Pickleball Fans Hate This Mixed Doubles Strategy — But it Just Won PPA Gold

Love or hate Christian Alshon's all-out court coverage at PPA Minnesota, one thing is undeniable: it worked

Christian Alshon did something in mixed doubles at PPA Minnesota that had the pickleball community split down the middle. He won. But the way he won? That's what sparked the debate.

In a segment from the latest PicklePod episode, hosts Zane and Nico broke down Alshon's hyper-aggressive mixed doubles approach, where he essentially took over the court, pushed his partner Tyra to the margins, and played like he was in a singles match.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our email newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

It was, without a doubt, a singularly aggressive approach to doubles pickleball. And one that many pickleball fans just can't seem to wrap their heads around.

But the results speak for themselves: Christian and Tyra won their first gold together.

'Do Whatever It Takes to Win'

It's easy for a bunch of rec-play keyboard warriors to cry foul on this style of play. But here's the thing: Alshon's strategy worked. He and Tyra won the tournament, beating the top team in Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin in the finals to do it.

So the question becomes whether the means justify the ends, and more importantly, whether this is sustainable or just a one-off performance by an elite athlete doing elite things.

"These players are going to do whatever it takes to win," said Zane. "We are competing and it's completely within the rules."

Should you go do this in rec play? Definitely not, he adds.

Whether Tyra took any issue with it is between her and Christian.

But fellow PPA pro Anna Bright made a compelling case in a recent newsletter:

Tyra is the perfect partner for this style. Why, you ask? Well… she is the most athletic woman in the game, by FAR. Her unreal foot speed and athleticism make her the perfect complement to the manic playstyle he exhibited this week. She is more athletic than most men on tour.

Watch the full PicklePod episode below:

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.

Feature image via Christian Alshon on Instagram