Dinks On Tap: Life Through the Lens of Pickleball

How to Stop Pickleball Injuries Before They Happen (And Recover Like a Pro!) With Albert Ibanez

Are you stretching the wrong way? You might think a quick quad stretch before a match is enough, but according to soft tissue specialist Albert Ibanez, most players are skipping the real key to pickleball injury prevention… and it's not what you’d expect.
 
Albert, known as the Muscle Whisperer, has worked on countless athletes, including some of the best pickleball players in Dallas. In this episode, he reveals why so many players struggle with chronic shoulder, elbow, and lower back pain and how small changes in your stretching routine can help you play longer and feel better.
 
One game-changing tip? If you're not doing an ice bath for athletes after intense play, you’re missing out on faster muscle recovery and better performance. But don’t worry, Albert also shares easy alternatives for those of us who hate freezing water.
Listen now and learn how to keep your muscle health in check, stay pain-free, and keep dinking like a pro.
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
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What Happens Off the Court Matters More Than You Think

What if we told you that having fun off the court is just as important as practicing your dinks and drives? Sounds wild, right? But after an epic pickleball team-building trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we’re here to tell you… IT WORKS.
 
In this episode, we’re diving into why team building is important for every pickleball league (and any competitive sport, really). We’ll share how doing team bonding activities like a Mardi Gras night, petting zoo adventures, and even a choreographed team entrance helped us feel more connected and confident going into a super competitive pickleball season.
 
We’ll also get real about the nerves that come with leveling up in competition, how building community and connection off the court helps us play better on it, and why staying loose is the secret weapon to better performance.
 
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to build trust with your doubles partner, strengthen your pickleball team, or just want an excuse to plan a fun team trip, this episode is for you!
 
Hit play and let’s talk about why fun actually makes you a better player.
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

Pickleball Rules, Refs & Controversial Calls with Courtney Johnson

If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know how fast things can get heated- bad line calls, foot faults, and that one player who lobs every single shot. 
 
But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the person making the tough calls? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on this episode!
 
We got to sit down with Courtney Johnson, the Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP) and one of the most respected referees in the game. She’s been a USA Pickleball certified referee since 2018, has officiated some of the biggest matches in pro pickleball, and even had to stand her ground against John McEnroe at the Pickleball Slam.
 
Courtney shares how she went from a casual rec player to one of the most well-known refs in the sport, breaks down the viral “Two Becomes One” rule, and explains why MLP switched from rally scoring to side-out scoring. We also get into the biggest mistakes rec players make, the best way to handle bad line calls and lobbers, and whether pickleball is still the inclusive, welcoming sport we all love or if it's becoming too exclusive.
 
Plus, there’s an exclusive giveaway you won’t want to miss! If you love pickleball tips, pro pickleball insights, and fun conversations, join us for this episode!
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
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Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Why Your Mindset is the Key to Better Pickleball with Dayne Gingrich & Jill Martin

Have you ever rescheduled a meeting or called in sick just to play pickleball? We get it! 
 
In this episode, we explore the mental game of pickleball with Dayne Gingrich, a seven-time national champion, and Jill Martin, a former attorney turned fitness pro. 
 
As co-authors of Pickleball Mindset, they share winning strategies for improving mental toughness, building confidence, and becoming a better pickleball partner.
 
We dive into essential pickleball psychology topics like pre-acceptance versus pre-expectance and how to stop overthinking mistakes, reset rituals to improve focus and consistency, and practical ways to strengthen your doubles pickleball partnership. 
 
We also discuss common pickleball pet peeves, how to handle pressure in tournaments, and the biggest mindset shifts that separate elite players from the rest. To keep things fun, we wrap up with rapid-fire questions, including our dream pickleball foursomes and what superpowers we’d love to have on the court.
 
This episode is packed with laughs, lightbulb moments, and real talk about the mental game of pickleball. Grab a drink, get cozy, and listen in!
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
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Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Sneaky Pickleball Lies, Court Pet Peeves & More with Pro Melissa Pedroza

What’s the magic behind the explosive growth of pickleball?
 
In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Pedroza, a pickleball pro and coach who’s turned her passion into a tool for transforming communities and workplaces. Melissa shares the hilarious and heartwarming moments from her journey into the sport, plus the surprising ways pickleball can bring people together, even in corporate settings.
 
We also dive into hot topics like what makes pickleball inclusive, balancing the fun of the game with the pressure to improve, and the hilarious white lies people tell to sneak in extra pickleball time.
 
Plus, Melissa gives us her take on pet peeves on the court, who she’d pick for her dream pickleball match, and her love for creating delicious ceviche. (Recipe in our Instagram bio.)
 
Tune in and don’t forget to share with your favorite dinking buddy!
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com
 
 
Get Melissa’s Ceviche Recipe here: https://dinksontap.com/melissas-ceviche-recipe

What’s New in Pickleball? Growth Stats, Game Rules, and Pickleball Mindset for 2025

Welcome to 2025, pickleballers! 
 
This week, we’re serving up a fresh episode packed with everything you need to start the year strong. From pickleball stats to new rules for 2025, we’ve got the scoop to keep your game sharp.
 
We’re also diving into the ultimate pickleball growth hack. Inspired by the game-changing book Pickleball Mindset, we’re exploring how to flip pressure into opportunity, ditch the fear of “slumps,” and build confidence like never before. This episode is full of practical tips to help you improve your performance, enjoy the game more, and stay mentally tough.
 
Plus, don’t miss our fun facts about pickleball’s origin, the rise of younger players, and how to get your own Pickleball homepage. This episode is your go-to guide for embracing pickleball’s explosive growth, strengthening your mental game, and kicking off 2025 as your best pickleball year yet.
 
So pour your favorite drink, and join us for a lively conversation where pickleball meets margaritas. 
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Why Playing Better Opponents is the Secret to Pickleball Success

Ready to wrap up 2024 with us? 
 
In this special New Year's episode of Dinks on Tap, we're getting festive with some holiday gift-giving before diving into real talk about our pickleball journey this year.
 
Thinking about how to level up your pickleball game in 2025? We’re sharing pickleball strategies, tips for improvement, and how the “one word” we each chose for 2024 shaped not only our time on the court but in life. Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or you’re already a 4.0+ player, you’ll find insights, inspiration, and maybe even a few laughs in this episode.
 
And that’s not all, stay tuned for an exciting announcement about what’s coming up for Dinks on Tap in 2025. 
 
Grab your favorite drink, join us for this heartfelt chat, and get ready to toast to pickleball, personal growth, and a fantastic year ahead. 
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

From Yips to Gifts: A Pickleball Lover’s Guide to Holiday Fun and Mental Comebacks

What happens when your pickleball serve suddenly betrays you?
 
Lauren’s back from South Africa with tales of adventure and a surprising comparison between pickleball and a sport she tried abroad. Meanwhile, Casie’s been battling the dreaded "pickleball yips" and learning a lot about mental toughness, teamwork, and how to bounce back. 
 
Plus, we’ve rounded up our ultimate Pickleball Holiday Gift Guide to help you shop for the pickleball fanatic in your life. Whether you’re curious about how to overcome a pickleball slump or need ideas for the perfect gift, this episode’s got it all. Tune in and dink with us!
 
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
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Gifts mentioned:
1. Personalized Pickleball Bobblehead - Work of art!
2. Dink Designs - Fun Pickleball t-shirts
3. Glow in the Dark LED Pickleballs - So you can play Pickleball all night
4. Cutting Board - For all your Pickleball charcuterie parties
5. Pickleball Court Candle - Gag candle gift (that smells good!)
6. Personalized Paddle Bands - Nice to distinguish your paddle from others
7. Pickleball Trading Cards - Who knows - they might be valuable one day!
8. Pickleball Ornament - Decorate your tree with Pickleball goodness
9. Mini Pickleball Flask - Never know when you'll need a little liquid courage 
10. Pickleball Tree - This is a bit much but maybe that's a good thing?
Bonus: UnEarth Experience - A travel design company that creates INCREDIBLE trip itineraries to Africa for any budget and party size. Ask for Rory Loader, the owner, and tell him you are a friend of Dinks on Tap for a Friends and Family discount! 

Pickleball, Drama, and Sportsmanship - Oh My!

Hey, dinking buddies!
This week we’re diving into the unexpected drama that unfolded during our first pickleball match of the season. 
We’re talking sportsmanship, handling those tense moments on the court, and the surprising ways pickleball competition can bring out all the feels. Plus, we share a wild story about how a simple rule dispute spiraled into a lesson on how to keep cool under pressure.
Tune in to hear how we navigated the chaos, calmed the rage monster, and kept the game fun. Got your own crazy pickleball story or tips for staying chill in the heat of competition? We’d love to hear it!
Cheers,Casie & Lauren
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

The Mental Games of Pickleball: How to Stay Cool When Your Game (and Brain) Is Falling Apart

Pickleball isn’t just about hitting the perfect shot—sometimes, the real game is handling everything that’s happening around you and in your own head.
 
In this episode, we share what it’s really like to play pickleball when both the outside elements and your own mind are working against you. We talk about surviving the brutal Texas heat, the ways it can zap your energy and throw off your game, and what to do when your mental focus starts to spiral. We’ve all had those days when it feels like the court is out to get you — whether it's slipping grips or first-match jitters.
 
We reveal some of our go-to mental strategies and tips to reset and maintain focus, including how to “go blank” and the story behind our on-court personas (you won’t want to miss meeting  Lauren’s alter ego). Plus, we discuss the importance of energy management and a team player mindset.
 
Join us for relatable stories, a few laughs, and actionable advice to keep your cool, improve your game, and make the most of your time on the court. You won’t want to miss this one!
 
Cheers,
Casie & Lauren
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com