Will MacKinnon/Victor Rodrigo vs Jack Munro/Will Howells
Will MacKinnon & Victor Rodrigo vs Callan Dawson & Etienne Blaszkewycz
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Will MacKinnon
Will MacKinnon/Victor Rodrigo vs Liam Duffin/Clayton Boydston
2025 APP Newport Beach
Will MacKinnon (white baseball cap), 16, has been playing pickleball since 5 years old. Check out how effortlessly he hits the ball.
2022 USAPA Newport Championships Men's 4.5 19+ Men's Doubles - GOLD MEDAL Match July 2, 2022.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Rising Star: 9-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy Halina Shares Her Journey and Dreams
From Cruises to Courts: How Halina is Making Waves in Junior Pickleball
Introduction:
In this exciting summer episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, host Coach Tommy sits down with 9-year-old pickleball sensation Halina Slowinski. Fresh off a cruise to Alaska and already a medalist in PPA events, Halina shares her passion for pickleball, her experiences competing against older players, and her big dreams of turning pro. With a contagious enthusiasm and a dedication beyond her years, Halina offers a glimpse into her journey, training, and what’s next for this rising star.
Interview Questions
- (0:39) How old are you and what school do you go to?
- (0:50) What grade are you going into?
- (1:13) How did your cruise go and was there pickleball on it?
- (1:27) Where did you go on your cruise?
- (1:57) How long have you been playing pickleball?
- (2:03) Do you play any other sports?
- (2:08) Have you played any other sports before?
- (2:16) Are you currently in basketball season?
- (2:24) How many tournaments have you competed in so far?
- (2:36) How have you done in tournaments and do you enjoy them?
- (3:16) What’s your best performance in pickleball so far?
- (3:38) Why did you choose pickleball, and have you played tennis before?
- (4:24) What do you like about pickleball?
- (5:10) Do you compete with your dad?
- (5:30) Do you compete with your mom?
- (6:12) What’s your favorite shot in pickleball?
- (7:07) Who is your main coach and why do you like him?
- (8:34) What’s the hardest part of your game you’re working on?
- (9:07) What are you working on in strength training?
- (10:25) What else do you struggle with in pickleball?
- (13:56) Who are your favorite female and male professional players?
- (16:38) What are your future plans with pickleball?
- (17:47) Do you have any upcoming tournaments?
- (19:10) What school do you go to and does it have pickleball facilities?
- (20:10) How can we build a youth pickleball program?
- (24:01) What’s your tip for improving at pickleball?
Interview Summary Article:
Introduction and Background
In this vibrant episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy introduces us to Halina Slowinski, a 9-year-old pickleball prodigy from South Carolina. Just days away from turning 10, Halina attends Pinewood Preparatory School, where she’s entering fifth grade. Fresh off a 4,000-mile cruise to Alaska, she brings a burst of energy and enthusiasm to the interview, sharing her love for pickleball and her life beyond the court.
Pickleball Journey
Halina’s pickleball journey began two years ago at age seven, making her part of a new generation starting with the sport rather than transitioning from tennis or others. Alongside pickleball, she plays basketball, though her summer focus is squarely on the paddle. Unlike many players who pick up pickleball later in life, Halina’s early start positions her as a trailblazer for junior players.
Tournament Experiences
Despite her young age, Halina is no stranger to competition. She’s already medaled in a PPA event in Florida and regularly competes against 14-year-olds due to limited youth brackets. She’s also teamed up with her dad in mixed doubles, securing second or third-place finishes. Halina enjoys the strategic play of adults over the power-heavy style of juniors, showcasing her maturity on the court.
Training and Improvement
Halina’s dedication shines through her training. She works with Coach Jake Kusmider, whom she admires for his fun yet disciplined approach, and has recently started strength training with Pinnacle Academy in Moncks Corner to bolster her singles game. Focusing on her legs and core—playfully dubbed “noodles” by her coach—she’s also refining her drop shot to advance to the kitchen line and control rallies.
Favorite Players and Inspirations
Halina looks up to pros like Anna Leigh Waters and Tyson McGuffin. She admires Waters’ strategic drops and drives, which suit her own non-power style, and loves McGuffin’s humor and high energy. Having met stars like Waters and Ben Johns at PPA events, she’s collecting experiences—and autographs—that fuel her passion.
Future Aspirations
With dreams of going pro, Halina is already eyeing upcoming tournaments, like one in Bristol, Tennessee. While she once considered becoming a veterinarian, she’s now leaning toward pickleball, drawn by the shorter path to her goals. Her long-term vision includes dominating high school pickleball and beyond, a dream Coach Tommy predicts she’ll achieve.
Advice for Youth Programs
Halina’s insights on growing youth pickleball are spot-on: junior-specific gear, courts, and structured camps or clinics. She prefers playing with adults for their game knowledge but sees the need for more juniors to elevate the sport’s youth scene. Sponsors like GOAT Pickleball, who recently sent her a swag bag with a shirt, paddle cover, and more, also play a key role in motivating young players.
Coach Tommy asks Halina for her top tip to improve at pickleball, dubbing her "Coach H" and framing it as advice for a hypothetical player. The 9-year old emphasizes the importance of drilling, specifically focusing on areas of weakness rather than strengths. She explains that players should repeatedly practice shots they struggle with to perfect them, using her own work on drop shots as an example.
Conclusion
Halina Slowinski is a force to watch. At just 9, her skill, work ethic, and love for pickleball set her apart. Whether she’s drilling her two-handed backhand, chasing medals, or inspiring the next generation, Halina’s journey is just beginning—and it’s one worth following. Catch her on Instagram as @helina_pb_queen and stay tuned for her next Smashing Plastic appearance!
Saturday, May 31, 2025
How America's Fastest-Growing Sport Is Uniting Generations
From 96-year-old grandpas to 12-year-old prodigies, the pickleball craze is sweeping the nation—and the Junior PPA stars are dreaming Olympic-sized dreams.
Introduction:
Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a movement. What began as a niche pastime for retirees has surged into a full-blown, multi-generational phenomenon. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), nearly 20 million people played pickleball in 2024, a staggering 46% increase over the previous year. For the fourth year running, it's the fastest-growing sport in America. As Good Morning America reports, the sport's appeal stretches from backyard games with grandpa to high-stakes youth tournaments—and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Pickleball's Intergenerational Boom
At 96, Joe Gada from New York is still hitting the courts, leaving even his doctors astonished by his vitality. “All my doctors think I’m a freak of nature,” Gada quips, embodying the senior enthusiasm that helped launch pickleball into mainstream culture.
But while pickleball’s early reputation was built on retirees staying active, the game has outgrown its origins. Today’s courts feature not just grandparents, but their grandchildren—and even younger stars with professional aspirations.
Meet the Junior Stars with Golden Dreams
Good Morning America caught up with some of the brightest young talents on the Junior PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) circuit, where competition is fierce, and the future is bright.
Among them are identical twins Boon and Ford from California. The duo took home gold in doubles at the Junior PPA Finals last year—then faced off against each other in the singles finals for the 16-and-under division. “That makes me the best in the world,” said the winner. His brother, smiling, responded, “Second best.”
Then there’s Karina, a 12-year-old champion who plays pickleball exclusively. After winning gold in mixed doubles for the 12-and-under division, she proudly noted, “I like that I can play against adults competitively in tournaments.”
Family Bonds and Backyard Beginnings
Few stories capture pickleball’s cross-generational charm like that of “Pickleball Pierce,” a 12-year-old Texan who was introduced to the game by his grandfather, Albert. When Albert built a court in his backyard, Pierce was hooked overnight. “I woke up the next day just thinking... I want to go play pickleball again,” he said.
Now, Pierce and his grandpa are not just training partners but tournament teammates, winning local competitions together and creating memories that transcend the scoreboard.
Eyes on the Olympics
For these young stars, the love of the game goes beyond weekend tournaments. “I definitely want to see pickleball in the Olympics,” one of the kids declared. Boon and Ford, once devoted tennis players, say they’ve switched sports entirely, choosing pickleball for its speed, strategy, and sense of community.
Summary
This Good Morning America segment highlights the extraordinary rise of pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport. The nearly 46% year-over-year growth in 2024 signals more than just a fitness trend—it reflects a cultural shift. While retirees like 96-year-old Joe Gada remain beloved ambassadors of the game, the new face of pickleball includes a rising generation of juniors training for national—and even Olympic—glory.
The Junior PPA tour features exceptional talents like twin brothers Boon and Ford, who dominate both as a doubles team and individual rivals, and 12-year-old champions Karina and “Pickleball Pierce,” whose stories highlight how the sport fosters both competition and connection.
Beyond the courts and medals, pickleball is uniting families and communities, turning backyards into battlegrounds and bonding grounds. As the sport continues to grow, the dream of Olympic inclusion looks more realistic than ever—driven by a generation that found its passion not just from coaches, but from grandparents.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Ella Evans: A Ten-Year-Old Powerhouse Rising Through Pickleball's Ranks
Fueled by Passion, Pain, and Purpose, Ella Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Young Champion
In a sport growing faster than anyone imagined, few names in youth pickleball shine brighter than Ella Evans. At just 10 years old, she’s not only dominating the junior professional scene, but she's doing it with a depth of heart and grit well beyond her years. Balancing fierce competitive spirit with the heavy weight of personal loss, Ella plays for more than medals—she plays in memory of her biggest fan: her father.
Just when you thought pickleball couldn’t get any bigger, along comes Ella Evans—a ten-year-old force of nature with a paddle and a mission.
During a lively junior event, amid chatter of rising “CIA young guns,” one player stood out: Ella, with a spike in energy and talent that left spectators buzzing. With an intensity that's impossible to ignore, she commands the court. "Girls want to get pretty high," she jokes with youthful swagger. "I just get, like, so powerful." Then, she punctuates her excitement with a burst of “winning, winning, winning”—a refrain that mirrors both her drive and her record.
Ranked among the top players in the Junior Professional Pickleball Association for the 12-and-under division, Ella has only just begun to leave her mark. She picked up a paddle at age 7, and her growth since has been nothing short of electric. Her mother, Monica, recalls seeing her daughter’s raw energy and grit from the very first tournament. “It was this little girl, alive, about 2 pounds, brown hair, saying, ‘Come on!’”
Even her coach, Johnson, is in awe. “There are things you just can’t coach,” he says. “Who’s going to look better when they’re tired? It better be her. She’s an absolute dog out there—never loses focus.”
Ella plays almost daily and often powers through injuries. But what truly sets her apart is not just talent or toughness. It’s resilience. This past February, she lost her father, Jake Evans, to a long illness. He was 57. The grief was immense—but so was her response. “Even though his loss hurt me,” Ella says, “I just knew I needed to get better and better and tell myself that he's cheering for me every single point.”
Coach Johnson reflects on that strength: “A lot of players, a lot of people, would break. But she’s used it as a tool to motivate her. To play for something.”
Ella and her mother have also channeled that love of the sport into a broader mission: in June launching The Junior Spin, a digital magazine for young pickleball enthusiasts. “I just love to inspire the other juniors,” Ella says. “Pick them up.”
The court has become a kind of sanctuary. Through her wins and her grief, pickleball remains Ella’s joy, her escape, and her way to stay close to her dad. “Every single time you play pickleball, it makes you feel good,” she says with a smile that mixes determination and hope.
Her efforts are already paying off—Ella just took home gold in doubles at the Atlanta Open. And she’s only getting started.
Summary:
Ella Evans is more than a rising pickleball star—she’s a symbol of what courage, heart, and ambition can look like at any age. Starting the sport at 7, Ella quickly ascended the junior ranks with unmatched tenacity and a passion that caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. Her raw talent and competitive spirit were evident early, but her response to personal tragedy—losing her father Jake in early 2025—revealed a deeper strength.
Rather than withdrawing, Ella channeled her grief into her game, using her father's memory as fuel. Her resilience and focus impressed even seasoned coaches, as she pushed through pain—emotional and physical—to compete at the highest junior levels. Off the court, she and her mom Monica will be launching in June The Junior Spin, a digital magazine aimed at supporting and spotlighting young players like herself.
Ella’s story is not just one of talent but of perseverance, purpose, and passion. In the face of profound loss, she continues to rise—winning matches, hearts, and setting an example for kids everywhere. Whether in victory or challenge, she plays every point as if her father were watching—and in doing so, she's inspiring a new generation of young athletes.
Verse 1 (Folk Rhythm)
Instrumentation:
Acoustic guitar fingerpicking in D major
Light mandolin arpeggios
Soft upright bass plucks
Vocals:
At seven years, she picked up a paddle,
In grandma’s yard, she learned to battle.
A force of nature with a paddle and mission,
Born to shine, born to spark that vision.
Mom and Ella dreamt The Junior Spin,
A magazine to let the young ones win.
Through sunlit courts and fading light,
She learned to play with all her might.
Chorus (Jazz Swing)
Instrumentation:
Stand-up bass walking line
Sparse brushed drums
Soft trumpet accents
Rhodes electric piano chords
Vocals (call-and-response):
Leader: "She’s an absolute dog out there!"
Response: "Yes she is, yes she is!"
Leader: "Get better and better, round by round!"
Response: "Round by round, round by round!"
Verse 2 (90's Rap Flow)
Instrumentation:
Boom-bap drum loop with snap snares
Upright bass sample looped low
Record scratch transitions
Vocals (rap):
Yo, from court to court she’s reppin’ ten and under,
Spike so high, make the rivals all wonder.
"Winning, winning, winning," her mantra so clear,
Jettin’ past pain, chasin’ the cheer.
Lost her dad, but she kept on the grind,
Three months now, but his love’s in her mind.
She said, "I get better and better, step by step,
With every break, every serve, every rep."
Bridge (Jazz-Folk Fusion)
Instrumentation:
Nylon-string guitar with gentle jazz chords
Trumpet solo echoing the melody
Brushes on snare mimicking heartbeat rhythm
Upright bass walking softly
Vocals (melodic spoken word):
In center court, she breathes the breeze,
Her paddle sings between the trees.
For The Junior Spin, she spreads the light,
In every match, she fights the fight.
Chorus (Jazz Swing Repeat)
Instrumentation:
Add saxophone harmony
Drums open up with light cymbal ride
Vocals:
Leader: "She’s an absolute dog out there!"
Response: "Yes she is, yes she is!"
Leader: "Get better and better, round by round!"
Response: "Round by round, round by round!"
Verse 3 (Folk-Rap Hybrid)
Instrumentation:
Acoustic guitar strum with rap beat accents
Clarinet whispers behind the beat
Vocals (sing-rap):
From backyard dreams to the big league scene,
Ella’s spirit racing, crisp and clean.
Launching in June, "The Junior Spin" mag will be fire,
Inspiring young hearts to aim higher.
Every point she plays, dad’s voice in her head,
Cheering her forward, where her love is led.
Her mission is clear: to honor his name,
Pickleball queen rising in the game.
Final Chorus & Outro (All Genres Merge)
Instrumentation:
Full band blend: acoustic guitar, bass, drums, jazz horns, rap scratches
Layered harmonies in background
Vocals:
All: "Winning, winning, winning, that’s her call!"
All: "Get better and better, she’ll never fall!"
Sing-rap ad-libs: "Oh, Ella, that dog, keep the mission alive, paddle in hand, watch her thrive..."
Behind the Anthem: Crafting Ella Evans’ Mixed-Genre Tribute
When tasked with honoring Ella Evans’ journey—her childhood paddle at age seven, the launch of The Junior Spin, her unbreakable will (“get better and better”), and her identity as “an absolute dog out there”—the challenge was to merge three distinct musical worlds: folk, 90’s rap, and jazz. Each genre reflects a facet of Ella’s story:
Folk captures her organic roots—learning pick-up pickleball in her backyard and the warm bond with her mother. The gentle acoustic guitar and mandolin evoke the simplicity and nostalgia of those early days at age seven.
90’s Rap embodies Ella’s raw, competitive fire. The boom-bap beats and record-scratch turns mirror her rhythmic spikes and the mantra of “winning, winning, winning.” Her rapid-fire verses mirror the speed at which she ascended the junior rankings.
Jazz highlights her resilience and depth—the cool swing of grief transformed into motivation, the smooth brush strokes symbolizing her steady focus on court, and the improvisational solos reflecting her adaptable spirit in the face of loss.
The song’s structure was intentionally modular: verses change style, choruses unify with call-and-response, and the bridge fuses spoken word with melodic jazz-folk to underscore the emotional turning point of playing in her father’s honor. Instrumentation was layered from sparse simplicity to full-band finale, paralleling Ella’s growth from solo backyard sessions to championship doubles gold.
This song stands as a testament not just to her athletic prowess but the heart and story behind each match. It’s a celebration of a ten-year-old powerhouse who picked up a paddle at seven, dared to dream with The Junior Spin, and continues to “get better and better”—an absolute dog with a paddle and a mission.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
2025 US Open Pickleball Championships - Junior Mixed Doubles Gold Medal Match
Highlights
- Lob City
- Two handed backhand drop serve
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
#PickleVlog #4 - #Pickleball & #RVlife
A day in our lives training as professional pickleball players but also balancing parenting & RV life.
Megan and Ryler DeHeart: A Love Game on and off the Pickleball Court
In an exclusive interview with Aaron Reznik, The Pickleball Clinic, power couple Megan Fudge DeHeart and Ryler DeHeart shared their remarkable journey from the world of professional tennis to the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The DeHearts, not only known for their exceptional athletic prowess but also for their inspiring family dynamics, have become a beloved fixture in the pickleball community.
Read Article/Watch Interview: From Tennis to Pickleball - The DeHeart Family's Extraordinary Journey
Adjusting Back to RV Life: Home Is Where We Park It
Adventures, Mishaps, and the Joys of Life on the Road with Pro Pickleball Star Megan Fudge and Her Family
Introduction
Megan Fudge—a professional pickleball player, dedicated mother of two, and wife to former tennis pro Ryler DeHeart—has long embraced the freedom of life on the road. Along with their kids and two dogs, Megan and her family travel in a 40-foot RV, blending their competitive athletic career with an adventurous nomadic lifestyle. Their journey began when they traded hotels and Airbnb stays for the stability of a mobile home, a choice that not only allowed them to pursue pickleball tournaments across the country but also provided a consistent home base for their growing family. As chronicled in her March 29, 2025 blog post, "Adjusting Back to RV Life: Home Is Where We Park It," Megan shares the highs and unexpected mishaps of returning to their beloved RV life after weeks of exploring exotic destinations—from the luxury of Cayman beach mansions to the simplicity of roadside stops in Orlando and Tampa.
Adjusting Back to RV Life: Home Is Where We Park It
After a whirlwind month of breathtaking travels, the family’s return to their 40-foot mobile haven felt like a grounding return to “normal.” With memories of luxurious stays and scenic adventures still vivid, the adjustment meant reconnecting with the practical rhythms of life on wheels, from reuniting with familiar routines to tackling everyday challenges on the road.
Picking Up Frank the Tank
The adventure resumed in Orlando, where the family retrieved their RV—affectionately known as "Frank the Tank"—from storage. A carefully planned process saw them emptying the fridge, cleaning out the tanks, and ensuring everything was in order before setting out on the road once more. This meticulous return to their mobile home underscored the importance of preparation in a life where every detail matters.
The Frog Incident
Not every moment on the road is predictable. While cleaning the sink, Megan encountered an unexpected guest—a tiny frog that popped up from the drain. This light-hearted incident not only provided a moment of comic relief for the family but also served as a reminder of the quirky surprises that RV life can offer. The incident led to a full cleaning of the RV, symbolizing a fresh start as they settled back into their routine.
Back to the Basics: Training & Travel
A blend of training and travel defines the DeHeart family’s unique schedule. After refueling their RV and stocking up on supplies, they made a pit stop at Cracker Barrel—a favorite for its free RV parking—before heading to the Racquet Club of St. Pete. This location holds special significance as the birthplace of their passion for pickleball, and returning here felt like coming full circle. Amidst busy days, including a dermatology appointment for Ryler, the family managed to balance athletic training with the logistical demands of life on the road.
Reuniting with Max and Lexi
An essential part of the homecoming was reuniting with their beloved dogs, Max and Lexi, who had been cared for by a trusted pet sitter during their travels. The heartfelt reunion was marked by joyful hugs and the reaffirmation of the warmth that a true home—on wheels—provides. This reunion underscored the emotional side of RV living, where every return is celebrated with family, both human and furry.
Grocery Haul & Settling In
Before fully settling back into routine life, a massive grocery haul was in order. A trip to Trader Joe’s resulted in a well-stocked fridge and freezer, ensuring that the family was ready to resume everyday activities. By the third day back, the DeHearts were once again in sync with their responsibilities: from virtual check-ins with the kids’ teachers and completing school assessments to resuming their training sessions. This seamless reintegration into daily life highlights how the RV, despite its challenges, is a place where the family can truly call home.
Final Summary
In her March 29, 2025 blog post, Megan Fudge encapsulates the essence of life on the road—a harmonious blend of adventure, spontaneity, and practical challenges. The post details the family’s transition back to RV life after an exhilarating month of travel, marked by both memorable mishaps (like the unexpected frog encounter) and comforting routines (such as reuniting with their dogs and restocking their home). For Megan, Ryler, and their children, every stop and every challenge reinforces the truth that home isn’t defined by a fixed location, but by the shared experiences and memories they create wherever they park. This story not only highlights their dedication to both their professional pickleball career and family life but also illustrates the innovative way they’ve built a life that truly travels with them.
Click the title to listen to the song
Rolling Rhythms on the Open Road
(Verse 1)
Well, she’s got a paddle in her hand and a fire in her soul,
Megan Fudge rides the highways, making every moment whole.
From a tennis court to pickleball, she’s dancing on the line,
A pro on wheels, a loving mom, her life is pure sunshine.
(Chorus)
Rolling rhythms on the open road,
Where every mile is a story told.
In an RV home, love’s the load,
Megan Fudge, you break the mold.
(Verse 2)
In a forty-foot castle, where adventure meets the day,
With Ryler by her side, they chase the worries away.
Kids laughing in the backseat, dogs with wagging tails,
They’re living life like a sweet refrain, on adventurous trails.
(Bridge)
Oh, the gas station stops and grocery hauls,
Pit stops at Cracker Barrel, where freedom calls.
A frog in the sink gave a quirky little start,
To a day of cleaning memories and mending every heart.
(Verse 3)
From Orlando to Tampa, they pick up Frank the Tank,
Every twist and turn of the road gives their lives a special rank.
Training on courts of St. Pete where the pickleball dreams are spun,
Her passion’s like a jazz refrain that’s only just begun.
(Chorus)
Rolling rhythms on the open road,
Where every mile is a story told.
In an RV home, love’s the load,
Megan Fudge, you break the mold.
(Verse 4)
She’s a mother, wife, and athlete, with grace in every stride,
Balancing the chase of tournaments with the warmth of home inside.
Her essence shines in every smile, in every quirky twist,
Life on wheels is poetry—a soulful, joyful tryst.
(Bridge 2)
With a fridge stocked full of dreams and a heart that’s light and free,
Each new dawn on the highway sings of endless possibility.
The open skies above her head and the pavement by her side,
Every mile’s a melody where her love and dreams collide.
(Final Chorus)
Rolling rhythms on the open road,
Every moment’s a piece of gold.
In her RV, love’s forever told,
Megan Fudge, your story’s bold.
(Outro)
So here’s to journeys and to life that’s never planned,
A folk-jazz serenade for a woman who takes a stand.
In every note and every line, her spirit’s here to stay—
On the open road, she writes her song every day.
In-Depth Analysis: How the Song Was Written
This song, "Rolling Rhythms on the Open Road," was crafted to capture the multifaceted essence of Megan Fudge's life on the road, blending elements of her career as a professional pickleball player with her roles as a devoted mother and wife. The songwriting process started with identifying key themes from the original article: the RV lifestyle, the adventurous spirit, the quirky mishaps (like the frog incident), and the balancing act between professional sports and family life.
The song's structure follows a traditional folk and jazz format, featuring multiple verses, choruses, and bridges to provide variety and build the narrative. The verses introduce Megan’s dynamic life, highlighting both the challenges and joys of constant travel. The first verse establishes her as a determined athlete and passionate individual, while the second verse paints a picture of the family unit within their mobile home.
The choruses are designed to be catchy and uplifting, with a rhythmic refrain that emphasizes the recurring theme of “rolling rhythms” on the open road. This metaphor elegantly ties together the motion of the RV with the flow of life and music. The bridges serve to add emotional depth and transition between the more narrative verses, evoking images of everyday experiences like grocery hauls and impromptu cleaning sessions—moments that are both mundane and magically memorable.
Additionally, the song incorporates playful rhymes and rhythmic patterns to echo the jazzy, upbeat tone. Each line is constructed to maintain a consistent meter, allowing for a smooth flow when sung. The final section wraps up the song with an empowering message, celebrating the beauty of a life lived fully on one’s own terms.
In essence, this song was written not only as a tribute to Megan Fudge’s lifestyle but also as an invitation to embrace spontaneity, family, and the endless pursuit of joy—hallmarks of a life on the open road.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Junior Girls Doubles Pickleball. Best 2 out of 3 games for the gold.
Elsie Hendershot and Leah Jones vs Kaitlyn Nishi and Brooklyn Lord. Leah (in the pink skirt) is the daughter of pro pickleball player Allyce Jones
Monday, September 9, 2024
Pickleball All Children Invited - Pickleball Minute
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.
Monday, August 12, 2024
5 Drills to Level Up (With 9 year old Nolan)
Level Up Your Pickleball Skills
Fun and Easy Drills to Improve Your Pickleball Game
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that's fun for all ages. Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for a while, practicing key drills can help you become a better player. In this guide, Justin Ancona, Pickleball Journey, goes over five important drills that can take your game to the next level. These drills are designed to improve your footwork, shot accuracy, and decision-making on the court. So grab your paddle, get ready, and let’s dive into some fun pickleball practice!
1. The Dinking Drill [0:45]
Dinking is a crucial skill in pickleball, especially when you're playing close to the net. This drill focuses on improving your ability to move and hit the ball with precision while staying in control.
- Partner Up: One player stands at the kitchen line, while the other moves back and forth.
- Hit Consistently: The stationary player aims to hit the ball to the same spot each time.
- Focus on Footwork: The moving player works on maintaining balance and hitting the ball while on the move.
- Switch Roles: After a set time, switch roles to give both players equal practice.
By practicing this drill, you'll improve your ability to control the ball and make accurate shots while under pressure.
2. Mastering the Transition Zone Shot [1:55]
The transition zone, located between the kitchen and the baseline, is where you need to play smart defense. This drill will help you learn how to stay offensive while defending in this tricky area.
- Positioning: One player stands in the transition zone, the other just inside the kitchen line.
- Stay Offensive: The player in the kitchen hits shots aiming at the feet of the transition player.
- Focus on Drops: The transition player practices hitting controlled drop shots.
- Adjust and Adapt: Learn to step in when needed to stay on the offensive.
This drill helps you manage the transition zone effectively, allowing you to maintain control and keep your opponent on the defensive.
3. Figure "8" Groundstroke Drill [3:27]
Groundstrokes are important in both singles and doubles play. This drill helps you improve your groundstrokes and your ability to hit on the run.
- Set Up: One player hits crosscourt, while the other hits down the line.
- Movement: The crosscourt player runs more, while the down-the-line player focuses on precision.
- Switch Roles: After a set number of shots, switch roles to balance the workout.
- Half-Court Option: If full court is too challenging, practice on half the court.
This drill enhances your ability to move quickly and hit the ball accurately, making it a great workout for your legs and arms.
4. Let It Go Drill [4:53]
Knowing when to let a ball go out of bounds is an important skill in pickleball. This drill teaches you how to judge whether to hit or let it go.
- Practice Judgment: One player lets every ball go and calls whether it's in or out.
- Different Shots: The partner hits a mix of fast, slow, high, and low shots.
- Analyze: Consider the speed, height, and placement of each shot to make better in-game decisions.
This drill helps you improve your ability to judge shots, reducing the chances of playing out balls during a match.
5. Drops Drill with 7-Eleven Game [6:23]
The drop shot is one of the most important shots in pickleball. This drill not only practices drops but also turns it into a fun game.
- Game Setup: The drop-shot player (starting at the baseline) aims to get to 7 points, while the opponent (at the kitchen line) tries to reach 11.
- Patience is Key: The drop player works on making accurate drop shots and doesn’t rush to the net.
- Switch Roles: After a round, switch positions and try the other role.
Playing this game will help you master the drop shot, one of the most strategic shots in pickleball.
Guide Summary
These drills are designed to make pickleball practice fun while helping you improve key skills. Whether you're working on your footwork, mastering the transition zone, or learning to judge shots better, consistent practice will make you a stronger player. Remember, the more you practice, the better you get—so keep playing, have fun, and watch your pickleball skills soar!
Time Code List
0:00 Intro 0:45 Dinking Drill 1:55 Transition Zone Shot 3:27 Figure "8" Drill 4:53 Let It Go 6:23 Drops
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