Sunday, July 28, 2024

Waters/Parenteau v Bright/Rohrabacher at the Veolia Sacramento Open Pres...

 

Anna Leigh Waters: The Unstoppable Force in Women's Pickleball

Unraveling the Secrets Behind the Dominance of the World's Top Female Pickleball Player

In the world of women's pickleball, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Anna Leigh Waters, or ALW as she is known to fans. Her dominance is unparalleled, a fact well established and undisputed. However, what sets her apart from the rest? While her male counterpart, Ben Johns, is acknowledged as the best, he remains beatable. ALW, on the other hand, is a formidable opponent, consistently emerging as the favorite to clinch gold in every event she enters. In 2024 alone, she has participated in nine PPA events, securing gold in 85% of them—a feat that even tennis legend Roger Federer could only dream of. This piece delves into the reasons behind ALW's extraordinary prowess, examining the skills and attributes that make her not just the best, but the best by a significant margin. 

The Making of a Champion

Anna Leigh Waters' dominance can be attributed to a combination of her unparalleled skill set and exceptional athleticism. In nearly every aspect of pickleball, she outshines her competitors. Drawing a parallel to baseball, where different pitchers are recognized for having the best fastball, curveball, or control, ALW stands out as the best in virtually every pickleball skill category. Whether it's her powerful serves, precise angles, or formidable crosscourt forehand dinks, ALW excels across the board.

Technical Excellence

A deeper dive into her technical skills reveals why she remains unbeaten. ALW is the most consistent player on the court, known for making the fewest errors and consistently delivering high-quality shots. She hits the ball harder than anyone else, her serves are both powerful and deep, and her ability to place shots with perfect angles is unmatched. Her defensive counters and offensive drives, whether down the line or crosscourt, are executed with such precision that they leave opponents scrambling. Moreover, her crosscourt forehand dink, arguably the most critical shot in women's professional pickleball, is executed flawlessly every time.

Versatility and Athleticism

Beyond technical prowess, ALW's versatility is another cornerstone of her dominance. She seamlessly switches between playing the right and left sides, adapts her strategy as needed, and showcases a remarkable ability to cover the court. Her physical attributes—height, strength, and athleticism—give her a distinct advantage, allowing her to dominate points right from the serve. Her powerful serves often result in weak returns from opponents, enabling her to control the game from the onset.

Mastery of the Subtle Aspects

One often overlooked aspect of her game is her mastery of the subtle, yet critical elements of pickleball. For instance, ALW’s lob shots are exceptionally effective, a rarity in the women's game. Her forehand crosscourt lob, in particular, stands out as one of the best in the sport. Additionally, her exceptional court coverage and athleticism mean she can turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities with ease.

Physical and Mental Strength

ALW’s physical strength and athleticism are not just apparent on the screen but are even more impressive when witnessed in person. Her physicality allows her to cover the court with remarkable speed and agility, often making it seem as though she is playing downhill while her opponents struggle uphill. Her mental fortitude is equally impressive; she remains calm under pressure and executes her game plan flawlessly.

The Future of Pickleball

What makes ALW’s dominance even more astonishing is her age. At just 17 years old, she has yet to reach her prime. With potentially more than a decade of top-level play ahead of her, the future of women's pickleball appears to be firmly in her grasp. Her continued dominance does, however, raise questions about the competitive excitement in the sport. With ALW winning 85% of the events she enters, the anticipation and unpredictability of outcomes diminish. Nonetheless, her prowess sets a high standard for upcoming players, who must elevate their game to challenge her supremacy.

In conclusion, Anna Leigh Waters is not just the best in women's pickleball; she is a phenomenon whose skill, athleticism, and dominance are setting new benchmarks in the sport. As she continues to refine her game, the gap between her and her competitors remains vast, ensuring her place at the pinnacle of pickleball for years to come. (NOTE: This summary was created from the Jim Kloss article, "Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant?")

Saturday, July 20, 2024

2024 MLP Mid-Season

 

New Jersey 5's vs DC Pickleball Team (Final)
0:00 Men's Doubles 16:55 Firefight Highlight 17:58 Women's Doubles 33:31 Firefight Highlight 34:33 Mixed Doubles 51:51 Mixed Doubles 1:10:41 Dreambreaker



New Jersey 5's: Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, Will Howells
Arizona Drive: LACY SCHNEEMANN/KAITLYN CHRISTIAN/DYLAN FRAZIER/AJ Koller

2024 PPA Orange County Cup

 

Doubles


Mixed Doubles



Singles


2024 PPA SACRAMENTO OPEN

 

Doubles

4:04:01 Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau vs Allison Phillips / Lindsey Newman

Mixed Doubles


Singles

Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards Show

 



Pickleball Stars Shine Bright in 2024 Mid-Season Awards

Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud Lead the Pack as Top Performers

The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have recognized the crème de la crème of the rapidly growing sport, highlighting outstanding performances, breakthrough stars, and influential personalities. Spanning categories across the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and equipment preferences, these awards offer a comprehensive snapshot of professional pickleball's current landscape.

The PPA Categories showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. Hayden Patriquin and Tina Pisnik were recognized as the most improved players, while Quang Duong and Kaitlyn Christian earned breakout player honors. Federico Staksrud and Anna Leigh Waters claimed the prestigious Player of the Year titles. The awards also celebrated personalities like Jack Sock and Anna Bright, as well as fan favorites Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. The Select Medical Orange County Cup in San Clemente was named the top tour stop of the year.

  1. Most Improved (Male): Hayden Patriquin Patriquin's remarkable progress on the court, including a gold medal in men's doubles, showcases his dedication and rising skill level.
  2. Most Improved (Female): Tina Pisnik Pisnik's consistent ability to dominate the kitchen has earned her the nickname "The Chef," reflecting her improved positioning and strategic play.
  3. Breakout Player of the Year (Male): Quang Duong Initially known as a singles specialist, Duong has significantly improved his doubles game, positioning himself for potential gold medals in the near future.
  4. Breakout Player of the Year (Female): Kaitlyn Christian Christian's full-time transition to pickleball has paid off, with impressive performances in both singles and doubles demonstrating her adaptability and skill.
  5. Player of the Year (Male): Federico Staksrud Staksrud's consistent Sunday appearances in singles and strong doubles performances, including a victory with Hayden Patriquin, have set him apart from his peers.
  6. Player of the Year (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' dominance in the women's field continues to grow, with commentators noting the increasing gap between her and her closest competitors.
  7. Best Dressed Player (Male): Travis Rettenmaier Rettenmaier's vibrant, eye-catching outfits have made him a standout on the court, bringing a touch of Florida flair to the pickleball scene.
  8. Best Dressed Player (Female): Parris Todd Todd's consistently stylish court attire complements her fierce playing style, proving that fashion and function can go hand in hand in pickleball.
  9. Biggest Personality on Tour (Male): Jack Sock Sock's energetic on-court presence, crowd interactions, and upcoming podcast have made him a fan favorite and media sensation.
  10. Biggest Personality on Tour (Female): Anna Bright Bright's intensity and leadership as an MLP captain, combined with her on-court charisma, have cemented her status as a tour favorite.
  11. Best Teammate (Male): Thomas Wilson Wilson's supportive nature and synergy with partners, particularly in mixed doubles with Vivienne David, highlight his value as a teammate.
  12. Best Teammate (Female): Vivienne David David's positive attitude and adaptability with various doubles partners have contributed to her success and popularity on the tour.
  13. Most Athletic Player (Male): Christian Alshon Alshon's agility and court coverage, especially impressive given his height, have earned him recognition for his athletic prowess.
  14. Most Athletic Player (Female): Lacy Schneemann Schneemann's tennis background and quick adaptation to pickleball showcase her exceptional athleticism and body control.
  15. Fan Favorite (Male): Ben Johns Johns' controlled playing style and the unique experience of watching him live have maintained his strong fan base.
  16. Fan Favorite (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' young age and phenomenal playing ability continue to captivate fans, solidifying her position as a crowd favorite.
  17. Best Pro Content Creator (Male): Tyson McGuffin McGuffin's early adoption of brand-building through podcasts and educational content has paid off, establishing him as a leading content creator in the sport.
  18. Best Pro Content Creator (Female): Catherine Parenteau Parenteau's instructional tips and insights, often created with her partner Athena, provide valuable resources for amateur players.
  19. PPA Tour Stop of the Year: Select Medical Orange County Cup (San Clemente) The picturesque setting and amphitheater-style fan seating have made this tournament a favorite among players and spectators alike.
  20. Best Match of the Year: Orange County Cup - Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns vs. JW Johnson/Jorja Johnson This thrilling mixed doubles semi-final, featuring a dramatic comeback and multiple saved match points, exemplified the excitement of high-level pickleball.
  21. Biggest Upset of the Year: Austin Open - Rachel Rohrabacher/Anna Bright beat Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau This unexpected victory broke Waters and Parenteau's undefeated streak in regular tour events, marking a significant moment in the season.
  22. Coach of the Year (PPA): Leigh Waters Waters' success coaching both her daughter Anna Leigh and Christian Alshon demonstrates her deep understanding of the game and ability to develop top talent.
  23. Best Commentator: Dave Fleming Fleming's extensive knowledge and passion for pickleball have elevated the quality of broadcast commentary, enhancing viewer experience.
In the MLP categories, Kyle McKenzie of the D.C. Pickleball Team and Scott Crandall of the Bay Area Breakers were honored as top coaches. The New Jersey 5s (Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, Will Howells) were voted most likely to win the 2024 MLP Premier season. Augie Ge and Mari Humberg were highlighted as sleeper picks to watch. The St. Louis Shock, led by Anna Bright, was recognized for having the best team chemistry.

  1. Premier GM/Coach of the Year: Kyle McKenzie (D.C. Pickleball Team) McKenzie's strategic acumen and ability to guide players like Tyson McGuffin have proven invaluable in the team format.
  2. Challenger GM/Coach of the Year: Scott Crandall (Bay Area Breakers) Crandall's experience and adaptive coaching style have been crucial in developing the Breakers' talent and team dynamics.
  3. Team Most Likely to Win MLP Premier 2024 Season: New Jersey 5s The 5s' recent mid-season tournament victory and their knack for winning crucial points make them strong contenders for the season title.
  4. MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Male): Augie Ge (Dallas Flash) Ge's left-handed play and quick adaptation to the Premier level have marked him as a rising star in the MLP.
  5. MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Female): Mari Humberg (New Jersey 5s) Humberg's unique playing style, featuring effective slices and strategic shot selection, has made her an invaluable asset to her team.
  6. Best MLP Team Chemistry: St. Louis Shock Led by the energetic Anna Bright, the Shock's blend of youth and experience has fostered a strong team dynamic and on-court success.

The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have illuminated the diverse talents, personalities, and trends shaping professional pickleball. From the continued dominance of players like Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud to the emergence of exciting new talents and the recognition of crucial behind-the-scenes figures, these awards provide a comprehensive view of the sport's current state. The honors also highlight the multifaceted nature of professional pickleball, recognizing not just on-court performance but also style, personality, and contributions to the sport's growing media presence. As pickleball continues its rapid growth, these awards serve as both a celebration of current excellence and a preview of the sport's bright future.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

2024 MLP Atlanta

 




New Jersey 5s VS. Los Angeles Mad Drops
27:39 NJ 5s vs AZ Drive (Pickle Pulse Podcast)

| NJ  5's  | Anna Leigh Waters (2)| Zane Navratil (22) | Mari Humberg (33)| Will Howells (37)|
| LA  Mad Drops | Catherine Parenteau (9) | Thomas Wilson (10)| Jade Kawamoto (26)| Hunter Johnson (39)|
| NY Hustlers   | Jack Sock (6)        | Jackie Kawamoto (16)| Lea Jansen (28)  | CJ Klinger (46)   |
| AZ Drive | Andrei Daescu (5) | Dylan Frazier (13)| Lacy Schneemann (34)| Kaitlyn Christian (35)|