Have you ever wondered what the future of pickleball training might look like? Wonder no more. PlayKout, a revolutionary pickleball simulator, is changing the game by blending high-intensity training with addictive gameplay elements—creating what founders Sean Edwards and Jorge Guerrero aptly describe as "the TopGolf of pickleball."

During our visit to their Dallas headquarters, we experienced firsthand how this compact system (just 11' high x 11' wide x 4' deep) delivers an impressive workout while making practice genuinely fun. The concept is brilliant yet straightforward: a ball machine feeds pickleballs toward players who aim at targets displayed on a projection screen. Players can enjoy games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four, and target practice while hitting up to 40 balls per minute. The cognitive benefits are substantial—you're simultaneously tracking the ball, selecting targets, and executing shots, mimicking the split-second decisions required in actual match play.

What makes PlayKout particularly revolutionary is its dual focus on performance and entertainment. Unlike previous simulator attempts that emphasized just technical training, PlayKout creates an engaging experience that keeps players returning while simultaneously improving their skills. Professional tennis player John Isner described it as "dangerously fun" after trying the system—a sentiment we enthusiastically echo after our own sweaty session.

For facility owners, PlayKout represents an opportunity to monetize underutilized "dead space" by essentially adding another "court" that can generate revenue comparable to court rentals. The system is already heading to Dave & Buster's locations, Dill Dinkers franchises, and is being considered for cruise ships, corporate wellness programs, and even residential installations. The founders are even exploring virtual tournaments where players can compete across multiple locations.

Ready to see the future of pickleball training? Check out PlayKout on Instagram @PlayKout or visit their website at letsplaykout.com to witness this game-changing technology that's bringing virtual reality to the pickleball world.

Saddle up and have a listen, you'll be glad you did!

Looking for a fitness app specifically designed for Pickleheads? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Special thanks to Crown Pickleball for their support and sponsorship! Don't waste money on balls that break, Crown pickleballs rarely crack, are more visible and have a higher spin rate than the competitors.
Use our link to receive a discount on your next purchase! https://crownpickleball.store/blazingpaddles

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From college football dreams to pickleball excellence, Dorion Brown's journey to becoming head pro at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas is a masterclass in perseverance, emotional intelligence, and dedicated practice.

The second part of our conversation with Dorion dives deep into what transformed a recreational player from Wilmington, North Carolina into a 4.8-rated competitor with professional aspirations. With nearly 56,000 teaching hours under his belt, Dorian shares the "neurological hacks" that have helped him elevate countless players from 3.0 to 4.5 ratings through focused training techniques.

At the heart of Dorion's philosophy is a refreshingly humble approach: "Pride always comes before the fall," he reminds us. His emphasis on selflessness extends to his training methodologies, where he advocates for deliberate practice on hitting walls, using sweet spot finders, and understanding your optimal striking zone through concepts like the "one-foot force field." These aren't just technical tips—they're mindset shifts that transform how players approach the game.

Particularly fascinating is Dorion's stance on the power versus placement debate. "Placement over power wins," he insists, encouraging players to "live for another shot" rather than forcing high-risk plays. His advocacy for rally scoring during practice creates accountability that traditional scoring lacks, preventing players from repeating the same mistakes without consequences.

What truly distinguishes Dorion is how he's woven his faith and values into his coaching approach. The transition from "Team Dorian" to "Team Pickleball Kingdom with Dorion attached to it" reflects a maturity that extends beyond the court. His commitment to the facility's core values—"faith, family, and work"—creates an environment where pickleball becomes more than sport; it becomes community.

Whether you're battling the yips with your serve, struggling to find consistency in your dinking game, or looking to take your skills to tournament level, Dorion's insights offer a roadmap to improvement through intentional practice and mindful play. Listen now and transform not just how you play, but how you approach the mental game of pickleball.

Looking for a fitness app specifically designed for Pickleheads? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Special thanks to Crown Pickleball for their support and sponsorship! Don't waste money on balls that break, Crown pickleballs rarely crack, are more visible and have a higher spin rate than the competitors.
Use our link to receive a discount on your next purchase! https://crownpickleball.store/blazingpaddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at john@dink.pro or shout out on social:
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Blazing Paddles kicks off Season 2 at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas during the PCD Boot Camp end-of-year reward event. We sit down with Lesa Wracher, Rules Director for Pickleball Competitors of Dallas (PCD), to discuss the organization's evolution from Tennis Competitors of Dallas and the unique culture of pickleball.

• PCD evolved from TCD (Tennis Competitors of Dallas) in fall 2020 thanks to Renee Hinterlong's vision
• Initially 96.4% of participants were tennis players, but the demographic has shifted significantly
• PCD now operates with its own board of directors to accommodate pickleball's rapid growth
• The inclusive nature of pickleball allows for multi-generational play, unlike many other sports
• PCD has adapted rules for weather conditions, indoor play options, and equipment regulations
• Paddle regulations have become a prominent issue as manufacturers claim USAP approval without official listing
• The pickleball community is described as more welcoming and less hierarchical than tennis
• Pickleball is becoming recognized at the collegiate level, with new scholarship programs emerging

Keep an eye out for part two of this episode featuring Dorion Brown, Head Pro at Pickleball Kingdom, who will share motivation and tips to improve your game.

Looking for a fitness app specifically designed for Pickleheads? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Special thanks to Crown Pickleball for their support and sponsorship! Don't waste money on balls that break, Crown pickleballs rarely crack, are more visible and have a higher spin rate than the competitors.
Use our link to receive a discount on your next purchase! https://crownpickleball.store/blazingpaddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at john@dink.pro or shout out on social:
Instagram
Twitter
Tik Tok