From 3.0 to 5.0: Pickleball Tips, Fatherhood Wins + Faith Reflections

Welcome to all new subscribers! 🎉 I’m excited you’re here. Whether you’re here to level up your pickleball game, find a little fatherhood encouragement, or just hang out in this laid-back space we’ve created, you’re in the right place.

Another Busy Week & Pickleball in Sunny Southern California 🌞

It was a whirlwind of a week on the road for work, visiting a few health systems in sunny Southern California. Managed to sneak in some pickleball Tuesday evening at Los Cab in Fountain Valley, CA. If you’re ever in the area, this venue is a must-see. With courts galore and a pro circuit that rolls through for PPA events, it’s where the magic happens. You never know—you could run into a few pros and even snag a game or two with them!

Pickleball Tip of the Week: Backhand 3rd Shot Drop 🎯

The backhand 3rd shot drop can be a tricky one, but once you nail it, it’s a game-changer. Here are a few quick tips to help you master it:

📝 Footwork is key: Position yourself sideways, not facing forward. It’ll help with rotation.

📝 Keep your backswing short: Take your paddle back at the height of the ball—no need for wild swings.

📝 Prepare early: Be steady and stable before you even hit the ball. A solid foundation is everything!

Give these a try next time you’re on the court, and let me know how it goes!

This Week on X (Twitter) 🧵
I posted a thread that really struck a chord with the busy parents out there trying to balance life and level up their pickleball game. Here’s a glimpse:

"Why You’re Still Stuck at a 3.0 in Pickleball (and How to Hit 5.0 While Being a Busy Parent)" 👇

1 | Being “busy” is an excuse. You’ve got time; it’s all about how you use it. Stop wasting it on the wrong drills.
2 | It’s not about time; it’s about efficiency. 20 minutes of focused practice will take you further than a 2-hour grind. 🎯
3 | You’re overcomplicating things. Focus on the basics. Stop chasing the flashy stuff—footwork and dinking come first!
4 | Home practice works. Yes, even in your garage or kitchen. And if the kids want to join in? Let them! 🏡
5 | Consistency beats intensity. Four to five sessions a week, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, will do wonders.
... and the rest of the tips are in the full thread.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The secret sauce to 5.0 is simplicity and consistency. Curious? Go read the full thread and let’s chat about what’s holding you back! 🙌

Fatherhood Moment 👨‍👧⚽
Earlier today, my daughter had soccer practice followed by a game, and guess what? She scored her first goal in the right goal this time! 😂 She even got the game medal, and let me tell you, that smile was priceless. Tonight, we’ll celebrate with her favorite acai bowl. These moments always remind me how lucky I am to be on this wild fatherhood journey.

Faith Check-In 🙏
“How’s your faith life right now?”

It’s a question I ask myself often. One of my favorite quotes is, “Pray as though everything depended on God, work as though everything depended on you,” often attributed to Saint Augustine. It’s a reminder that while I lean into faith, I still need to put in the work to reach the goals set before me. It’s what keeps me grounded and moving forward, even when things get tough.

Where’s your faith at these days? If you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to hit reset, even if it’s just starting with a simple prayer today.

Pickleball Weekend Retreat in Austin? 🎾
Speaking of goals, are you interested in a weekend pickleball retreat in Austin, TX? I’m putting together something special for players looking to improve their game and connect with like-minded folks. Think drills, point play, and even some film study. If that sounds up your alley, hit me up!

Thank You! 🙏
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter. Whether you’re here for the pickleball tips, fatherhood stories, or faith encouragement, I hope you found something that hits home.

Keep pushing forward in your journey—whether it’s on the court or in life. And hey, if you found any of this helpful, feel free to share it with your friends or family. Have a fantastic weekend, and I’ll see you back in your inbox soon! 😊

Take care and keep dinking!
Bryant