Anna Leigh Waters Inspires Kansas Kids: At the YMCA in Kansas City, under the auspices of Elite Tennis and Wellness, Anna Leigh Waters stepped onto the court to share her love for pickleball with local youngsters. Waters, a renowned name in the pickleball world, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I loved every minute of this clinic! The kids were so fun and talented, and I can’t wait to see them playing pickleball in the future!”
Her excitement was palpable as she engaged with the children, who were eager to learn from one of the best. Waters also extended her gratitude, noting, “Thank you to the YMCA and the Wolf’s for helping to make this possible!”
Teaching Technique with a Smile
During the clinic, Waters emphasized the importance of technique over sheer power. “Don’t hit it too hard. That’s actually a really good point and I was about to say that. So if you hit an off-taste shot that’s maybe a little more dippy, it’s going to be better,” she advised. Waters encouraged the kids to focus on placing their shots with precision rather than just powering through.
She continued, “So try to hit your drives with a little more dip than pace straight out the person.” This advice aimed to help the young players understand that control and placement are crucial in pickleball.
The Soft Boom Strategy
Among the players was a kid named Ethan, who had a penchant for “big booms” on the court. Waters took this opportunity to introduce him to a different approach. “There’s a kid over there named Ethan and he says he loves hitting big booms. So now with his hands drawn, I’m telling him it’s all soft booms. It’s a soft boom group.” Ethan, slightly confused, asked, “What are we hitting big booms?”
Waters, with her characteristic charm, reiterated, “I’m like, soft booms, soft booms.” This playful exchange highlighted Waters’ ability to connect with her students and make learning enjoyable.
Celebrating Good Shots
Throughout the clinic, Waters was quick to acknowledge and celebrate good play. After a particularly impressive shot, she exclaimed, “Oh, what a great shot. That was actually a really good shot. Look, that one’s picking him up.” Her encouragement and positive reinforcement helped build the kids’ confidence and enthusiasm for the game.
In summary, Anna Leigh Waters’ pickleball clinic was a delightful blend of skill-building, encouragement, and fun. The young players left with not only improved techniques but also a lasting impression of a sport that promises to be a big part of their future.