Ray's Picks
Below are some products I use to improve my game. They all play a role in helping me practice conveniently, with feedback and with purpose. I believe in the power of Purposeful Practice to fuel rapid improvement. It requires a focus on one shot or situation at a time, using feedback to adjust and improve between repetitions and games. ​
Paddles from Hustl
Paddles
I’m a coach ambassador for Hustl Pickleball. Hustl is a Melbourne company which has a range of quality paddles.
Personally I would recommend the Legend which is at the sweet spot for price versus performance. The Legend is the most popular paddle in Australia with a balance of power, control, pop and spin. Comes in lots of colours.
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If you use the Discount Code RAY10 at the online checkout you get​ ✅ 10% off your purchase ✅ Free delivery ✅ A nice neoprene paddle cover free ✅ A grit and dirt removing rubber free ✅ A Hustl cap free
Check out the paddles here http://hustlpickleball.com
Nets from Dominator
Nets
I play routinely on courts with the ‘Pro Rollaway’ nets from Dominator. They look and play like permanent nets. When you're serious about the quality, stability and durability of your nets, then take a look at the five styles from Dominator Australia.
Lifetime warranty, every style you could need, official net of Pickleball Australia, APC and MLP.
If you use the Discount Code raysfiveoff at the online checkout you get​ ✅ 5% off your purchase
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Check out the nets here https://dominatorsports.com.au/
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Expert Actionable Feedback After You Play
SwingVision
Being in the moment, that’s the beauty of playing pickleball.
Expert, actionable feedback afterwards, that’s the way to play Smart Pickleball sooner.
That’s SwingVision.
Video your game, then have the Swingvision App and the Peninsula Pickleball Coach provide you with expert, actionable feedback.
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Whether you want to keep up with your mates; improve your DUPR; play in tournaments or win medals, SwingVision and the Peninsula Pickleball Coach can provide expert, actionable feedback, so you can play Smart Pickleball sooner.
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Shoes from Skechers
Pickleball Shoes
I've tried lots of shoes. Despite playing lots of tennis in the past, I thought runners with plenty of bounce would be best for pickleball. I ended up with my toes getting jammed. I saw plenty of people stumble because of the extra grip provided by these running/walking shoes and some people rolled their ankles, especially when they got the really thick layer of sole foam. I then tried tennis shoes but found them heavy, not particularly long-lasting , the laces coming loose and the lace eyelit breaking in one case.
Then much to my amazement, I found the answer with Skechers Viper Court Pro with Pickleball Relaxed Fit. They are court shoes designed for pickleball. They have court grip, are lightweight, with good arch support and importantly have good lateral support. They have a wide toe-box - so no more sore or numb toes. The laces stay tight and don't come undone during a session. Six months in they are as good as new, with minimal sole wear and no damage to the upper part of the shoe. Available for men and women in some snazzy colours, they are reasonably priced.
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No discount code available but highly recommended.
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Check out the shoes here:​
Mens https://www.skechers.com.au/skechers-viper-court-pro-2-0-246109-bkmt.html
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Womens https://www.skechers.com.au/skechers-relaxed-fit-viper-court-pro-2-0-172109-wpw.html
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nuNET & Balls from NuPlay Sports
Nets & Balls
​In my experience the Nuplay nets are the best of the portable nets at keeping their shape. After 100s of set-up and pack-up cycles they still measure a perfect 36 inches at the ends and decline smoothly to 34 inches in the middle, as pickleball nets should. They are super solid and easy to set up. You don’t want to practice with a net that is shaped like a lazy W.
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Nuplay also has long lasting hybrid balls, good for indoor and outdoor pickleball. I use them in all my coaching sessions.
If you use the Coupon Code RL10 at the online checkout you get ✅ 10% off your purchase.
Check out the nets and balls here https://nuplaysports.com/shop/
Foundation Series 1 Stickers
Butt Cap Reminders
With the best of intentions you plan to Purposefully Practice a particular shot or tactic at your next playing session. You get to the end of the session and guess what, you forgot.
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Instead stick a waterproof, removable, reusable reminder sticker on the end of your paddle handle, on the Butt Cap. That way every time you play you will Purposefully Practice and accelerate your improvement.
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The 12 Foundational Series 1 stickers include 'Return & Run', 'Soft Hands', 'Move Stop Shot' and more.
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​ ✅ Get the 12 Foundational Series 1 stickers for just $20 plus postage. Text Ray on 0410 53 28 10.
TopspinPro & SpinPro from TopspinPro
Spin Shot Practice
Top spin is a game changer. Top spin will give you more precise and assertive shots that are tougher to return. I use the SpinPro in almost every coaching session to help players understand the mechanics of the many top spin and slice shots.
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The TopspinPro (for shots taken at or below net height) and SpinPro (for all shots) allow you to Purposefully Practice at home or on court and rack up the repetitions.
No discount code available but highly recommended.
Check out the TopspinPro and SpinPro for pickleball here https://topspinpro.com/