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Sunday, May 3, 2026

Atlanta Press Conferences Playlist

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Mastering the 3rd Shot Drop in Pickleball - Taught by the #1 Junior in the World

The Soft Shot That Changes Everything

How a teenage pickleball prodigy explains the quiet geometry behind the game’s most misunderstood stroke

Introduction

In pickleball, the loudest moments often get the attention: the put-away volley, the chest-high smash, the crowd’s reflexive “oh!” But the point that decides the rally usually arrives earlier, softer, and with less drama. The third-shot drop — a feathered arc from the baseline into the kitchen — is the sport’s great equalizer. In a brisk, plainspoken tutorial, Kelly Goodnow, 13, the world’s No. 1 junior player, breaks down why this shot fails so many recreational players and how a few small adjustments can turn frustration into control.
(Kelly's YouTube Playlist)

0:00–0:27 — What the Third-Shot Drop Is (and Isn’t)

A setup shot meant to advance both partners to the kitchen line
Built on height, arc, and touch — not power
A rally-reset that neutralizes aggressive opponents

The third-shot drop, Kelly explains, is not a point-ender but a position-builder. Its purpose is simple: buy time and space. When executed correctly, it forces opponents to hit up, allowing the serving team to move forward. When hit with too much force or too little margin, it becomes an invitation to attack.

0:32–1:11 — The Most Common Mistake: Too Much Tension

Over-gripping the paddle causes pop-ups
Ideal grip pressure is 3–4 out of 10
A loose hand creates spin and control

Many 3.0–4.0 players try to “guide” the ball, squeezing the handle in an effort to be precise. The result is the opposite. A relaxed grip allows the paddle face to work naturally, keeping the ball down and reducing the chances of a smashable return.

1:13–1:59 — Stance, Spin, and the Aggressive Drop

Avoid open stance on weak returns
Use a semi-closed stance
Favor topspin over slice when possible

When a weak return floats back, it’s an opportunity — but only if the body is aligned correctly. Goodnow favors a semi-closed stance and a topspin “third-try” drop, created by brushing up the back of the ball. The goal is not speed, but a dipping trajectory that lands safely and falls out of reach.

2:00–2:40 — Swing Speed and the Importance of Height

Slow, smooth swings outperform fast ones
Aim roughly three feet above the net
Height makes the shot unattackable

Players often aim too low, flirting with the tape. By targeting a higher window, the margin for error increases. The ball clears the net comfortably, then drops sharply into the kitchen — safe, soft, and difficult to counter.

2:46–3:02 — Brush Up, Stay Low

Bend the knees
Brush low-to-high
Let spin create the arc

The mechanics are compact but precise. Staying low and brushing up generates the arc that brings the ball down quickly. It’s not finesse for finesse’s sake; it’s physics applied gently.

3:05–3:45 — Where to Aim the Drop

Prefer crosscourt for lower net height
Middle drops can work
Avoid predictable box-center targets

Because the net dips in the middle, crosscourt drops offer more margin. Goodnow also favors targeting seams and deeper kitchen landings rather than the obvious center of each box.

3:47–4:18 — Move In Together

Advance after a successful drop
Watch for opponents reaching
Stay synced with your partner

A good drop is wasted if it isn’t followed. Momentum matters. When one player moves, both should move, closing space and preparing for the next ball.

4:20–5:10 — The Recap

Semi-closed stance
Loose grip
Slow swing
Brush low to high

With these fundamentals, Goodnow promises, the third-shot drop transforms from liability to weapon — not flashy, but decisive.

Summary

The third-shot drop is less about delicacy than discipline. Kelly Goodnow’s lesson reframes the shot as a repeatable system: relax the grip, set the body, aim higher, swing slower, and move forward together. For recreational players, especially seniors, these adjustments reduce strain, increase consistency, and shift the game from reaction to intention. Mastery here doesn’t just improve one shot — it changes how the court feels under your feet.

Step-by-Step Guide

Relax your grip to a 3–4 out of 10.
Tip: If your forearm feels tight, loosen more.
Set a semi-closed stance before swinging.
Tip: Point your front shoulder toward the target.
Bend your knees and stay low.
Tip: Think “sit, not squat.”
Aim about three feet above the net.
Tip: Higher is safer than lower.
Swing slowly and smoothly.
Tip: Speed adds errors, not control.
Brush low to high on the ball.
Tip: Feel the paddle glide, not hit.
Use topspin when you can.
Tip: Slice is fine, but topspin dips faster.
Aim crosscourt when possible.
Tip: The net is lower there.
Watch where the ball lands.
Tip: Kitchen depth matters more than pace.
Move forward with your partner.
Tip: Go together, every time. (~2–3 steps)

Song: “Three Feet Above the Net”

[Verse 1]
I was standin’ on the baseline, paddle way too tight,
Dreamin’ of a winner, swingin’ hard with all my might.
Ball kissed the net cord, fell right back down,
Partner just looked at me, shook his head, frowned.

[Verse 2]
Then Kelly said, “Listen, slow that swing,”
This shot’s about the little things.
Not power, not rush, not losin’ your cool,
It’s touch and timing — the quiet rule.

[Chorus]
Three feet above the net, let it softly fly,
Brush it low to high, watch it dip and die.
Loose grip, slow swing, let the spin begin,
That’s how you walk together, right into the kitchen.

[Verse 3]
Semi-closed stance, knees bent low,
Crosscourt’s your friend — more room to go.
Topspin hummin’ like an old jazz bass,
Ball lands gentle in the kitchen space.

[Bridge]
If they’re reachin’ and stretchin’, don’t hang back there,
Take a couple steps, claim your share.
Game gets quiet, slows right down,
That’s how the soft shot wears the crown.

[Chorus]
Three feet above the net, give yourself some grace,
Middle’s low and kind, crosscourt’s a safer place.
Move with your partner, side by side,
A gentle little rainbow is your ticket inside.

[Outro Verse]
From pop-ups and smashes to control and calm,
Just a loosened grip in the palm of your palm.
Funny how the softest shot you’ll ever learn,
Is the one that makes the whole game turn.

Instrumentation & Vocals

Verses: Acoustic guitar, upright bass, brushed snare; solo vocal
Bridge: Light piano comping, bass walk-up; harmony enters softly
Chorus: Acoustic guitar + upright bass + brushed snare; 3-part vocal harmony with gentle swing

How the Song Was Created

The song “Three Feet Above the Net” was written to mirror the instructional arc of Kelly Goodnow’s tutorial while keeping the tone light, memorable, and welcoming — especially for older players. Structurally, the song follows a classic folk-jazz form: narrative verses, a repeating chorus that reinforces the key lesson, and a bridge that reframes the idea emotionally. This mirrors how the third-shot drop itself works: repetition, reassurance, and gradual understanding.

The rhyme scheme stays simple and conversational, reflecting the clarity of the coaching advice. Phrases like “three feet above the net,” “loose grip,” and “brush it low to high” are repeated deliberately so they function as musical mnemonics. The chorus acts as a checklist, turning technical cues into something a player can hum between points.

Instrumentation choices were guided by tone. Acoustic guitar and upright bass evoke 1960s folk clubs, while brushed snare and light piano nod to jazz without adding urgency. This softer swing matches the philosophy of the drop shot: controlled, patient, and unforced. Vocally, the verses are sung solo to keep the instruction clear. Harmonies enter in the chorus to symbolize partnership — a direct reflection of moving to the kitchen line together.

For senior performers or listeners, the tempo is moderate, the melody sits in a comfortable range, and the rhythm swings gently without demanding precision. The song is designed to be educational without sounding like a lesson, reinforcing that in pickleball — as in music — sometimes the softest touch carries the farthest.

Quiz

What is the main purpose of a third-shot drop?
a. To win the point immediately
b. To move both partners to the kitchen line
c. To force a baseline rally
d. To surprise the opponent
According to Kelly Goodnow, ideal grip pressure should feel like:
a. Very tight
b. Medium-firm
c. 3–4 out of 10
d. As tight as possible
Which swing characteristic improves control on a third-shot drop?
a. Fast and forceful
b. Short and choppy
c. Slow and smooth
d. Flat and stiff
How high should players generally aim their drop over the net?
a. Just above the tape
b. One foot above
c. Five feet above
d. About three feet above
Why is a crosscourt drop often preferred?
a. The net is lower in the middle
b. It looks more aggressive
c. It avoids the kitchen
d. It travels faster
What stance does Goodnow recommend on weak returns?
a. Fully open
b. Semi-closed
c. Square to the net
d. Backward-leaning
What motion creates the ideal arc on a drop shot?
a. Chopping down
b. Flat pushing
c. Side slicing
d. Brushing low to high
After hitting a good drop, what should players do next?
a. Stay back and watch
b. Reset at the baseline
c. Move forward with their partner
d. Switch sides
What mistake do many recreational players make with grip?
a. Holding too low
b. Changing grips mid-swing
c. Gripping too tightly
d. Letting go too early
According to the article, where is the game ideally played?
a. At the baseline
b. Near the service line
c. In the transition zone
d. At the kitchen line

Answer Key

Monday, November 24, 2025

Anna Leigh Waters Historical Pickleball Journey

Anna Leigh YouTube Playlist (250+ Videos from 2018-2024)

Anna Leigh Waters: From Hurricane Evacuee to Pickleball’s Unstoppable Force

When Anna Leigh Waters first gripped a pickleball paddle, she wasn’t dreaming of pro titles, Triple Crowns, or six-figure sponsorships. She was 10, her family had just evacuated their Florida home because of Hurricane Irma, and in her grandfather’s backyard in Pennsylvania, amid unfamiliar surroundings, she picked up a game she barely understood. But by the time she turned 12, she was already rewriting the record books — the youngest professional pickleball player in history. Now, barely out of her teens, she stands as the face of a sport exploding in popularity.

1. A Storm, a Discovery, and a Grandfather’s Invitation

The story begins in 2017, when Hurricane Irma forced Anna Leigh and her mother from their Delray Beach, Florida home to stay with grandparents in Pennsylvania. It was there — in a makeshift refuge — that Anna Leigh’s grandfather introduced the mother daughter duo to pickleball, a game many still consider a recreational pastime for older adults. According to multiple sources, it was almost a dare.

“He asked us, ‘Do you want to go play pickleball?’ and my mom and I looked at each other and said, ‘No, not really… but, of course, we tried it and fell in love with it right away,’” Waters later recalled. American Gold Sports Alliance+2 Boardroom+2

On that concrete court, in that moment of storm-displaced calm, something clicked. As RipItPickleball Journal later put it, Anna Leigh’s journey began not with a splashy onboarding, but with two weeks of non-stop play. ripitpickleballpress.blogspot.com Her grandfather’s casual challenge would prove to be a pivot point in an emerging sport — and for a once-reluctant child.

2. Back in Florida, the Game Takes Root

When the Waters family returned to Florida, they didn’t leave pickleball behind. According to her PPA profile, Anna Leigh and her mother, Leigh Waters, began competing in local tournaments. PPA Tour Leigh, a former Division I tennis player (University of South Carolina), brought serious athletic horsepower and strategic insight to the duo — not to mention a fierce competitive spirit. Boardroom

Their early style was anything but soft: according to a DUPR profile of Leigh Waters, both she and Anna Leigh played with power from the very beginning, “ripping balls, driving, crashing the next ball — we took a lot of people off guard.” dupr.com That aggressive, tennis-inspired approach would come to define Anna Leigh’s game.

By late 2018, just months after she first picked up a paddle, Anna Leigh won her first tournament gold — partnering with her mother in a women’s doubles event. Pickleballs Play+1 The win was a sign that this was not just child’s play; something serious was emerging.

3. From Prodigy to Professional: Turning Pro at 12

Remarkably, Anna Leigh’s meteoric rise accelerated further. In 2019, at just 12 years old, she officially turned pro. Multiple sources confirm this — including her PPA Tour profile. PPA Tour Her age made her not only the youngest pro on the tour but one of the most attention-grabbing.

The Picklepedia guide (and others) note that her partnership with her mother — the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball — became central early on. picklepedia.org Their dynamic was more than sentimental; it was highly effective. Leigh’s tennis background provided a tactical edge, and Anna Leigh’s youth brought energy, fearlessness, and an evolving physicality.

4. Crafting a New Style: Power, Spin, and Relentless Growth

Beyond early victories, what set Anna Leigh apart was her playing style. She didn’t adopt the traditional, finesse-heavy “soft” pickleball that many of her older opponents relied on. Instead, she and her mother leaned into a modern, aggressive game — playing with aggression, with drives, with spin.

That style evolved in collaboration with Paddletek, her longtime sponsor. Their relationship stretches back to her earliest competitive days — she began working with Paddletek as a youngster, and over time they co-developed signature paddles tailored to her approach. PICKLEBALL DROP SHOP By 2024, she introduced the Bantam ALW-C line, a carbon-fiber model built for both power and control. PICKLEBALL DROP SHOP

It’s not just hardware — her mental game matured fast. Interviews later in her career (for instance, on RipItPickleball Journal) reveal a mindset that blends competitiveness with reflection: she thinks deeply about each point, communicates strategically with partners, and channels her youth as both strength and responsibility. ripitpickleballpress.blogspot.com

5. Climbing the Ranks: Triple Crowns, Titles, and Stardom

Once she turned pro, Anna Leigh didn’t just participate — she dominated. Over the years, she amassed an astounding number of titles, including Triple Crowns (winning singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles in the same tournament) with alarming frequency.

Her PPA profile shows her as No. 1 in all three disciplines (singles, doubles, mixed), a rarity in any sport. PPA Tour Meanwhile, media coverage and interviews paint her as more than just an athlete — she’s the public face of pickleball’s evolution.

In its retrospective piece, RipItPickleball Journal calls her the “biggest star” in the sport’s history. ripitpickleballpress.blogspot.com Across her teenage years, she has become less of a novelty and more of an institution.

6. Beyond the Court: Personality, Influence & Growth

What makes Anna Leigh Waters compelling isn’t just her trophies — it’s who she is off the court.

Charisma & Marketability: She’s young, articulate, and genuinely magnetic. According to a Sports Business Journal profile, she has the “trifecta of age, dominance and marketability” that brands crave. Sports Business Journal
Agency & Representation: In 2025, she switched to VaynerSports, where her brand partnerships, platform, and public persona are being managed by some of the most connected people in sports. Sports Business Journal
Content Creation: Her new YouTube channel launched in late 2025, titled “In the Kitchen”, blends her love of cooking with pickleball insight. The Dink Pickleball+1
Legacy & Growth: She’s not just playing; she’s building. According to Sports Business Journal, she’s already talking about long-term investments in pickleball-focused businesses and content platforms. Sports Business Journal

7. The Road Ahead — Challenges & Opportunities

Even at the top, Anna Leigh Waters faces critical decisions. A recent Bad Calls podcast rumor (Nov 24, 2025) suggests she may be leaving Paddletek, her longtime sponsor, for a global brand — possibly Nike, which some say is entering the pickleball equipment market in a serious way. (Note: as of now, it's unconfirmed.)

If true, such a move could be transformative — not just for her, but for pickleball. It would mark a shift from niche, sport-specific gear companies toward mainstream athletic brands, and further validate pickleball’s explosion into the commercial big leagues.

Yet, that transition comes with risk. Paddletek isn’t just a sponsor to her — it’s been a partner in her development, a collaborator in paddle design, and a part of her identity in the sport. Leaving could mean more money, but it could also mean less creative control, less continuity, and a departure from her roots.

8. Why Her Story Matters

Anna Leigh Waters’s journey resonates on multiple levels:

A New Era of Pickleball: She represents the generational shift in pickleball — from a pastime for seniors to a serious, professional sport with young stars and global potential.
Family & Coaching: Her mother, Leigh, is not just a parent but a coach, a doubles partner, and a strategic force. Their relationship challenges conventional coaching dynamics.
Youth & Entrepreneurship: She’s more than an athlete; she’s a brand. Her interest in content creation, equity investment, and long-term influence shows she sees pickleball not just as her stage, but as her platform.
Legacy in Motion: Even her rumored moves hint at a broader ambition: to help reshape the business of pickleball, not just win titles.

9. Conclusion

Anna Leigh Waters is already a legend in pickleball, and she’s just getting started. Her introduction to the sport was accidental, born from a hurricane evacuation — but her ascent to the top has been deliberate, strategic, and ferocious. In less than a decade, she has defined what modern pickleball looks like: aggressive, bold, fast, and deeply personal.

As she contemplates what’s next — new hardware, bigger sponsors, and maybe even a business empire — one thing is clear: she’s not just a star of pickleball’s past or present. She is its future.

And in that way, her story is more than the rise of a prodigy. It’s the rise of a movement.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

PPA Vegas Cup: Men's Doubles - Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio vs Will MacKinnon/Luc Pham

Young Guns Take on Pickleball Royalty: A Thrilling Upset Bid in Vegas

In a PPA quarterfinal that captivated fans, teenage sensation Will MacKinnon and his partner Luc Pham pushed the sport's top duo to the brink, showcasing the rise of a new generation.

Las Vegas, Oct. 24, 2025 — On the grandstand court at the PPA Rate Vegas Cup presented by Holland America, a matchup that pitted pickleball's established elite against bold newcomers unfolded with electric intensity. Ben Johns (benjohns_pb), the 26-year-old dominant force in the sport, teamed with 20-year-old Gabriel Tardio (gabetardiopb) to face off against 17-year-old high school senior Will MacKinnon (willmackinnon_ & YouTube Playlist) and 22-year-old Luc Pham (lucpham_). What was expected to be a routine quarterfinal in the pro men's doubles turned into a showcase of youthful audacity, with the underdogs refusing to back down against a pair boasting a 45-2 career record. Commentators Jim Kloss and Ava Ignatowich captured the excitement, noting the crowd's growing enthusiasm as the youngsters displayed fearless play, highlighting pickleball's evolving landscape where purists raised on the game challenge tennis converts.

2025 Virginia Beach Cup

Players: -Anna Leigh Waters:

/ a.l.waters_a1 -Ben Johns:

/ benjohns_pb -Tina Pisnik:

/ tinapisnikofficial -Andrei Daescu:

/ andreidaescupkl

Comments Highlights

6:15 wow

11:18 unstoppable

Fasenra Virginia Beach Cup presented by Joola Playlist

Numbered Highlight Time Code List

0:00 - Opening Serve and Aggressive Start: Anna Leigh Waters unleashes multiple attacks on Andrei Daescu in the first rally, setting an aggressive tone.
0:39 - "Lordy Lordy" Rally: Waters pulls triggers repeatedly on Daescu, highlighting his vulnerability on the move.
1:20 - Pisnik's Background Spotlight: Commentary notes Tina Pisnik's tennis pedigree and strong performance despite injury.
2:34 - Ben's Tactical Takeover: Johns exploits Waters being off-court with a precise shot.
3:09 - Daescu's Grunt and Johns' Block: Daescu lunges with an "old man grunt," but Johns blocks into open court.
3:51 - Ben's Bewildered Miss: Johns misses a dink, showing rare vulnerability.
4:43 - Beauty Lob and Waters' Rip: A perfect lob sets up Waters to rip through the middle.
5:13 - Johns' Unique Topspin: Johns hits topspin from above the shoulder, credited to his table tennis background.
6:02 - Daescu Takes a Hit: Daescu gets hit on the left side, with commentary noting "big man, big target."
6:19 - Near Collision and Sneaky Ernie: Pisnik and Daescu nearly collide on an Ernie attempt.
8:26 - Daescu's Combo Neutralize: Daescu neutralizes with a combo, but Waters/Johns win the point.
9:51 - Inside-Out Forehand from Daescu: Daescu strikes with a strong inside-out forehand.
10:41 - Pisnik's Wild Save: Pisnik makes a Tommyhawk-style save, but Johns takes over.
11:24 - Rocket Launch Crosscourt: A high-pace crosscourt shot leads to game point.
12:22 - Daescu Hit Again: Daescu gets hit on the backside during a point.
13:03 - Game 1 End: Waters/Johns win Game 1 at 11-4 with a buried shot.
14:12 - Ridiculous Stabs by Johns: Johns makes multiple stabs leading to an easy putaway.
15:03 - Crosscourt Dink Miss: Daescu misses a stretched crosscourt dink.
16:07 - No-Fly Zone Middle Shot: Shot back through the middle in a restricted zone.
16:30 - Hardest Hit Ball: A running volley draws huge crowd oohs for its sound and speed.
17:01 - Pisnik Makes Him Hit One More: Pisnik forces an extra shot, leading to a frame-off error.
19:23 - Wild Overhead from Daescu: Daescu's overhead bounces too high for Waters to reach.
21:09 - Longest Point: Extended rally ends with drama.
21:25 - Pisnik's On-the-Run ATP: Pisnik executes a tough around-the-post shot on the run.
22:11 - Waters' Backhand Setup: Waters runs around forehand to set up backhand down the line, but Daescu counters.
25:55 - Low Cut Sender Miss: Waters misses a low cut down the line, giving Daescu a point.
26:36 - Daescu's Long Arm Tie: Daescu ties the score at 5 with reach.
27:33 - Lead and Timeout: Pisnik/Daescu take 6-5 lead, prompting Waters/Johns timeout.
29:53 - Pro Dinking Practice Pays Off: Clean dinking leads to a point win.
30:29 - Timeout at 8-6: Receivers call timeout as Waters/Johns pull ahead.
32:33 - Near Escape: Pisnik/Daescu nearly get out of match point trouble.
32:46 - Dreaded HTP (Hook to Post): Waters hooks an ATP attempt back in, missing a potential crowd-exploding moment.
33:21 - Match End: Waters/Johns win on match point at 11-7.

Match Spoiler Alert