A 46-Minute Strategy Session w/ Anna Leigh Waters [ON COURT]

🚨If you're serious about pickleball, you belong in ThatPickleballSchool.🚨

This was a pretty neat opportunity getting to hang out and talk pickleball with Anna Leigh and her Mom (Aka her coach).

So many great insights in here we can all learn from!

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Serves & 3rd Shots Decisions
08:45 3rd Shot Drop Technique
18:17 Attacking Mindset
25:59 How to Counter-Attack
32:29 "Drilling" Thoughts
40:06 Mental Game

[thatpickleballguy]

If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing to the channel :)
Big thanks to Anna Leigh & Leigh Waters for sharing so many great insights with us!

Make sure to follow them on IG:

[TheJourney-inin]

Here's a summary of the video, broken down by topic, for easy navigation:

A) Serve Strategy:

-Target Focus: Before serving, pick a specific target to improve focus and consistency [01:13].

-Fluid Motion: Avoid hitches in your serve to maintain momentum, think of it as a forehand [01:34].
-Vary Serve Placement: Adjust serve placement based on the game situation, such as corner serves for accuracy in tight moments [02:43].
-Practice with Targets: Use targets during practice to make it more engaging and game-like [03:35].

B) Third Shot Decisions:

-Impact of a Good Serve: A well-placed serve can lead to weaker returns, making the third shot easier [04:37].
-Short Returns: Drop shots are recommended when the return is short [05:02].
-Deep Returns: Consider driving the ball to catch opponents off guard [05:36].
-Personal Preference: For returns that aren't too short or too deep, choose the shot you're most comfortable with [05:54].

C) Attacking and Counterattacking:

-Attack When Opponents are Unbalanced: If your opponents are moving or off-balance, it's a good time to attack [18:50].
-Vary Your Attacks: You can attack with any ball if you get low enough and hit with enough spin [19:11].
-Anticipate and Stay Engaged: Always be mentally prepared for the ball to come to you, even when it's not your turn [16:05].
-Footwork: Keep your feet moving and adjust your position based on the quality of your dink [26:44].
-Split Step: Use a split step to stay ready for any shot [28:38].

D) Drilling:

-Balance Drilling and Gameplay: Aim for a mix of drilling (60-70%) and actual gameplay (30-40%) to effectively apply drilled skills [34:15].
-Focus on Aggression: Prioritize developing aggressive play early on, as finesse comes with time [38:22].
-Improve Strengths: Don't only focus on weaknesses, enhance your existing strengths as well [39:37].

E) Mental Game:

-Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to win, even when behind [43:15].
-Controlled Aggression: Balance aggression with control, especially in crucial moments [41:55].
-Manage Emotions: It's okay to show frustration briefly, but quickly refocus on the next point [44:45].

[SirLobsALot]

Ana and Ben, although at the top of the PB world still take time to share their skills and giving us tips.
Such a gift to us!

[Dinkdifferent]

This is so sick to be able to get a lesson from these two, and hear how they think about shots and situations. Thanks, Kyle!

[jaycee]

Master class. 4.3 player, I am soaking this in. Mental game, controlled aggression. Gold.

[THEPICKLEBALLSTOIC]

DUDE!!! This is single-handedly the best instructional mindset PB video ever made!! WOW !!🎉

[TheMary]

And you're apparently the GOAT of pickleball channels, Kyle! Congrats! Well done!

[BroncosUnbridled]

The level of processing, anticipation and talent these women have is unreal. Thank you for your imparting wisdom.

[DeatonPickleball]

One of the best videos about pickleball yet on YouTube!

[stevep.]

OUTSTANDING video!!! What a treat to be coached by Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters! I DEFINITELY saved this video, and I will come back to it because there is much to chew on. From a former volleyball coach's perspective, Leigh's point on aggression is spot on! Thanks for taking your valuable time to share with all of us! Loved the mental coaching as well! Kyle, your videos have been GREAT!

[Arx]

This was absolutely PHENOMENAL Kyle. Excellent questions, superb production and graphics, and tremendous insights. Thank you Kyle

Great stuff, Kyle! (and thanks to Leigh and Anna Leigh too!)
My main takeaways:
1. Try hitting a "forehand" serve with a continuous, non-hitchy motion.
2. Always be thinking what you would do if the ball is hit to you and be thinking what you expect your partner to do when the ball is hit to them.
3. All balls can be sped-up if the conditions are right (e.g. if your opponent is off balance and you are on-balance and ready to counter).
4. "Be ready for the shot that's easier (for your opponent) to make."

[HarrisonNevel]

Some of the best insights in pickleball I’ve heard on camera lately. So much good information and hearing Anna Leigh and coaches perspective was great, amazing video!

[patrickmcpatrick]

OK Kyle - now you're really a big Youtube and pickleball star! Having the number one pickleball player in the world on your channel speaks volumes, you're the man (person, human, icon)! Your stock is rising! Seriously, great video with awesome pickleball tips. Thank you for having Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters share their knowledge. Cheers!👍👍

[MichaelSilliman-dl]

this is really great stuff. I know 46 minutes is a long time, but I also see that it is free. I learned a lot, and I’m very appreciative for the time all of you spent putting this together.

[xeviuus]

this is pure gold. Anna Leigh is so cool!!! Now I am bigger fan of her.

[florme]

Wow, what a great get. Best coach and best player. Both are so passionate.

[andrewherrera]

Probably the best audiovisual Pickleball instructional lesson on you tube.

[lizlemon]

Leigh Waters coaching is impressive. Can’t wait to see her future videos.

[robertwray]

So much great pickled food for thought here, thank you for sharing it. I love how ALW and her mom cut to the chase in an honest way and don't get precious about their insights. Two thumbs way up!