Pickleball Prodigies: Coach Matty on What It Really Takes to Go Pro
From Smiling to Drilling, Coach Matty Klein Breaks Down the Essentials for Aspiring Pickleball Pros and Weekend Warriors Alike
Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion for many. And at the heart of it is Coach Matty Klein, a certified IPTPA Level 2 and PPR Teaching Pro, who specializes in guiding beginners and intermediates to find their footing in the game. Whether you’re looking to enjoy casual games or dreaming of turning pro, Coach Matty has the wisdom and experience to get you there. In this episode of Pickleball Minute, Matty sits down with Ariana, a young pickleball enthusiast, to discuss the journey from novice to professional and how players of all levels can fall in love with the game.
1. What sparked Ariana’s interest in pickleball?
Ariana: “I’ve been practicing my smile and my ‘pro frown.’ Pickleball has this unique spirit – you can be a smiler or a frowner, and I just love that!”
Coach Matty: “It’s great to see such enthusiasm. Whether you’re smiling or frowning on the court, pickleball has room for all.”
2. Does Ariana really want to become a pro pickleball player?
Ariana: “Yes, I do! I want to be a pro.”
Coach Matty: “That’s amazing to hear. Becoming a pro requires a lot of commitment, but having that dream is the first step.”
3. How much time does Ariana dedicate to practice each week?
Ariana: “I practice 96 hours a week.”
Coach Matty (laughing): “That’s a lot of hours! It’s wonderful that you’re putting in the time, but balance is important too.”
4. What kind of drills does Ariana focus on?
Ariana: “I watch the pros on TV.”
Coach Matty: “Watching the pros is good for inspiration, but drilling is essential. It’s how you build muscle memory and fine-tune your skills.”
5. What has Ariana learned from watching the pros?
Ariana: “I’ve learned to slow it down until it’s time to go.”
Coach Matty: “That’s a key lesson. Knowing when to slow down and when to speed up is a crucial part of playing pickleball at a high level.”
6. Does Ariana still want to be a pro pickleball player?
Ariana: “I actually want to be a marine biologist!”
Coach Matty (laughing): “That’s quite a shift! Both careers take hard work and dedication.”
7. What does it really take to become a professional pickleball player?
Coach Matty: “To become a pro, you need to walk onto the court with a high level of play. Tennis players have an advantage because they already have the fundamental skills, but it’s still a lot of work. It’s 80% practice and 20% play. Drilling intensely is the key to handling anything fast, resetting the point, and gaining an advantage by keeping your opponent off-balance or in a tough position.”
In-Depth Summary:
In this engaging episode of Pickleball Minute, Coach Matty Klein shares the realities of what it takes to go from recreational player to professional. The conversation with Ariana, a bright-eyed and ambitious young player, highlights the importance of practice, focus, and enjoyment in the game. While Ariana dreams of becoming a pro, she candidly admits her passion for marine biology, reminding us that pickleball is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about achieving mastery.
Coach Matty emphasizes that reaching the pro level requires an immense commitment to drilling, with 80% of the process devoted to practice. He explains that experienced tennis players have a head start because many skills in tennis translate to pickleball, but the path to success is still a demanding one. With the right combination of coaching, dedication, and love for the game, anyone can improve their skills—whether they’re looking to dominate the courts or simply enjoy the game socially.
This episode serves as a reminder that while chasing professional dreams is admirable, the love of the game and the community that comes with it are just as valuable.
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