Briones Pickleball Podcast: A Decade in Pickleball with Michelle Esquivel
Exploring the Evolution and Future of Pickleball with a Veteran Player and Coach
In this episode of the Briones Pickleball Podcast, host Jordan Briones welcomes Michelle Esquivel, an MLP and PPA signed professional pickleball player with over a decade of experience. Together, they reflect on their shared history in the sport, tracing its growth from a small, tight-knit community to a booming professional scene. Michelle, a player, coach, and commentator, brings a wealth of knowledge as they discuss the evolution of pickleball strategies, paddle technology, and their personal journeys. From grassroots beginnings to global tours, this conversation offers insights into the sport’s past, present, and exciting future.
(0:00) – Who is Michelle Esquivel? Michelle introduces herself as an MLP and PPA signed player who has been in pickleball since 2014. She and Jordan note their long history together, both celebrating a decade in the sport. (0:48) – How did you get started in pickleball? Michelle recalls being introduced to pickleball in 2014 in California while working as a community college PE teacher and tennis coach. Her first tournament was in Tustin (2015 or 2016), where she played against Hall of Famer Steve Wong and lost but gained valuable experience. (2:50) – How has pickleball grown over the past decade? Michelle describes pickleball’s transformation from a niche sport with limited courts to a global phenomenon. She foresaw its potential early on, which motivated her move to Bend, Oregon, in 2018, where the sport was booming. (4:27) – What are you doing in pickleball today? Michelle shares her current roles as a pro player, coach, and commentator. She’s passionate about teaching, growing the sport through initiatives like Pickleball Cares, and has played internationally in places like Australia and Vietnam. (6:45) – How did you and Jordan meet? Michelle and Jordan reminisce about meeting around 2017 or 2018 at Nationals, though the exact moment is unclear. They connected more firmly in 2019 for Jordan’s instructional videos, reflecting on the small, grassroots community of that era. (10:52) – What has changed most in pickleball strategy and tactics? Michelle highlights paddle technology as a major change, noting that older paddles lacked power and spin, making the game slower and more strategic. Today’s athleticism and equipment have sped it up significantly. (17:11) – How has your game and teaching philosophy evolved? Michelle explains adapting her teaching to include modern techniques like roll volleys and aggressive dinking, driven by paddle advancements. She still emphasizes consistency, accuracy, and patience (CAP) as core principles. (See in-depth article below) (24:19) – What was your recent PPA tournament experience like? Michelle recounts playing mixed doubles with John Cincola at a PPA event. They led 9-7 against Quang Duong and Alex Truong but lost after Quang’s powerful drives overwhelmed them. (32:07) – How do you find commentating on pickleball? Michelle admits she’s uncomfortable commentating, despite her love for the sport. Starting with grassroots Facebook Live streams in 2016, she’s learning play-by-play and analytical roles under pressure from producers. (35:43) – What keeps you passionate about pickleball? Michelle’s passion stems from her vision of pickleball in colleges with scholarships and its positive impact on people’s lives. She loves the sport’s social and active nature. (38:34) – What’s your most memorable pickleball story? Michelle shares a touching moment from 2018 when her grandmother watched her win a gold medal in singles. It was especially meaningful as her grandmother passed away the next year. (41:45) – How do you handle a poacher at the 3.5 level on the third shot? Michelle advises Marty (an audience member) to focus on dropping the third shot to force a bounce, ideally behind the poacher (e.g., down the line or crosscourt), to limit their attacking chances. (45:12) – Is backspin still effective, or does it give opponents an easier topspin shot? Michelle defends backspin, especially on returns, as it slows the game and aids positioning. She distinguishes between floaty (risky) and low, knifing backspins (effective). (48:49) – Where do you see paddle technology heading? Michelle expresses concern about paddles getting too powerful (e.g., her recent Joola experience). She prefers standardized equipment to keep the game fair and strategic, not just power-based. (50:58) – Who are your favorite pros to watch? Michelle enjoys watching Lacy Schneeman, Vivian Glozman, and Kate Fahey (women) for their growth and learning mindset, and Tyson McGuffin and Dylan Frazier (men) for their energy and skill. (54:32) – When should you drive or drop the third shot at the 4.0 level? Michelle says it depends on the situation. She prefers drops to set up points but drives if the serve pins opponents back and placement is precise, noting drives often lead to a fifth shot. (58:11) – How important is the reset shot when serving at the 4.0 level? Michelle stresses the reset shot’s importance for slowing the game and working to the net as a serving team. She advises Stephen to drill resets and move methodically, balancing speed with control. (1:04:29) – Can you share a story from the Pickleball Global Challenge Cup? Michelle and Jordan recall the East vs. West Challenge Cup, a precursor to MLP, featuring players like Riley Newman and Tyson McGuffin. It was a fun, community-driven event with movie outings and camaraderie.
In-Depth Summary:
This episode of the Briones Pickleball Podcast offers a nostalgic yet forward-looking exploration of pickleball through the eyes of Jordan Briones and Michelle Esquivel, two veterans celebrating a decade in the sport. They trace pickleball’s evolution from a small, grassroots community—highlighted by events like the Pickleball Global Challenge Cup—to its current status as a fast-paced, professional game. Michelle’s journey, from her 2014 introduction in California to her multifaceted roles today as a pro player, coach, and commentator, underscores her deep commitment to growing pickleball globally and in education.
The conversation delves into significant changes in the sport, particularly paddle technology, which has shifted gameplay from slow, strategic rallies to a faster, more athletic contest. Michelle contrasts her early power-hitting style with today’s advanced techniques like roll volleys, while holding firm to foundational principles of consistency, accuracy, and patience. Her candid discussion of commentating reveals the challenges of adapting to a structured broadcast role, yet her passion shines through in her desire to bring pickleball to new audiences.
Personal anecdotes, like her grandmother’s pride in her 2018 gold medal win, highlight the sport’s emotional impact, while practical coaching tips—such as handling poachers with drops or mastering resets—offer valuable insights for players. Michelle’s concerns about overpowerful paddles and her excitement for collegiate pickleball reflect a balanced perspective on the sport’s future. Together, she and Jordan celebrate pickleball’s growth while cherishing its roots, urging listeners to stay humble and enjoy the journey. This episode is a rich blend of history, strategy, and inspiration for pickleball enthusiasts at any level.
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“How has your game and teaching philosophy evolved?”
An in-depth summary of Michelle Esquivel’s response at the 17:11 mark of the Briones Pickleball Podcast, where she addresses the question, “How has your game and teaching philosophy evolved?” Her response offers a detailed reflection on the changes in her approach as both a player and a coach over the past decade, shaped by advancements in pickleball equipment, shifts in gameplay dynamics, and her own experiences in the sport.
Early Teaching Focus (2018-2019): Equipment-Driven Constraints
Michelle begins by describing her teaching philosophy in 2018 and 2019, a period when pickleball was still gaining traction and equipment was less advanced. At that time, her instruction centered on shallow dinks—short, controlled shots designed to keep the ball low over the net and maintain a defensive posture. She explicitly notes that she did not teach roll dinks (spin-heavy dinks) or aggressive dinks (faster, more offensive dinks), largely because paddle technology limited the ability to execute such shots effectively. Early paddles lacked the materials and design features—like textured surfaces or enhanced pop—that enable spin and power, forcing players and coaches to prioritize consistency and placement over dynamic shot-making.
This focus reflects how equipment constraints dictated strategy in pickleball’s earlier days. The game was slower and more methodical, with an emphasis on keeping the ball in play rather than taking risks. For Michelle, this meant building her curriculum around foundational, control-oriented techniques that aligned with the tools available to players at the time.
Embracing Modern Techniques: Adapting to Paddle Advancements
As paddle technology progressed, Michelle adapted her teaching to incorporate more contemporary techniques. She now includes roll volleys—topspin shots that dip quickly over the net—and aggressive dinking in her lessons. These additions were made possible by paddles with improved spin potential and power, which have expanded the range of viable shots in pickleball. For instance, modern paddles allow players to put significant spin on the ball, turning defensive dinks into offensive weapons and enabling aggressive plays from positions that were once considered too risky.
This shift highlights Michelle’s responsiveness to the sport’s evolution. By integrating these techniques, she prepares her students for the current landscape of pickleball, where spin and pace are increasingly prominent. It also demonstrates her willingness to move beyond the limitations of her early teaching methods, embracing the opportunities that technological advancements have created.
Core Principles: Consistency, Accuracy, Patience (CAP)
Despite these changes, Michelle emphasizes that some elements of her teaching philosophy have remained constant. She refers to consistency, accuracy, and patience (CAP) as the bedrock of her approach, applicable to players at every level:
- Consistency: Ensuring players can reliably get the ball over the net with proper form.
- Accuracy: Teaching precise shot placement to control points and set up opportunities.
- Patience: Encouraging players to wait for the right moment to attack, avoiding unnecessary errors.
These principles, Michelle argues, are timeless. Even as pickleball has become more offensive, CAP remains essential for building a solid foundation. Beginners learn to rally consistently, intermediates refine their placement, and advanced players use patience to outmaneuver opponents. This focus on fundamentals ensures that her students develop a balanced skill set, capable of adapting to various playing styles and situations.
Evolving Attack Strategies: From Green Light to Red Zone
Michelle also discusses how the criteria for attacking have evolved. In her early years, players were taught to attack only in “green light” scenarios—when the ball was high above the net, making it safe to hit downward aggressively. This was part of a traffic light analogy: green (above the net), yellow (at net height), and red (below the net). Attacking from yellow or red zones was discouraged due to the difficulty of generating power or spin with older paddles.
Today, however, Michelle notes that players can attack from yellow and even red zones, thanks to improved paddle technology and greater player athleticism. Modern paddles allow for shots with enough spin or pace to turn low balls into offensive opportunities, fundamentally altering shot selection and risk assessment. This change has made the game more dynamic, with players no longer bound by the conservative strategies of the past. Michelle even questions whether the old traffic light framework still applies, reflecting the sport’s rapid shift toward a more aggressive style.
Teaching Philosophy: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Michelle’s teaching philosophy has evolved into a blend of old and new. She maintains her commitment to CAP as the foundation, ensuring that players master the basics before progressing. At the same time, she layers on advanced techniques like roll volleys and aggressive dinking to reflect the modern game. This balanced approach prepares students for the speed and complexity of contemporary pickleball while grounding them in the strategic principles that have always defined the sport.
Her adaptability is key. Rather than clinging to outdated methods, Michelle has embraced the tools and tactics that advancements have made possible. Yet, by keeping CAP at the core, she ensures that her students don’t sacrifice control for flashiness—a common pitfall in a game that rewards both power and precision.
Impact on Gameplay: A Faster, More Offensive Sport
The changes Michelle describes have transformed pickleball’s overall gameplay. The sport has become faster and more offensive, with points often resolved in fewer shots. The ability to attack from varied positions and generate spin has reduced the prevalence of long, defensive rallies, favoring quick, decisive exchanges. This evolution, driven by equipment improvements and player athleticism, has made pickleball more exciting but also more demanding, requiring greater versatility from competitors.
Michelle acknowledges this shift with a mix of appreciation and nostalgia. While she values the strategic, chess-like pace of the past, she recognizes that the modern game’s intensity resonates with players and audiences alike.
Personal Reflection: A Power Pioneer
In a personal aside, Michelle reflects on her own playing style from 2016, when she was known for her power-hitting. At the time, this aggressive approach—rooted in her tennis background—stood out in a sport dominated by finesse. She recalls senior pros questioning her hard-hitting style, asking why she didn’t focus on softer shots. Yet, as paddle technology advanced, power became a viable strategy, and Michelle’s early adoption of this approach proved forward-thinking.
This anecdote reveals her innovative mindset and willingness to challenge conventions. Her evolution as a player parallels the sport’s broader trajectory, reinforcing her credibility as a coach who understands pickleball’s past and present.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Pickleball’s Future
Michelle Esquivel’s response at 17:11 offers a comprehensive look at how her game and teaching philosophy have evolved. She has adeptly navigated the changes brought by paddle technology, integrating modern techniques like roll volleys and aggressive dinking into her coaching while preserving the timeless principles of consistency, accuracy, and patience. Her insights reflect both the sport’s growth—from a slower, control-based game to a faster, more offensive one—and her own journey as a pioneering player and educator. Through this balance of tradition and innovation, Michelle provides a roadmap for players and coaches seeking to thrive in pickleball’s ever-changing landscape.
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