A 46-Minute Strategy Session w/ Anna Leigh Waters [ON COURT] #2

 

@TheJourney-in6in

1 month ago (Source: Youtube Comment)

Here's a summary of the 45 minute video, broken down by topic, for easy navigation: A) Serve Strategy: -Target Focus: Before serving, pick a specific target to improve focus and consistency [01:13]. -Fluid Motion: Avoid hitches in your serve to maintain momentum, think of it as a forehand [01:34]. -Vary Serve Placement: Adjust serve placement based on the game situation, such as corner serves for accuracy in tight moments [02:43]. -Practice with Targets: Use targets during practice to make it more engaging and game-like [03:35]. B) Third Shot Decisions: -Impact of a Good Serve: A well-placed serve can lead to weaker returns, making the third shot easier [04:37]. -Short Returns: Drop shots are recommended when the return is short [05:02]. -Deep Returns: Consider driving the ball to catch opponents off guard [05:36]. -Personal Preference: For returns that aren't too short or too deep, choose the shot you're most comfortable with [05:54]. C) Attacking and Counterattacking: -Attack When Opponents are Unbalanced: If your opponents are moving or off-balance, it's a good time to attack [18:41]. (Watch Excerpt) -Vary Your Attacks: You can attack with any ball if you get low enough and hit with enough spin [19:11]. -Anticipate and Stay Engaged: Always be mentally prepared for the ball to come to you, even when it's not your turn [16:05]. -Footwork: Keep your feet moving and adjust your position based on the quality of your dink [26:44]. -Split Step: Use a split step to stay ready for any shot [28:38]. D) Drilling: -Balance Drilling and Gameplay: Aim for a mix of drilling (60-70%) and actual gameplay (30-40%) to effectively apply drilled skills [34:15]. -Focus on Aggression: Prioritize developing aggressive play early on, as finesse comes with time [38:22]. -Improve Strengths: Don't only focus on weaknesses, enhance your existing strengths as well [39:37]. E) Mental Game: -Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to win, even when behind [43:15]. -Controlled Aggression: Balance aggression with control, especially in crucial moments [41:55]. -Manage Emotions: It's okay to show frustration briefly, but quickly refocus on the next point [44:45].

Blog Post Number 1 (A 46-Minute Strategy Session w/ Anna Leigh Waters [ON COURT]) (Drill Session, Instruction, Guide, Song)

Finding the Perfect Pickleball Practice Balance: Anna Leigh Waters on Drills vs. Recreational Play

How World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and her mom Coach-Leigh Waters Dial in the Ideal Mix of Repetition and Game Experience

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Introduction

In the high-stakes realm of professional pickleball, practice routines can make or break a champion. World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and her coach—and mother—Leigh Waters share their hard-earned insights on striking the right balance between disciplined drilling and real-game play. Drawing on years of experience and self-experimentation, the Waters duo reveal how thoughtful structuring of practice sessions propels technical growth, sharpens match-day instincts, and maintains motivation.

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Article Summary

1. The Case for Balance: Why Drills Aren’t Enough

At the start of her burgeoning career, Anna Leigh avoided drills altogether, only to swing to the opposite extreme—drilling excessively with little game play. Today, she advocates a nuanced mix: spending roughly 60–70% of practice time on drills and 30–40% on simulated matches and recreational play. "Drilling is great, but it’s not replicating exactly what’s going to happen in a game," Anna Leigh explains. Integrating competitive play ensures players learn to apply their drilled techniques under realistic, pressure-filled conditions.

2. The Coach’s Perspective: Putting Drills to the Test

Leigh Waters emphasizes that drills isolate and build specific skills, but without gameplay, athletes rarely trust or execute those skills in match scenarios. "If you never play rec games using the forehand speed-ups you’re drilling, you won’t unleash them when it counts," she notes. Recreational matches act as a laboratory, letting players experiment with new shots, adapt to opponents’ responses, and overcome the fear that holds them back during tournaments.

3. Varied Drilling: Techniques and Focus Areas

Anna Leigh’s drilling repertoire spans directional dinks, stationary and on-the-move speed-ups, third-shot drops, and aggressive transitions into the non-volley zone. Some sessions concentrate on a single skill for an entire practice, while others blend cardio, footwork, and situational pattern drills—such as two-on-one scenarios—to simulate match pressure.

4. Avoiding Monotony: Keeping Drills Engaging

Even the world’s top player tires of repetition. For over 18 months, Anna Leigh began every session with 30–45 minutes of dinking. Recently, she shook up the routine by opening with baseline groundstroke drills. "Mixing it up is great," Leigh emphasizes. Varying drill sequences prevents mental fatigue and enhances overall adaptability on court.

5. Starting Point: Aggression Before Finesse

Contrary to popular coaching philosophies that prioritize precision and touch, Leigh Waters recommends building an aggressive foundation first. "The scariest part of pickleball for opponents is your attack, not your dinks," she asserts. Borrowing from tennis pros transitioning to pickleball, aggression-driven athletes often dominate early, forcing competitors onto defense before honing the nuanced, finesse-driven exchanges that define elite play.

6. Strengthening Strengths: Don’t Neglect What You Do Best

While many players focus on their weaknesses, Anna Leigh advises doubling down on inherent strengths. "If you have an amazing backhand speed-up, why not make it even better?" she says. Amplifying your signature shot not only boosts confidence but also creates consistent match-winning opportunities.

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In-Depth Summary

Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters deliver a masterclass in crafting a balanced pickleball practice regimen. Key takeaways include:

• Optimal Mix: Aim for approximately 60–70% drilling and 30–40% game play to ensure technical work translates to match situations.

• Game Simulation: Recreational matches are essential laboratories for testing drills, overcoming performance anxiety, and refining shot selection under pressure.

• Variety in Drills: Rotate focus areas—directional dinks, speed-ups, third-shot drops, footwork, and situational patterns—to prevent mental stagnation and promote adaptability.

• Switch Starting Drills: Periodically change the opening drill of a session to combat boredom and stimulate different muscle groups and tactical mindsets.

• Aggression First: Prioritize aggressive play to intimidate opponents and lay the groundwork for later finesse-based strategies.

• Strengthen Your Edge: Invest practice time not only in weaknesses but also in magnifying your strongest shots for a more potent arsenal.

By embracing these principles, players at any level can optimize practice efficiency, sustain engagement, and elevate their competitive performance on the pickleball court. (Summary Source: Pickleball.com, "Drilling vs. rec play? Anna Leigh Waters, Leigh Waters weigh in")

Generate Topspin with the Pickleball Backhand Dink

 

Mastering the Topspin Backhand Dink: Elevate Your Kitchen Game

A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Spin—and Aggression—to Your Two-Handed Backhand Dink

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Introduction

The backhand dink is the foundation of any strong pickleball rally, but adding topspin transforms this soft shot into an aggressive weapon. By brushing up and over the ball on your two-handed backhand dink, you can hit deeper, more penetrating dinks that stay low in the kitchen—frustrating opponents and opening up angles. In this guide, James Ignatowich breaks down exactly how to generate topspin (and a touch of sidespin) on your backhand dink, and explains why this shot is a game-changer.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Get Low with a Strong Base

   • Bend your knees, especially your left leg (for right-handed players), so your hips drop lower than the incoming ball.

   • This position lets you get under and around the ball, rather than chopping down on it.

2. Position Your Hands

   • Place your dominant (right) hand at the bottom of the paddle handle, and your non-dominant (left) hand above it about an inch up the handle.

   • Grip firm but relaxed, allowing your wrists a small range of motion.

3. Square Up and Step In

   • Take a small step forward with your left foot as the ball approaches.

   • Keep your shoulders square to the net, with the paddle head slightly below wrist level.

4. Contact the Outside-Left of the Ball

   • Swing the paddle low to high, brushing the lower-left quadrant of the ball (for right-handers).

   • Your left hand drives the motion—pivoting your shoulders and guiding the paddle upward.

5. Accelerate Through Contact

   • Increase acceleration in the low-to-high arc: the faster you brush, the more topspin you generate.

   • Maintain paddle face angle—slightly closed—to keep the ball in the kitchen.

6. Follow-Through and Recovery

   • Continue the upward motion until your paddle finishes near shoulder height.

   • Quickly reset: return your paddle face to neutral, bend your knees, and be ready for the next dink.

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Advantages of the Topspin Backhand Dink

• Deeper Placement: Keeps the ball low, pushes opponents back, and opens angles.

• Aggressive Control: Allows you to punch up on the ball—combining power with precision.

• Side-Spin Surprise: The slight sidespin kick can pull your opponent off balance or off the court.

• Consistency Under Pressure: With practice, it becomes a reliable shot even against fast-paced drives.

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Summary

By lowering your center of gravity, emphasizing your left hand drive, and brushing up-and-over the ball’s lower-left quadrant, you’ll add dynamic topspin to your backhand dink. This technique not only keeps your shots low and deep but also lets you play more aggressively in the kitchen, dictating rallies with spin and placement.

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90’s Rap-Jazz Tutorial Song

Spin It to Win It (v2)

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[Intro – Piano & Bass Groove]
Uh, yeah—Big Poppa Jimmy on the mic, y’all…
Spin it, dink it, win it—let’s go!

[Verse 1]
Step one, drop low, bend the knees to the floor,
Left leg locked, ready to explore,
Square my shoulders, paddle head aligned,
Eyes on the bounce, gotta clear the mind.
Grip it gentle, but don’t slip in the handle,
Left hand on top, that’s the spin you’ll channel,
Rhodes keys compin’, bass walkin’ steady,
I’m bringin’ topspin heat—believe me, I’m ready.

[Bridge – Brass Stab & Scratch]
“Low to high! Up and over!”
(Spin it!) “Keep it in the kitchen!”
(Dink it!)

[Chorus]
Spin it to win it—topspin backhand,
Brush the bottom-left—control the land,
Deep in the kitchen—force ’em to stand,
Spin it to win it—shake your opponent’s hand!
(Spin it!) (Win it!)

[Verse 2]
Step two, step in, left foot leading the charge,
Contact point precise—still living large,
Righty baseline ball, outside left I engage,
Accelerate quick—release the spin at that stage.
Drums thumpin’, snare crisp like a whip,
As I follow through high, whip-crack on the tip,
Return to ready, knees bent tight—never slack,
Spin it, flick it, the dink skills come right back.

[Bridge – Scratch & Bass Break]
“Up and over!” (Yeah!) “Keep it low!” (Uh-huh!)

[Chorus x2]
Spin it to win it—topspin backhand,
Brush the bottom-left—control the land,
Deep in the kitchen—force ’em to stand,
Spin it to win it—shake your opponent’s hand!

[Outro – Piano Fade & Spoken]
Now you got the blueprint—topspin the dink,
Practice every day, make your rivals blink,
Stay low, stay smooth, let the rhythm flow,
Master that spin—watch your victory glow.

Peace!

A 46-Minute Strategy Session w/ Anna Leigh Waters [ON COURT]

 

Mastering Pickleball: Insights from Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters

A Comprehensive Guide to Serves, Shots, Mindset, and More

Introduction

In this guide, we delve into the expert advice of pickleball prodigies Anna Leigh Waters and her coach, Leigh Waters, who is also her mother. Through their insights shared in a detailed video discussion, you’ll learn essential strategies and techniques to elevate your game. From serving and shot decisions to mastering the mental game, this guide covers six key areas with actionable steps, all timestamped for easy reference. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this instructional breakdown offers a pathway to improve your skills and mindset on the court.

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1. Serves & 3rd Shots Decisions (00:35)

• Let the referee call the score before serving, especially in tournaments, to avoid timing disruptions that can lead to a hitch in your motion.
• Select a specific target on the court before serving—focus your eyes on it to center your concentration and reduce mental clutter.
• Execute your serve with a fluid, continuous motion, treating it like a forehand to maintain momentum and avoid losing power.
• Assess your opponent’s positioning and tendencies (e.g., preference for forehand or backhand) to decide where to place your serve—opt for corners in tight moments or exploit weaknesses like an unwinding returner.

This section emphasizes the importance of preparation and execution in serving. A well-placed, smooth serve sets the stage for an effective third shot, giving you control over the point’s flow.

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2. 3rd Shot Drop Technique (08:45)

• Use a third shot drop when the return lands short near the net, allowing you to transition from the baseline to the net.
• Swing gently and controlled, aiming to land the ball softly in the kitchen while ensuring it clears the net without bouncing too high.
• Practice consistently to refine your touch, adjusting the drop’s height and spin based on the opponent’s position.
• Adapt your approach—opt for a drop when close to the net and consider a medium-paced drive if pushed deep, as drops are harder from the baseline.

The third shot drop is a critical finesse shot that requires precision. Mastering it enables you to move forward strategically, setting up advantageous net play.

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3. Attacking Mindset (18:17)

• Stay poised to attack whenever an opponent is off-balance or moving, seizing moments to shift momentum in your favor.
• Look for high or weak balls to speed up, but be selective—attack with purpose rather than forcing every opportunity.
• Vary your attack placement (e.g., middle, backhand, or body) to keep opponents unpredictable and off-guard.
• Remain mentally active throughout the point, even when not hitting, by anticipating where the ball might go next.

An attacking mindset blends aggression with strategy. It’s about recognizing and creating opportunities to take control, keeping your opponents on the defensive.

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4. How to Counter-Attack (25:59)

• Anticipate potential attacks by observing opponents’ paddle angles and body movements, preparing for their likely targets.
• Keep your feet moving constantly—split step or adjust position—to stay ready for incoming shots, avoiding a static stance.
• Respond with a mix of resets (soft shots to neutralize pace) and counters (aggressive returns) based on the attack’s intensity.
• Heighten situational awareness through practice, learning to read patterns and adapt to different attacking styles.

Counter-attacking hinges on readiness and adaptability. By staying mobile and perceptive, you can turn defensive moments into offensive advantages.

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5. "Drilling" Thoughts (32:29)

• Blend drilling with game play, aiming for a balanced routine (e.g., 60-70% drilling, 30-40% games) to apply skills practically.
• Target specific shots or patterns in drills (e.g., speed-ups, drops, or serves) to sharpen areas needing improvement.
• Use drills to build muscle memory for good habits and address weaknesses, mixing in variety to avoid monotony.
• Transition drilled techniques into recreational games to test them under match-like conditions, boosting confidence.

Drilling is most effective when purposeful and varied. It bridges the gap between practice and performance, ensuring skills translate to real gameplay.

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6. Mental Game (40:06)

• Foster a positive outlook, even when trailing—believe in your ability to recover from any scoreline.
• Call timeouts strategically to break opponents’ momentum, regroup, and refocus your approach.
• Focus on the current point, letting go of past errors quickly to maintain clarity and composure.
• Build resilience by reinforcing self-belief through affirmations (e.g., “I’ve got this”) and controlled emotional outbursts.

The mental game is the backbone of success in pickleball. Positivity and focus empower you to perform under pressure and stage comebacks.

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Guide Summary

This comprehensive guide, inspired by the expertise of Anna Leigh Waters and her mom, Leigh Waters, distills their wisdom into six actionable areas of pickleball mastery. From strategic serving and precise third shot drops to cultivating an attacking mindset, countering aggression, refining skills through drilling, and strengthening mental resilience, each section offers practical steps to enhance your play. Backed by their proven techniques and philosophies, this guide equips players of all levels to elevate their game, blending physical skill with mental sharpness for success on the court.

Time Code List

1. 00:35 Serves & 3rd Shots Decisions
2. 08:45 3rd Shot Drop Technique
3. 18:17 Attacking Mindset
4. 25:59 How to Counter-Attack
5. 32:29 "Drilling" Thoughts
6. 40:06 Mental Game

Mastering Pickleball: A Comprehensive Guide from the Sport’s Rising Star

Insights from Anna Leigh Waters and Coach Lee Waters on Elevating Your Game

Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has exploded onto the American sports scene, its paddle-wielding enthusiasts filling courts from coast to coast. What began as a backyard pastime has morphed into a competitive phenomenon, drawing players of all ages with its blend of accessibility and adrenaline. Leading this charge is Anna Leigh Waters, a teenage prodigl whose meteoric rise has made her a household name in the sport. Guided by her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh has honed a game that’s as strategic as it is dynamic. Together, they’ve distilled their expertise into a six-part blueprint for pickleball mastery, offering players at every level a roadmap to sharpen their skills and dominate the court. From the precision of a serve to the resilience of the mind, here’s how the Waters duo is shaping the future of the game.

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1. Serves & 3rd Shots Decisions: Setting the Tone

In pickleball, every point begins with the serve—a moment of opportunity that can dictate the rally’s flow. Anna Leigh Waters approaches this opening shot with a surgeon’s focus. “Let the referee call the score,” she insists, a simple yet critical step to maintain rhythm and avoid mental hiccups. The serve isn’t just about power; it’s about intent. She advises picking a precise target—say, a corner or an opponent’s weaker side—and locking your gaze there to streamline your focus. Execution demands fluidity, a seamless motion akin to a forehand swing, preserving momentum through contact. But the real edge comes in reading the opposition. By gauging their stance or tendencies—like an unwinding returner prone to err—Anna Leigh turns the serve into a weapon. Her third-shot decisions follow suit, often setting up a strategic advance to the net. It’s a lesson in preparation meeting opportunity, one she’s showcased in countless matches, disarming foes with a single, well-placed stroke.

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2. 3rd Shot Drop Technique: Finesse Over Force

If the serve ignites the rally, the third shot drop is the delicate pivot that shifts control. This finesse play, designed to arc softly into the opponent’s kitchen, is Anna Leigh’s go-to when a return lands short. “Swing gently and controlled,” she says, emphasizing touch over brute strength. The goal? A low, unattackable ball that clears the net but stifles the opponent’s aggression, paving the way to the net. Practice is non-negotiable here—hours spent refining the drop’s spin and trajectory pay off in muscle memory. Adaptability is key, too; a short return begs for the drop, while a deeper one might call for a driving alternative. It’s a high-wire act of precision, one that Anna Leigh has mastered, turning defensive moments into offensive setups with a flick of her paddle.

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3. Attacking Mindset: Seizing the Moment

Pickleball rewards the bold, and Anna Leigh embodies an attacking mindset that thrives on opportunity. “Stay poised to attack when they’re off-balance,” she advises, urging players to pounce when opponents falter. But aggression isn’t reckless—she’s selective, choosing moments that promise maximum impact. Placement varies deliberately: a shot to the middle, a backhand probe, or a body blow keeps rivals guessing. Mental agility underpins it all. Even when she’s not striking the ball, Anna Leigh’s mind is racing, anticipating trajectories and plotting her next move. “Aggression is a huge part of the game now,” Leigh Waters adds, a nod to pickleball’s evolution. This proactive stance has fueled Anna Leigh’s dominance, turning rallies into showcases of calculated chaos.

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4. How to Counter-Attack: Turning Defense Into Offense

For every attack, there’s a counter—and Anna Leigh excels at flipping the script. Anticipation is her first line of defense, reading paddle angles and body cues to predict incoming fire. “Keep your feet moving,” she says, advocating constant motion—split steps, subtle shifts—to stay primed. Responses vary by threat: a soft reset to douse an attack’s pace or a sharp counter to reclaim the upper hand. Situational awareness, honed through relentless practice, lets her adapt to any style, from power hitters to crafty spinners. “The days of staying on the line are gone,” Leigh Waters observes, crediting paddle technology for this shift. Anna Leigh’s counter-attacking prowess transforms pressure into possibility, a skill that shines in the game’s frenetic exchanges.

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5. "Drilling" Thoughts: Building the Foundation

Greatness doesn’t happen by accident—it’s drilled into existence. Anna Leigh balances her practice with a 60-70% focus on drills, targeting specific shots like speed-ups or drops to iron out weaknesses. “Drilling builds good habits,” she notes, but she’s quick to pair it with 30-40% game play, testing techniques in real-time chaos. Variety keeps monotony at bay, while repetition ingrains precision. The magic happens when drilled skills hit the court—think a third shot drop landing perfectly in a match’s clutch moment. “It’s not exactly what happens in a game,” she admits, underscoring the need to bridge practice and play. It’s a disciplined approach that’s propelled her to the top, one paddle stroke at a time.

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6. Mental Game: The Unseen Edge

Pickleball’s fiercest battles unfold between the ears, and Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters know it. Positivity is their mantra—believing in a comeback, no matter the score. “Always think and say positive thoughts,” Anna Leigh urges, a mindset that fueled her stunning recovery in a recent tournament, clawing back from a deep deficit to claim victory. Timeouts become tactical resets, halting an opponent’s surge while sharpening focus. Letting go of errors fast keeps the mind clear, while affirmations—“I’ve got this”—bolster resolve. Controlled emotion, even a strategic shout, channels energy without derailing composure. It’s mental toughness distilled, a hidden force that turns good players into champions.

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In-Depth Recap Summary

Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters have crafted a masterclass in pickleball, breaking the game into six essential pillars. It starts with serves and third-shot decisions, where preparation and execution lay the groundwork. The third shot drop follows, a finesse move demanding practice and adaptability to wrest control. An attacking mindset seizes openings with selective aggression, while counter-attacking flips defense into offense through anticipation and agility. Drilling blends repetition with real-world application, forging skills that hold up under pressure. Finally, the mental game—positivity, resilience, focus—ties it all together, proving that mindset can trump mechanics. These insights, born from a prodigy and her seasoned coach, offer a playbook for any player eager to climb the ranks. As pickleball’s star continues to rise, Anna Leigh Waters isn’t just riding the wave—she’s steering it, paddle in hand, toward a new era of excellence.

Pickleball Teen Queen

Humming intro: Hmm-hmm-hmm, yeah, hmm-hmm-hmm, let’s go…
Yo, listen up, let me spin you a tale,
18 year old Anna Leigh Waters, she never goes stale.
From the baseline to net, she’s got that flair,
With her mom Lee ridin’, a dynamic pair.

Servin’ up heat, she’s sharp like a blade,
Pickin’ her spots in the pickleball trade.
Smooth with the paddle, her swing’s so clean,
Crowd’s goin’ wild, she’s the court’s supreme teen queen.

Third shot’s droppin’, she’s got that groove,
Soft like a whisper, makin’ foes move.
Practice all day, she’s craftin’ her skill,
Adaptin’ her play with a jazzy thrill.
Finesse in her grip, she’s calm, she’s cool,
Rulin’ the game like she’s back in school.

Every shot lands, she’s paintin’ the line,
Pickleball royalty, her star’s gonna shine.
She’s attackin’ the gaps, she’s quick to strike,
Opponents off-balance, they don’t know what she’s like.
Spin on the ball, keepin’ ‘em dazed,
Mind like a steel trap, she’s unfazed.

Pouncin’ on chances, she’s bold, she’s brash,
Turnin’ the rally with a speedup flash.
Placement so tight, it’s a lyrical beat,
Anna Lee’s flowin’, she’s bringin’ the intense heat.
Counter-attack, she’s dancin’, weavin' so fast,
Readin’ the angles, leavin’ ‘em gassed.

Split-step shuffle, she’s light on her toes,
Defense to offense, that’s just how it goes.
Reflexes poppin’, she’s sharp as a tack,
Flippin’ the script with a paddle smack.

Motion so fluid, she’s jazz in the zone,
Pickleball throne? Yeah, she’s sittin’ alone.
Drillin’ for days, she’s grindin’ it out,
60-70%—you know what it’s about.
Balancin’ reps with the games she plays,
Buildin’ her moves in a million ways.

Sweat on her brow, but she’s lovin’ the ride,
Craftin’ her legacy, takin’ it wide.
Hours on court, she’s stackin’ her stack,
Anna Leigh’s hustle? It’s a full-on attack.
Mind game strong, she’s wired to win,
Positive vibes bubblin’ deep within.

Timeouts, she’s focused, she’s keepin’ it real,
Affirmations liftin’ her nerves of steel.
Believin’ she’s tops, she’s got that spark,
Lightin’ the court when the pressure gets dark.
Resilient and bold, she’s claimin’ her crown,
Pickleball Teen Queen—yo, she’s holdin’ it down!

Humming outro: Hmm-hmm-hmm, yeah, hmm-hmm-hmm, Anna Leeeeeee…