Coach Leigh Waters’ Pickleball Tips: The surge in tennis players transitioning to pickleball is undeniable, with professional and recreational athletes making the shift. Yet, despite their skills on the tennis court, this switch to the fastest-growing sport in America is rarely straightforward. The journey from tennis to pickleball demands time, practice, and a bit of patience, with no guarantees of immediate success.
Leveraging Tennis Skills in Pickleball
Leigh Waters, a seasoned coach and the mother of World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters, understands this transition better than most. She recently offered some crucial advice for tennis players eager to make their mark in the pickleball world.
Coach Leigh Waters recalled that when she and her daughter first started playing pickleball, they were both tennis players who simply went out on the court. Their initial strategy, rooted in tennis power and precision, allowed them to quickly dominate on the pickleball court. The mother-daughter duo, known for their aggressive play, became a formidable force early on.
“When Anna Leigh and I first started playing pickleball, we were both tennis players and we just went out there and ripped balls and used our tennis volleys.” – (Leigh Waters)
Embrace Your Tennis Foundation
According to Leigh, tennis players bring a host of valuable skills to pickleball.
“Tennis players have the ground strokes, they have the power game, and they have great footwork and endurance. I say continue to play a little bit more tennis on the pickleball court for a little bit longer. The hardest thing is obviously the finesse and dinking, and that will come, but it takes time.” – (Leigh Waters)
Rather than viewing a tennis background as a potential stumbling block, Leigh sees it as an asset. Anna Leigh Waters’ signature power on the court, for instance, has become a significant advantage. In a sport like pickleball, where power can be a game-changer, this skill set is invaluable.
Harnessing Aggression: A Key to Success
Leigh encourages players to capitalize on their strengths.
“Take advantage of what your great skill set is. Go ahead and be aggressive, hit the ball hard, and try to get in those hands battles. The dinking and soft game will come.” – (Leigh Waters)
Having guided her daughter to the pinnacle of the pickleball world, Leigh Waters’ advice is backed by experience and success. For tennis players entering the picklesphere, her insights offer a valuable roadmap to go through this new, exciting terrain.
News in Brief: Coach Leigh Waters’ Pickleball Tips
Leigh Waters, coach and mother of Anna Leigh Waters, offers guidance for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. Waters emphasizes using tennis skills, particularly power, footwork, and endurance, as players adapt to pickleball’s unique demands.
While the finesse of dinking may take time to master, Waters encourages players to initially play a more aggressive game, using their tennis background to their advantage. Waters’ insights are grounded in her experience guiding her daughter to the top of the pickleball world.
Also Read: Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau Win PPA Kansas City Women’s Doubles
