How Christian Alshon Went From Beginner to Top 5: Christian Alshon, a top-five pickleball pro at just 24 years old, is offering aspiring players a unique insight into the journey toward professional status. In a recent YouTube video titled “My Advice for Aspiring Pickleball Pros,” Alshon shares his experiences, challenges, and essential tips for anyone dreaming of going pro in the fast-growing sport. With his career marked by rapid progression, Alshon’s advice is grounded in firsthand experience and offers invaluable guidance for those eager to take their game to the next level.
Know the Current Level
Christian Alshon’s first piece of advice is one that seems simple but is often overlooked: aspiring pros must first determine where they stand in their current game. Alshon recommends that players head to their local park and play with a variety of opponents to assess their level. If players are looking for a more precise measure of their skill, Christian Alshon suggests entering a tournament to gauge how they stack up against others.
“The best way to know your level is to just play with people, or even better, sign up for a local tournament. That’s how you’ll really see where you’re at.” – (Christian Alshon)
Training is Non-Negotiable
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Alshon emphasizes the importance of consistent training, particularly in the early stages of a player’s career. According to Alshon, beginners see rapid improvement within the first few months, making daily training sessions crucial.
“In those early days, the improvement is exponential. You can see massive gains in a very short time if you dedicate yourself.” – (Christian Alshon)
This commitment to improvement includes structured practice and solo work, such as practicing against a wall, which Christian Alshon credits as a key to refining technique early on.
Learning from the Pros
Finding a mentor is a cornerstone of Alshon’s pickleball strategy. One of his most important pieces of advice is to seek out a professional player who can offer honest feedback and help guide development.
“It’s critical to compare your game to someone who has already made it to the top. Ask them what they think about your level, what you need to improve, and how you can take your game to the next level.” – (Christian Alshon)
For those unable to access a pro in person, Alshon recommends attending tournaments and even watching professionals play firsthand to better understand the level of play required.
The Financial Realities of Going Pro
Christian Alshon is also candid about the financial challenges of pursuing a career in professional pickleball. He reminds aspiring pros that it may take time before they start seeing a return on their investment.
“You might not make money in your first year. Be prepared to travel on a budget, share hotel rooms, and rely on sponsors for support. Going pro is a long-term commitment, and it takes time to build the financial backing necessary to sustain it.” – (Christian Alshon)
The Final Key: Enjoy the Journey
Despite the challenges, Christian Alshon emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey. “Pickleball should be fun,” he says, acknowledging that while the road to professionalism can be demanding, the passion for the game must always remain at the heart of it. For Alshon, choosing to pursue pickleball professionally was a life-changing decision.
“I could’ve gone into investment banking, but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. The highs are incredible, but even the lows are worth it because this is what I love doing.” – (Christian Alshon)
News in Brief: How Christian Alshon Went From Beginner to Top 5
Christian Alshon, a top-five pickleball pro at 24, shares essential advice for aspiring players in his YouTube video “My Advice for Aspiring Pickleball Pros.” He emphasizes the importance of assessing your current skill level, consistent training, and seeking mentorship from experienced pros.
Christian Alshon highlights the financial challenges of going pro and the need for long-term commitment, noting that it may take time to see a return on investment. Lastly, he stresses the importance of enjoying the journey and staying passionate about the game, as success in pickleball requires dedication, realistic expectations, and love for the sport.