A Night of Growth, Big Shots, and Mental Game in Competitive Cornhole

Last night, I competed in singles competitive cornhole. I didn’t play against any pros, but I faced some solid players, along with others who were at or close to my level. Going into the night, I had the lowest SPR at 46, but I wasn’t there just to compete against everyone else. I was there to challenge myself, improve my game, and see how far my practice has taken me.

Overall, I had a good night of cornhole. During rounders, I finished with a 7.37 PPR, including two games where I averaged an impressive 8.50 PPR. I also threw three four-baggers, which was a great feeling. In bracket play, I added another three four-baggers, making it probably the most four-baggers I’ve thrown in a single night. That’s something I’m proud of, especially as I continue to develop my game and become more comfortable on the boards.

My overall numbers weren’t quite where I wanted them to be, though. I was aiming to finish above a 7.00 PPR, but I ended the night at 6.93 PPR across 87 rounds and eight games. My record was three wins and five losses. While I would have liked to see that overall PPR come in higher, I’m not going to let the numbers take away from the positives. There was a lot to be proud of, and I’m choosing to look at last night as a great night of growth.

Bracket play brought some challenges. I came close to reaching the king seat, but I couldn’t quite get it done. Winning that game would have put me in the finals, so that was one match where the result definitely mattered to me. I had some tough games where I struggled to find my rhythm, and I know there were opportunities to score more consistently. Still, I was happy with how I handled myself and how I continued to compete, even when things weren’t going my way.

One of the biggest takeaways from the night was the progress I made mentally. I’m learning how to tell myself that every game is just another game and that feeling nervous is completely normal. Instead of fighting those nerves, I’m learning to accept them and keep throwing. That might not show up directly in my PPR, but it’s an important part of becoming a better competitor. The more comfortable I become in competitive situations, the more I can trust my game and focus on the next bag instead of worrying about the outcome.

Another lesson I reminded myself of is that throwing a four-bagger isn’t enough on its own. Of course, four-baggers are exciting, and I’m proud of the six I threw throughout the night. But consistency and scoring are what really matter. I can have a great round with four bags in the hole, but I also need to focus on putting together solid rounds throughout an entire game. I want to become the kind of player who can consistently score, not just someone who can put together a few big rounds. Those two 8.50 PPR games showed me what I’m capable of, and now the challenge is to bring that level of play into more of my games.

I also learned more about how I want to approach certain shots. There was a point where I went for an airmail, and although it didn’t work out particularly well, I was okay with taking the shot. Sometimes you have to trust your judgment and learn from the result. At the same time, I know I need to improve my decision-making when there’s a bag sitting in front of the hole and blocking my path. Rather than trying to force a shot straight through, I want to practice throwing more to the right of the blocking bag and learning how to cut around it. Having more confidence and control with that shot could help me turn difficult situations into scoring opportunities.

My blocking game is another area I want to work on. Interestingly, some of my best rounds came when I unintentionally left a block that worked in my favor. The game that would have sent me to the king seat was a good example of that. It reminded me how effective a well-placed block can be and how important it is to think about the opponent’s options, not just my own next shot. I need to get better at recognizing when a block makes sense, placing it intentionally, and making my opponent work for a scoring opportunity instead of giving them an easy lane to the hole.

As for my bags, I threw my Reynolds Thunder bags throughout most of the night. Overall, they played well, and I enjoyed using them. They felt consistent, and I was comfortable with how they performed. However, in some games, especially when I was trying to push and collect bags, I noticed that they tended to bunch up quite a bit. They’re getting to the point where they feel a little too loose and floppy, although they’re still manageable. They were also getting dirty, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Despite those observations, I felt good throwing them and was happy with their overall performance.

I believe I also played one game with my Warthogs, and they performed about as I expected. One thing I like about them is that they stay cleaner, and the fill inside helps them land softly on the board. I enjoy that feel, and it’s nice having another bag option that plays a little differently. I’ll continue paying attention to how both sets perform in different situations, especially when I’m working on pushes, collects, and blocks.

Something else I’m proud of is how I fought my way back in several games. I tend to struggle with scoring quickly during the first two or three rounds, which can put me behind early. That happened again last night, but I was able to settle in, find my rhythm, and work my way back into games. I still want to improve those opening rounds so I’m not constantly playing catch-up, but it was encouraging to see that I could recover instead of letting a slow start get into my head.

At the end of the night, I walked away feeling proud of how I played and, more importantly, how I felt while competing. I’m becoming more comfortable in competitive settings, learning to manage my nerves, and starting to see the results of the work I’ve been putting into practice. Six four-baggers, two games at an 8.50 PPR, and the ability to battle back after slow starts are all positives I can build on. Even though I didn’t reach my overall PPR goal or make it to the finals, I gained valuable experience that I can take into my next competition.

I’m glad I went out and threw last night. The wins and losses matter to a degree, especially when you’re one game away from reaching the finals, but they don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes the biggest victories come from what you learn about yourself and your game. Last night, I learned that I can compete through my nerves, recover from difficult starts, and trust the progress I’m making. My practice is starting to come together, and those two 8.50 PPR games reminded me that the potential is there.

Now it’s time to keep working. I want to improve my consistency, start games stronger, develop my blocking game, and become more confident working around bags that are in my way. I’ll keep learning what my Reynolds Thunder and Warthogs can do for me and continue building the mental side of my game. I may not have reached every goal last night, but I left with more confidence, more experience, and plenty to work on.
 

The goal isn’t just to throw a four-bagger. It’s to become a more consistent player, make smarter decisions, and keep improving one round at a time. And after last night, I feel like I’m moving in the right direction...for now. 

The Weekly Cornhole Dilemma: Monday or Wednesday?

Today is Sunday, and as I look forward to a new week, I’m eager to open the Scoreholio app to see what cornhole tournaments are available. This year has been an interesting season as I get back into the game. With that comes my obsession with buying a new set of 2027 ACL-stamped bags. However, with the ACL no longer in Connecticut, I sometimes wish I had held off on buying them. Still, I’m happy with my bags, and I’m glad I purchased three new sets.

It’s been two years since I got back into the game. I’m not horrible, but I’m not great either. Compared to the stacked group of players out there, I only play once a week. With the weather getting colder and daylight fading by the time I get home, I won’t have much time to practice. Now, if it were summer, I’d be outside throwing more bags than ever before!

As I scroll through Scoreholio with excitement, looking for opportunities to throw bags at my local cornhole clubs, I have a decision to make. Do I play on Monday at a social event with a great price and no commitment, even though I don’t always get to meet or play with the people I enjoy competing against? Or do I choose one of the other two clubs, one near work and the other just six minutes from home?

When I played at the club near home two weeks ago, I had a great time. I didn’t win, but I had some good games. I even played against some ACL pros, although I’m not sure what their current status is with everything going on with the ACL. Either way, I enjoyed the competition.

And that brings me to my weekly dilemma: Where should I play?

I prefer singles, but the competition can be serious. There are advanced players and former ACL pros on the roster. I’m not afraid to go up against them. I did it two weeks ago, and although I didn’t score, I still had some of my best games. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that I sometimes play my best when I’m competing against stronger players.

So, do I play Monday social switcholio, which I’m honestly not feeling right now, or do I play Wednesday night at the club I’d rather attend because it’s close to home?

Mondays are nice, too. I actually got to sub last week because I was free, but I didn’t play particularly well. I need to relax and just throw my game. I worry too much about my mechanics. Sometimes, I just need to stop thinking so much and throw the bag.

Pace matters a lot to me, but so do distractions. Having a bag that feels comfortable in my hand makes a difference, especially when I’m trying to learn how it plays. I’ve noticed that one particular bag has helped me feel more comfortable and understand its flight and behavior. Constantly switching bags isn’t ideal, just as switching pickleball paddles between games isn’t necessarily good for a player trying to build consistency.

That’s why I’m happy to be narrowing down my choices to either Monday competitive singles or Wednesday night on Scoreholio. One thing that makes a big difference for me is the environment. I like well-spaced playing areas with good lighting, and the Wednesday night club has exactly that. It also has good service and decent food, even though I rarely, if ever, order anything there. I can always make food at home!

One thing I’m really looking forward to is a new chapter for cornhole in my state. Now that ACL Regionals are no longer here, what comes next? Will we have ACO events, or will we keep things local and do our own thing? Who really cares about being a pro? Why not create something where we compete locally and declare a state champion?

Will there be strict cornhole bag requirements? Probably not, and honestly, I’m happy about that. I like the idea of being able to play with the bags I enjoy most and keeping things consistent.

One of those bags is especially meaningful to me. It’s a custom bag made in memory of my mother, and I’m excited to keep playing with it. Love you, Mom. I miss you dearly, and I know you would be happy to hear that I’m doing something different and trying something new. I never thought I would get back into cornhole after stepping away from the game for a while, but here I am, enjoying it again and finding something new to work toward.

I need to remind myself that I’m there to have fun, compete, and do my best. I also have to remember that I don’t have the same amount of time as many of the competitors and advanced players. Some can play three or more days a week, not to mention compete in weekend tournaments or find time to practice during the week. That’s a commitment I simply can’t match right now.

But it’s all about the journey. The more I play against these players, the more comfortable I’ll become. Even if I don’t have a great statistical chance of winning, or even scoring against some of them, I can still learn something from every game. Every throw is an opportunity to improve.

I think that even if it takes me another year to get better, I’ll be okay with that. Some of these players have been playing for six or more years. Many of them compete on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Being involved in this sport has shown me how patient and consistent they are, and how much they love the game. I respect that, and I want to keep developing those same qualities in myself.

I’ll have fun either way, and I know that working on my game during practice sessions at home, whenever I can, will help me improve. I just need to be patient with myself and trust the process.

With all that said, every week brings another decision because I can realistically play only once a week. Do I go on Monday or Wednesday? Then again, I might be able to sub for someone tomorrow and end up playing for free altogether. Haha! You never know!

Either way, I’ll be throwing some of my favorite cornhole bags: my Reynolds Thunder, Brotherhood Warthog, Underworld Greed, and my newest addition, the 724 Bagger Co. Shade, which I’m still breaking in.

At the end of the day, I want to enjoy the game, challenge myself, meet great people, and keep improving. I may not be the best player out there, and I may not have the time to practice as much as others, but I’m back in the game, and that’s what matters.

One week at a time, one game at a time, and one bag at a time.

Taking a Step Back From Pickleball and Getting Back Into Cornhole

Sometimes you just need a change of pace. That's really what this whole cornhole thing has been for me. I haven't stopped playing pickleball, and I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon. But after playing a lot of pickleball, I felt like I needed to step back for a little bit and get into something different. So, naturally, I went back to cornhole. It's been a couple of years since I really played consistently, and getting back into it has been interesting. Some things came back pretty quickly, while other things have reminded me exactly why cornhole can be so frustrating.

I originally had plans to play fall league, but I ended up missing that opportunity. I was disappointed because I was looking forward to getting into a regular league again, but that's just how things work sometimes. I haven't completely given up on the idea, though. I'm still finding opportunities to get out and throw whenever I can during the week, and I've also been practicing a lot more at home. Honestly, that's been a nice change of pace. One of the things I like about practicing cornhole is that I don't have to hunt down three other people just to get some reps in. With pickleball, if I want to play doubles, I need three other people, a court, a time that works for everyone, and preferably a court that's actually available. Now that the weather is getting colder, it becomes even more of a challenge. Some guys don't love the idea of paying for a court rental, which I completely understand. But I've always found that a little funny because I'll happily pay to play cornhole for a night, and to me, it's basically the same thing. You're paying for the opportunity to get out, play, compete and have some fun. The difference is that with cornhole, I can walk outside, set up the boards and start throwing. There's something really nice about that.

One of the things I've noticed getting back into cornhole is just how different it feels from pickleball. I've always thought of pickleball as a very strategic sport. You have your partner, you have your opponents and you have a lot of different ways to attack the game. You can decide who you want to target, where you want to place the ball, when to speed things up, when to slow things down and how you want to set your partner up for the next shot. There's a lot going on. Cornhole is different. In a lot of ways, it's much more of an individual sport. You have your bags, your board and the hole. Then you have to throw. Get it in the hole. That's basically it.

Obviously, there's more strategy to it than that. You have different bags, different boards, different conditions and different shots you can make. You can block, collect, push, cut and try to control the board. But at the end of the day, nobody else can throw the bag for you. And I think that's what makes cornhole so difficult for me. In pickleball, if I'm not playing great, I can still contribute in other ways. Maybe I can make a good strategic decision, set my partner up, get a ball back that I shouldn't have or figure out something that's giving our opponents trouble. Cornhole doesn't really give you that escape. It's a little more like bowling, but with a twist. You have your shot, you have your target and you have to execute. There really isn't anywhere to hide.

I know I can play well. I've seen it happen. I just need to find some consistency. That's probably what frustrates me the most about competing in anything. I feel like I can play well, but I can never seem to win. I'm trying not to do that this time. I've had a couple of chances recently to get back into some competitive throwing. Last week was probably the better week. I had some really fun games and felt pretty good about how I was throwing, even though I didn't win most of them. That's something I'm trying to remind myself of. Not every good game has to end in a win. Sometimes you can walk away from a loss knowing you threw well, made some good shots and had fun. That's probably a healthier way for me to look at competition right now.

This week I got a chance to sub, and let's just say it wasn't quite as good. I didn't do terrible, but I definitely didn't have the same feeling I had the week before. That's cornhole, I guess. One week you feel like you've figured something out, and the next week you're wondering if you've ever thrown a bag before. 😂 But that's also part of why I'm enjoying getting back into it. I'm not expecting to come back after a couple of years and suddenly be the player I might have wanted to be. I'm just trying to get comfortable again, get some reps and figure out what works for me.

I've also learned that getting back into cornhole isn't necessarily about proving anything. I originally thought getting back into it might just be a temporary break from pickleball. Maybe I'd play for a little while, get it out of my system and eventually go right back to playing pickleball all the time. But I'm enjoying it more than I expected. There's something satisfying about standing at the front of the board, taking a breath, picking a shot and seeing if you can execute it. Sometimes you do. Sometimes you absolutely don't. 😂 And that's okay.

I'm still going to play pickleball. I'm not going anywhere. I still enjoy the strategy, the competition and, of course, getting out there with friends. But I think taking a step back from it has been good for me. Getting back into cornhole has given me something different to focus on. It has also reminded me that sometimes you don't need to completely walk away from something you enjoy. You can just take a little break, try something else and come back with a fresh perspective.

And honestly, practicing at home has been a nice change. I can throw for 30 minutes, an hour or however long I feel like throwing without having to coordinate with three other people. No court reservation. No trying to find a fourth. No texting a group chat trying to figure out who is available. Just me, the boards and a pile of bags. Sometimes that's all I need.

So for now, I'm going to keep finding opportunities to throw during the week, keep working on my consistency and keep enjoying the process. Maybe I'll get back into a league at some point. Maybe I'll play more tournaments. Maybe I'll just keep throwing whenever I can. I don't really know yet. And that's okay.

I'm not stepping away from pickleball. I'm just taking a step back, giving myself a little change of pace and getting a fresh take on cornhole. The goal is pretty simple: relax, focus, throw my throw. And hopefully, every once in a while, actually put the damn bag in the hole. 😂

My First DUPR Rating is a....3.11? Ouch!

Well, I finally did it. After 8 games, 2 wins, and 6 losses, I received my first DUPR rating: 3.11.

I'll be honest. It wasn't the number I expected, and it definitely stung a little.

Going into the event, I actually felt prepared. The night before, I spent time drilling and working on some of the areas I've been trying to improve: cross-court drops, mid-court resets, dinks, and transition zone play. I left the session feeling confident and excited. I thought I was ready to play some good pickleball.

The funny thing is that one of the shots I normally trust the most completely disappeared when the games started.

My dinks.

Dinking is usually a strength of my game, but during the matches I found myself hitting several into the net. Looking back, I think I was so worried about making mistakes that I created the mistakes myself. There's nothing worse than watching a routine dink die in the net when it's a shot you normally make without thinking.

I also noticed that when opponents drove the ball at me, some of my returns sailed wide or ended up in the net. That's what confused me the most because just a week earlier I was playing outdoors and felt completely locked in. In rec games, I was playing some of my best pickleball.

That's where I think the biggest difference showed up.

For whatever reason, when I play organized events, ranked sessions, ladder leagues, or anything with a number attached to it, my game changes. Subconsciously, I put pressure on myself. Instead of playing freely, I start thinking about results, rankings, mistakes, and expectations.

Several matches started poorly. I honestly can't remember if I even started a game serving first. It felt like we were constantly digging ourselves out of holes, down 3-0, 4-0, or even 5-0 before settling in. That's tough against competitive players.

Playing with multiple partners wasn't easy either. Some partnerships clicked naturally while others felt difficult from the beginning. There was one younger player I got paired with who was undefeated at the time. Before we even started, he made it clear that he wasn't planning on losing. Meanwhile, I was coming in on a losing streak.

At one point he told me I should have taken a ball because I had the forehand. Maybe he was right, but he didn't know that my backhand drops are actually one of my stronger shots. The whole dynamic made it difficult to play freely. He was extremely aggressive, so I found myself backing off and letting him take more balls than I normally would.

Ironically, some of the games where I felt most comfortable ended up being losses too. When I got paired with my friend, I thought we had a great chance to win. We played well at times but still came up short.

Looking back, I think there are several things I would do differently.

I should have been more aggressive with my drives earlier in matches. Some of my best points came when I trusted my game and drove the ball through the middle. I had a few drives with the Boomstik that either won the point outright or forced weak returns that ended the rally shortly after.

That's why I don't think the paddle was the problem.

In fact, I had a great experience with the Boomstik overall. It produced some excellent drives and gave me plenty of opportunities. The more I think about it, the more I believe the issue was me, not the equipment.

I also kept forgetting a basic strategy that I know better than to ignore: target the player in transition instead of feeding the player already established at the kitchen line. It's something I know, but in the heat of competition I didn't execute it consistently.

The biggest challenge of the day wasn't my drops, drives, dinks, or paddle.

It was my mental game.

After missing a couple shots in a row, especially balls into the net, I struggled to reset mentally. Instead of moving on to the next point, I carried mistakes with me. That snowballed into more mistakes, which led to even more frustration.

Despite all of that, there were positives.

I hit some great drops. I hit some excellent drives. I got a fantastic workout. Most importantly, I finally got a DUPR rating and broke the ice.

When I told my friend what my rating ended up being, he was surprised. He reminded me that nine games isn't a huge sample size and that a first rating is just a starting point, not a final verdict on a player's ability.

Maybe he's right.

Am I upset? A little.

Am I disappointed? Absolutely.

Finishing near the bottom again felt a lot like my ladder league experience, and that's hard to swallow when you spend time drilling, practicing, and trying to improve.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.

There were moments during the session where I wanted to swear off competitive play entirely. But the truth is I love pickleball too much. I love the challenge, the workout, the strategy, and the friendships I've made through the game.

So yes, my first DUPR is 3.11.

Not the number I hoped for, but it's a starting point.

Now I know what I need to work on: trusting my game, being more aggressive when the opportunity is there, improving my mental reset after mistakes, and learning how to bring my rec-game confidence into competitive play.

The rating may say 3.11 today.

If you're looking for a new paddle, feel free to use my discount code TechYeti on brands such as Bread & Butter Pickleball, Luzz Pickleball, Vatic Pro, and Enhance Pickleball.

Despite the outcome, I'm already looking forward to the next competitive experience.

Bread & Butter Loco vs Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition — My Honest Long-Term Thoughts

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to really compare paddles in depth, but after spending a lot of time with both the Bread & Butter Loco and the Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition, I finally felt ready to talk about them. What makes this comparison interesting to me is that these paddles gave me two completely different experiences. One became my comfort paddle, while the other surprised me in ways I honestly didn’t expect.

Back in October, I purchased the tan Bread & Butter Loco and quickly fell in love with how it played. Since then, it’s been my main paddle throughout an entire 3.5+ men’s winter ladder league season and countless rec games. Even after trying other paddles, I kept coming back to the Loco. There’s just something about the balance of control, firmness, stability, and confidence it gives me that works perfectly for my game.

Honestly, there’s a reason I bought another one.

The newer Azul version feels a little different compared to my original tan Loco. The tan version feels firmer and less plush, which is actually why I prefer it right now. The Azul almost reminds me more of my Tornazo or my Vatic VSol Pro V7 LH with its slightly softer and plush response. It still feels loud and solid, but different enough that I noticed it immediately.

I’m continuing to break it in because the sound and feel of my tan Loco are a huge reason why I love that paddle so much. It may just be a one-off variation and honestly doesn’t negatively affect gameplay, but it’s something worth mentioning for players who are really sensitive to paddle feel and response.

Now let’s talk about the Selkirk Boomstik Summit Edition.

Honestly, the colorway helped convince me to finally buy it. But it wasn’t an easy purchase. The Boomstik is expensive, and I actually almost returned it before fully committing to using it. Not because I didn’t like the paddle, but because I was honestly nervous about damaging it. It reminded me of getting a brand new expensive iPhone and immediately wanting the most protective case possible. Except with the Boomstik, I didn’t even want to add edge guard tape or anything extra because the paddle really isn’t designed for that look.

Once I finally brought it indoors for rec games with friends earlier this year, I started understanding why so many competitive players love this paddle. The Boomstik absolutely excels at shaping the ball. The spin, power, and responsiveness immediately stood out, but what impressed me most was how well it handled defensive transition shots and resets off the bounce.

A lot of times in transition, players don’t have time to perfectly shape the ball or apply heavy topspin. Sometimes you’re simply reacting and sticking the paddle out there trying to survive the point and get ready for the next shot. That’s where the Boomstik shocked me. There were so many moments where I simply put the paddle out defensively and the ball somehow found its way safely back over the net.

Compared to the Loco, the Boomstik gives more help in those emergency defensive situations because of its pop, sweet spot, and stability. And we all know trying to slice against heavy slice isn’t always ideal either.

One area where I’ve had more success with the Boomstik is definitely the two-handed backhand drive. This paddle absolutely makes the ball scream off the face. The combination of power, grit, and responsiveness makes aggressive drives feel effortless at times. The InfiniGrit texture also does an amazing job helping shape the ball and generate spin on drives and drops.

I completely understand now why high-level competitive players gravitate toward this paddle. It’s aggressive, explosive, and incredibly dangerous in the right hands.

Even after all of that, I still keep going back to the Loco.

One major reason is how it performs in quick kitchen exchanges and volleys. The Boomstik feels slightly sluggish near the kitchen compared to the Loco. I think the shape and handle length both play a role in that feeling. The Loco just feels quicker and more natural in hand during fast exchanges.

Another thing I noticed is that I hit the upper edge guard area more often with the Boomstik than I do with standard elongated paddles. I can transition almost effortlessly between paddles like the Loco, Inferno, Tornazo, or Vatic VSol Pro V7 because they all share a more traditional elongated square-top shape. The Boomstik’s curved shape creates a different feel and timing window for me, especially during quick reactions. It’s not necessarily bad — it’s just different.

Because of that, if I start a competitive rec session or league night with one paddle, I usually stick with it the entire session. Only toward the very end will I start rotating in other paddles like the Volair Shift, Tornazo, or my favorite backup paddle — the metallic blue Inferno.

In the end, the Loco is still my main paddle. It simply fits my game best. I trust it more with drives, dinks, drops, kitchen exchanges, and overall consistency.

But this comparison honestly gave me a whole new appreciation for the Boomstik. It truly is an amazing paddle. For serious tournament players or competitive league players, I absolutely understand the hype now and would confidently recommend it. For casual rec play, though, I think the Loco is probably the easier paddle for most players to enjoy consistently.

If you decide to pick up a Bread & Butter paddle, feel free to use discount code TECHYETI at checkout. It truly helps support both the blog and the channel. And if you decide to pick up a Boomstik or another Selkirk paddle or pair of shoes, feel free to use my referral link below as well.

Thank you all again for the support. Until next time, enjoy the spring weather and here’s to another full summer of pickleball.

The Most Competitive Pickleball Games I’ve Had in a Few Weeks (And What I Learned)

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After dealing with colder New England weather and men's ladder league over the last few months, I finally had one of the most competitive pickleball sessions I’ve had in a long time this week. One of our friends came back after taking several months off during the colder fall and winter months, and the games immediately felt different. The rallies were longer, the hands battles at the kitchen were more intense, and every game felt like it could go either way. At one point, I really wish I had worn my smartwatch because I’m pretty sure my heart rate had to be pushing close to 180+ BPM. One game honestly felt like it lasted somewhere between 15 to 20 minutes because neither team wanted to give in. I lost some games and won some, but those are the kinds of matches that remind me why I love pickleball so much.

One of the biggest adjustments during these games was switching from the Selkirk Pro S1 Pickleball Ball back to the Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs. I forgot just how different the X-40 feels after spending time with the Selkirk ball. The Franklin felt softer, the bounce seemed lower, and kitchen exchanges almost felt like they were happening in slow motion compared to what I had grown used to. I found myself needing to move faster in transition because the ball just didn’t bounce the same way. It really reminded me that changing pickleballs can affect your game just as much as switching paddles, especially when you’ve grown comfortable with one type of ball.

Speaking of paddles, my current go-to is still my Bread & Butter Loco Elongated Pickleball Paddle. It continues to be the paddle that feels most natural for my game and always finds its way back into my bag. I recently picked up the Azul version, and while I do like it, I’m still adjusting because my original tan version just feels slightly different. I also spent some time using my Volair Shift Elongated Pickleball Paddle and even gave the Luzz Inferno Pickleball Paddle another shot, but I didn’t really click with it right away. On top of that, I keep thinking about picking up another Vatic Pro Saga V7 Pickleball Paddle or trying a new Prism V7. I still regret giving away my old Saga 16mm short handle. As a Vatic Pro ambassador, I probably should have held onto it just to keep a better collection of their paddles.

As for my actual performance, I think I played okay. I wouldn’t say I played amazing, but I definitely did some things well. My serves stayed consistent and rarely found the net, and I had some solid resets using two hands on the paddle. I also felt like I did a better job of moving the ball around and not becoming too predictable. One thing that has helped me improve lately is recording our matches and uploading them privately to YouTube so my friends and I can watch them back. It’s been one of the best ways to identify habits, weaknesses, and tendencies that are easy to miss while you’re caught up in the moment of playing.

One thing I noticed during these games was how often players try to speed up balls that probably shouldn’t be attacked. There were a few moments where a player tried speeding up a ball that was near knee level, and it ended up either going into the net or setting up the other team for an easy winner. Sometimes the better play is simply being patient, resetting the ball, or continuing a dink rally until you get a better opportunity. Not every ball needs to be attacked, and that’s something many recreational players still struggle with.

I also noticed a few areas where I need to improve. I need to do a better job attacking balls off the bounce without hitting them into the net, which is something my Boomstik paddle seems to help me with. I also need to add more topspin on my returns and fourth shot drives because there were a few times where I left the ball sitting too high, giving my opponents easy chances to poach or apply pressure. These are small adjustments, but they can make a huge difference in tighter matches.

By the end of the night, I pulled out my Volair Shift Elongated Pickleball Paddle again and started thinking that it might be my main paddle for next week’s games. Then again, part of me wants to bring out the Boomstik. Realistically though, I’ll probably end up going back to what always works best for me—my Bread & Butter Loco Elongated Pickleball Paddle. It continues to be the paddle I trust the most when games get competitive.

And if you’ve been thinking about trying a Bread & Butter paddle, I was recently accepted as an ambassador. If you decide to pick one up, feel free to use code TechYeti at checkout to save a little money. It genuinely helps support both my blog and YouTube channel.

Until next time, keep dinking, driving, and dropping.

Why the Boomstik Makes Sense for My Game?

A few weeks ago I got back on the court with the fellas and decided to give the Boomstik another try. It had been a while since I used it because I’ve mostly been playing with other paddles like the Volair Shift, but I figured why not bring it back into rotation.

When I first used the Boomstik, I liked it, but I didn’t stick with it long enough. Coming back to it now, the first thing I noticed again was the pop and power. I know a lot of people say it’s too poppy or too powerful, and I thought I might feel the same, but honestly it works pretty well for my game.

We played about 7 games over 2 hours, which is usually how we run it. We rotate partners every couple of games and just keep it going. I recorded all the games like I normally do now and shared them with the group. Watching them back, I felt like I played better than I thought I did while I was on the court.

One thing that really stood out was my drops, especially from the baseline. They felt really smooth. I wasn’t trying to do too much—just keeping the paddle out in front, slowing my swing down, and letting the paddle do the work. The ball was getting over the net clean more often than not.

I’ve also been trying to get better at mid-court transitions, and that’s still one of the harder parts of pickleball for me. It’s easy to hit the ball too hard, pop it up, or dump it into the net. But in these games, I felt a little more comfortable there, especially adding some topspin on balls in the air.

As for the Boomstik itself, it played really solid. Drives had good power, and quick hands at the kitchen felt nice. The paddle feels stable overall, even on shots that aren’t hit perfectly. One thing I did notice is that the ball comes off the paddle pretty quick, so you have to be ready for fast returns.

The handle is something I wasn’t sure about at first, mainly because of the shape and the bigger end cap, but it’s actually grown on me. It feels comfortable now, and I don’t notice any vibration. Two-handed shots feel good too, even though I didn’t get a ton of chances to use them.

With the power, you do have to stay under control. There were a couple of shots where I could tell if my angle was off, the ball was either going long or straight into the net. So it’s not a forgiving paddle if your mechanics aren’t there, but when you’re dialed in, it feels really good.

If I had to point out anything negative, it would be on some serve returns. There were a few times where I sent the ball deeper than I wanted, especially on slice or shorter serves where I had to move forward. It didn’t happen a lot, but I noticed it enough.

Durability is still something I’m not sure about yet. I already saw a small ding on the edge guard, but overall the paddle still feels good and the surface is holding up so far. I just haven’t used it enough to really judge that yet.

At the end of the day, I came away from that session really liking the Boomstik more than I expected. It’s powerful, poppy, and stable, and for my style of play, it fits pretty well. Right now, it’s up there with my Bread & Butter Loco as one of my go-to paddles.

I’m looking forward to getting back out there again soon, hopefully outdoors once the weather gets better. If not, we’ll keep it going indoors.

If you’ve been thinking about trying the Boomstik, I’d just say make sure it fits your game. It’s not for everyone, but if you can control the power, it can be a really fun paddle to play with.

When Trying New Paddles Starts Hurting Your Game

I recently gave the RPM Q2 a shot—and honestly, it didn’t last long. I returned it almost right away. It’s just not for me.

Right off the bat, it felt way too poppy. The balance point wasn’t where I like it, and while the handle circumference was okay, the shape felt really rectangular and flat in my hand. For the price, it just didn’t make sense to keep it.

But this isn’t really about the paddle itself—it’s more about what I realized because of it.

Lately, I’ve been trying a lot of different paddles, doing reviews, and chasing that “next one.” And I started noticing something during rec play the other night—I wasn’t playing well. Like, noticeably off. My drops were inconsistent, my resets weren’t as clean, and I was popping balls up way more than usual. With the RPM Q2, it was probably the worst I’ve seen in a while.

Now to be fair, no one expects to pick up a new paddle and instantly play their best. But that’s when it hit me: constantly switching paddles might actually be holding me back.

Every paddle has its own feel—different response, different pop, different timing. Some are close, sure, but none are identical. And when you keep switching, you’re always adjusting instead of improving. With the RPM, I could feel how good it was on dinks and soft shots, but I just couldn’t keep the ball down consistently. That disconnect was frustrating.

So I decided to return it—not just because I didn’t like it, but because I’m kind of done chasing paddles for a while.

At this point, I’d rather focus on getting better.

Ironically, the paddle I keep coming back to is still the Bread & Butter Loco. It just fits my game. I’ve also had some surprisingly good runs with the Boomstik too—something about the stability and higher twist weight seems to help more than I expected.

But overall, I’m just tired of buying paddles that look great on paper but don’t actually help my performance.

What I learned the other night was more important than any paddle review. My returns are still solid—low, controlled, and intentional—and I’ve actually been doing better with my resets lately by slowing things down and staying patient. That said, I still struggle more against aggressive players, and that’s something I need to work on. I also want to start paying attention to whether I play better on the left or right side of the court. Another big area for me is being more intentional during rallies—understanding what to expect on the next shot instead of assuming the point is over. I’m not always trying to hit a winner, but I think I need to stay mentally in the rally longer and expect the ball to come back every time. Maybe I’m already doing some of that and just don’t see it clearly in the moment—I really wish I hadn’t forgotten my tripod to record the games. Either way, it was just an off night… honestly, for most of us.

The biggest areas I need to improve? Long-distance drops—especially on my backhand—and being just a bit more aggressive when it matters. I had a couple of really solid forehand drops from the baseline, so I know it’s there. It just needs consistency.

At the end of the day, this was a good reminder: not everything that’s new is better. And sometimes, sticking with what works is the best way to actually improve your game.  For me, that is the Bread and Butter Loco elongated paddle.  Its not going anywhere...yet or until the grit really wears out.