The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast

EP: 9 Stuck in Transition? How to Get Out & Finally Reach the Kitchen in Pickleball

Joshua Mackens — Sun, 24 May 2026 19:22:54 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh and Elliott break down one of the most frustrating experiences in pickleball: getting stuck in the transition zone and never quite making it to the kitchen. If you’ve ever hit a great third shot drop, started moving forward, and still somehow felt caught halfway, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to fix it. They separate the confusion between stopping, resetting, and continuing forward, and introduce the key concept most players miss—the “start of the stop”—along with how timing changes depending on whether you hit a drop or a drive.

Beyond movement, the episode dives into decision-making in the transition zone. Josh and Elliott explain how to read the quality of your shot, when you actually have permission to move forward, and why so many players get passed even when they feel like they’re “doing it right.” They also cover why your timing—not your speed—is the real issue, how film can expose the gap between feel and reality, and why your drive might actually be keeping you from getting to the kitchen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- When to Stop in Transition: Why you must be set at opponent contact—and how to time it correctly

- The “Start of the Stop” Concept: Why most players are late even when they think they’re on time

- Drive vs Drop Movement: Why you can move on drops—but must “hit and sit” on drives

- Why You Feel Stuck Halfway: The real reasons players get caught in the transition zone

- Timing vs Speed: Why you’re not slow—your timing is just off

- The High Ball / Low Ball Rule: How to instantly decide between resetting and attacking

- Resetting Isn’t Giving Up: Why resets are essential for regaining control of the point

- Film vs Feel: How recording yourself reveals what’s actually happening

- Partner Communication: Why you shouldn’t rely on your partner to tell you when to move

- And more!

Timestamps:

00:00 Why You Feel Stuck in the Transition Zone

00:30 Stop vs Reset — Two Different Decisions

01:10 The “Start of the Stop” (Why You’re Late)

02:00 Drive vs Drop — When You Can Move Forward

02:50 Reading Your Shot Quality (Move or Stay Back)

03:40 Why Timing—not Speed—is the Problem

05:00 How to Fix Your Split Step Timing

06:30 Film vs Feel (Why You Need to Record Yourself)

08:00 Reset vs Attack (High Ball vs Low Ball)

10:30 Why Resetting Isn’t Giving Up

11:00 Partner Communication — Stop vs Go

12:50 Why Your Drive Might Be Holding You Back

15:10 Outro

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://pickleballlab.co/ and post it there!

Level up your game with The Lab, the only pickleball community that combines structured video lessons, specific practice plans, and direct coaching feedback to help you truly get better at the game: https://pickleballlab.co/

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EP: 8 How to Carry Your Partner (Even Though You Probably Can’t)

Joshua Mackens — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:23:35 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh is joined by high-level player and coach Tim Ahlersmeyer to break down one of the most frustrating situations in pickleball: feeling like you should be able to carry your partner—but still losing anyway. They unpack the "one ball" reality that limits your influence over a point and dive deep into the tactical manual for maximizing your touches. From serving to funnel the ball back to you and driving over dropping, to increasing aggression in the transition zone, Josh and Tim explain how to strategically stay involved when your partner is being targeted.

Beyond the tactics, the conversation shifts to the mental battle of "attribution bias" and blaming partners in rec play. Josh explains why the real victory has nothing to do with the scoreboard and how redefining "winning" as personal growth and execution is the only true way to carry a game. Along with listener questions on third shot selection, mixed doubles strategy, and serve depth, this episode provides a complete roadmap for stronger players to maintain control, mental focus, and development, even when the odds are stacked against them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why Carrying Is So Difficult: The “one ball” reality that limits how much influence you actually have in a rally

- Tactical Ways to Stay Involved: How serving, returning, driving, and aggressive dinking can help keep the ball with you

- Transition Zone Aggression: Why speeding balls up in transition may work better than constantly resetting

- The Mental Side of Carrying: How frustration and blame destroy focus and limit improvement

- Redefining Winning: Why rec play should be about growth and execution—not just the scoreboard

- Third Shot Strategy: When to drive, when to drop, and how pros actually combine the two

- The Level Where Drives Stop Working: Why better players force you to vary speeds and add resets

- Mixed vs Gender Doubles: The unique movement, court coverage, and role differences in mixed

- Serve Strategy: Why depth matters more than side spin for upgrading your serve

- And more!

Timestamps:

00:00 Why Carrying Your Partner Is Harder Than You Think

00:44 The “One Ball” Problem & Maximizing Your Opportunities

01:35 How to Serve, Return, and Dink to Keep the Ball With You

02:17 The Mental Side: Encouraging Your Partner Instead of Showing Frustration

03:10 Taking Balls Out of the Air & Playing More Aggressive

04:10 Why Aggression in Transition Can Help You “Carry”

05:00 The Real Victory Has Nothing to Do With the Scoreboard

07:03 When to Drive vs Drop Your Third Shot

09:56 At What Level Should You Stop Driving Every Third?

12:05 Sponsor Break – The Pickleball Lab

13:13 What Skills Matter More in Mixed vs Gender Doubles?

16:34 Serving Deep vs Adding Spin

19:34 Outro

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://pickleballlab.co/ and post it there!

Listen on the go:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP: 7 The $100 Tour That Could Change How Players Go Pro in Pickleball

Joshua Mackens — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:56:37 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh sits down with Cody Sivan, founder of the Brickwall Pro Series, to break down a reality most aspiring pros don’t fully understand yet—the true cost of chasing professional pickleball. From entry fees to travel, lodging, and weekly tournament commitments, they unpack why the traditional path can quietly turn into a $20,000–$30,000 annual grind with little to no return.

Cody introduces Brickwall’s three core pillars—accessibility, opportunity, and meritocracy—and how they directly challenge the current pro tour structure. With $100 entry fees, a regional model that eliminates constant travel, and a system where players actually compete for prize money (instead of salaries being locked up in contracts), Brickwall presents a fundamentally different pathway for players trying to break into the pro scene. Josh adds real-world context from his own experience playing PPA events, highlighting just how quickly costs stack up and why most players underestimate the financial commitment.

Beyond the economics, the episode explores what it actually takes to create a fair and scalable pro system. From DUPR-driven progression and consistent high-level competition to stories of 4.9 players beating established pros, this conversation dives into what a true merit-based environment looks like—and why it might matter more than ever as pickleball continues to grow globally.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The Real Cost of Going Pro: Why chasing the PPA can quietly turn into a $20,000–$30,000 yearly expense

- The $100 Alternative: How Brickwall’s lower entry fees and regional model reduce the financial barrier

- Opportunity vs Contracts: The difference between earning prize money vs relying on pro tour salaries

- DUPR & Development: How consistent regional events create real opportunities to improve and get noticed

- Meritocracy in Action: Why a 4.9 beating a pro isn’t rare—and what that says about the current system

- The Future of Pro Pickleball: How Brickwall plans to scale across the U.S. and eventually globally

- And more!

Timestamps:

00:00 The $100 vs $1,000+ Pro Path Hook

00:16 The 3 Pillars: Accessibility, Opportunity, Meritocracy

02:01 The Real Cost of Playing the PPA (Flights, Hotels, Time)

03:00 Why Pros Spend $20K–$30K a Year (Zane Navratil Breakdown)

04:26 Opportunity: Prize Money, DUPR, and Real Progress

06:30 Meritocracy: Why Contracts Kill Competition

08:36 The 4.9 Player Who Beat a Pro

09:03 What Brickwall Actually Is (Full Breakdown)

10:07 Vision: Competing with PPA & Building a Better System

21:33 Cody’s Story: Why He Started Brickwall

30:21 The Long-Term Vision for Pro Pickleball

33:26 PPA Restrictions & Player Movement

46:48 Prize Money, Payouts, and Future Growth

54:27 Why Brickwall Doesn’t Stream (Yet)

56:56 Outro

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://pickleballlab.co/ and post it there!

Listen on the go:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 6: How to Win Speed Ups Without Faster Hands

Joshua Mackens — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:17:47 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh and Elliott tackle the tactical nuances of winning volley battles, identifying specifically why many players lose the hand battle the moment they speed the ball up. You’ll learn how to identify the "chicken wing" and "extended" target zones that actually win points, rather than hitting into your opponent's sweet spots. From there, they pivot to the mental game—discussing why third-shot drops often vanish during real match play compared to drills, and how to inject "competitive pressure" into your practice sessions to bridge that gap. Beyond the baseline, the episode breaks down overhead power, offering a tips on how to move, position, and follow through on lobs so they don’t end up in the bottom of the net. Josh and Elliott also go head-to-head in a rare disagreement over whether stacking is a "must-have" or a "faux pas" for rec players under 4.0. Whether you're a solo driller looking for wall-drill hacks or a doubles partner trying to decide if you should switch sides, this episode provides the technical cues and strategic mindset needed to level up. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Speed-Up Target Zones: Why you should avoid the chest and forehand, and how to aim for the "chicken wing" and extended wings to win volley battles. - The Post-Speed-Up Combo: How to stop "admiring your shot" and instead keep your paddle up to prepare for the inevitable counter-attack. - The Drill-to-Game Disconnect: Strategies for making your practice more "pressure-immune" by using realistic feeds and competitive stakes. - Overhead Mastery: Technical cues for reading lobs early, using your off-hand to track the ball, and the importance of a full follow-through for power. - Solo Reset Practice: How to use a wall to build touch and absorption, even when you don't have a partner or a ball machine. - The Stacking Debate: The pros and cons of stacking at the intermediate level, especially when playing with a left-handed partner. - Footwork for Lobs: Why you should turn and run back instead of shuffling, and how to find the "strike zone" for high-contact points. - And more! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:14 Winning Speed Ups: Avoiding the Wrong Spots & Hitting the Right Ones 02:26 Why Drops Sometimes Work in Drills but Not in Games 04:36 Intro Contest Results & The Business of Good Vibes 06:21 Overhead Power: How to Put Away Lobs Without Hitting the Net 08:53 Solo Training Hacks: Can You Actually Practice Resets on a Wall? 11:58 Is Stacking Worth It Below 4.0? The Great Rec Play Debate 14:15 Outro: How to Get Your Questions Answered & more Join the Community: Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://pickleballlab.co/ and post it there! Level up your game with The Lab, the only pickleball community that combines structured video lessons, specific practice plans, and direct coaching feedback to help you truly get better at the game: https://pickleballlab.co/ Listen on the go: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 5: Pickleball Trash Talk, Fair or Foul? Drop vs Drive, Are Paddles Getting Too Expensive & More!

Joshua Mackens — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:21:54 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh and Elliott kick things off with some classic trash talk—breaking down the unwritten rules of chirping, when it actually gives you a competitive edge, and when it just makes you look like a 3.0 with a loud mouth. From there, they dive into one of the most debated topics in pickleball: drive vs. drop. You’ll learn how to recognize the right ball, apply “green light” decision-making, and avoid the common traps that keep players stuck between the two. They also get into paddle expense—what actually matters when choosing a paddle, what you’re really paying for, and why more expensive doesn’t always mean better performance.

Beyond that, the episode unpacks high-level strategy and progression, including how to build points with intention, when to speed up versus stay patient at the kitchen, and how to use flicks and topspin to create offensive pressure instead of just punching volleys. Josh and Elliott also explore the mindset shifts required to improve, from leaning into your weaknesses (like developing a two-handed backhand) to understanding how small tactical adjustments can create big advantages over time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The "Crashing" Mentality: Why you should be watching your partner’s ball height and how to time your movement toward the kitchen.

- The "Drip" Strategy: How to use topspin drops to force short-hop errors and gain an immediate advantage.

- The Art of Threat Detection: Reading your opponent's swing to know exactly how to take advantage of the crash.

- Precision Targeting: Why the right hip and the middle of the court are your best friends when driving from the baseline.

- Drive vs. Drop Decision-Making: How to choose the right third shot based on ball height, positioning, and opponent tendencies.

- Net Play Offense: When to use a flick vs. a punch volley and how to generate topspin to keep the ball down.

- Paddle Selection Insights: The real trade-offs between power and control paddles—and how cost plays into performance.

- And more!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Debating the New Podcast Format

02:32 What Are You Working On? Two-Handed Backhands & The Volley Cycle

05:09 Trash Talk: Is it Part of the Game or a Total Foul?

12:01 Third Shot Strategy: The Drive vs. Drop Decision Matrix

16:29 Technical Net Play: Mastering Flicks & Why the "Punch" Can Be a Mistake

20:29 The Economics of Pickleball: Paddle Prices & Durability Issues

22:17 Josh’s Secret "Shoe Hack" for 50% Off Gear

24:44 Hot Take: Team Power vs. Team Control Paddles

27:02 Outro

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://thepickleballlab.co/the-pickleball-lab/ and post it there!

Listen on the go:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 4: Crashing the Kitchen in Pickleball, 3rd Shot Drop Isn't Dead, Open Play = Get Better & More!

Joshua Mackens — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:52:22 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh and Elliott break down the strategy of crashing the kitchen and how to read your partner’s third shot to apply maximum pressure without getting burned. You’ll learn how to identify a winning ball trajectory, how to use "threat detection" to anticipate your opponent's next move, and why playing for presence—rather than just staying back—is the key to winning more points at the net. They also dive into the "green light" rules for when to drive vs. when to drop, including how to use "The Drip" to disrupt your opponent's rhythm and force defensive errors. The guys also tackle the clinical essentials for the 3.5 to 5.0 transition, including the "relational" side of doubles partnerships and how to manage communication when a match gets tight. From mastering middle-court targeting to understanding why rec players are leaving "free points" on the table by avoiding Ernes and ATPs, this episode provides the tactical and mental framework you need to stop playing for your ego and start growing your game. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The "Crashing" Mentality: Why you should be watching your partner’s ball height and how to time your movement toward the kitchen. - The "Drip" Strategy: How to use topspin drops to force short-hop errors and gain an immediate advantage. - Partner Communication: Why a doubles partnership is like a relationship and how to adapt your style to make it work. - The Art of Threat Detection: Reading your opponent's swing to know exactly how to take advantage of the crash. - Precision Targeting: Why the right hip and the middle of the court are your best friends when driving from the baseline. - And more! Timestamps: TPL - Podcast RouteLLM Routing to Gemini 3 Flash Here are the timestamps expanded into a balanced middle ground—more detailed than the first list, but not as granular as the second: 00:00 Intro & Scheduling 00:52 Using Open Play to Work on Specific Skills 04:05 Pickleball Lab Sponsor Break 05:21 Josh’s Coaching Setup & Philosophy 07:32 How the Pickleball Lab Benefits Players 11:13 Why Josh Started the Journey 13:33 Communication: What Makes a Good Partner? 15:31 The "Relational" Side of Pickleball 22:18 Why the Third Shot Drop Isn't Dead 25:20 Should You Crash Your Partner's Third? 29:40 The Benefits of Pressure & Funneling 32:20 Reading Trajectories: The Stutter Step 34:32 Targeting Strategies for Drives 39:40 Why Rec Players Should Try Ernes & ATPs 42:41 Outro & Community Questions Join the Community: Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://thepickleballlab.co/the-pickleball-lab/ and post it there! Level up your game with The Lab, the only pickleball community that combines structured video lessons, specific practice plans, and direct coaching feedback to help you truly get better at the game: https://thepickleballlab.co/the-pickleball-lab/ Listen on the go: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 3: Mastering Tournament Pressure, Stop Pickleball Injuries, The DUPR Reset & More!

Joshua Mackens — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:09:04 GMT

In this episode, Josh and Elliott dive deep into the physical and mental demands of leveling up in pickleball. Elliott shares his struggle with a lingering piriformis injury, leading into a masterclass from Josh on the exact dynamic warm-up and cool-down routines used to stay on the court.

We also break down the "Pro" mindset: why your performance drops in tournaments, how to use visualization to regain confidence, and the "50/50" rule for drilling vs. playing. Whether you're a 3.0 looking to hit 4.0 or an aspiring pro, this episode covers the technical and mental shifts needed to reach the next level.

Key Topics Covered:

- The ultimate dynamic warm-up to prevent common pickleball injuries.

- Why "Availability" is the best ability in sports.

- How to balance drilling vs. playing based on your specific goals.

- The "Deliberate Practice" method: Why mental fatigue is a sign of growth.

- Tournament Prep: Visualization techniques and why you should play points before your first match.

- The DUPR "Reset" debate: Should you care about your rating?

- Rapid Fire: The #1 habit to move from 3.0 to 4.0.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Elliott’s Sciatic/Piriformis Injury

01:07 The Ultimate Dynamic Warm-up & Cool-down Routine

05:16 Diet, Inflammation, and Recovery

06:16 Singles Training & The Goal of Reaching 6.0

07:02 Drilling vs. Playing: Finding the Right Split for Your Goals

09:12 Deliberate Practice: Why Mental Fatigue is a Sign of Growth

12:01 The Tournament Performance Gap: Handling Pressure

13:38 Visualization Techniques & Tournament Day Prep

17:40 The DUPR Reset: Details, Controversy, and Ratings

20:00 Rapid Fire: Moving from 3.0 to 4.0 (Film Work)

20:48 Beginner Myths & Low Ball vs. High Ball

21:46 How to Practice with Only 2 Hours a Week

22:24 Overrated vs. Underrated Drills (Volley Drills)

23:47 Outro & How to Join the Pickleball Lab

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://thepickleballlab.co/ and post it there!

Listen on the go:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 2: Neutralize Bangers, 1 Handed vs 2 Handed Backhand Dink, Handling Pro Returns & More!

Joshua Mackens — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:25:42 GMT

In this episode of The Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast, Josh and Elliott break down how to neutralize "bangers" and stop getting overwhelmed by pace. You’ll learn the "shoulder high, let it fly" rule for identifying out balls, how to improve your fourth-ball volleys, and why playing to improve—rather than just to win—is the only way to consistently beat power players. They also dive into the "green light" rules for when to speed up vs. when to keep dinking, including how to reset to the middle to disrupt your opponent's rhythm and avoid desperation shots.

The guys also tackle technical essentials for the 3.5 to 5.0+ transition, including one-handed vs. two-handed backhand dinks and how to handle aggressive, deep returns. From mastering split-step timing to understanding the "Four Phases of Pickleball," this episode provides the tactical and mental framework you need to stop playing for your ego and start growing your game.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The "Banger" Mentality: Why you should be excited to play power players and how to use them as a learning tool.

- The "Clear" Strategy: How to handle deep, high-pace returns without popping your 3rd up.

- Dink Selection: When to use two-handed vs. one-handed dinks and why positioning is everything.

- The Art of the Split Step: Timing your footwork to stay proactive instead of reactive.

- Singles for Doubles: Why getting better at singles is one of the fastest ways to improve your doubles game.

- And more!

Join the Community:

Have a question you want us to answer on the next pod? Drop it in the comments below or join us over at https://thepickleballlab.co/the-pickleball-lab/ and post it there!

Listen on the go:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Search "The Pickleball Lab" to subscribe.

EP 1: The "First 4 Balls" Rule, Mastering Your Pickleball Grip & More

Joshua Mackens — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:25:36 GMT

Welcome to the debut episode of the Pickleball Lab Coaching Podcast! Join hosts Joshua Mackens and Elliott Kindred as they break down the fastest ways to level up your game, from the 2.0 beginner level all the way to the 5.0 and even pro ranks.

In this episode, Josh and Elliott tackle the common mistakes that keep players stuck in "rec play" and share the specific drills that actually translate to wins. We dive deep into why strategy could be secondary to execution at the lower levels, why your first four shots—the serve, return, third, and fourth—are the most critical moments of any point - and a whole lot more.

Key topics in this episode include:

The First 4 Balls: Why 90% of points at the 3.0 level are decided in the first four shots and how to ensure you’re on the winning side of that statistic.
The "Universal" Drive: How one swing can fix your serve, your return, and your third shot all at once.
Grip Mastery: When to switch from Eastern to Continental, and the "mind hack" for improving your backhand flick.
The Ben Johns Secret: How a bookcase in an attic helped create the best backhand in the world.
Choking Up: Is the "Gabe Tardio style" grip the secret to faster hands at the kitchen line?
And more!

Want to get coached on the air?

We want to answer your questions! If you’re listening on Spotify or Apple, head over to our YouTube channel "The Pickleball Lab" and leave your questions in the comments of the latest video. We’ll pick the best ones to answer in our next weekly coaching session.

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