Thursday, August 24, 2023

Kyle Koszuta: From Pickleball Enthusiast to YouTube Sensation

 
A Glimpse into the Journey of a Rising Pickleball Star In an exclusive interview that has been making waves on social media, Kyle Koszuta, popularly known as "ThatPickleballGuy," opens up about his remarkable journey from an aspiring pickleball player to a content creator sensation on YouTube. His interview, featured on the Building Pickleball Podcast, provides insights into his career, strategies, and the philosophy that drives his success. The Unlikely Journey to Pro Pickleball Just a few years ago, Kyle Koszuta was a relatively unknown figure in the world of pickleball. However, through sheer determination, relentless effort, and an unwavering commitment to his goals, Kyle has managed to turn his passion for pickleball into a thriving career. From Basketball to Pickleball: A Surprising Transition One of the most intriguing aspects of Kyle's journey is his transition from a background in basketball to becoming a standout pickleball player. In the interview, he reflects on the challenges he faced while trying to unlock his full potential in basketball and how he ultimately found his calling in the sport of pickleball. YouTube Stardom: A New Chapter Apart from his pickleball journey, Kyle has made a significant impact as a content creator on YouTube. With over 1 million views and a rapidly growing subscriber base, his YouTube channel has become a hub for pickleball enthusiasts seeking tips, tutorials, and engaging content. The Art of Content Creation During the interview, Kyle shares insights into his content creation process. He emphasizes the importance of providing value to his audience and explains how he meticulously plans his videos to ensure they are engaging from start to finish. His dedication to crafting high-quality content has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his success. Comparing to Improve: Embracing the Infinite Game One of the key takeaways from the interview is Kyle's philosophy on comparison. He advocates for comparing oneself not to others but to one's previous self. This perspective, often referred to as the "infinite game," focuses on personal growth and constant improvement. Collaboration: A Professional Approach Kyle's professionalism also shines through in his approach to collaboration. He highlights the importance of coming to potential collaborators with concrete ideas rather than vague propositions. This approach has enabled him to build meaningful partnerships in the pickleball community. The Path Forward As Kyle Koszuta continues to chase his dreams of becoming a top-10 pickleball player, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and content creators alike. His story underscores the power of determination, hard work, and a commitment to personal growth. In an age where social media platforms offer endless opportunities, Kyle's success story shows that with the right mindset and dedication, anyone can turn their passion into a thriving career. Conclusion Kyle Koszuta's interview on the Building Pickleball Podcast is not just a glimpse into his personal journey but also a testament to the limitless potential of those willing to embrace the infinite game of personal improvement. As he continues to make strides in both the pickleball world and the content creation sphere, his story reminds us that success is not defined by comparison to others but by the commitment to be the best version of ourselves.

  1. 00:00 Intro
  2. 01:14 How did Kyle end up here
  3. 03:07 Content creators in Pickleball
  4. 04:29 Kyle’s arrival to Austin, TX
  5. 06:18 Getting the viewers attention
  6. 09:56 How do you measure success
  7. 23:16 Growing up playing sports
  8. 27:58 The moment it all changed
  9. 37:16 What you gain by watching Kyle's content
  10. 39:02 His content creation process
  11. 43:28 Become a competent filmmaker
  12. 46:36 Looking back
  13. 49:59 What are your goals
  14. 54:45 Building experience
  15. 01:05:19 Selkirk sponsorship
  16. 01:11:49 Childhood
  17. 01:18:01 Choosing your content creation path
  18. 01:28:24 Advice
  19. 01:33:12 Most influential person in his life
  20. 01:38:40 Closing

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Drill Partners Pickleball Watermelon Jamboree: A Sizzling Summer Gathering

 

Eve brought bit-sized watermelon chunks for everyone to enjoy after the games were played. 

Port Townsend, WA — On a sweltering August 14th afternoon, the Kala Point Village Lagoon Courts became the backdrop for the "Drill Partners Pickleball Watermelon Jamboree," an event that combined the joys of pickleball, refreshing watermelon, and heartfelt camaraderie.

Under the blazing sun, four close-knit friends—Eve, Hope, Tony, and Jack—gathered to celebrate their love for pickleball and each other's company. The scorching heat did little to dampen their spirits as they indulged in epic matches of pickleball, intermingled with stories of adventures and laughter.

Eve, the gracious host of the event, took center stage during a watermelon break. As the group savored the juicy red fruit, she regaled them with tales of her recent three-week trip to France. Her stories transported her friends to cobblestone roads and donkey trails, painting vivid images of her travels.

"It was like stepping into a postcard," Eve recalled, her eyes sparkling with the memories of her French escapade. "The quaint villages, the delicious food, and the charming countryside—it was truly a dream come true."

But the Drill Partners' Watermelon Jamboree wasn't just about reminiscing. It was an opportunity to forge new memories and cherish their friendship. During the event, Hope, ever the gracious hostess, expressed her gratitude to her friends and fellow players.

"Thank you all for playing today," Hope said, her voice filled with warmth. "The close games were fun and positive! I appreciate you all playing today and all the help along the way. Thanks, Eve, for the watermelon and the great idea, Jack, for the nectarines (delicious), and Tony for the extra water! It was great fun to connect."

Tony, equally appreciative of the gathering, expressed his enjoyment of the company, the refreshments, and the games. He even suggested a repeat of the Watermelon Jamboree, sealing their commitment to more such delightful afternoons.

"Enjoyed your company, the refreshments, and play. Thank you all," Tony remarked. "We should do this again. Good luck, Hope, with the tournament this weekend."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Kala Point Village Lagoon Courts, the Drill Partners left the event with hearts full of joy and cherished memories of a blazing hot afternoon spent playing pickleball, indulging in watermelon, and strengthening their enduring friendship. The "Drill Partners Pickleball Watermelon Jamboree" had been a resounding success, marking yet another unforgettable chapter in their lives.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

2023 Tournament of Champions Mixed Doubles

Ella and Angie Presents - Daily Drill Sessions

 

 

  • Day 1 - The third shot drop is all about control, touch, spin, and deception.
  • Day 2 - Dinks are foundational to any pickleball game.
  • Day 3Having fast reflexes is key to winning points 
  • Day 4React, Reset, Repeat
  • Day 5Skinny Singles

Improve Shot Control with this Drill | Improve Your Pickleball Game

 

00:01 🏓 Develop touch, coordination, and comfort with the paddle. 00:15 🤝 Practice hitting the ball with a partner without letting it touch the ground. 00:28 🍽️ Enhance touch at the kitchen line in pickleball.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Piano Lesson with Dad - Ravel Concerto in G - excerpt slow mov.

 

Pickleball Symphony with @SelkirkSport

How to Become a Pro Pickleball Player | Ben Johns


0:00 Intro 0:20 Practice with a Purpose 1:14 Playing vs. Drilling 2:26 Getting the Most Out of Your Practices 3:35 Coaching 5:37 The Winning Mindset 7:46 Preparing for Long Tournament Days 9:36 Staying Limber 10:47 5 Min Warmup 11:32 Tournament Prep 13:50 Tips for Aspiring Pros


Unveiling the Road to Becoming a Pro Pickleball Player: Insights from Ben Johns

In the dynamic world of pickleball, where enthusiasm meets competition, the number one pickleball pro in the world Ben Johns share his wisdom on transitioning from amateurs to aspiring professionals. Offering an inside look at the journey towards becoming a pro player, he sheds light on the crucial steps and valuable tips to elevate your game, regardless of your current level.

Precise Drills and Effective Practice Sessions

When it comes to practice, Ben emphasizes the importance of precision. Isolating specific skills during drilling can lead to rapid improvement. The key is to focus on weaknesses and practice them diligently. He recommends either focusing on a few key skills during practice or replicating drills in a game setting to solidify newly acquired skills. By repetition and practical application, players can accelerate their learning curve.

Striking a Balance Between Playing and Practicing

Finding the balance between playing and practicing is essential. Maddie stresses that at the initial stages, playing matches is vital to expose oneself to various opponents and playing styles. While practice helps refine skills, it's essential to recognize weaknesses through match experience. Over time, the balance shifts towards more deliberate practice as weaknesses are identified and addressed.

The Coach Dilemma: Self-Learning vs. Coaching

The decision to have a coach largely depends on personal learning preferences. Ben shares his journey of visual learning from observing and mimicking others' techniques. However, different players thrive with distinct learning styles. The key is identifying how you learn best—whether through self-learning, coach guidance, or critique-based learning—and leveraging those methods for improvement.

Mastering Tournament Play

Transitioning from recreational games to tournaments requires preparation and a shift in mindset. Ben and Maddie highlight that tournaments demand playing under pressure. Regular practice in high-stress situations and competitive mini-games can help players acclimatize to tournament intensity. Moreover, embracing the challenge of performing well even when not at your best is a crucial tournament mindset.

Physical Conditioning and Recovery Strategies

Physical fitness and recovery play a pivotal role in tournament success. Adequate sleep, maintaining hydration, and staying active are essential pre-tournament strategies. Ben suggests post-match stretching only in cases of extended breaks to prevent muscles from tightening. Dynamic warm-ups, continuous hydration, and staying out of direct sunlight are key between-match rituals.

Holistic Pre-Tournament Preparation

In the lead-up to tournaments, a holistic approach is paramount. Adequate sleep, healthy eating, and scaling down practice sessions contribute to peak performance. Ben recommends adjusting your sleep schedule to tournament time zones, focusing on gradual practice scaling, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration.

Aspiring Pro: The Final Countdown

For those aspiring to go pro, Ben and Maddie outline three primary steps: consistently play with better players to learn from them, find a committed drilling partner for focused practice, and participate in as many tournaments as possible. The more you invest in your pickleball journey, the closer you'll get to realizing your professional aspirations.

In the ever-evolving world of pickleball, Ben and Maddie's insights shed light on the path to pro status. As they continue to hone their skills and inspire others, their journey serves as a beacon of hope for those ready to seize the opportunity and reach for the stars in the competitive world of pickleball.

Age is Just a Number: The Joyce Jones Story | AARP Pickleball Stories |

  The Ageless Athlete: Joyce Jones' Lifelong Love for Badminton and Pickleball Introduction:   At 94 years old, Joyce Jones, a resident ...