The Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open featured pros using wood paddles, something not seen on the courts since Arlen Paranto invented the composite paddle in 1984. None of today’s pros had used the paddles, and indeed no one in the pro draws other than Matt Wright was even alive when wood paddles were used. It made for a fun and different feel for the event. Here’s some highlights and thoughts:

 

 

The most obvious difference in the paddles was the lack of power. It is much harder to put the ball away with a wood paddle, whether with a drive or an overhead or a speedup. Thus, the emphasis was on dinking, angles, and lobs. Just five years ago, the third shot drop dominated and was often called the most important shot in pickleball. As paddles have become capable of hitting with more power, the third shot drive has become predominant. Further, power in all facets of the game has become the norm, with power players dominating singles, and the speedup/counter play becoming the most important part of doubles play.

 

There were more third shot drops in the Vintage Open than in any tournament we have seen for many years. It led to longer points, with patience and shot-making at a premium. Because it was harder to generate easy winners, players had to think strategically, and look for opportunities to lob, hit Ernes, and otherwise earn points.

 

 

 

We saw many matches with teams fighting off five, eight, even 10 game or match points. Games tended to be very close, as a look at the scores in the medal matches demonstrate. All four of the bronze matches that were played went the full three games. Semifinal play on Saturday did not wrap up until late at night because so many matches were close.

 

Long dink rallies predominated. Speedups were much harder to execute and because wood paddles do not generate as much spin, the ability to hit roll/topspin dinks was reduced. Thus, it was hard to hit a forcing dink, one that would be more likely to lead to an unforced error. All in all, the rallies were long, the games were long, and the matches were long.

 

 

 

Players who have been around the sport longer tended to have an advantage. Further, players with a style that relies more on shot-making and less on power tended to have an advantage. The men’s doubles semifinal was a perfect example. JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier got back together and took on Andrei Daescu and Collin Johns. Johns, in particular, looked like he was playing the exact same game he used so successfully to win titles in 2023. Daescu, who much prefers finesse over power, looked to be in his element. Johnson and Frazier, who had been so successful together in 2023-24, were able to return to their old style of play; hit drops, get to the line, dink, and look to counter. Both Johnson and Frazier, when playing with their usual paddles, will now drive the ball with some frequency, but it is clear they prefer to third shot drop. The wood paddles benefitted the dropper and punished the driver, and thus Johnson and Frazier were able to succeed with their preferred old style.

 

It was the same in all the events. Federico Staksrud was able to win singles again, Jessie Irvine snagged two medals, Lea Jansen won two medals, and Collin Johns returned to the medal stand, as did James Ignatowich.

 

 

 

The Pickleball Central Sacramento Vintage Open was a one-shot affair. No other PPA tournaments for 2025 will use wood paddles. Hopefully, it will return in 2026, and more players will attend.

 

I thought the wood paddles returned the game to its roots, and that was a good thing. Indeed, if I could wave a magic wand and make every player use only wood paddles going forward, I would gladly wave that wand. Technology has wiped out shot-making in racquetball, tennis, and golf, in favor of power. We already see that trend in pickleball and there is no stopping that freight train. But, at least for one week, we all got to enjoy the game of pickleball as it was originally meant to be played.

 

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