In this episode of Cracked Paddles, Alex Crum and Kevin Dong break down a loaded week on tour, starting with a full recap of PPA Lakeland and what the results say about the current pecking order in pro pickleball. From there, the guys tackle a spicy debate: Is having a tennis background actually a disadvantage in pickleball? They dig into why some former tennis players struggle early, whether starting fresh can be an advantage, and how habits from tennis can both help—and hurt—your pickleball game.
The conversation rolls on with a deep dive into the biggest differences between tennis and pickleball, from movement patterns and shot selection to mindset and point construction. Alex and Kevin also float a new proposal for smaller singles courts and discuss how it could change strategy and longevity in the pro game. They wrap things up with some paddle and gear talk, sharing what’s catching their eye right now and what players should be paying attention to. Insightful, opinionated, and guaranteed to spark debate—this is one you won’t want to miss.
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00:00 - Intro
05:40 - PPA Lakeland
09:25 - Benefits of no Tennis Background
15:10 - Comparing Tennis and Pickleball
29:45 - Smaller Singles Court Proposal
41:54 - Paddle and Gear Talk
49:25 - Midwest Sports
50:55 - Outro
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