#RipItPickleball Journal: November 2024

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Friday, November 15, 2024

2024 PPA Pickleball World Championships: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Interview

On-Court Strategy and Off-Court Friendships: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Discuss Their Quarterfinal Victory

Insights into Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations from the 2024 PPA Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships

Following their intense mixed doubles quarterfinal match at the 2024 PPA Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships against Catherine Parenteau and Riley Newman, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns joined analysts Matt Manasse and Kamryn Blackwood for an exclusive interview. The duo, known for their synergy and strategic gameplay, shared detailed reflections on their match, their unique team communication, and even some light-hearted off-court topics. Here is an in-depth look at their responses and insights from the conversation.

1. [32:16] Kamryn Blackwood: Anna Leigh, I noticed that you and Ben were communicating more frequently between points than usual. Typically, we see you engaging with your mom while Ben stays more reserved. Catherine and Riley, while not a regular pair, present unique challenges. What makes them so difficult, and what do you need to focus on to execute effectively? Anna Leigh Waters: Yeah, for sure. Two years ago, we seemed to face them in nearly every final throughout the entire season, so we definitely understand their game plan and know how to play against them. Both teams have improved, making the matchups even more exciting to watch now than they were then. I was genuinely excited to be on the court today. I think we knew what we needed to do to execute, and I wanted to make sure I stayed on top of it by checking in with Ben during every point. I’d ask him if I needed to make any adjustments, even going over basic things like who to return to before the match. Even though we’ve faced them countless times, it's always good to confirm with the boss and make sure we’re aligned. 2. [33:07] Matt Manasse: Ben, at the end of the match when it was getting really close, it looked like you both had opportunities to take aggressive shots but chose to slow things down. Was this a conscious decision to get back to basics? Ben Johns: Yeah, I mean, I felt that we actually attacked pretty well throughout the match. Realistically, we probably could have taken a few more aggressive shots during those tight moments. Naturally, when matches get close, everyone tightens up, so it’s not unusual to see a bit of hesitation. For us, it was about managing that and staying focused. I’m usually in favor of going for a shot if it feels right, and often that’s the best decision. But in tight situations, there’s a tendency to be more cautious. 3. [33:42] Matt Manasse: AL you have gender doubles matches coming up with just one match between now and then. What’s the process like for transitioning from this mixed match to the next one? Anna Leigh Waters: Honestly, I prefer a quicker turnaround. It keeps me warm and in the rhythm of play, instead of sitting around for hours and needing to rewarm up. Catherine is in the same situation, so I think we’re both ready for our next match. The plan is to play, head out, grab some dinner, and get some rest to prepare for tomorrow. 4. [34:02] Kamryn Blackwood: We’ve got some match highlights to review. It looked like you were controlling the kitchen well, but with Riley’s reach, how did you adjust to maintain that control? Ben Johns: In that first game, I was focusing on moving the ball to the corners with dinks to create openings. Riley’s reach was definitely a factor, so I noticed he was pushing farther over and taking balls off my left foot more than usual. This opened up some strategic angles for us. It was all about aggressive dinking and positioning, using the forehand with a bit of deception to look for an attack. 5. [35:05] Matt Manasse: Ben, you did hit a good forehand Ernie at the end there. Typically, you opt for a backhand. What made you go for the forehand this time? Ben Johns: The backhand Ernie is quicker and more useful when you’re pressed for time, like when the opponents are up at the kitchen. But when they’re playing from mid-court or further back and I have more time, the forehand Ernie gives me a better chance to put power behind it and finish the point decisively. It’s all about recognizing where they are and what works best in the moment. 6. [35:27] Kamryn Blackwood: Ben, we noticed you brushing your paddle after a missed shot. Is that just a habit, or does it actually make a difference? Ben Johns: Yeah, so the balls do leave a bit of plastic residue on the paddle, and I like to clear that off to prevent it from affecting my shot, even if just slightly. Plus, in this match, it was especially humid, so I was wiping off sweat too. Normally, I’m not that sweaty, but today was different! 7. [35:58] Matt Manasse: Hannah mentioned something about your cooking skills back at Maryland and your famous chili. If you win this tournament, have you ever thought about cooking a celebratory meal for Anna Leigh? Ben Johns: Funny you should ask! We actually had a conversation about this at Virginia Beach. We compared our go-to dishes, and hers is baked mac and cheese—which I love. My specialty is spinach dip, with four different cheeses and a touch of goat cheese on top. We joked about it for a while; I even shared my full recipe with her, down to the smallest detail. I promised that next time, I’d whip up some for the team, maybe even with a side of my goat cheese and chicken omelets!

Monday, November 11, 2024

NPR: Meet the 17-year-old defending her title as pickleball World Champion

Anna Leigh Waters: The Teenage Pickleball Prodigy Defending Her World Championship Title

At 17, Waters stands undefeated in all divisions at the Professional Pickleball Association's annual championship.

Pickleball, America's fastest-growing sport, is witnessing a remarkable talent in 17-year-old Anna Leigh Waters. As the top-seeded women's player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Waters remains undefeated heading into the semifinals of the Professional Pickleball Association's (PPA) Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

In a recent interview with NPR's Scott Simon, Waters recounted her unconventional introduction to pickleball. In 2017, following Hurricane Irma, her family evacuated from Florida to her grandparents' home in Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, an avid pickleball player, persuaded Waters and her mother to try the sport. Initially hesitant, viewing it as an "older person sport" due to their tennis backgrounds, they quickly became enamored after their first game.

Their tennis skills translated seamlessly to pickleball, allowing them to adopt an aggressive playing style. This approach contrasted with the slower pace prevalent in the game at the time. Waters believes their dynamic style contributed to their early enjoyment and success.

Waters' mother played a pivotal role in her professional journey. Starting at the lowest tournament level, Waters advanced rapidly, eventually partnering with her mother in professional tournaments. Within a year, they ascended to become the number one women's doubles team. Reflecting on their unique dynamic, Waters shared anecdotes of competing against her mother in singles matches, highlighting the supportive yet competitive nature of their relationship.

Discussing pickleball's surge in popularity, Waters attributes its growth to the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited recreational options, families turned to pickleball, setting up courts in driveways and local parks. Celebrities also embraced the sport, further boosting its visibility. Waters describes pickleball as "easy to learn, but difficult to master," appealing to amateurs and professionals alike.

Summary

Anna Leigh Waters' ascent in the pickleball world is a testament to her adaptability and skill. Transitioning from tennis to pickleball in 2017, she and her mother embraced an aggressive playing style that set them apart. Their partnership in women's doubles led them to the top of the rankings within a year. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in popularizing pickleball, with many, including Waters, noting its accessibility and appeal across different skill levels. As Waters continues to dominate in all divisions at the Professional Pickleball Association's championship, her story inspires both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the sport.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

2024 PPA Pickleball World Championships: Anna Leigh Waters Interview

The World’s Top Pickleball Player Shares Insights on Match Tactics, Preparation, and Life Off the Court

Following her victory over Judit Castillo in the quarterfinals of the 2024 PPA Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships, Anna Leigh Waters, the number one women’s pickleball player in the world, sat down for an in-depth post-match interview. Analysts Matt Manasse and Kamryn Blackwood explored her strategies, the tactical adjustments she made during the game, and the mental and physical preparation that propelled her to the semifinals. Waters opened up about her approach to adapting on the court, her coaching dynamics with her mother, Leigh Waters, and the lighter side of her life as a professional athlete.

In her conversation with Matt Manasse and Kamryn Blackwood, Anna Leigh Waters detailed her game plan and adjustments that led to her victory over Judit Castillo. Recognizing Castillo’s lateral quickness and powerful spin, Waters shared how she focused on adapting her strategies mid-match. Her initial approach in the first game included staying back, which she revised after calling a crucial timeout at 4-2. By moving forward and hitting stronger approach shots, Waters shifted momentum in her favor for the second game.

Waters credited her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, for being the mastermind behind their match strategies, emphasizing the importance of having multiple plans and being able to adapt quickly. The world champion also reflected on the challenges of playing familiar opponents and admitted she would be watching the upcoming semifinal match for both scouting and entertainment purposes.

Outside the court, Waters discussed her popular food-focused Instagram page, “AL Eats,” where she showcases a mix of healthy meals and indulgent treats. She revealed that she maintains a strict diet during tournaments but enjoys splurging on a well-deserved cheat day after competition.

Finally, Waters spoke about her relationship with her mother, recalling how they managed to separate pickleball from home life despite the challenges of being both family and teammates. With humor, she recounted the competitive spirit between them, including a memorable first victory over her mother that led to a silent dinner.

Anna Leigh Waters continues to blend fierce competition with relatable charm, capturing the admiration of fans and maintaining her dominant presence in the sport.

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Anna Leigh Waters Advances to the Semifinals at the 2024 PPA Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships

The World's Number One Player Shares Insights on Strategy, Game Adaptation, and Balancing Life as a Professional Athlete

Introduction: In an exhilarating showdown at the 2024 PPA Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships, Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s top-ranked women’s pickleball player, secured her place in the semifinals with a hard-fought victory over Judit Castillo. Analysts Matt Manasse and Kamryn Blackwood sat down with Waters after the match to discuss her strategies, the challenges faced during the game, and the dynamics of preparing for upcoming matches. Despite the intensity of competition, Waters's candid reflections revealed both her competitive drive and her lighthearted side.

Interview

1. [23:42] Matt Manasse: "That was a really tough first game you had there against Judit. She’s an incredible mover and very strong. It looked like you were trying to go behind her to counter her quick lateral movements. Was that part of your strategy going into the match?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "Yeah, for sure. I mean, I’ve played her many times, and she gets better every time I play her. We faced off at Nationals last year, so we definitely know each other’s games well. It’s all about adapting during a match—sometimes her forehand might be stronger than her backhand, and figuring that out is super important. But yes, I was definitely trying to go behind her as much as possible."

2. [24:02] Kamryn Blackwood: "I noticed in game one you started staying back more. How confident are you in staying back, and how many game plans do you typically have going into a match?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "My mom, who is also my coach, always has multiple game plans prepared. She’s great at strategizing and ensuring I stick to them. In that first game, I was playing really tight and got frustrated, so I called an early timeout at 4-2. That break helped a lot. Judit plays with a lot of spin, unlike my previous matches in this tournament where my opponents hit flat, hard shots. I had to adjust because I was standing too far back, letting the ball drop lower, and trying to hit up from that position. My approach shots were too soft and were giving her easy opportunities. My mom told me, ‘If you’re going to come in, you need to commit and hit a strong approach shot.’ In the second game, I focused on hitting with more power, and that made a difference."

3. [25:35] Matt Manasse: "You’re up against either Caitlyn Christian or Catherine Pono in the semifinals. Is that a match you’ll watch closely, and what do you look for when scouting familiar opponents?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "Yes, I’ll definitely be watching that match. I like both of those girls a lot. It’s always strange when Catherine is on my side of the draw—it’s only happened a couple of times in my whole career. If I play her tomorrow, it’s going to feel like a championship match. When scouting, it’s not so much about finding out if they’ve learned a new shot since we play each other almost every week. But if I haven’t faced someone in a while, I’ll review their matches more thoroughly. For this one, I’ll be watching more for entertainment, but it’ll be insightful."

4. [26:48] Kamryn Blackwood: "Game one was tough, and you mentioned looking into the crowd made it harder. Did playing on the inside court feel different from the outside?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "Definitely. My shots weren’t hitting as hard on the inside court. You can see that toward the end of game one, I started stepping in more, and that momentum carried into game two. My mom pointed out that my footwork was much better in the second game. She even joked that one day, I’d look back at this match, compare my footwork between the two games, and see how much more I was moving into my shots in the second half."

5. [27:20] Matt Manasse: "I saw on your Instagram page, ‘AL Eats,’ that your food choices range from super healthy to indulgently unhealthy. How do you balance that, and have you found any new favorites in Dallas?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "Yeah, my Instagram is pretty eclectic when it comes to food! I have so many story highlights on ‘AL Eats’ that I had to start ‘AL Eats 2.0,’ and I maxed that out too. I’m pretty disciplined during tournaments, sticking to healthier options and avoiding junk food. But I allow myself one day after a tournament to eat whatever I want—it’s well-deserved. Lately, I’ve cut back even more, avoiding cheese and fried foods on game days."

6. [28:34] Kamryn Blackwood: "Do you and your mom, Coach Leigh Waters, ever bring pickleball discussions home, or do you manage to keep that separate?"

Anna Leigh Waters: "We used to play doubles together, so it was trickier then. If I wasn’t playing well, I’d sometimes joke that it was her fault—not mine! But we’ve always been pretty good at separating it. The hardest part was when we played against each other. I’ll never forget the first time I beat her in mixed doubles—I was around 12 years old. She didn’t talk to me for the rest of the day and made me find my own dinner! But now, she acknowledges my progress, and I think that early rivalry helped push me to be better. These days, it’s easier to keep pickleball at the courts and not bring it home."

7. [29:20] Matt Manasse: "Thanks so much for sharing that, Anna Leigh. Congratulations on the win, and good luck in the semifinals!"

Anna Leigh Waters: "Thank you so much! I appreciate it and can’t wait to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds."