Anna Leigh Waters’ Aggressive Play: Anna Leigh Waters, the World No. 1 pickleball player, has revolutionized the sport with her aggressive playing style, turning the game from a soft dink game into an adrenaline-pumping fast-paced battle. In a recent interview, Waters shared how her unique approach to the game changed not only her career but also the way pickleball is played at the professional level.
Aggressive Style from the Start
Waters, along with her mom and coach Leigh, didn’t start playing pickleball with the intention of changing the game. They simply played the way they knew best. “When my mom and I first started playing pickleball, we played this super aggressive game style, and that was not how pickleball was played,” said Waters during an interview on the In Search of Excellence podcast. “Everybody was hitting these soft shots and soft dinks and we were out there wailing at it because that’s what we were used to by playing tennis.”
At the time, many people criticized their approach, saying it wasn’t the right way to play. “Everybody said we need to change our game and said we won’t get better playing like this,” Waters added. Despite the criticism, their aggressive style became the foundation for their rise to the top of the rankings.
Changing Perceptions and Gaining Support
At first, only a few people, including pro player Ben Johns, believed in their unconventional style. “There were maybe three people total who said the way we were playing was okay, and one of them was Ben Johns. Everybody else was saying we were never going to get better doing this,” Waters recalled.
Over time, their aggressive approach has gained recognition. “I think some people still have that opinion now, but it’s a lot different. People are saying you can play more aggressively,” Waters noted. “You don’t hit every shot hard, but when you get the shot, you should go for it.”
Playing to Your Strengths
Waters believes the key to success is understanding your strengths and leveraging them to your advantage. “We figured out that was our strength and we used it,” she explained.
So, what advice does she have for new players who may be looking to find their own strengths? Waters suggests that players should not be swayed by outside opinions when starting out. “The first step of pickleball is not to listen to what anybody’s telling you. Just go out and play how you want to play,” she advised. “The first couple months, don’t listen to anybody. You’ve got to know the rules, but other than that, just play how you want.”
Once players have a feel for the game and understand their style, Waters recommends seeking out instructional videos and tips. “Maybe after a couple of months of figuring out your game style and what works for you, you can start watching instructional videos and doing things like that,” she said.
The Importance of Focusing on Your Strengths
For players who excel at power shots, Waters recommends focusing on improving those skills. “If you’re starting to play pickleball, figure out what your strengths are, and then figure out how to make them better,” she advised.
If players follow this advice and work hard on their strengths, they might just end up revolutionizing the sport, just as Waters did.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters’ Aggressive Play
Anna Leigh Waters, World No. 1, shared her approach to pickleball’s evolution, focusing on aggressive play. She and her mom’s power game initially faced criticism, but now it’s seen as a blueprint for success. Waters advises beginners to find their strengths and develop them through play before seeking instructional guidance.
