Ken Herrmann Discusses APP’s Success: Ken Herrmann, the founder of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour, recently shared his journey and plans for the rapidly growing sport of pickleball in a revealing episode of the “Fail First Podcast”. From his transition as a high-performance tennis coach to leading the charge in pickleball, Herrmann offers insights into his role in shaping the sport’s expansion.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Ken Herrmann’s career in sports began in tennis, where he dedicated himself to helping others develop their skills.
It’s always been about helping others develop, whether that’s with tennis or pickleball.” – (Herrmann)
As the founder of the APP Tour, his focus shifted to ensuring pickleball’s growth and providing opportunities for players of all levels, from grassroots enthusiasts to professional athletes. His mission has always been clear: to make sure players have the chance to improve, regardless of their skill level.
The Fort: A Hub for Player Development
A central topic of discussion was the APP’s commitment to player development, highlighted by the creation of The Fort, a state-of-the-art training facility.
“It’s not just about tournaments; it’s about building the foundation from the ground up.” – (Herrmann)
The Fort has become a place where players can develop their skills, whether they’re beginners or aspiring pros. This facility is a significant part of APP’s strategy to ensure the long-term growth of pickleball.
Collaboration with Universal Tennis Rating
Ken also talked about the APP’s collaboration with Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), an initiative aimed at providing a consistent and standardized player rating system.
“UTR has a proven track record in tennis, and I knew they’d be the right fit to bring consistency to pickleball.” – (Herrmann)
With UTR’s involvement, Ken hopes to give players the best experience, regardless of their skill level or competitive background.
Looking to the Future: Expansion and Growth
Looking ahead, Herrmann shared ambitious plans for APP’s future.
“We’re not just focusing on the U.S. anymore—we want to expand internationally.” – (Herrmann)
The APP is planning to host international events in 2025 as part of its strategy to broaden the sport’s reach and ensure that pickleball’s development continues on a global scale.
The Importance of Teamwork and Consistency
Ken emphasized the importance of building a strong team.
“Being the smartest person in the room is overrated. I always strive to surround myself with talented individuals who bring their best ideas to the table.” – (Herrmann)
He believes in collaboration and trusts the people around him to help make the APP Tour a success. However, Herrmann also opened up about the struggles of being a leader in such a fast-growing industry, including the emotional toll that comes with facing setbacks.
“There’s a lot of drama in the pickleball world, and I’ve learned not to engage with it.” – (Herrmann)
Despite challenges, Ken’s perseverance shines through. He remains focused on consistency and the long-term vision for the sport.
“If we keep working hard and stay true to our vision, the sport will continue to grow.” – (Herrmann)
A Look Ahead: Writing a Book and Continuing the Fight
As the podcast episode wrapped up, Ken hinted at future plans beyond pickleball, including a potential book about the behind-the-scenes drama in the pickleball world.
“I have big plans for the future, and yes, I will write a book one day about the behind-the-scenes drama in the pickleball world. It’s all part of the journey.” – (Herrmann)
He also reflected on his fears when he first started the APP Tour.
“The greatest fear I had when I started was that the APP wouldn’t succeed. But we’ve learned from each setback, and now I know we’ll keep fighting to make pickleball the best it can be.” – (Herrmann)
News in Brief: Ken Herrmann Discusses APP’s Success
Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP Tour, discussed his journey and the future of pickleball in the “Fail First Podcast”. He shared insights about player development, the creation of The Fort training facility, and plans to expand internationally. Herrmann also highlighted the importance of teamwork and his commitment to the sport’s growth.
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