV and live streaming

PickleballTV is the primary streaming destination. The broadcast schedule below includes the MLP Nations Cup and PPA Worlds. All times are Central. MLP entries show broadcast start times; end times have not been provided.

For the MLP Nations Cup, Championship Court coverage will go off-air after Sunday’s semifinals and resume at 2 p.m. Central for the final. PickleballTV also lists collegiate coverage during MLP Nations Cup on INGS2 and INGS3 beginning at 10 a.m. Central each day, October 30–November 1. PickleballTV will also carry additional Pro, Challenger, and Junior matches on INGS2 and INGS3 beginning at 11 a.m. Central each day, November 3-8.

Monday’s PPA pro qualifiers will stream on the PPA Tour’s YouTube channel. Check the channel and the PPA Tour’s Instagram for the final qualifier schedule.

Watch on PickleballTV.

What is at stake in the pro competition?

Five divisions crown world champions: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Worlds is a 3,000-point PPA Major. The tour lists $1,648,641 in total payouts, including appearance fees—an important distinction from a prize-money-only figure.

Top players competing at Worlds

The field brings together some of the biggest names in pickleball, with world titles on the line across five divisions.

• Men: Ben Johns, Hayden Patriquin, Christian Alshon, Gabriel Tardio, and JW Johnson.
• Women: Anna Leigh Waters, Anna Bright, Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black, and Parris Todd.

From Waters’ relentless pursuit of perfection to the depth of the men’s doubles field, there will be plenty of star power to follow throughout the week. Entries remain subject to change.

Who are the defending champions?

Those names provide a starting point for the storylines: can Waters defend across three divisions, and can Staksrud repeat in both singles and doubles? Final entries, partnerships, seeds, and matchups should be followed through the official draw.

Follow the draws and results on the PPA event page.

MLP Nations Cup: an international kickoff

Before the PPA titles are decided, the first MLP Nations Cup brings eight regional teams to Brookhaven October 30–November 1.

The field represents USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Asia International, Asia Domestic, Europe West, and Europe East. Round-robin competition runs Friday and Saturday, followed by single-elimination championship play Sunday.

It gives fans a different way to experience the opening weekend: regional pride and team competition before attention turns to individual and doubles world titles.

Use the MLP Nations Cup ticket link when planning to attend that weekend; check the dates covered by any PPA pass separately.

MLP Nations Cup schedule of play

All matches below are on Championship Court. All times are Central. On Friday and Saturday, each match after the opener follows the previous match; those matches do not have fixed start times.

Friday, October 30

Saturday, October 31

Sunday, November 1

The top two teams from each group advance to Sunday’s semifinals. Group A consists of Asia Domestic, Europe West, Canada, and USA. Group B consists of Asia International, Australia, Europe East, and Latin America.

Worlds tickets: which pass should you buy?

The biggest choice is whether you want to explore the grounds or watch the action on Championship Court.

The tour advertises daily tickets from $25, with weeklong passes starting at $100 for grounds, $300 for courtside bleachers, and $1,200 for VIP, before fees. Prices and inventory can change.

Check the session before buying: morning and evening Championship Court sessions may require separate tickets. A grounds pass does not guarantee stadium seating.

Shop official Worlds tickets.

Can amateurs play at Worlds?

Yes. Amateur competition runs alongside the pros, with skill and age brackets and additional divisions including Senior Open and Junior PPA.

As of October 27, the live tournament listing shows a $135 registration cost per player and an overall registration deadline of October 29 at noon Central. Check availability, event charges, and division-specific deadlines before entering; pro deadlines are separate.

Registered players receive a grounds pass for every tournament day, including days they are not playing. Championship Court access requires an additional qualifying ticket or VIP pass.

State champions and the Champions Division

The Powerball Pickleball State Championship Series provides an amateur pathway to Worlds. State gold medalists automatically qualify for the state champions brackets.

The tournament listing also describes eligibility for state championship medalists and allows a qualifier to partner with someone who has not qualified. Players should confirm their invitation and exact bracket eligibility in the registration system.

What is the amateur format?

The registration guide describes skill/age play as double elimination without a come-around: after a loss, a team can pursue bronze rather than return to the gold-medal match. It lists best-of-three games to 11 for main-draw and medal matches, and one game to 15 in consolation, all win by two. Smaller brackets may use different formats.

View registration, divisions, and player information.

Challenger Showdown: eight tour contracts on the line

The PPA Challenger Showdown runs November 5–7, adding another competition to follow during Worlds.

Eligible players without PPA contracts compete for eight offers to join the tour in 2027. Singles pool play takes place Thursday, doubles pool play Friday, and semifinals and finals Saturday.

Each event has eight players or teams split into two pools, with the top two from each pool advancing. Matches are best of three games.

Learn more about the Challenger Showdown.

Mark Wahlberg and the celebrity pickleball showdown

The MUNICIPAL Celebrity Pickleball Showdown is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m. Central on Powerball Championship Court.

Mark Wahlberg headlines the exhibition, which pairs celebrities and sports personalities with PPA pros. Tennis Channel will carry it live, with PickleballTV also listed in the event broadcast schedule.

Additional participants were still to be announced in the official information reviewed for this guide. Check the dedicated Showdown ticket listing for admission details.

See the celebrity showdown announcement.

Pickleball Boulevard: music, food, shopping, and entertainment

Build some time between matches into your visit. Pickleball Boulevard is the festival side of Worlds, with vendor displays, the Pickleball Central superstore, concerts, and other events. The venue also includes a food court and music stage.

Live music is scheduled November 1–7. On Friday, November 6, the published schedule lists an opening act and DJ set at 6 p.m., followed by a headliner at 7 p.m. A performer name was not provided on the official schedule reviewed for this guide.

Grounds admission includes access to the Boulevard’s concerts and events, making it an option for fans who want to combine pickleball viewing with an evening out.

Clinics, social play, and family activities

Worlds also offers ways to participate beyond the main tournament. Programming scheduled November 2–7 includes PPA Camp, Play with the Pro, Meet the Pro, King of the Court, and themed social sessions.

Other listed activities include Drink, Dink & Disco; a cowboy-themed Rowdy Round Robin; a wooden paddle tournament; Special Olympics; police-versus-fire and military events; a kids’ introductory class; and a parent-and-child round robin.

Different sessions target different ages and skill levels. Check the daily programming schedule for times, eligibility, sign-up requirements, and any additional charges before building your day around an activity.

Parking, shuttles, and getting to Worlds

General event parking is at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Lot P3, 3939 Valley View Lane, with complimentary shuttles to the venue. General ticket holders should plan to use that lot; the on-site Box Suite lot is for Box Suite ticket holders.

Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off is on Brookhaven Drive, just past Golfing Green Drive. Consult the official venue guide for the current access map and shuttle arrangements.

Where to stay

Listed host hotels include Renaissance Dallas North, Sheraton Dallas Galleria, DoubleTree Dallas Near the Galleria, Hampton Inn & Suites Farmers Branch Dallas, Candlewood Suites Farmers Branch, and Holiday Inn Express Dallas NW Farmers Branch.

The event provides designated hotel shuttle routes. The posted hotel block deadlines have already passed as of October 27, so confirm current rates, availability, and shuttle access directly rather than assuming the advertised group rate is still available.

See hotels and travel information.

Which day should you attend?

• For international team competition: Friday, October 30–Sunday, November 1 for the MLP Nations Cup.
• For earlier-round PPA action: November 3–5.
• For celebrity pickleball: Thursday evening, November 5.
• For quarterfinals and a concert: Friday, November 6.
• For PPA semifinals and Challenger finals: Saturday, November 7.
• For Worlds titles: Sunday, November 8.

Choose your day around the experience you want, then match your ticket to the courts and sessions you plan to watch.

Halloween is quickly approaching and if you haven’t finalized your costume yet for trick-or-treating, you better start now.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. If you’re an avid pickleball player or love the pro game, here’s a few last-minute Halloween costume ideas for pickleball players with items you already own (and can quickly order on Amazon).

Costume Ideas for Women

Anna Leigh Waters

If you have some Nike in your closet, now is the time to break it out. If you want to dress like Waters, all you have to do is wear a Nike skirt, top, visor, and carry around a Franklin Pickleball paddle. Then, put your hair into a braided ponytail, order three gold medals on Amazon, and Viola! You’ve got yourself the perfect Anna Leigh Waters Halloween costume that’ll make you look like you just won a triple crown.

If you want to take things a step further, you could wear a long sparkly white dress, get a blowout, and get creative and DIY her iconic custom pickleball Franklin bag and be Waters when she’s at the ESPY Awards.

Leigh Waters

One of the easiest costumes to recreate for women is get a track suit or wear your favorite matching sweat set, wear your hair in a ponytail, and get a gold chain for your sunglasses and be Leigh Waters.  

Anna Bright

If you have brown hair and wanted to dress up like Anna Bright, her costume would be an easy one to recreate. To look like AB, you could wear a fitted athletic top and skirt, a white baseball hat, court shoes, and carry around a JOOLA paddle.

Costume Ideas for Men

Ben Johns

Who doesn’t want to dress like the G.O.A.T? A Ben Johns Halloween costume would be easy to create with the clothes you already wear to pickleball. Just wear a few different colors, get some compression pants and sleeves, walk around with a JOOLA and you’ll be looking like the best player of all time. You could add a trophy or gold medal too, just to really solidify your status as a top pro.

Hayden Patriquin

Another simple costume would be dressing up as Hayden Patriquin. With a clean-shaven face, you could wear all white or all black, a gold chain, a Franklin paddle, and a hat. It’d be extra funny to carry a trophy and a bottle of champagne, and call yourself Hayden Patriquin when he celebrated his 21^st birthday in Vegas. Now that’s a last-minute costume that would get you some laughs.

Tyson McGuffin

McGuffin has one of the most iconic looks on tour, so he’d be a fun costume to recreate for your Halloween costume. Wear a white bro tank, neon pink shorts, a chunky silver chain, and tattoo sleeves for your arms and legs. If you want to really elevate the look, you can get a mullet and be throwback Tyson McGuffin. That would be incredible.

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About a year ago, top pro player Anna Bright started weight training. A lot.

As a pro athlete with a collegiate tennis background, Bright has always been physically fit. But this season she’s really putting on some impressive muscle and documenting her workouts on social media.

Bright entered what she likes to call, her muscle mommy era.

Bright’s physique was highlighted in Pickleball.com’s recent Instagram post where they compared the pro’s head shots from 2024 to 2026. Bright’s muscular growth is put on full display. And she looks great.

“I look jacked in that picture,” said Bright on the Let Her Cook podcast with Kate Fahey.

“I don’t think you get enough credit for how strong you are. And how quickly. You kind of did a 180 with lifting. You were always into working out and you were always fit. But in the last year you’ve gotten so strong,” said Fahey.

“I became a muscle mommy,” said Bright. “I think I must have good genetics because I’ve always lifted, but not super consistently. We travel so much and I was previously just lifting for pickleball. But in December last year, I switched to just lifting like a bodybuilder.”

Fahey and Bright lifted together and Fahey couldn’t believe the difference in their weight training regime.

“I’m lifting like an athlete and you’re lifting to max out,” described Fahey.

“When Kate and I went lifting, she’s doing a landmine press, things for explosiveness and exercises with bands. And I’m just looking at her like, ‘You can go heavier,’” said Bright.

Fahey’s weightlifting exercises are great for pickleball players, but Bright’s more intense weightlifting has not only changed her physical strength, but her game on the court as well.

“Weightlifting has definitely helped my game. I’m hitting the ball harder,” Bright said.

“And I think lifting is so important for women. So many women get osteoporosis and the number one way to combat that if you look at any study is just to pick up and put down heavy stuff a few times a week,” she continued.

“Weight training helps with pickleball but it also helps with feeling confident. I love being able to see muscle, and when I see other girls with muscles, I think it’s such a cool thing,” added Fahey.

And Bright is definitely proud of her muscles. She loves a flex to the camera after a win, or sharing her gym session on her vlog channel.  

Having Bright, one of the best pickleball athletes in the game, sharing how she’s taking care of herself and building a strong body is inspiring in a current culture where people would rather take a pill to lose weight, rather than build muscle through time, consistency, and good habits.

As pickleball players, we don’t need to be trying to max out like Bright. After all, she is a pro athlete. But I love how she’s physically proving just how athletic pro pickleball is.   

Bright is proud of the hard work she’s done in the gym and on the court, and I applaud her for sharing that. You go, girl.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.

If there’s one thing the folks on pickleballtok and pickleball twitter love more than anything, it’s when Ben Johns loses. I swear it’s like the internet starts celebrating when the underdog team pulls away and there’s an upset from the number one seed.

Of course, it’s exciting when the best players in the game lose because it’s a rarity. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are so good that they seldom lose. And when they do, it’s shocking, it’s exciting, and it becomes everyone’s favorite breaking news. Resulting in dozens of reels, match breakdowns, and highlight point clips to replay that upset over and over and over on your feed.

When a newbie pro upsets an opponent like Ben Johns, it’s a huge moment in their career. But are the pickleball online personalities making too much of a meal out of Johns’ latest losses? I think so.

Currently, I can’t go on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and even Facebook and not be blasted by the headline that Ben Johns has lost his mojo.

“Ben Johns loses AGAIN…” said this match breakdown.

Personally, I think it’s a bunch of bologna. It’s click bait at its finest. Just because Johns loses one match, doesn’t mean he suddenly sucks at pickleball. That’s crazy, right?

We’re talking about the G.O.A.T. of pro pickleball.

I’ve seen this argument so many times. Basically, after every time Johns loses a match. “Ben Johns doesn’t care about pickleball anymore,” or “Everyone else in the field has caught up to him.”

But how many times have we thought that after he loses, only to then watch Johns go on another insane gold medal winning streak?

In the most recent case of “Ben Johns isn’t good at pickleball anymore,” Johns lost his last four men’s doubles matches. Which yes, is a lot for Johns, but it’s circumstantial.

The first loss was with Federico Staksrud in Arizona, the next was with Jack Sock in Chicago, and the other two losses were with Gabe Tardio in Las Vegas and in Hong Kong.

Of course, Johns didn’t perform his best with Sock and Staksrud because these aren’t his normal partners. He doesn’t play with these guys regularly and there’s an undoubtable adjustment period. When Johns first partnered up with Tardio, they didn’t instantly play together perfectly and seamlessly. They had to work out their new partnership and get used to each other’s style.

Johns and Tardio got silver in Hong Kong against Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin, but that team has beaten Johns and Tardio in the past. Between rare unforced errors and excellent gameplay from their opponents, it’s understandable to see why Johns couldn’t get the gold this time.

Additionally, there could be a number of factors that cost them the win. Between jet lag, different court surfaces, general exhaustion from traveling overseas, and having a busy schedule with camps, meet and greets, clinics, etc. Going abroad to compete is certainly more exhausting than just driving a few hours north to Daytona Beach, FL.

And when Johns and Tardio got silver in Las Vegas, Tardio was clearly enjoying the Vegas nightlife, so who’s to say Tardio wasn’t competing at his strongest and healthiest?

So everyone needs to calm down. Remember who we’re talking about here. Ben Johns is the consistency king who can adapt better than anyone in the game. And if you watched any of his other matches, you’d see that same incredibly high gameplay that his opponents are still studying and trying to recreate.

And as a reminder – it’s okay to lose. In fact, it’s inevitable. Everyone has off days and Johns is a pro who seldom has off days.

But don’t bet against Ben Johns. Next tournament, he’ll remind us who’s the G.O.A.T.

So, has Johns lost his mojo or was it just an off day? Let us know on Instagram.

The eyes of the pickleball world will next turn to the Opendoor Pickleball World Championships. Main draw action begins November 2, from Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, Texas, just outside of Dallas. The biggest and best pickleball tournament featuring all the top players from around the world will have the usual five events, with men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, men’s singles, and women’s singles. Each of the five events have the largest draws we see all year, so the five gold medal winners will certainly earn it next week.

1. Men’s Doubles

The top seed is the team of Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns. They have struggled a little bit lately, including a loss last week in the final of the Hong Kong Slam, to next week’s #2 seed, Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud. Are the struggles of Tardio/Johns a sign of things to come? Is the field catching up to them? Worlds will be a good test.

The #3 seed is Andrei Daescu/Christian Alshon, and at #4 is JW Johnson/Tama Shimabukuro. Of the top four seeds, Johnson/Shimabukuro is the weakest one, but their quarter of the draw has the overall weakest teams, to their benefit. 

The main competition in Johns/Tardio’s quarter is #6 Connor Garnett/Dylan Frazier. They are a fairly new partnership but have played well together and could upset the top seed, if they meet in the quarterfinals.

Daescu/Alshon join Tardio/Johns in the top half of the draw. Their section of the draw includes several solid teams, including #8 Jaume Martinez Vich/Nico Acevedo, #10 Yuta Funemizu/Armaan Bhatia, and #12 Roscoe Bellamy/Pablo Tellez. JMV/Acevedo is definitely a team to watch. They have shown they can win a tournament and beat anyone.

The main threat to Patriquin/Staksrud in their section of the draw is #5 CJ Klinger/Eric Oncins. Klinger/Oncins is a high ceiling/low floor team, so if they make the semifinals, they will be playing well and will have a chance for the upset.

The bottom quarter of the draw is the best opportunity for an upset team to make a deep run. The #7 seeded team of Noe Khlif/Riley Newman is the best bet to be that team. Newman has not played to his standards lately but has a habit of showing up in the biggest tournaments. The #9 seeded team is Collin Johns/Len Yang. They are an under-the-radar team that will play smart pickleball, so their opponents will need to be careful.

A likely Round of 32 match to watch for is #13 Eunggwon Kim/Hong Kit Wong against #20 Tyson McGuffin/Casey Diamond. Kim/Wong are arguably the best players from Asia, but they have not normally done very well in US-based events. Another good Round of 32 match is #14 Dekel Bar/Wyatt Stone against #17 Will Howells/Clayton Powell. Powell is one of the most underrated players on tour. It is just a matter of time before he has a breakout event and people start noticing his talent.

2. Women’s Doubles

The women’s doubles draw is all about ‘Team Anna.’ The top seeded team of Anna Leigh Waters/Anna Bright has been rolling all year and there is no reason to think they will not continue their hot streak at Worlds.

The #2 seeded team and biggest threat to Waters/Bright is the team of Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson. While Black/Johnson have beaten Waters/Bright before, it feels like lately Black/Johnson have not been quite the same threat to win as in the past. Waters/Bright seem to have found another gear, separating themselves even more from the rest of the field.

The next seeds are #3 Rachel Rohrabacher/Parris Todd, #4 Kate Fahey/Tina Pisnik, #5 Sofia Sewing/Catherine Parenteau, and #6 Lacy Schneemann/Jamie Wei. Of those teams, watch out for Fahey/Pisnik. Fahey has been arguably the third best women’s doubles player over the last six months, and Pisnik is always steady. Can they make a run to the finals?

An interesting Round of 64 match pits #30 Kelly Goodnow/Elsie Hendershot against #35 Allison Phillips/Genie Bouchard. Goodnow and Hendershot have a combined age of less than Bouchard’s 32 years. Can the youngsters pull the upset?

An expected Round of 32 match is #9 Mari Humberg/Milan Rane against #20 Lucy Kovalova/Cailyn Campbell. This should be a very close match. Humberg and Campbell will supply the power, while Rane and Kovalova will be steady on the right side.

3. Mixed Doubles

The heavy favorite in mixed doubles will be the top seeded Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns. They may have an interesting Round of 32 match, as they will play the winner of #29 Callie Smith/Collin Johns v. #33 Daria Walczak/Augie Ge. A brother v. brother match would be fun to see, but I like Walczak/Ge to win that Round of 64 clash.

The main threats to Waters/Johns in the top half of the draw are #4 Rachel Rohrabacher/Christian Alshon, #5 Tyra Black/Gabe Tardio, and #7 Kate Fahey/Federico Staksrud. Fahey and Staksrud usually give Waters/Johns a tough time, but can they break through with a win?

In the bottom half of the draw, the #2 seed goes to Anna Bright/Hayden Patriquin, and the #3 seed is Jorja and JW Johnson. The bottom half of the draw also includes quality teams #6 Parris Todd/Andrei Daescu, #8 Catherine Parenteau/Eric Oncins, and #9 Tina Pisnik/Noe Khlif. Whoever comes out of the bottom half of the draw will have to earn their way to the final.

The Round of 64 will feature some excellent matches. #22 Mari Humberg/Pablo Tellez takes on #44 Zoey Weil/Chris Haworth, and #31 Etta Tuionetoa/Jaume Martinez Vich plays #37 Kiora Kunimoto/Elliott Schupp. Young guns Kunimoto and Schupp have had some success lately, but the veteran team of Tuionetoa/Martinez Vich brings a lot of experience into this one.

4. Men’s Singles

The men’s singles draw is stacked, as usual. Chris Haworth gets the top seed, but he will be challenged early. He is matched against a qualifier in the first round but then has to play the winner of #30 Cam Chaffin against #35 Augie Ge. It does not get easier as he goes, as he faces a likely quarterfinal against the winner of #7 John Lucian Goins against #9 Noe Khlif. Of course, that assumes Khlif can win his Round of 32 match against #19 Ben Johns. These matches show the quality depth of the men’s singles draw.

Also in the top half of the draw are #4 Christian Alshon and #8 Connor Garnett. A couple of fun Round of 64 matches in the top half pit #15 Grayson Goldin against #55 Nico Acevedo, and #12 Jaume Martinez Vich against #53 Will Howells.

In the bottom half of the draw, the #2 seed is Federico Staksrud and #3 is Hunter Johnson. Standing in the way of a semifinal showdown between those two are #5 Roscoe Bellamy, #6 Tama Shimabukuro, and #11 Hong Kit Wong. Wong is a very successful singles player who had match points against Staksrud when they played in Hong Kong, but can he adjust to the change of scenery and do well in a US tournament?

The bottom half also has a great expected Round of 32 match between #13 Jack Sock and #22 Yates Johnson. Sock is always a fun watch, while Johnson has had a number of good singles results lately. That will be a very good match to watch on Wednesday.

5. Women’s Singles

When the women’s singles draw is released, every player looks to see when they would have to play top seed Anna Leigh Waters. If you get put in the bottom half of the draw, you let out a sigh of relief. Trying for the upset in the top half will be #4 Brooke Buckner, #5 Zoey Wang, #8 Judit Castillo, and #9 Sahra Dennehy. Castillo will be tested in the Round of 32 by #25 Sofia Sewing. The winner could well see Waters in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, Kate Fahey headlines as the #2 seed. She will be challenged by #3 Kaitlyn Christian, #6 Kiora Kunimoto, and #7 Catherine Parenteau. A good Round of 32 match in the bottom half will have #11 Jorja Johnson against #22 Liz Truluck.

6. Predictions 

Starting with men’s doubles, we have not seen Tardio/Johns in their usual position at the top. I expect that the prestige of winning Worlds will motivate them to play their best and when they play their best, they win. Patriquin/Staksrud benefit from being on the easier side, so they should also make the final.

In women’s doubles, it is hard to bet against Waters and Bright, so I will not do it. The bigger question is whether they will lose a game at all. For a finals opponent, I will go with Fahey/Pisnik. Fahey has been playing well enough to make a final, so this looks like a good spot to do it.

For mixed doubles, how about one big upset with Fahey and Staksrud taking down the top seed but then losing to Rohrabacher/Alshon. That will create an opening for Bright/Patriquin to take the title.

Men’s singles is just coin flip after coin flip. Nico Acevedo is a #55 seed yet is good enough to win it all. That is how deep the draw is. I will go with Hunter Johnson to win, over John Lucian Goins.

Finally, in women’s singles, no one should ever anticipate that Anna Leigh Waters will lose. It will happen someday, but I will not predict it for next week. The usual Waters over Fahey final is likely.

All the matches will be on Pickleballtv. Worlds is can’t-miss pickleball.

Follow me on X @ pickleball_jim

The Opendoor Pickleball World Championships (Worlds) runs November 2-November 8 at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, TX, and the professional draws for all five divisions of play have been released.

Here are the draws:

MEN'S DOUBLES

WOMEN'S DOUBLES

MIXED DOUBLES

WOMEN'S SINGLES

MEN'S SINGLES

The Houston Hammers will join the Major League Pickleball ranks for the 2027 season as MLP’s 21^st team, the league announced Wednesday.

The Hammers franchise first made its mark in the MLP Champions Series, which features the world’s best players over 40 years old.

Now, the Hammers will exist at all levels of Major League Pickleball, with the franchise even set to host a 2027 league event in the Houston market.

Hugh Zhang, a dynamic leader with expertise across various industries, will lead the franchise’s new ownership group.

“MLP completes the Houston Hammers ecosystem, with our regular-season champion senior team, Jr. MLP, and minor leagues all under one brand,” said Zhang. “Our vision is to build a first-class sports brand that delivers an exceptional fan experience, develops local talent, and creates a lasting legacy in Houston sports.”

Additional information on the Hammers, including the team’s player acquisition process, will be available from the league in the coming weeks.

In pickleball, many players believe winning an attacking exchange means hitting one powerful speed-up that their opponent cannot return. However, effective attackers know that the first shot does not always need to win the point. Instead, it should create an opportunity for the next shot. By learning to play attacking combinations, players can anticipate their opponents’ responses, maintain control, and finish points more consistently.

Top pro pickleball athlete, Roscoe Bellamy, broke this down in his latest video on YouTube. 

1. Choose the Right Ball to Attack

Before attempting a speed-up, players must recognize whether they have a genuine attacking opportunity. Four factors help determine whether a ball is suitable for an effective attack.

Ball height: Ideally, the ball should be at or near net height, allowing you to hit forward rather than upward. Attacking a ball that is too low forces you to lift it, giving your opponent an opportunity to counter downward.

Ball speed: Slow, dead dinks that sit up are easier to attack than fast-moving balls. These provide more control over timing, placement, and execution.

Body position: Even a tempting ball can be a poor attacking opportunity if you are reaching or positioned too far away. Getting behind the ball creates a stronger, more balanced position and makes recovery for the next shot easier.

Court position: Whenever possible, attack from the kitchen line, or non-volley zone line. Attacking from the midcourt leaves more room for opponents to drive the ball downward toward your feet. Staying near the kitchen line provides better attacking angles and helps you prepare for the return.

2. Attack With Control, Not Maximum Power

Once you identify the right ball, your next objective is to hit an attack that sets up a favorable response.

Rather than swinging at 100% power, aim for approximately 60–70% effort. A controlled attack gives you time to recover, maintain balance, and prepare for the next shot. It can also surprise opponents who expect a powerful drive.

The goal is not simply to hit hard but to create a counterattack that is easier to anticipate and punish.

Trajectory matters, too. Attack forward in a relatively linear path instead of lifting the ball high toward your opponent. A high attack gives the defender a better opportunity to redirect the ball downward toward your feet.

Placement is equally important. Opponents are often strongest when the ball comes directly toward their bodies, where they can counter aggressively.

Instead, target the wings. An attack down the sideline forces your opponent to reach and extend their arm. A crosscourt attack toward the outside of the body can produce an awkward, weaker response, often called a chicken-wing shot.

These placements limit your opponent’s power, making the next ball easier to attack.

3. Use the Rebound Effect to Anticipate the Return

One of the most valuable concepts in attacking combinations is the rebound effect.

When opponents face a fast attack, they often have limited time to change the ball’s direction. Their response is usually reactive rather than deliberate, meaning your attack’s direction can help predict where the return will go.

For example, if you attack down the line, your opponent may block the ball back along a similar path. You can prepare for this by keeping your paddle ready in that direction.

The same principle applies to crosscourt attacks. Sending the ball diagonally across the court may encourage a return along that same trajectory.

Although skilled opponents can redirect the ball, anticipating the most likely response gives you an advantage.

After your first attack, keep your paddle in front of your body and position it toward the expected return. Avoid a large backswing or unnecessary repositioning. A compact, prepared stance allows you to react quickly and attack again.

4. Hunt the Second Ball and Finish the Combo

The final step is turning the anticipated return into a winning opportunity.

After the first speed-up, stay aggressive and prepare for another ball. Look to take the return early and as high as possible, allowing you to hit downward and put your opponent under greater pressure.

This second attack is often the shot that wins the point. The first attack may have forced a defensive response, leaving the return weaker, slower, or less controlled.

If your opponent returns the second attack, remain balanced and continue tracking the ball. Do not assume the rally is over until the point is won.

The key is maintaining pressure without sacrificing positioning. Every shot should prepare you for the next, allowing you to remain in control of the exchange.

Think in Combinations, Not Individual Shots

Improving your attacking game requires a shift in mindset. Instead of trying to win every point with one speed-up, focus on creating opportunities through smart placement, controlled power, and anticipation.

Choose the right ball, target your opponent’s weaker areas, use the rebound effect to predict the return, and stay ready to finish the next shot.

With practice, these principles can help you recognize patterns faster, make better decisions under pressure, and become a more effective attacker at the kitchen line.

Remember: your first attack does not have to win the point. Its real purpose may be to create the perfect opportunity for the shot that follows.

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In pickleball, line calls can be some of the most contentious moments on the court. Whether playing recreationally with friends or competing in a high-stakes tournament, players must make quick decisions about whether a ball lands inside or outside the lines. While the official rules provide guidance, several unwritten expectations help maintain fairness, respect, and sportsmanship.

Pro player Zane Navratil broke down the unspoken rules in pickleball line-calling in a recent video:

One of the most important principles is simple: if you are unsure whether a ball is out, call it in. This approach gives opponents the benefit of the doubt and prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage through questionable calls. In a sport built around competition and community, honesty should always take priority over winning a point.

At the professional level, players may have opportunities to challenge their own calls when they are uncertain. This practice reinforces accountability and encourages athletes to prioritize accuracy over personal advantage. Rather than treating every close call as an opportunity to win, players should be willing to acknowledge uncertainty and allow the appropriate process to determine the outcome.

Another important aspect of line call etiquette is the willingness to overrule a partner. Although correcting a teammate can feel uncomfortable, avoiding the truth simply to protect their feelings undermines the integrity of the game. If a player clearly sees that a partner has made an incorrect call, speaking up is the fair thing to do. Good teammates should welcome honest corrections rather than expect blind loyalty.

However, fairness also means knowing when to stop questioning other people's decisions. Constantly challenging opponents or repeatedly asking a referee to reconsider an obvious call can create unnecessary tension. While an occasional request for clarification may be reasonable, players should avoid turning every close decision into an argument. Respecting the process helps keep matches enjoyable and prevents minor disagreements from overshadowing the game itself.

Players should also avoid a tactic sometimes described as call baiting. This occurs when someone hits a ball that may be out and immediately shouts something like “Come on!” in an attempt to influence the opponent's decision. Such behavior puts unfair pressure on the person responsible for making the call. The opponent should be allowed to judge the ball independently, without being influenced by an early shout or an attempt to sway their judgment.

When a line call dispute cannot be resolved during recreational play, replaying the point can often be the simplest solution. Unlike professional tournaments, where formal procedures govern disputes, casual games offer more flexibility. Rather than allowing a disagreement to ruin an otherwise enjoyable session, players can agree to start the point again and move forward. The goal is to preserve friendly competition, not to win an argument at all costs.

Repeatedly making questionable calls can be especially frustrating. Some players refuse to reconsider their decisions even when others believe the call was incorrect. In recreational settings, maintaining the atmosphere of the game may be more productive than escalating a confrontation. Players should focus on keeping the session enjoyable, while recognizing that deliberate dishonesty damages trust and sportsmanship.

Finally, players should wait until the ball bounces before calling it out. Even when a shot appears to be heading well beyond the boundary, there is always a possibility that it will land inside the court. Calling the ball too early can interfere with the natural flow of play and create confusion about whether the point should continue.

This principle reflects a broader lesson: players should make decisions based on what actually happens, rather than what they expect to happen. Patience allows for more accurate calls and demonstrates respect for the opponent.

Ultimately, good line call etiquette comes down to honesty, accountability, and mutual respect. Players should give uncertain calls to their opponents, correct mistakes when necessary, avoid attempts to influence decisions, and resolve disagreements calmly. While competitive pickleball demands clear rules and consistent enforcement, recreational play benefits from flexibility and goodwill.

By following these unwritten expectations, players can reduce disputes, build trust, and keep the focus where it belongs: on enjoying the game and competing fairly.

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