Monday, September 2, 2024

2024 PPA Las Vegas Pickleball Cup

 

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Anna Leigh Waters: The Unstoppable Force Redefining Pickleball

 
How a Teenage Phenom is Rewriting the Playbook and Dominating the Sport

Introduction:

In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball, few names resonate as powerfully as Anna Leigh Waters. A teenage prodigy with a penchant for rewriting the rules, Waters has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, setting new standards for excellence in the sport. Her rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric, and as she continues to dominate the courts, it's clear that we're witnessing the dawn of a new era in pickleball. But what makes Anna Leigh Waters so extraordinary? Let's delve into the stats, the skills, and the sheer determination that have made her the greatest female pickleball player of all time.

Anna Leigh Waters is not just another name in the pickleball circuit—she is the name. In 2024 alone, this teenage sensation has stormed through nine PPA events, capturing an astounding eight gold medals in women's doubles, another eight in mixed doubles, and seven in singles. And it’s not just the quantity but the quality of her performances that sets her apart. Waters has an 85% win rate, a statistic so impressive that even the great Roger Federer, who won 25% of the tournaments he entered at his peak, would tip his hat in admiration.

But what is it that makes Anna Leigh Waters such a dominant force in pickleball? Imagine a basketball player hailed as the best shooter, dribbler, defender, and passer all rolled into one. It sounds impossible, yet this is the realm in which Waters operates. If there were awards for the best serve, volley, and smash in pickleball, she’d be collecting them all. Her consistency is unmatched; she makes fewer errors than anyone else, and her shot precision is nothing short of surgical. Her serve, a cannonball that consistently pushes opponents to the brink of despair, is a weapon of mass destruction on the court. Add to that her ability to hit bewildering angles, and you have a player who seems to be playing 4D chess on a pickleball court.

Versatility is another hallmark of Waters' game. Whether she’s on the left side or the right, she adapts like water flowing into every nook and cranny of the court—unstoppable and unpredictable. Her serve returns are fierce, slamming back at opponents with even more power than they came at her, while her touch volleys are so delicate they could sell pillows. To witness Anna Leigh Waters in action is to see a master at work, effortlessly blending power, finesse, and strategy.

Her game is a revelation, shifting how pickleball is understood and played at the elite level. Waters isn’t just winning matches; she’s redefining the sport itself. And at only a teenager, she’s likely not even at her peak yet. What we’re seeing now is a player who could dominate the sport for more than a decade to come. Every match is not just about winning; it’s about perfecting her craft, setting a bar so high that it forces the entire sport to elevate its game.

Of course, like any great athlete, Waters has areas that could use some polishing. Her overhead shots, for example, are average—just average. In a game where everything else in her toolkit is top-notch, her overhead is the one dud firework on the Fourth of July. However, this flaw is rarely exploited because her opponents seldom get the chance to challenge her with a lob that would expose it. Then there’s her notorious slow start. Waters has admitted that she can be sluggish at the beginning of a game, often trailing by a few points early on. This could be a window of opportunity for her opponents if they can come out swinging. But these are minor chinks in an otherwise stellar armor.

The cornerstone of Waters' success is her insane work ethic and the guidance of her coach—who also happens to be her mom, Leigh Waters. Together, they have fine-tuned a championship-caliber skill set that’s as mental as it is physical. Watching Anna Leigh Waters play is to witness the evolution of pickleball, a shift in how the sport is played at the highest level. For anyone coming up in pickleball, the message is clear: rise to the challenge or get used to watching Waters dominate the court.

As we look ahead, it’s hard not to wonder what heights Waters will reach. With her track record, undeniable skill set, and dominance on the court, the question of whether she’s the greatest female pickleball player ever isn’t just a yes—it’s a heck yes. If you’re not watching her play, you’re missing out on a chapter of pickleball history being written in real time. Trust me, you’ll want to tell your grandkids about the time you watched Anna Leigh Waters redefine what it means to be great in sports.

Summary:

Anna Leigh Waters has emerged as a dominant force in the world of pickleball, with an 85% win rate in 2024 across multiple categories. Her unparalleled skills, versatility, and strategic mastery on the court have set new standards for the sport. Under the guidance of her coach and mother, Leigh Waters, Anna continues to evolve her game, inspiring a new generation of players. Despite a few minor flaws, Waters' dominance and work ethic solidify her status as possibly the greatest female pickleball player of all time.

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Thursday, August 22, 2024

This is the BEST backhand in pickleball. Learn Anna Leigh Waters Backhand

 

Mastering the Perfect Backhand: Anna Leigh Waters' Technique
Learn How to Achieve Power and Precision in Your Backhand

In this instructional guide, you'll uncover the secrets behind Anna Leigh Waters' world-class backhand, a skill that has made her one of the top players in pickleball. By following the same techniques she uses, you can transform your backhand into a powerful and precise shot. This guide will walk you through the critical components of her technique, breaking down each step so you can practice and perfect your form.

1. Grip (0:13)

  • Place your index finger on the center of the paddle for better control.
  • Use the Eastern grip, ensuring the paddle face is at the correct angle.
  • Adjust and stick to your grip position for consistency.

Achieving the right grip is fundamental to maintaining control and consistency in your backhand. Anna Leigh Waters uses an Eastern grip with her index finger centered on the paddle, providing a crucial touchpoint that helps her know where the paddle is in space. This grip prevents the ball from either going into the ground or flying over the net.

2. Index Finger (0:40)

  • Keep your index finger centered on the paddle.
  • Notice the slight changes in paddle angle when adjusting the finger position.
  • Maintain a consistent finger placement to ensure paddle angle control.

The placement of the index finger on the paddle's center is not just about comfort; it significantly impacts the paddle angle, which in turn affects shot accuracy. By keeping her finger in this position, Waters maintains a steady and reliable backhand shot.

3. How to Find the Exact Grip (1:54)

  • Turn your paddle to its butt and identify the top bevel.
  • Align the inside of your index knuckle and the bottom of your palm pad with the top bevel.
  • Make slight adjustments to suit your comfort while keeping the core grip structure.

Finding the exact grip that works for you involves aligning your hand with the paddle's top bevel. This position, used by Anna Leigh Waters, helps generate power and control in every backhand shot.

4. Unit-Turn (2:50)

  • Turn your body toward the side fence as you prepare for the backhand.
  • Rotate your hips and legs to coil power for the shot.
  • Practice turning with the paddle to maintain alignment.

The unit-turn is critical for loading power into your backhand. By turning your body toward the side fence and rotating your upper body, you build the necessary energy to release into the shot.

5. Unit-Load (4:19)

  • Continue the unit-turn by loading your hips and legs.
  • Focus on coiling the energy to maximize shot power.
  • Step into the shot as you complete the load.

The unit-load is the follow-through of the unit-turn, where you fully coil your body to store power. This step is essential to unleashing a strong and effective backhand.

6. Swing Path (4:26)

  • Keep the paddle tip facing downward as you start the swing.
  • Flatten the paddle as you pull forward.
  • Focus on an outward and upward motion to generate power.

The swing path is where all the preparation comes together. Waters ensures her paddle moves from a downward angle to a flat position as she swings, finishing with an upward motion to add power and spin to the shot.

7. Head Is Still With Contact Point (4:28)

  • Keep your head still and aligned with the contact point.
  • Avoid moving your head during the swing to maintain shot accuracy.
  • Let your eyes and head stay on the ball for a few milliseconds after contact.

Maintaining a still head during the swing is a subtle yet crucial aspect of Waters' technique. By keeping her head aligned with the contact point, she ensures that her shots are consistently accurate and powerful.

Summary: By mastering these techniques, you can develop a backhand that rivals the best in the world. The key is to practice each component with attention to detail, from the grip and finger placement to the unit-turn and swing path. Consistency in these elements will lead to a more controlled, powerful, and precise backhand, just like Anna Leigh Waters.


0:00 Intro 0:13 #1 Grip 0:40 Index Finger 1:54 How To Find The Exact Grip 2:50 #2 Unit-Turn 4:19 Unit-Load 4:26 Swing Path 4:28 Head Is Still With Contact Point
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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

2024 PPA Bristol Open

 

Gold Medal Marches
Waters/Johns v Bright/Alshon
Waters/Parenteau v Bright/Rohrabacher

NOTE: Anna Leigh did not play singles due to a slight injury. 

Doubles
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Thursday, August 15, 2024

2024 PPA Kansas City Open

 

Mixed Doubles


Women's Doubles

NOTE: Anna Leigh Did not play singles


Press

Waters, Johns survive against Johnson siblings in epic five-game battleWaters and Johns, Johnson siblings to square off in mixed doubles final


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Saturday, August 10, 2024

Pickle 'N Pucks Celebrity Pro-Am

 

Anna Leigh On The Court -  Leigh On the Mic

The inaugural Pickle 'N Pucks Pro-Am, presented by Verizon, brought an exciting blend of pickleball and hockey to the scenic Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado, captivating audiences on ESPN2. The event featured top pickleball players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Collin Johns, alongside NHL stars such as Justin Williams, Kris Draper, and Troy Terry.

The exhibition matches provided thrilling entertainment as these athletes showcased their skills in six action-packed games. Justin Williams, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, emerged victorious in mixed doubles and gender doubles, teaming up with Waters and Draper. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for pickleball, highlighting its instinctual nature and the excitement it brings, especially when facing high-caliber opponents.

Waters, one of pickleball’s brightest stars, was thrilled to participate, particularly on National Pickleball Day, emphasizing the importance of television exposure for the sport's growth. She reflected on the rapid rise of pickleball's popularity, noting its increasing presence on networks nationwide.

The Pro-Am was the highlight of a three-day event in Colorado, which also included pickleball clinics, strategy classes, and a bike ride through the stunning Maroon Bells with cycling legend Lance Armstrong.

The matches ended with these scores:

The Pickle 'N Pucks Pro-Am showcased the growing popularity of pickleball and its potential to unite fans of different sports through competitive fun. 


Anna Leigh On The Mic With Mom and Dave Fleming 

Dave Fleming: I feel like the State of Florida right now, with water on both sides of me—Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters are here! Anna Leigh, what's your takeaway from this entire week, being out here with the hockey guys and teaching amateurs who loved learning from you? What’s your perspective?

Anna Leigh Waters: Honestly, coming out here has been amazing. I’ve been to Aspen once before, last summer, and absolutely loved it, though that was more of a vacation, and I didn’t play any pickleball. The altitude here is definitely something to consider—it’s no joke! Out there at the exhibition, you might have noticed some missed shots, and I’m telling you, anytime I missed, it was because of the altitude, not me! (Laughs) But seriously, the conditions are tough here, so when I go to Kansas City, I think I’ll play better since this has been so challenging. But overall, it’s been a cool experience teaching here—I don’t teach that often, so it’s been a lot of fun. I’m really glad to be part of this event.

Dave Fleming: We were thrilled to have you here. Leigh, can you talk about what it’s like to have the best player in the world as your daughter? How do you balance being her mom, coach, and cheerleader?

Leigh Waters: That’s definitely the toughest part—wearing so many different hats. But I think the fact that Anna Leigh and I were teammates before I officially became her coach really helped our relationship. It set a good foundation for how we work together now as mother and daughter, and also as coach and student. Although, sometimes I feel like I’m still the student, and she’s the coach! (Laughs) But seriously, she respects what I have to say, knowing I have experience and knowledge. Even though I’m her coach, I still feel like we’re teammates.

Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, the Olympics are on everyone’s mind right now. There’s a lot of talk about new sports being added. How much would you love to represent the United States in pickleball? Was that ever a dream of yours, especially considering your background in soccer?

Anna Leigh Waters: Absolutely, I grew up watching the Olympics, and it would be amazing to represent my country in pickleball. I’m hopeful it’ll be included in the Olympics at some point. I’m still young, so even if it’s 10 or 15 years from now, I’d still love to play. Maybe I’ll even retire and then come back for the Olympics—that would be cool! But I hope it happens sooner. Winning an Olympic medal would be unbelievable.

Dave Fleming: Speaking of inspiration, you had the little Sparky’s out there playing with you. What does it mean to be a role model for those kids, and how do you feel about your impact on the youth in pickleball?

Anna Leigh Waters: When I first started playing pickleball, I never imagined I’d be in this position, inspiring others. I was just a kid, probably their age, playing in the park. It’s really cool to have kids come up to me and say I’ve inspired them. I hope I’m a good role model for them. During the exhibition, the kids were cheering me on, telling me what shots to make—it was adorable! One little girl even coached me, saying, "Next point, I want you to drive down the line." It’s great to see kids so involved in the game. I think pickleball is fantastic for kids, not just for becoming great players but as a way to step away from social media and school stress and just enjoy the game.

Dave Fleming: Leigh, it’s National Pickleball Day—such a milestone for the sport. What’s your perspective on the explosive growth of pickleball?

Leigh Waters: It’s incredible. Who would have thought we’d have a National Pickleball Day? The sport has just taken over the country. It’s so social and inclusive, bringing happiness and changing lives beyond just the professional level. We have families coming up to us saying that watching our family play together has inspired them to do the same. What other sport does that? That’s why we all love pickleball.

Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, last question. You’re 17 years old with a busy schedule. How do you manage everything and still play at the top of your game? What’s coming up for you, and how do you maintain your level of performance?

Anna Leigh Waters: I just graduated high school, so it’s actually less hectic now than it used to be. Having my dad, mom, and sometimes even my grandparents travel with me helps take the load off. It’s comforting to have them with me, so after a match, I can relax. I love the sport, which makes it easier to stay motivated. I’ve been careful not to overplay and to take breaks when needed, so I don’t get burnt out. I want to play this sport for a long time, hopefully until I’m 80 or 90 years old. I’m just having fun and enjoying the journey with my family.

Dave Fleming: Thanks for being out on the court and for jumping into the booth. Anna Leigh Waters, the best player in the world, ladies and gentlemen!


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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?")

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