Bad Calls - Pickleball Podcast

Are we actually fixing singles pickleball… or making it worse?This week on... Tennis Sucks? ...we dig into one of the most controversial ideas in pro pickleball right now: shrinking the singles court. Is it a smart way to slow the game down or just a band-aid for bigger equipment and rule issues?We’re joined by pickleball stat wizard Eric Tice to break down:- Why singles has become so serve-plus-one heavy- Whether smaller courts help (or hurt) athleticism- The real problem no one wants to address- How these changes could impact the pro game long-termPlus, we get into MLP 2026, including:- Draft strategy and roster flexibility- Whether Challenger should even exist anymore- Why Sundays might finally become must-watch- And how team pickleball keeps pulling fans inPlenty of opinions. A few hot takes. And probably a couple bad calls.👇 Drop your take in the comments — is singles broken, or are we overthinking it?

From leaked paddle deals and surprise signings to retirements, fines, and bold 2026 predictions, we break down everything shaking up the pro game. We talk Franklin’s big move, Nike rumors, who might leave the tour, why ball tech could be the next battleground, and what Major League Pickleball’s growth really means. Plus: live courtside chaos, bad predictions from the internet, and at least one take we already regret.

Contracts get torn up, players wake up banned, and the pickleball world spirals. On this episode of Bad Calls, the crew breaks down the UPA contract controversy stemming from the Asia trip fallout, why some players were terminated while others weren’t, and what it all says about power, money, and control in pro pickleball. From paddle patent lawsuits and counterfeit gear to Daytona results, rising Asian talent, and why the next five years of the sport may look nothing like today—this one covers everything, with exactly zero chill.

The guys break down MLP’s new partnership with Owl AI for automated line calling, recap all the chaos from the Lakeland PPA, including a parent delivering a wildly inappropriate threat, and dive into the biggest partnerships and rumors shaping 2026, from Rachel Rohrabacher joining forces with Catherine Parenteau to Nike whispers and Challenger Series shakeups. Plus: a pickleball Christmas movie, Crescent Lake grievances, and the usual Bad Calls speculation that somehow spirals into quarterback talk.

The Johnson brothers rolled into Crescent Lake without a text… and immediately got the full Monday-night reality check.We also hit Worlds storylines, Chris Crouch’s breakout run, paddle-tech rumors (including the big one about Anna Leigh), wheelchair pickleball savants, and who’s really the best singles player in the world right now.Another chaotic one.

Graham and Luke start things off by absolutely dominating on the tennis court before jumping into a Vegas recap, the Lifetime Open, and whatever else comes up while roasting Travis for a full hour.There’s talk of crazy Uspensky hooks, minimum age drama, fines for contract breaches, and a little Anna Leigh vs Agassi debate that somehow turns into more strays for Travis.

Rising pro Jon Lucien pulls up to Bad Calls to talk back-to-back singles wins, why deception beats pace, and how a chess habit sharpens his reads. We argue Gen 1 vs Gen 4 paddles, recap the PPA Vintage Open with wood, and ask a simple question with a messy answer: who’s the best men’s doubles player right now?We also get into Malaysia Cup fan energy, MLP vs PPA for growth, Buccee's road rituals, and why doubles takes longer to “solve.” Jon shares his partner plans, a perfect SAT flex, and the strategy he uses to ice opponent momentum.

The Kawamoto sisters snag gold in Cincinnati and prove that they were severely underrated! We get into why their patient style works and how parity is catching up to the big teams.Paddles: the RPM is making noise, but UPA approval is still pending. We talk dwell time, pop, and why switching sticks mid-season can mess with your trajectory. Sacramento’s wooden-paddle event is next. After testing wood, we explain why points feel more strategic and why some spin-heavy players could struggle.There’s plenty of pro gossip too. Will Hayden and Fed split? Are CJ and JW next? Ben teams with Alshon in Asia. Also yes, we test a grip-weight gadget on air and the name sends us off the rails. Enjoy.

We’re back at Crescent Lake and it finally isn’t raining. Travis breaks down a grueling PPA Challenger weekend, the certification chaos that has paddles swapping mid-event, and why half the new sticks are failing tests. We talk lab tour intel, the missing deflection machine saga, roll-out courts in Vegas, and whether random crowd noise should ever be a hindrance.Graham floats a take that singles training should drop way down once you break through, and we kick around what that means for players chasing doubles partners and real paydays.Hit the comments with two things: do you prefer indoor studio faces or Crescent Lake vibes, and do you want live court segments back next episode?

Andre Daescu just went full beast mode at MLP Finals in New York. He didn’t just win, he dominated. We’re talking flawless men’s play, carrying the Sliders, and even making Anna Leigh look human. So we had to ask… is Daescu officially the best men’s player in the world right now?We break down the finals weekend, debate the Ben vs. Andre argument, talk about the wild DreamBreaker drama, and even dive into some spicy team roster rumors for next season. Plus, we share some behind the scenes stories from NYC and what’s coming next for MLP.

This week we cover everything from rowdy Utah crowds heckling pros to why Dallas might have been the loudest MLP event ever. We get into why Ben Johns will dominate with a wooden paddle, who we think should be the top men’s doubles pairing, and whether pro pickleball players are actually making too much money.

Ben Johns gets traded to the Mad Drops… and the league kind of melted down. Was it collusion? Was it smart business? Depends on who you ask.We break down the shady-looking deal, the $400K+ price tag, and what it means for MLP's top teams. Oh—and did someone really offer $25K to throw a Challenger match? Yep. That too.Plus: – The Shock vs Flash rivalry heats up – Tyra takes a tumble – AJ Kohler is lob-core now – Travis fails the paddle test (again) – And we rate the hottest players in pickleball (yes, really)It’s all chaos, and we’re here for it.

We’re back from New York and we’ve got stories. The venue didn't smell great, one of us might be kidnapped by now, and someone definitely ordered Domino’s in NYC. We talk DreamBreakers, Collin Johns dominating Challenger, Sam Querry entering the chat, and yeah… someone stole Rachel's Labubu. This one’s all over the place, but that’s kinda the point.

We break down Travis’ intentional hook at PPA San Clemente. Yes, it was on purpose, and no, he’s not sorry. Plus: new Smash teammates and more Labubu controversy.

A $50,000 fine made the news this week, we break down what happened, why it matters, and whether the punishment fits the moment. Then it’s on to MLP Austin and Daytona: the wins and the rise (and stumble) of some surprising teams.The Florida Smash made their debut in the new format — we’ve got a full recap, plus thoughts on what’s clicking, what’s not, and why rally scoring just isn’t bringing the juice.We also get into the latest gear (including a surprisingly good butt cap), some questionable line calls, and the growing list of MLP quirks, from smoke machines to Saturday Night showdowns.

New jerseys, big heads, and even bigger drama. The Bad Calls crew is on-site at the Racket Club of St. Pete, where they break down Florida Smash’s new look (and unexpected OnlyFans followers), recap a chaotic Atlanta event, and unpack everything from Anna Bright’s sideline stares to a new ball that’s quietly transforming singles. Plus: CJ Klinger’s breakout, Nelson-level drama at the U.S. Open, and the Smash’s MLP return. Oh—and did we mention Carlos Alcaraz? Let’s go.

Hayden Padugruin joins the pod to break down the most talked-about moment of the MLP season—his courtside clash with Anna Leigh Waters. From what was said and why, to how things escalated and what he wishes he’d done differently, Hayden gives his unfiltered side of the story. We talk chirping, double standards, apologies, and whether this kind of fire is good—or bad—for the sport. No PR spin. Just the raw version, straight from the source.

What happens when a tennis legend becomes your pickleball student? In this episode, the guys break down playing with Andre Agassi, who’s now texting them midweek to ask about off-arm mechanics.We dive into Agassi’s upcoming U.S. Open debut with Anna Leigh Waters (yep, that’s happening), which teams might actually give them trouble, and why the whole thing might blow the roof off ticket sales.Also in this episode:MLP Orlando predictions and team chaos rankingsA surprisingly smart take from Anna Bright on the current men’s doubles metaPickleball parents: When sideline support goes too farSubscribe and catch our recap next week from MLP Orlando.

In this special episode of Bad Calls, we sit down with tennis legend Andre Agassi to talk about how pickleball unexpectedly reignited his competitive spirit, reshaped his daily life, and gave him a new sense of purpose.Agassi opens up about:•How he discovered pickleball during lockdown•Why it became more than just a hobby•His honest thoughts on the sport’s growth, culture, and competitive ceiling•Playing (and drilling) with Steffi•His investment in the future of pickleball through DUPR, Lifetime, and JOOLA•The real mental and physical toll of tennis — and how pickleball changed thatThis isn’t just a story about a new sport. It’s a story about finding yourself again after the lights go out.

What's next for Catherine & Rachel? Can we see a revenge tour for the new pair? We break it down in a special episode.

This week on Bad Calls, we break down an awkward panel at RacquetX — where execs got a little heated.Also in this episode:• Luz paddle controversy• Utah tournament recap: wind, wild momentum shifts, and a mixed gold for Dekel & Paris• Challenger Series vs APP – which one’s the real path to pro?• Discord drama at 3AM over paddle handles👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts: Should the pros and amateurs use the same paddles? And what would YOU have named the Hogs?

Is trash talk dying in pickleball? Are hand battles officially over thanks to paddle technology? And who the hell is Lucien Goins, and how did he just take down Ben Johns?! In this episode of Bad Calls, Travis and Graham break down the wildest storylines from the Cape Coral and Texas Open tournaments—wind-induced chaos, paddle controversies, and major upsets.We dive deep into why some top teams are struggling, why Tyra Black might be the fastest player in the sport, and whether playing with your significant other is a good idea or a recipe for disaster. Plus, a heated debate on the new “Red Dot” replay system—is it actually accurate, or is it just another bad call?

Travis and Graham talk through the MLP draft process and how they picked the players for the Florida Smash. They also react to the new premier team rosters, with some winners & some losers.

Not a fantastic weekend for Travis in Mesa - he tests the newest paddle challenge rule in his mixed doubles game. Plus, Graham walks us through the incoming rule for player stealing in major league pickleball.

Say goodbye to rally scoring and hello to 6 player rosters for premier teams. Graham and Travis get into the details of the changes and what it'll mean for the league.

Travis and Graham recap the Masters Tournament, covering key matches, windy conditions, and standout performances. They discuss the Selkirk 08 paddle controversy, UPA paddle regulations, and Ben Johns’ headhunting moment against Quang Duong. Other topics include Shick’s return to medical school, Federico Staksrud’s switch to Adidas paddles, lawsuits involving paddle companies, and the impact of the California fires.

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Let's just say there was some confusion over last week's bet. Nevertheless, Graham and Travis both decided to give $100 to stop Alzheimers now. This week we talk through the highlights of the finals and some predictions for Daytona and 2025 partnerships.

Ok so we don't get it right every time but hey at least we're honest about it! Go to our IG for a chance to win the FlickWizard jersey.

Well, Graham & Travis didn't get a single prediction right for the MLP final so why not make even more predictions on who will get dropped by their team next season?

The whole world has seen it, the viral video of a pickleball player being kicked in the head. Travis and Graham break down what happened and explain what happened leading up to the incident.

The Sherbear himself (Ryan Sherry) stops Crescent Lake and chats with us about all the great things he almost made it to. Not all as a result of eating too much Bluebell Ice Cream. After, Travis talks us through what really went down during that quarter final match.

This week we welcomed Jaume and Layne to the Crescent Lake courts to talk about their rise in pickleball, how they think they performed in MLP, and how they would improve the sport if they were commissioner.

From the US Open semi-finals to the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, Donald Young talks through his transition to the sport and what the reality is vs his expectations.

Just when you thought you saw the best pickleball match of all time, we get one even better. Is there anything better than a rivalry like this? Let us know in the comments.This week, Graham and Travis talk about the one good thing to come out of the Gen 3 paddles. They also talk through the real issues affecting the value of the Major League Product. Do you think it’s losing it’s flavor? Or is it still the best tour out there?

This week we talk about potential favoritism with certain players on tour. Plus, Travis and Graham recap Virginia Beach and how the Smash are shaping up for MLP Miami.

Travis and Graham break down the team chemistry for MLP New York City after their first appearance with Christa Gecheva and Donald Young.

This week we ask Jason Aspes, president of the UPA-A, his take on pickleball paddles, the state of testing, and future of the sport.

Will we be seeing a new serving rule come to the PPA? Travis and Graham talk through whether the serve should be a weapon in pickleball. Plus, we go behind the scenes on the trades to the Florida Smash.

We've got to talk about how this sport is going to move forward at the professional level if we don't invest in technology at the lines.

You just can't be too careful what you say these days... although somebody should tell that to Travis. We're back from an unfortunately long break but recapping all the stuff we've missed - did you miss us?

A recap of MLP and PPA Atlanta highlights one of the latest issues in pickleball, bad line calls. Travis and Graham talk through the future of the Florida Smash and we even get a brief history lesson on the "Bert".Follow us on Instagram @tennissucks

Live from Major League Pickleball Atlanta, we sit down with pro-player Andrei Daescu & Charles Darling, CEO of Proton Paddles. We talk about the rise of Proton, what inspired them to jump into paddle technology, and Daescu got connected with them.

We may be biased but we're putting good money on the Smash taking the whole thing. Who are your top teams for premier and challenger?

Travis gives a rundown of the best chirpers in pickleball along with the do's and don'ts of getting spicy on the court.

The boys react to the new Joola Gen 3 Paddles - do you think this is a step in the right direction for paddle technology? They also recap the Houston Open and talk through the latest MLP trade.

After not drafting in premier, Travis becomes the steal of the century for the Florida Smash, making the team a force to be reckoned with this MLP season. We also look back at PPA North Carolina and talk highlights, lowlights, and upsets.

With so many pros dropping out of Major League Pickleball - who is even left to draft? Travis and Graham talk through the roster of the signed (and unsigned) players ahead of this week's draft.

This week we get on the phone with Jack Sock to talk about his transition into pickleball and whether he's really having the best time while out their playing. He also has some words of advice for Travis on his game.

We recap PPA Indoor Minnesota and talk about what it'll take for Travis to get on the podium. Plus there's a rumor that a certain paddle company won't let unsigned pros play with their paddle.