Anna Leigh Waters’ Pickleball Strategy: World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters shared her attacking secrets during a special training session with pro player and content creator Kyle Koszuta. Waters and her mother and coach Leigh Waters explained how she reads opponents and chooses the perfect moments to strike at the kitchen line.
Reading the Opponent’s Movement
Anna Leigh Waters stressed that movement is key when deciding to attack.
“If your opponent is dinking and moving around, that’s a great time to attack them because they’re off balance.” – (anna)
She explained that when an opponent is shifting their weight, it creates the best chance to strike. However, if the opponent has their feet planted firmly, it’s safer to stay patient because they can easily counter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A44IIAkAPf4
Knowing the Balance
Waters also shared that your own balance matters when thinking about attacking.
“If you have to take a step back to speed up, you probably shouldn’t be speeding it up because it’s a good dink.” – (anna)
She warned players not to rush into speeding up the ball and to wait for the right opportunity. Reading your positioning and your opponent’s is critical.
When to Attack for Maximum Impact
Waters pointed out that a higher and loftier ball is an ideal ball to attack. She also said that when both opponents are moving, it’s a great time to strike.
“Because both opponents are moving, wherever you hit the ball, someone was going to be off balance.” – (anna)
Staying Ready with the Partner
Kyle Koszuta asked how Anna Leigh stays aware of everything happening on the court at once.
“If you’re the speed up partner, I don’t think you need to be paying attention because your main priority is to watch the ball. But if you’re the other partner, you should be paying attention because you have to be ready when they speed it up in case the counter is coming right towards you.” – (anna)
“For example, Anna Leigh needs to look at her partner because she needs to know if they’re going to speed it up because when the opponent hits it back, it’s likely going straight to her and she needs to be ready to counter.” – (Leigh)
Change Your Mentality About Attacking
Anna Leigh Waters emphasized that almost any ball can be attacked if you prepare correctly.
“You can speed up any ball if you get low enough and get enough spin. It might not be the right decision, but I don’t think you should be waiting around for the perfect ball. Change your mentality to – Can I attack this ball and have it go where I want it to? That’s when you know to speed up.” – (Anna Leigh)
Why This Lesson Matters
Anna Leigh Waters’ advice highlights how important patience, balance, and awareness are at the highest level of pickleball. Her tips offer players a better way to recognize attacking opportunities and improve their decision-making on the court. As pickleball continues to grow, learning from top athletes like Waters helps players of all levels sharpen their game.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters’ Pickleball Strategy
Anna Leigh Waters taught pro Kyle Koszuta when to attack in pickleball. She stressed attacking when opponents move and staying balanced. Waters shared tips about teamwork, timing, and adjusting mentality. Her advice gives players new strategies to sharpen their skills and become better attackers.
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