PPA to Launch Challenger Tour: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) has decided to reverse its service rule modifications, initially introduced at the start of 2024. The changes, which were designed to reduce the impact of powerful serves, were barely enforced among some players. After several months, the PPA has opted to return to the original USAP rules for serving.
Experiment with Deep Serve Line
In another development, PPA officials and the PPA Players Council conducted an experiment to modify the serve. Grayson Goldin shared a video on Twitter showing PPA representatives taping off a court to test a new rule.
The experiment involved adding a “deep line” where serves must bounce before crossing. This change aimed to prevent players from hitting serves too deep into the court, potentially reducing the serve’s impact. However, it appears that nothing further has come from this experiment.
PPA to Launch Challenger Tour in 2025
PPA CEO Connor Pardoe revealed plans to start a new “Challenger” tour in 2025. This tour will include 20-25 events designed to serve as proving grounds for new pros. During an appearance on the King of the Court podcast, Pardoe explained that the PPA felt the need to create its own events, as the APP is currently fulfilling this role.
Pardoe emphasized the importance of controlling the flow of players into the PPA, which could be concerning for the APP, as it has long been a competitor to the PPA and served as a stepping stone for rising players.
Impact on the Pickleball Scene
The reversal of the service rule changes shows that the PPA is responsive to player feedback but may raise questions about its decision-making process.
The launch of the Challenger tour could have a major impact on the APP’s future, as it represents a direct challenge to the competitor’s role in developing new talent. Fans and players will likely be watching to see how these developments unfold in the coming months.
News in Brief: PPA to Launch Challenger Tour
The PPA has reversed its 2024 service rule changes due to a lack of enforcement. It also experimented with a deep serve line, but no further action followed. Additionally, the PPA plans to launch a “Challenger” tour in 2025, offering new pros opportunities and challenging the APP’s role in player development.
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