Mike Hefty
@pbmike.bsky.social
Pickleball enthusiast living in Wisconsin and Arizona. Passionate about doubles play and always learning to improve. Sharing insights, highlights, and love for the game!
I like most of what the PPA and PickleballTV do but the split screen interview during play on semifinal Saturday is a poor choice. The Agassi interview was worth listening to but Connor Pardoe was not. Either way it takes the focus off great pickleball. Do the interviews between matches not during.
November 8, 2025 at 10:37 PM
I like most of what the PPA and PickleballTV do but the split screen interview during play on semifinal Saturday is a poor choice. The Agassi interview was worth listening to but Connor Pardoe was not. Either way it takes the focus off great pickleball. Do the interviews between matches not during.
Watching MLP, but it’s just not my thing. Time to find some Seinfeld reruns.
November 1, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Watching MLP, but it’s just not my thing. Time to find some Seinfeld reruns.
Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud fell to Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in the men’s semifinals, while Patriquin and Anna Bright pushed Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns to three games in the mixed. Two tough losses — but both showed just how far Hayden’s game has come.
October 26, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Hayden Patriquin and Federico Staksrud fell to Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in the men’s semifinals, while Patriquin and Anna Bright pushed Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns to three games in the mixed. Two tough losses — but both showed just how far Hayden’s game has come.
Both matches showcased the evolving dynamic between Patriquin and Johns. Their contrast is striking — Ben’s precision, composure, and shot discipline versus Hayden’s speed, creativity, and relentless pressure. The gap between them is shrinking.
October 26, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Both matches showcased the evolving dynamic between Patriquin and Johns. Their contrast is striking — Ben’s precision, composure, and shot discipline versus Hayden’s speed, creativity, and relentless pressure. The gap between them is shrinking.
Ben continues to refine a game already near its ceiling, while Hayden’s trajectory still points upward. His ability to seize rallies and sustain dominance for long stretches signals a player on the verge of breaking into the sport’s top tier.
October 26, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Ben continues to refine a game already near its ceiling, while Hayden’s trajectory still points upward. His ability to seize rallies and sustain dominance for long stretches signals a player on the verge of breaking into the sport’s top tier.
A key factor yesterday was Hayden’s struggle to manage his emotions — he’s only 19, and that edge cuts both ways. Once he learns to harness it, the big wins will come. Ben also showed more emotion than usual — still composed, but perhaps feeling the steady pressure from the sport’s rising stars.
October 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
A key factor yesterday was Hayden’s struggle to manage his emotions — he’s only 19, and that edge cuts both ways. Once he learns to harness it, the big wins will come. Ben also showed more emotion than usual — still composed, but perhaps feeling the steady pressure from the sport’s rising stars.
Paris Todd is fantastic as a color commentator on PickleballTV — a complete natural. The play-by-play announcer is smartly letting her explain strategy and player mindset. She’s articulate, authentic, and composed — even with her boyfriend Hunter Johnson on court. Truly professional.
October 25, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Paris Todd is fantastic as a color commentator on PickleballTV — a complete natural. The play-by-play announcer is smartly letting her explain strategy and player mindset. She’s articulate, authentic, and composed — even with her boyfriend Hunter Johnson on court. Truly professional.
Paris Todd gets it! Once a pro tennis player and now a top women’s pickleball pro, she urged tennis players to keep an open mind and experience pickleball for themselves — calling it “more fun” and praising the people who play it. (Heard on the PPA Rate Vegas Cup Broadcast)
October 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Paris Todd gets it! Once a pro tennis player and now a top women’s pickleball pro, she urged tennis players to keep an open mind and experience pickleball for themselves — calling it “more fun” and praising the people who play it. (Heard on the PPA Rate Vegas Cup Broadcast)
Eric Oncins struggling at the start of this one. Hopefully, he can settle down soon
October 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Eric Oncins struggling at the start of this one. Hopefully, he can settle down soon
Glad to see Dave Fleming and Adam Stone on the call for this match
October 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Glad to see Dave Fleming and Adam Stone on the call for this match
Great mixed doubles match between Johns/Waters and Daescu/Rohrabacher. Can’t say the same for the announcing.
October 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Great mixed doubles match between Johns/Waters and Daescu/Rohrabacher. Can’t say the same for the announcing.
The PPA replay system is great. It’s easy to tell if a ball is in or out, speeding up the decisions.
June 22, 2025 at 1:45 AM
The PPA replay system is great. It’s easy to tell if a ball is in or out, speeding up the decisions.
Will Howell just hit an erne lob! Incredible
May 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Will Howell just hit an erne lob! Incredible
I’m really trying to give MLP pickleball a chance. Good decision to get rid of the goofy scoring, but I really like the 3 game set to determine a winner. I’m watching ALW/Dizon v Schneemann/Parker. A combination not seen anywhere else. Great matchup. Give us 3 games.
May 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I’m really trying to give MLP pickleball a chance. Good decision to get rid of the goofy scoring, but I really like the 3 game set to determine a winner. I’m watching ALW/Dizon v Schneemann/Parker. A combination not seen anywhere else. Great matchup. Give us 3 games.
I struggle with dehydration when playing pickleball, especially during Wisconsin summers. I’ve tried commercial electrolytes with some success, but it’s pricey. I have been mixing my own for a couple of years. 40oz of water, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp potassium citrate, 1/2 tsp magnesium glycinate
May 19, 2025 at 6:46 PM
I struggle with dehydration when playing pickleball, especially during Wisconsin summers. I’ve tried commercial electrolytes with some success, but it’s pricey. I have been mixing my own for a couple of years. 40oz of water, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp potassium citrate, 1/2 tsp magnesium glycinate
Great win for Johnson/Klinger. The 5TH SEED! The partner shake ups have been the shot of adrenaline championship Sunday needed.
May 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Great win for Johnson/Klinger. The 5TH SEED! The partner shake ups have been the shot of adrenaline championship Sunday needed.
Fascinating matchup right now between Johns/Tardio and Johnson/Klinger. Also looking forward to the women’s doubles with the partner switch match between ALW/Bright and Parentau/Rohranacher but expect ALW and AB to come out on top.
May 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Fascinating matchup right now between Johns/Tardio and Johnson/Klinger. Also looking forward to the women’s doubles with the partner switch match between ALW/Bright and Parentau/Rohranacher but expect ALW and AB to come out on top.
Rough day on the court. Sprained the MCL on my left knee. Probably out 2-4 weeks
May 18, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Rough day on the court. Sprained the MCL on my left knee. Probably out 2-4 weeks
Serving is like shooting a free throw in basketball. Have a routine and do it every time.
May 14, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Serving is like shooting a free throw in basketball. Have a routine and do it every time.
I'm back playing with my regular group in WI. Strong group. 4.3 to 4.8 DUPR. In AZ, I was playing everyday but competition not nearly as consistent. Almost shocking how my game eroded in 3.5 months, despite playing nearly every day. Many bad habits. Iron sharpens iron. Lesson learned.
May 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I'm back playing with my regular group in WI. Strong group. 4.3 to 4.8 DUPR. In AZ, I was playing everyday but competition not nearly as consistent. Almost shocking how my game eroded in 3.5 months, despite playing nearly every day. Many bad habits. Iron sharpens iron. Lesson learned.
I went to our local courts today. A large group of women were playing on 4 courts having a Mother’s Day weekend event. They were having a great time playing pickleball. The more experienced players were teaching the beginners how to play. Pickleball is growing because of these type of activities.
May 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I went to our local courts today. A large group of women were playing on 4 courts having a Mother’s Day weekend event. They were having a great time playing pickleball. The more experienced players were teaching the beginners how to play. Pickleball is growing because of these type of activities.
Playing intentional pickleball means every shot has a purpose. You're not just reacting—you're targeting, adjusting, and dictating pace. Less autopilot, more awareness. Control the rally, don’t chase it. #pickleball
May 10, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Playing intentional pickleball means every shot has a purpose. You're not just reacting—you're targeting, adjusting, and dictating pace. Less autopilot, more awareness. Control the rally, don’t chase it. #pickleball
Used to drop every third. Now I drive most thirds, drop the fifth. My default drive: mid-net, slightly off-center.
-Low net
-Causes hesitation/confusion
-Tough return on the move
Master that, then level up with targeted drives—sideline, wing, or body.
#Pickleball
-Low net
-Causes hesitation/confusion
-Tough return on the move
Master that, then level up with targeted drives—sideline, wing, or body.
#Pickleball
May 7, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Used to drop every third. Now I drive most thirds, drop the fifth. My default drive: mid-net, slightly off-center.
-Low net
-Causes hesitation/confusion
-Tough return on the move
Master that, then level up with targeted drives—sideline, wing, or body.
#Pickleball
-Low net
-Causes hesitation/confusion
-Tough return on the move
Master that, then level up with targeted drives—sideline, wing, or body.
#Pickleball