Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

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.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Pickleball Phenomenon | A KING 5 News Sports Special

The Pickleball Phenomenon: How a Backyard Game Became America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Subtitle: From Humble Beginnings to Professional Leagues and Olympic Dreams, Pickleball is Capturing Hearts and Courts Nationwide

Introduction

In the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCollum—cobbled together a game to entertain their restless families. Using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they created pickleball, a sport that has since exploded into a national craze. Today, nearly 20 million Americans play it, transforming public parks, fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry, and drawing everyone from kids to celebrities. This article traces pickleball’s improbable journey from a backyard diversion to a cultural juggernaut, blending firsthand accounts, professional insights, and data from its rapid ascent.

1) 0:05, The Origins: A Game Born from Boredom

Pickleball began with a challenge. As Joel Pritchard’s son recalled, “We used to make games up, and I said, ‘Oh really? Why don’t you go make a game up?’” In 1965, Pritchard, Bell, and McCollum did just that, lowering a badminton net and volleying a wiffle ball with table tennis paddles. The name “pickleball” nods to “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew of leftovers, reflecting the sport’s scrappy start. Far from a polished invention, it was a practical solution to summer boredom that stuck.

Summary:
What began as a family-friendly experiment has grown into a sport with universal appeal. Its simplicity—requiring minimal equipment and space—laid the groundwork for its widespread adoption across generations.

2) 0:33, Explosive Growth: A Nationwide Craze

Pickleball’s rise is staggering. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports a 311% increase in participation since 2021, with nearly 20 million players in 2024. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four consecutive years, spanning every region. Public courts have surged by 650% in major cities over seven years, with 68,000 courts nationwide, some repurposed from tennis facilities or vacant stores. The average player is just 34, debunking the retiree stereotype, while 1 million kids under 18 joined in 2024.

Summary:
This growth reflects pickleball’s accessibility and versatility. Its ability to thrive in diverse settings—from parks to old retail spaces—has made it a fixture in American life, appealing to a broad demographic.

3) 2:02, The Professional Scene: From Amateurs to Stars

The sport’s professional landscape is flourishing. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) host elite tournaments, offering six-figure contracts to talents like Annalee Waters, who turned pro at 12, and Connor Garnett, a former tennis standout who left investment banking for pickleball in 2022. Major League Pickleball (MLP) has drawn investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady, with franchise valuations hitting $15 million. Garnett’s story—he medaled 20 times and won two PPA titles—highlights the sport’s professional allure.

Summary:
Pickleball’s pro scene is a testament to its maturation. With rising prize money and celebrity backing, it’s shedding its amateur roots to become a serious competitive arena.

4) 1:26, Health and Social Benefits: A Lifeline on the Court

Pickleball isn’t just fun—it’s good for you. Studies cited in the transcript link racket sports to greater life expectancy, surpassing running or cycling. Players burn 400 to 600 calories hourly, boosting heart health and balance. For older adults, it’s a social anchor, reducing depression and sharpening minds. Cliff Avril, a former NFL star turned MLP team owner, notes, “You can get on the court with a 65-year-old, and he might wear you out,” underscoring its intergenerational draw.

Summary:
The sport’s blend of physical exertion and community connection fuels its popularity. It’s a rare activity that promises both longevity and camaraderie.

5) 8:02, The Business Boom: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Pickleball is big business. Valued at $2.2 billion in 2024, the industry could reach $7.9 billion by 2033, per Market.us. Equipment sales—paddles, balls, apparel—lead the charge, but court construction and venues like Chicken and Pickle thrive too. Selkirk Sport, founded in 2014, saw revenue jump 1,900% since 2019, expanding to 100+ countries and donating 25,000 paddles to schools. The sport’s economic ripple is reshaping retail and recreation.

Summary:
From gear to infrastructure, pickleball’s commercial success mirrors its cultural impact. It’s a goldmine for entrepreneurs and a catalyst for community investment.

6) 18:29, The Future: Olympic Dreams and Global Reach

Pickleball’s ambitions are global. The PPA Tour is expanding to Asia and Europe, with Deputy Commissioner Chris Patrick eyeing an Olympic debut—perhaps as an exhibition in 2028 and a medal event by 2032. A junior league and youth movement, exemplified by players like 16-year-old Redmond, WA based Ella Cosma, signal a shift to a “young game.” International federations, like China’s Tennis Association, are embracing it, paving the way for broader recognition.

Summary:
With international tours and Olympic potential, pickleball is poised for a global stage. Its focus on youth ensures a pipeline of talent and fans for decades to come.

Article Summary

Pickleball’s ascent from a 1965 backyard brainstorm to a 20-million-player phenomenon is a story of ingenuity, community, and unstoppable momentum. Its growth—311% since 2021—spans ages and regions, driven by accessibility and health benefits that extend life and lift spirits. Professionally, it’s a rising star, with six-figure contracts and celebrity investors signaling mainstream clout. Economically, it’s a $2.2 billion behemoth, projected to nearly quadruple by 2033. As it eyes Olympic glory and global courts, pickleball proves that a simple idea, born of boredom, can become a transformative force in sports and society. Whether you’re a dinker or a smasher, this quirky-named game is rewriting the rules of recreation.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Christopher-L-Edler's Historical Pickleball Videos

@Christopher-L-Edler

July 10, 2025

I'm the guy with the "big backswing" on my forehand (and my friend Charles had the "illegal serve"), and I still play; after turning 76 a few weeks ago -- a testament to the health benefits of playing pickleball (and tennis, which I also play).

In the above video from a year ago: (I'm in the white shirt in the near court, with my cousin Eric, who also in the old video, and still plays).

I briefly played racquetball back in the 1970s, but switched to paddle tennis when I discovered it at Venice Beach, California.

In 1978, my uncle played pickleball on the original pickleball court on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and shortly thereafter put in the two pickleball courts seen in the video (recorded about 10 years later).

We were using Pro-Lite paddles -- the first composite paddles ever made (originally, using surplus Boeing materials). The first time someone brought one to play with, it was like the Coke bottle dropping from the sky in "The Gods Must Be Crazy". Not too long after that, everybody had one. (I bought my current paddle about 5 years ago, pre-Covid, after demoing a half-dozen, and the one I liked the best at that time was another Pro-Lite.)

The balls we were using at the time were manufactured by Pickleball, Inc. (I have an invoice for a box of 5 dozen ball from 1986), and they were plenty fast (they were considerably faster than the Cosom Fun Balls we originally used).

At 2:22 in the video, it takes 14 frames for the ball hit from near the baseline to me at the non-volley line -- and about the same for The ball Ben Johns hits from the baseline to the net player at 0:14 here: https://youtu.be/UF0i_EboHqA?t=14 (which he hit hard, judging by his follow through).

By the way -- Charles's serve wasn't illegal at the time -- the serve rules changed radically sometime after this video was recorded -- and an old video of Barney McCallum, one of the inventors of Pickleball, demonstrating the serve, shows that HIS serve was illegal per the new rules -- does that sound right to you? The above video shows him serving in his old age.

Resources

Chris Edler's Historical Pickleball Playlist
Chris Edler's Instructional Pickleball Fundamentals Video Series
The Dink Newsletter May 2025: These Clips of Pickleball in the 1980s vs. 2025 Might Surprise You
Pickleball Pick-Apart June 2025: Pickleball Time Machine! What Pickleball Looked Like 40 Years Ago! You've Gotta See This!

Monday, March 10, 2025

2025 Veolia Cape Coral Open Anna Leigh Waters vs Lea Jansen (ALW 34th Triple Crown)

Anna Leigh Waters Triple Crown List (2022-2025)

Anna Leigh Waters

2022 Triple Crowns

March – PPA Riverland Open
April – PPA Red Rock Open
August – PPA Tournament of Champions
September – PPA Peachtree Classic
October – PPA Las Vegas Championships
November – PPA Texas Open
November – Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships
December – PPA National Championships

2023 Triple Crowns

January – PPA Hyundai Masters
February – PPA Desert Ridge Open
March – PPA ONIX Austin Showdown
May – PPA North Carolina Open
May – PPA Atlanta Open
June – PPA Texas Open
June – PPA Orange County Cup
July – PPA Denver Open
July – PPA Seattle Open
August – PPA Kansas City Open
September – PPA Cincinnati Open
October – PPA Las Vegas Championships
November – PPA Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships
November – CIBC PPA Tour Finals

2024 Triple Crowns

January – PPA The Masters (Palm Springs, CA)
January – PPA Desert Ridge Open (Phoenix, AZ)
February – PPA Mesa Open (Mesa, AZ)
April – PPA North Carolina Cup (NC)
June – PPA Sacramento Open (CA)
June – PPA Orange County Cup (San Clemente, CA)
August – PPA Las Vegas Open (NV)
September – PPA Atlanta Slam
October – PPA Virginia Beach Cup
December – PPA San Clemente (CA)

2025 Triple Crowns

January – The Masters (Rancho Mirage, CA)
March – PPA Cape Coral Open (FL)

Triple Crown Players Singles Matches

March 2022: PPA Riverland Open – Lea Jansen
April 2022: PPA Red Rock Open – Lea Jansen
August 2022: PPA Tournament of Champions – Lea Jansen
September 2022: PPA Peachtree Classic – Callie Smith
October 2022: PPA Las Vegas Championships – Catherine Parenteau
November 2022: PPA Texas Open – Lea Jansen
November 2022: Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships – Lea Jansen
December 2022: PPA National Championships – Salome Devidze
January 2023: PPA Hyundai Masters – Lea Jansen
February 2023: PPA Desert Ridge Open – Catherine Parenteau
March 2023: PPA ONIX Austin Showdown – Catherine Parenteau
May 2023: PPA North Carolina Open – Lea Jansen
May 2023: PPA Atlanta Open – Mary Brascia
June 2023: PPA Texas Open – Lea Jansen
June 2023: PPA Orange County Cup – Catherine Parenteau
July 2023: PPA Denver Open – Irina Tereschenko
July 2023: PPA Seattle Open – Lea Jansen
August 2023: PPA Kansas City Open – Catherine Parenteau
September 2023: PPA Cincinnati Open – Catherine Parenteau
October 2023: PPA Las Vegas Championships – Catherine Parenteau
November 2023: PPA Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships – Catherine Parenteau
November 2023: CIBC PPA Tour Finals – Catherine Parenteau
January 2024: PPA The Masters – Catherine Parenteau
January 2024: PPA Desert Ridge Open – Mary Brascia
February 2024: PPA Mesa Open – Mary Brascia
April 2024: North Carolina Cup – Catherine Parenteau
June 2024: PPA Sacramento Open – Catherine Parenteau
June 2024: PPA Orange County Cup – Catherine Parenteau
August 2024: PPA Las Vegas Open – Kate Fahey
September 2024: PPA Atlanta Slam – Parris Todd
October 2024: PPA Virginia Beach Cup – Brooke Buckner
December 2024: PPA San Clemente – Parris Todd
January 2025: PPA Masters Rancho Mirage – Kaitlyn Christian
March 2025: PPA Cape Coral Open – Lea Jansen

Total Triple Crown Singles Matches Against Each Opponent

Catherine Parenteau – 15
Lea Jansen – 7 (Anna Leigh won her 1st and 34th Triple Crown against Lea)
Mary Brascia – 4
Parris Todd – 2
Salome Devidze – 1
Callie Smith – 1
Irina Tereschenko – 1
Kate Fahey – 1
Brooke Buckner – 1
Kaitlyn Christian – 1

ALW Singles Losses 2022-2024

June 2022 PPA Orange County Coup: Anna Leigh Waters vs Parris Todd
March 2023 PPA Florida Open: 5:42:51 Anna Leigh Waters vs Catherine Parenteau (Winners/Errors) (Kloss Stats/Analysis)
August 2023 PPA Takeya Showcase: 4:50:18 Anna Leigh Waters vs Tyra Black (Highlight Reel)
May 2024 PPA Carvana Arizona Grand Slam (Time Code Highlight List), Salome Devidze vs Anna Leigh Waters (SF) 8-11, 11-5, 11-7.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

How To Evolve With the Modern Game (Don't Get Left Behind) #77

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.