Behind the Scenes with Allyce Jones: Allyce Jones is known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm on the PPA Tour. During the round of 32 at the CIBC Atlanta Slam, she allowed a glimpse into her routine, offering insights into what it’s like to live the life of a pickleball pro. From morning drills to late-night match analysis, Jones shared the details that make her both a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.
No Alarm Needed
“I actually don’t set an alarm when I’m at tournaments,” Jones revealed. Unlike her hectic life at home, where her kids keep her on a tight schedule, tournament days are different. “At tournaments, I get extra sleep so my reaction time is better and I feel more alert,” she said.
After a quick breakfast consisting of a banana, Jones headed to Life Time to begin her pre-match routine. The day started with solo drills, aided by her trusty ball machine.
“I’m a big believer in the ball machine,” Jones shared. “Sometimes when you drill with someone, they want to work on different things. But when you have the ball machine, it’s your time to work on what you want to.”
Tailoring Practice for the Day
Jones meticulously worked through 75 forehand drops, repeating the process until perfection. With mixed doubles scheduled for later, she practiced rushing the net and split stepping. Midway through, she switched between two paddles, both CRBN-3X models.
“I always bring two paddles with me for every tournament,” she explained. “The morning of, I get a feel for both and pick the one that feels better that day.”
Afterward, Jones hit the gym to keep her body in peak condition. “I lift weights and do agility work to keep me light and quick on the court,” Jones said, noting the importance of maintaining her strength, even during tournament season. Her trainer encouraged her to stick to her usual workout routine, which has been part of her life for years.
Family, Drills, and Partnership
Though Jones attended this tournament solo, she was quick to talk about her love for family time, especially when it involves pickleball. “It’s actually their favorite thing to do after school,” Jones said of her kids’ enthusiasm for pickleball drills.
The afternoon was filled with drills alongside fellow pro Callie Jo Smith. “We start with cross-court dinking, and then we play out the point. I throw in lobs, and we work our way in from the baseline.”
Lunch was simple but effective: an almond butter and blueberry jam sandwich on gluten-free bread, followed by a quick snack of Yogis.
Game Time: Mixed Doubles and Women’s Doubles
Jones teamed up with Rylie Newman for mixed doubles, although the match didn’t go as planned. Despite the loss, there was no time to dwell on it as her next event—women’s doubles with Hurricane Tyra Black—was up. “We’re always making jokes and giving each other feedback,” Jones said of her partnership with Black. Their chemistry paid off as they cruised to a 11-8, 11-3 victory over Marcela Hones and Michelle Esquivel.
After the match, Jones headed back to the hotel to review film in preparation for her next challenge: the round of 16 against Jorja Johnson and Vivian Glozman.
“And I’ll FaceTime with my husband and kids. It’s my favorite part of the day,” Jones added, showing that even a pro’s life has its tender moments.
To keep up with Jones’ progress, tune in to PickleballTV or check pickleball.com for live blog coverage.
News in Brief : Behind the Scenes with Allyce Jones
Allyce Jones, a beloved pro on the PPA Tour, shared her day-to-day routine at the CIBC Atlanta Slam. She prioritizes rest, detailed practice with her ball machine, and a workout regimen that mirrors her daily life at home. After teaming up with Rylie Newman for mixed doubles, she shifted focus to women’s doubles with Tyra Black, securing a victory in straight sets. Jones, who misses her family while on tour, enjoys keeping in touch via FaceTime. Fans can follow her journey on PickleballTV or through live blogs on pickleball.com.
ALSO READ : Temecula Pickleball Tournament: Bridging the Gap for Veterans
