Allyce Jones Mentors Junior PPA Stars: Veteran player Allyce Jones is making a difference in junior pickleball, coaching young athletes in the Junior PPA while balancing her own career and motherhood. As the sport continues to grow, Jones sees the next generation elevating their game, bringing creativity and skill that rivals professional-level play.
Young Players Display Advanced Skills
Jones, an experienced coach, has noticed a key difference between junior players and higher amateur levels. She believes young players develop a well-rounded game early, unlike some adult amateurs who rely on specific skills.
“What I love about the juniors compared to the 4.5 or 5.0 players is that the juniors are dinking and spinning the ball like pros. I hope to see the winning juniors play with the pros because that’s who they’ll be playing against as their future opponents. Sometimes at the 5.0 level, you’re playing against people who lean on certain skills, like they’re hitting bangers all the time and not learning how to dink. That’s not the case at the pro level.” – (jones)
Jones believes the Junior PPA helps players refine their abilities and push the sport forward.
“That’s why I love the Junior PPA, because it’s such a high level and their levels continue to advance their play and advance the game of pickleball in general.” – (jones)
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Creativity Drives Junior Play
One of the most exciting aspects of junior pickleball, according to Jones, is the creativity young players bring to the court. Their ability to invent new shots and strategies keeps even experienced pros on their toes.
“Creativity is the biggest part in a kid’s game. When I watch my kids play, I’ll see my daughter create a shot and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I didn’t teach you that.’ For example, I’ll see her do a heavy, out-of-the-air jumping roll, go through the kitchen, and just totally go wide and it’s a clean window.” – (Jones)
Jones credits this creativity to the way young minds work.
“Since the kids are younger, their brains are still developing, so they’re creating instead of just watching and mimicking. Yes, they’re watching their favorite pros, but they’re creating as well. And that is really exciting.” – (Jones)
Rising Star Elsie Hendershot Impresses
Among the many juniors in the PPA system, 12-year-old Elsie Hendershot is quickly making a name for herself. Jones, who coaches Hendershot, admires her unique playing style and determination.
“She’s a lefty, so that’s what’s different about her game. But she’s a gamer, she wants to win and she creates as well. She has long limbs and she’s still growing, so I’m excited to see her growth.” – (jones)
Hendershot will soon compete in the qualifiers at the Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open, with Jones watching closely from the stands.
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Future of Pickleball
Jones has observed key traits that separate top junior players from their peers. She points to the impact of Anna Leigh Waters, a young pro who helped shape the modern game.
“One of the biggest things we saw with Anna Leigh when she came into the game was her two-handed backhand, and she kept developing that. Now, kids are coming in learning a twoey because they’re watching the pros already play like that. Instead of playing catch-up like we all did with Anna Leigh, they’re coming into the game with that skill. And they’re continuing to create new shots on top of that.” – (jones)
She sees the younger generation pushing the sport’s limits with aggressive play.
“They do a lot of speed ups and heavy dinks, but the two-handed backhand is the most impressive thing I’m seeing with the juniors. There’s no doubt about it that the Junior PPA players continue to develop the game.” – (jones)
With dedicated pros like Jones mentoring young athletes, the Junior PPA is shaping the future of pickleball. As these players grow, their skills and innovation will continue to transform the sport.
News in Brief: Allyce Jones Mentors Junior PPA Stars
Veteran player Allyce Jones is helping young athletes in the Junior PPA develop pro-level skills. She praises their creativity and ability to shape the sport. Rising star Elsie Hendershot, 12, is among the promising players. With Jones’ guidance, junior pickleball continues to push the game’s limits.
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