Pickleball Fire Podcast: Recent Episodes

Lynn Cherry

The Pickleball Fire podcast brings the best to you in Pickleball instruction, industry news, and guests. https://pickleballfire.com

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You know you have dedicated Pickleball players when they are on the court at 4 a.m. and they bring a portable generator to light up the courts. That's the group from Camp Pickleball who I talk to in this podcast about opening a 10-court indoor facility and how to play with and against lefties. Pickleball Fire Website

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After 210 podcasts about Pickleball you might think I've covered every instructional technique possible. But today Ben Bicknese from the Pickle Haus in Chicago talks about how he teaches Pickleball from the feet up. 

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I haven't recorded the podcast for a while. Still, today it is well worth listening to, as I am talking with Matt and Erin from the pickleball clinic, one of the largest Facebook groups and they put out some terrific video content. Still, I think what everybody will want to hear from them today is about speed-ups. We go into a deep dive on a topic. I really haven't talked a whole lot about it recently, but it's becoming more and more important to the game. 

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In this episode, Lynn welcomes Adam Richards, from High Five Pickleball, to share his analysis and experiences of professional-level pickleball. They dive deep into the game's strategies, techniques, and trends. 

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In this episode, our host, Lynn, talks with Crystal Gallagher, a university student and passionate pickleball player from Connecticut, about the rapid growth of pickleball in the United States. You can complete Crystal's survey by going to https://pickleballfire.com/crystal

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Do you want to know the optimal location for a third shot drop, where to hit the serve return, or which women's doubles player pro Anna Leigh should have as a partner? In this episode, you can get answers to all of these questions as I talk to Alex Spancake from Pickle Mart where we dive into data analytics and Pickleball. 

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Today, we explore the incredible connection between the mind and body to help you level up your pickleball game. Qigong Master Lee Holden is here to discuss how this ancient Chinese practice can improve your pickleball performance both physically and mentally. So, if you're looking for ways to get in the zone more often and unlock your true potential on the court, this episode is for you. 

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Are you suffering from Pickleball elbow? A sore back or knees? Learn how to get rid of your nagging injuries and I talk with Dr. Sanjay Saint and Coach Jes Reynolds authors of Pickleball for Life.

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I'm not sure how I did it, but I never took a physics class in all my years of schooling.  So I'm happy to have on the Pickleball Fire podcast today, Tom Meyer, who will explain the physics of the game in a way that I think we can all relate to.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Where the sweet spot of a Pickleball paddle is really located
  • How far you should take your paddle back when hitting the ball
  • Why your Pickleball serve is slower than you think
  • Where you should hit the ball on the paddle to make it spin to the right and left
  • What Tom puts on the wall and bottom of his bed to improve his  reaction time
  • How you should stand when you hit your serve

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Today on the Pickleball Fire podcast, I'm talking with sports psychologist, Jen Jacobs. We discuss positive thinking on the court, how to improve your confidence, and the importance of lacing up your shoes. 

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It's been a few weeks since I recorded a podcast, but today I am talking with performance coach Dr. Michelle who works with athletes to improve their focus so they can win more games. We dig in deep to give you some tips on how multi-tasking impacts your game, to stay in the present, and improve your consistency.

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Curtis Reese, a fellow podcaster, is my guest today on the Pickleball Fire Podcast. It's all about instruction today as we talk about the three zones of the court along with the third shot and the lob, 

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I can't believe it, but this is episode 200 of the Pickleball Fire podcast. I started the podcast in October 2020 during the worst of the pandemic when we were all stuck in our homes. I just needed something to do, and this really fit the bill. Over 2 years later here I am at number 200 and today I have, as my guest, pro Kevin Beeson. I had him on a couple of months ago and It was one of the most listened-to podcasts so I know you'll really enjoy this one.

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You may have heard a lot about Major League Pickleball (MLP) recently with all of the well-known owners getting into the game. Well today I have on the podcast, one of the pros, Susanna Barr, who has been in every MLP season so far. So needless to say, we talk about MLP plus the fourth shot. 

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When thinking about improving your pickleball game, drilling is often the first thing that comes to mind. But we can do other things off the court to help our game. 

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We all have our reasons as to why we play Pickleball. But Angela Gallafent's motivation is unique as she shares what drives her during today's episode of the Pickleball Fire podcast.  Be sure to listen to this inspiring story and find out what is really in her backpack. 

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Sam Veal took to Pickleball very quickly but found there was something that bothered him about game. Not enough kids were playing this great sport so he founded the First Dink Foundation to teach kids life lessons through Pickleball. 

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It happens to all of us when playing Pickleball. We hit a pop up and our opponent slams the ball at us. In this episode, I talk with certified pro Dan Levine about how to handle popups. Plus we speak about a new restaurant and Pickleball concept called Crush Yard.

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I connected with Erin McHugh as we were both interviewed for a segment on Pickleball for CBS Saturday Morning. Erin is an author who wrote Pickleball Is Life, The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Obsession. The book covers everything you need to know about the game with a bit of humor and wisdom for new and experienced players.

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Mo Nard and her three colleagues have written the ultimate reference book, at over 400 pages, on our sport called Pickleball for Dummies. So as you might imagine we have plenty to talk about in this episode including switching, an advanced strategy used in the game.

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This is one of those episodes where I went to write the show notes, and there were just so many great instructional tips for both beginning and advanced players. Teaching pro Greg Whitfield and I talk about what is the dining room shot, why the chip and catch is essential, and what is the number one mistake made in Pickleball. 

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Amy Zaterman Seltzer has been near death two times and has beaten the odds to become a Pickleball player, competing in the Nationals. Her story is one of persistence and resilience and she shares what she had done to get on the court and play.

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Sometimes on the court, you see players who appear so calm, and their game looks effortless. That describes teaching pro Mike Leigh, who recently wrote a book called Zen and the Art of Pickleball. Mike and I discuss both the mind and body in this episode as we talk about video analysis, proper mechanics, and the mental game.

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Dick Johnson, who is now 82 years old, has so many pickleball accomplishments including being recently inducted into the Huntsman Senior Games Hall of fame. Dick has a great story. Plus he has some excellent tips on being offensive in Pickleball and we talk about how that helps your game.

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I can not believe I have done almost 200 Pickleball Fire podcast episodes and have never talked about the grip in Pickleball. So today, I have Steven Schnitzer, and we're going to discuss the continental grip, western, and even the inverted backhand. 

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Almost 4,000 Pickleball players are doing something you might not know about, but you could do in your area. Greg Mather from the Arizona Pickleball Players League explains team-based competition and why it is so much better than tournament play.
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One thing that is clear to me is that Pickleball players are becoming more and more interested in drilling to improve their game. I had a drill session just today, and I had 20 people show up. I expected four or five. In this episode, Kristie MacDonald talks about fun drills to help improve your game. Plus, she has a fantastic story about what Pickleball has done for her. 

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I was recently asked to record a couple of minutes of audio of people on the Pickleball court. You could hear the unique sound of the ball against the paddle. But I also noticed how encouraging all the other players were and how much laughter there was. So it's appropriate today that I have on author Mike Brannon, who writes about the Joy of Pickleball in his second book. 

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Imagine living in a small fishing village in Mexico and being introduced to Pickleball when 3 Canadians needed a fourth player. From that point, Pickleball literally changed Emanuel Sanchez's life. Let's get to the intro so we can hear Emanuel's inspiring story.

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I had a lot of fun interviewing Engage Pickleball instructor Kevin Beeson. He has some great one-liners which can help your Pickleball game plus he talked about how to stop hitting balls in the net.

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Jen Lassandro and her doubles partner recently reached the podium in a senior pro event, upsetting a couple of the top teams. In today's episode she also talks about how to stage a big comeback, when to hit an Erne, and what you can learn from watching the pros play.

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On the podcast, I talk with Pickleball pros about how to improve your game from a strategy and technique perspective. But I love talking to National Champion Brett Noel as he discusses how to get the right mental state to improve your game.

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Near the pandemic's beginning, Rachel Simon and her family were like many people: bored and looking for something to do at home. Then she found Pickleball and wrote about it in an article for the NY Times called Is Pickleball the Perfect Pandemic Pastime? I truly believe she helped fuel the explosive growth of the game, and now she has written a book Pickleball for All: Everything but the Kitchen Sink.

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I believe Jayden Broderick is the only teenager I have spoken with on the Pickleball Fire podcast, other than Anna Leigh Waters, who was 14 at the time. Jayden is now 16 but just picked up a paddle two years ago and is now competing against the professionals in singles and having success.

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Do you have a drawer full of wraps for your knee, ankle or other body part? I know I do so I wanted to hear how Pickleball player Turbo Darcy was able to toss those in the trash and be pain free on the court.

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Phil Metz does not play Pickleball competitively, but he does teach with one of the best-known professionals in the game, Simone Jardim. Today Phil talks about the importance of paddle position in developing fast hands. 

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If you play a lot of Pickleball, you will want to listen to this podcast. Senior pro Tim Ringgold explains how to recover faster after playing and what to do on your days off from the game.

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I don't usually have breaking news on the Pickleball Fire podcast. But I interviewed Morgan Evans and he has an update on the spin serve and what's going to happen in 2023. As you know, there was a lot of controversy in 2022 about the spin serve. Zane Navratil's chainsaw serve was, we'll call it outlawed, while the Morgan Evans spin serve was not. 

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Bend your knees Louise, step back Jack. I love how this short rhymes can help your Pickleball game. Authors Jackie Freeman & Karen Worthy have brought them to life in a Pickleball primer for children of all ages and grandparents of course.

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We often practice shots such as the third shot drop or forehand roll. But have you considered what you can do to improve your ability to track the ball? Zack Strock from Vizual Edge gives us some tips on how to do just this.

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As professional Pickleball becomes more competitive, athletes are doing everything they can to maximize their performance. And personal fitness trainer Leslie Roberts has just the right credentials to help some of the top pros. In this episode, we talk about her work with Pickleball players of all levels and what we can do to prevent injury on the court.

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Julian Arnold considers himself a jokester when not playing Pickleball. But on the court, this professional is known for his fiery personality. So in this episode, we talk about the importance of finding the right intensity level for peak performance on the Pickleball court.

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Most of us just get on the courts and want to play the game. But have you considered writing things down to improve your Pickleball performance? Jody Belsher, the author of the Pickleball Workbook, discusses what to include in your tournament checklist and the scientifically proven benefits of journaling.

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I have been working on getting more women on the Pickleball Fire podcast. And today I have Chris Evon and Terri Graham who in 2015 left their jobs at Wilson Sporting Goods and founded the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship. 

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We cover a lot of ground today talking with pro Nikki Roth about quiet Pickleball paddles, playing on clay, and indoor courts on a cruise ship.

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We all have one. It is called the inner critic, and it hurts our Pickleball game. So, CJ Johnson is here to talk about how a technique called 3-2-1 can help silence your inner critic. We also discuss the upcoming Pickleball Summit, which is free to attend if you have a ticket that you can get by going to  The Pickleball Summit.

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Grizzly bears, tutus, and seesaws. Is this really a Pickleball podcast? I am here with Keith Valentine of the Pickleball pirates and we discuss all of those things plus how to neutralize bangers.

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The last time I had Tony Roig on the Pickleball Fire podcast, we didn't have a chance to talk about respect the X.  But that is such a great strategy so we go deep into today along with some information on the upcoming virtual Pickleball Summit. 

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You might be surprised to know that the number one senior pro-Mattias Johansson, is wrapped up like a mummy when he plays due to many injuries. So you might wonder how he made it to the number one rating in singles. In this episode, we cover just that as he talks about the mind-body connection, and you will also be surprised at how many miles he logs during a tournament.

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When Dekel Bar first started playing Pickleball, he did not think he would become too serious about the game after competing in pro tennis. However, he is one of the top players in the sport plus he is involved in two Pickleball business ventures.  In this episode, Dekel and I discuss all of that plus we go deep on how to hit four types of volleys.

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We all have our reasons why we play Pickleball and author Larry Blundred is no different. However, he takes the sport a step further by writing books about Pickleball to salute both the community and his late wife. Let's get to the intro so you can hear from Larry and learn about the critters in his book.

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In 2018, Pickleball was just getting started in Sweden. A friend of Axel Irestedt heard about the game and told Axel he found the sport for them. He was right as Axel finished third in senior pro singles in the recent U.S. Open. So, in this episode, we take a deep dive into how to be a successful singles player. 

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Here I am in Florida on my last day at the beach. I am enjoying the sun and the weather, and I'm working on putting together this podcast episode where I interview Roger BelAir. And he is somebody who just reminded me of how fortunate I am to live my life and play Pickleball. But he has such an interesting story because he has been bringing Pickleball to people in prison. Now I have to warn you. This episode is very compelling between the story and the fact that Roger is an excellent speaker. Also he talks about his relationship with one of the Pickleball founders, Barney McCallum. So let's get to the intro to hear from Roger. 

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Pickleball Pro Jordan Briones is well-known for his high-quality teaching videos. So, in this episode of the Pickleball Fire podcast, we talk about how you can level up your game.

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This is one of those podcast episodes where the audio isn't quite as good as it usually is, but it is well worth listening to because I'm talking with Neil Mediratta who recently had a big win in men's doubles against two of the top players in the world. We also take a really deep dive into how to evaluate your opponent's tendencies.

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I had the chance to interview Sarah on her off day at the U.S. Open where she is playing every event possible.  She is from Australia and it is her first tournament in the U.S.  She jumped right into the professional division, playing Simone Jardim in the first round.  She is also looking forward to playing in the mixed qualifier today. 

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Mark Napartovich could not play table tennis and badminton due to an injury to his right shoulder. So, he started playing Pickleball left-handed, eventually becoming a senior professional. In this episode, we talk a lot about spin (especially side spin and underspin), as this is something Mark mastered in table tennis, and it is a tactic that can help your Pickleball game.

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Christina Bolton was surprised when she was asked to create a video about why you get frustrated on the Pickleball court. That is because even Christina admits she can have a temper on the court. So perhaps she is one of the best people to ask about this topic as she has several tips on overcoming frustrations on the Pickleball court.

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I hope you have seen Joey Gmuer on the Pickleball Pirates Youtube Channel. He is not only entertaining but also puts out some great instructional content. Today he gives tips on what to do when you opponent attacks, how to surprise people you regularly play with and how to determine your Pickleball rating.

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Andrea Ingvalson was a physical educator teaching the sport of Pickleball to kids for many years. She talks about the differences between teaching adults and children and gives some great tips for players without a previous sports background.

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Depending on your age, you may or may not know what a hitchhiker is. But senior pro Rich Lively explains what it is and how it can help your backhand flip in Pickleball. We also discuss a Pickleball myth and Palmolive dish soap, so get ready for a fun and lively podcast episode. 

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Just about every time I see a great photo of a Pickleball player, I see that it is Steve Taylor's work. What I did not know about him is that he his work in video production came before his photography. So, if you want some tips on how to shoot great Pickleball photos or videos you will enjoy this podcast.

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While Pickleball has a slow component to it via drop shots and dink, power is also critical to the game.  In this episode I talk with the Pickleball guy Adam Edery on how to develop power in your game and when to use it on the court.

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Jamie Elliot was always athletic, which you could imagine since she was a stunt woman in the movies. But things really changed a couple of years ago when a health issue impacted not only her Pickleball game but life.

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We have all played a game where are opponent gets on a hot streak, or we just aren't playing well and get way down in a game like 9-2. In this episode, senior professional Gene Smyth gives some great tips for overcoming a significant deficit.

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It is rare to be able to compete for prize money as amateur pickleball players, but the World Pickleball Tour (WPT) has cash prizes. It is only one of the ways Alex Horn, Ben Harrison, and Jacob Taylor from the WPT make their events player-friendly. 

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Pickleball is trying to catch up to the professionalism of other sports. And now it is one step closer with the addition of Jim Ramsey as the lead statistician for the Professional Pickleball Association's broadcast. It is an interesting episode as Jim talks about what he keeps track of during a live match and also when he later reviews the video.

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In the North playing Pickleball indoors is a necessity in the winter.  But can you imagine an indoor tournament with 46 courts and a championship stadium which can seat 1,000 people?  Well that is just what the Atlantic City Open will be when it is held in September. 

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We cover a lot of ground in this podcast episode with Hilary Marold, from the battle of the sexes with Bobby Riggs to being the first female network television commentator. We also cover how to improve your doubles game while playing singles. 

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I know many of the outdoor courts in my area do not have lights for playing at night. But have you ever thought about playing with a lighted Pickleball? Corky Newcomb, who invented the lighted golf ball in 1985, talks about how much fun it is to play with a lighted Pickleball and create a fun event using them.

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It must be really hard when you have the ability to play professional Pickleball, but you do not have the time to dedicate to it.  Yet Ille Van Engelen has immersed himself in the sport in many other ways while playing a handful of pro events each year.  In this episode, we also talk about Pickleballs and how to choose the right one for your game. 

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Kate Van Gent started playing Pickleball during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic because her pilates studio was shut down.  Now she is leading the team to help Pickleball become the official state sport of Washington.

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Spin is becoming more and more important to the game of Pickleball.  So video creator Chris Olson set out to make a couple of videos on the topic with one being instructional in nature and the other assessing which paddles can impart the most spin.  

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There are not many women who run a company where they are manufacturing Pickleball paddles. But Simona Galik Moore does as the founder of PBPRO.  She talks about how her company looks at the Pickleball market differently than others and what goes into designing her apparel line. 

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Julie Johnson is not only one of the top senior professionals in the game. She is also the mother of JW and Jorja, both of whom are professional players, both being named rookie of the year by the APP. Julie talks about how JW chose Pickleball over tennis and why Jorja's involvement in the sport is surprising. With so much going on, Julie can find herself distracted on the court, so she discusses how she is handling all of this. 

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Mark Hilliard and his wife live a life many of us only dream about. They are on the road as full-time RVers, playing Pickleball all over the country. In addition to this, Mark will take his amphibious plane, which can land anywhere to find Pickleball games. He often lands on the water, swims to shore, and makes his way to the Pickleball courts for a game. 

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Rachel Rettger is relatively new to the Pickleball Scene, but she recently won a mixed doubles National Championship with her partner Casey Cullen in the 5.0 19+ division.  Rachel talks about how being super competitive helps her game and why it was such an asset in their comeback win. 

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Tom Davidson's nine-year-old daughter loves the game of Pickleball.  But she finds not many kids are playing the sport yet.  So Tom started the Amateur Pickleball Association (APA) which has a great program for not only kids but parents. 

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Kevin Booth is a five-time National Champion in Men's Doubles in Outdoor Racquetball. He is also a top senior professional in Pickleball, having finished second in doubles with his partner John Sperling at the Nationals. Today he gives three tips from racquetball that can help your Pickleball game.

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Seven years ago, Travis Kruse and his father started TrackitHub to help Pickleball clubs and players. While Travis spent the first two years traveling around the country in a fifth wheel promoting the offering, it is now the number one Pickleball management platform, helping clubs and players manage events and connect with each other. If you are tired of using a spreadsheet, this episode is for you. 

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A lot has happened in the six months since I interviewed Shea Underwood.  Hear how his journey is going on the way to becoming a professional Pickleball player and get some great tips on how to master the one-handed spin serve. 

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One thing I never thought I would talk about on a Pickleball podcast is murder. But Jeff Rasley author of the novel A Pickleball Soap Opera: Love, Murder, and Pickleball is my guest today.  There is a lot of intrigue both in the interview and novel so let's hear from Jeff. 

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I love to interview Pickleball players with different athletic backgrounds.  Kim Jagd, who played professional beach volleyball and coached at UCLA, talks about the parallels she sees between professional Pickelball and beach volleyball.  She also goes deep on the importance of video analysis to your Pickleball game.

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Sometimes it is really hard not to talk about tennis during g a Pickleball podcast episode.  But that is because so many of the professionals have a tennis background.  Nathalie Bagby does too, but what is interesting in the podcast is she lists so many differences between the two sports. 

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I can tell Nicole Havlicek of Primetime Pickleball does a great deal of on-court teaching and instruction through her online Dominating Doubles Course. She goes in-depth on a few myths of Pickleball which you often hear from others when giving you Pickleball advice.

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Senior professional Anna Shirley was just a couple of months away from the USA Nationals when she experienced a freak injury. In this episode, we talk about how she went through some tough times and what she did to prepare for the Nationals despite the injury.  

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In this episode, we discuss:

  • What is the APP Nextgen Tour, and what Hercilio learned from it
  • What he is doing to promote Pickleball in Peru
  • Who is playing Pickleball in Peru, and how the government is helping the game grow
  • What Hercilio does when he does not get the results he expects when playing a sport
  • How another fitness activity helps his Pickleball game

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This show is a bit shorter than usual, but it is well worth a listen as I talk with John Lee Dumas about starting a Pickleball business. John has not only been an entrepreneur for the last ten years, but he is also a Pickleball player.

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Jay Devilliers burst onto the Pickleball scene just a couple of years ago, and now he is one of the top professionals. In this episode, we talk about professionalism in Pickleball and what it will take to bring the sport to the next level.

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I am not going to lie that this might be a tough episode to listen to as we play a one-minute clip of a 911 call.  But it is important as far as Ian Hutchinson's story goes from being clinically dead to a certified Pickleball instructor.

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Daniel Moore had never heard of Pickleball. But his father, Scott, told him they were both going to become national champions. And they did that in 2014, winning singles titles on the same day. Fast forward a few years, and Daniel does not play as much Pickleball as he used to because he is involved in so many other aspects of the game. But today, he does take the time to discuss how to hit and return the spin serve.

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Pickleball is growing rapidly in the United States and Canada.  But it is also expanding throughout the world including India.  Megha Kapoor talks about how the game is attracting different players in India and its growth over the last five years. 

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The ATP, the Erne, and the Joey.  These are three shots you should master to take your game to the next level.  Joe Valenti and I discuss all three in this episode, including the one named after him. 

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Steve Sidwell of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) says there is no magic number of countries playing the game for getting the sport into the Olympic Games. But he has been responsible for the recent explosion of nations becoming members of the IFP. 

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Lee Whitwell burst onto the scene when playing  Major League Pickleball.  As the oldest player on a team, she was even voted the Most Valuable Player of the league.  This is a fun episode where she also provide lots of tips to help improve your game. 

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The Greeks don't have a word for Pickleball.  Nor do they have one for Pickle.  So you might think that Niko and Christie Fronimos will have difficulty introducing the game to the country.  But they are on a mission to do just that. 

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Dave Fleming is not only a senior professional player but he is also the brand ambassador for Major League Pickleball and comedian.  Dave even had a show on Broadway in New York so in this episode we also discuss lessons learned from comedy and how they can help your Pickleball game.  

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In order to use a paddle in a USA-sanctioned tournament, it needs to meet certain specifications. Carl Schmits, director of Equipment Standards for USA Pickleball, talks about how the paddle manufacturers push the limits and how the evaluation process has evolved. 

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You may know Scott Moore is one of the top senior professional players in the game. But what you may not have heard is that he is also a serial entrepreneur. In the podcast, we discuss his Pickleball venture in Prescott, Arizona. Plus we take about how and why to hit a backhand serve. 

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Sally Huss started playing Pickleball just a few months ago at the age of 81. She has already written a book on the sport. Given her background as a Wimbledon junior tennis champion, you might think the book would be on technique. Instead, Dare to Dink is a fun book that all readers will enjoy. We also discuss how philosophies from Tai Chi and dance therapy can help your Pickleball game. 

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Dayne Gingrich is one of the top senior professionals in the game and he has incredible self-belief on the court.  However, a few years ago he has some off-court struggles where he almost ended it all.  This is a powerful episode where we talk about belief, self-awareness, and mental toughness. 

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If you are a parent or a grandparent then you are going to enjoy today's episode as I talk with author Gerrie Lewis.  She has written an award-winning children's book about Pickleball which tells a great story and has beautiful illustrations.   

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Steve Paranto is the first Pickleball Hall of Famer I have interviewed on the podcast.  We talk about who is being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, the drop serve, and three advanced strategies to help your Pickleball game. 

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From time to time I like to talk about things which are kind of off the beaten path.   Today Dotti Berry and Sally Marshall are going to talk about Bemer therapy and how it can help your recovery and healing from injuries.

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Professional Pickleball player Thaddea Lock has a great story about how she started playing Pickleball.  Plus she talks about her three rules of Pickleball every player should know and the two-handed backhand. 

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I  first connected with Mona Russell through the Pickleball Forum for Women on Facebook.  She signed up to be a mentor so in today's episode we cover how to start a Pickleball club and business. 

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Wes Gabrielsen was told not to do three things when he first started taking Pickleball seriously.  But now all the professionals are doing those things including hitting slice shots. 

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Laura Kemp likes to go all in for whatever she is doing and Pickleball has been no different for her.  Tear a ligament in her knee?  She plays in a wheelchair.  Retire from teaching science?  Become the Pickleball Manager for Chicken N Pickle in Grand Prairie Texas. 

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Wouldn't it be great to know where the ball is going a split second faster?  Well Lukas McKnight from Vizual Edge talks about how you can improve your sports vision and game. 

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Janice Mundee came up from a great idea after spending $1,000 to travel to a tournament.  It is called hosted housing and it allows Pickleball players to connect and have a place to stay with others who enjoy the game. 

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A lot of you may recognize the name of the tennis player JoAnne Russell, who is a Wimbledon doubles champion.  Today  she talks about the importance of the lob shot in Pickleball.

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If you want the low down on the plans for getting Pickleball to the Olympics than this is a must listen to episode with the President of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP). 

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I knew this was going to be a fun interview and Patrick Sullivan, Jr. and Ashley Leroux from Jigsaw Health.  If you haven't seen their Pickleball commercials than you are in for a treat.  If you have seen their commercials with top professionals then you know this is going to be fun! 

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Jason Garriotte has found his two passions in life: music and Pickleball.  Learn how he plans to juggle them as he plays regularly on the professional tour next year. 

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If you have been struggling with your backhand, then this episode is for you.  ML Johnson, a college professor, talks about the technical aspect of how to hit the backhand drive. 

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Venise Chan has had to go through a lot to be able to play Pickleball.  That is because the game is just starting to flourish where she lives in Hong Kong.  But Venise does everything she can to compete at the highest level both in Asia and the U.S. 

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It can be very frustrating when you are injured and cannot play Pickleball.  But Randy Kadish, due to his own injuries, has developed lots of ways to still practice Pickleball even when you cannot get on the court.

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Louis Laville thought Pickleball sounded ridiculous when his mom first described the game to him.  But fast forward a couple of years and Louis is now a pro player in England and ambassador promoting the sport.

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Mandy Sacks Harnoy has such an inspirational Pickleball story.  After being down in the dumps due to health issues and the death of her father, Mandy reluctantly agreed to try the sport when a friend asked.  The result of going to the courts that day changed her life so much that she now inspires and motivates others to improve their health. 

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The Pickleball Doctor, Noe Sariban, talks about injury prevention and rehabilitation.  His key tip for avoiding injuries and improving your game is to have proper footwork. 

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Dan Beeman's enthusiasm for the sport of Pickleball is amazing as evidenced by him naming his place in Palm Desert, California the Pickleball Palace.  When I talked to him I definitely felt like he is the Renaissance Man of the game as he is not only an ambassador and instructor but he also wrote his master's thesis on Pickleball and an award winning comedy movie script on the sport. 

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I have talked to a lot of pros on the Pickleball Fire podcast but I don't think I've ever heard such a complete teaching system for Pickleball as the one Tim Hensley has developed.  It is called TRUST and it came from Tim's experience as a frustrated professional tennis player.  Be sure to give this episode a listen as he has some great insights that go way beyond just teaching how to have the proper technique. 

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Jonny Pickleball Andrews is quite the showman on and off the court.  He not only plays professionally but also creates entertaining events such as the Jonny Pickleball show and Around the Post, a Youtube video show covering controversial topics in the sport of Pickleball. 

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I love these podcast episodes where the guests provide tip after tip after tip for how to improve your game.  And Coach Andy does just that in this show which is jam packed with things you should know from how much of the court you can cover based on your height to where you should target your dinks and third shot drop. 

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Ashley Owens of Court Reserve talks about Pickleball club software and how it can help manage your courts, clinics, and lessons.  She and her husband Tim developed the software which can help organizations from small parks or home owners associations to large facilities. 

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Ben Paquette has such an inspiring story when it comes to Pickleball.  He knew the sport was going to change his life and it certainly has as he is now a teaching pro in the Dallas, TX area.  This is a must listen to episode complete with some awesome tips for having intention on the court. 

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Thomas Shields just started The Dink Pickleball website and newsletter in the Fall of 2020.  But he has experienced rapid growth as he started covering professional tournaments both with live blog coverage and the creation of tournament video highlights.  Thomas is focused on growing the game of Pickleball and is using social media to do it. 

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Pickleball is a fun sport as any addict will tell you.  However, fellow podcaster Tony Roig, who hosts the Pickleball Therapy podcast, talks about how the game can also be very frustrating.  So,  get ready for some tips on how to deal with having a bad day on the court and remember what's really important about the game. 

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Don Stanley,  the head referee for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), brings his in depth knowledge and humor to the Pickleball Fire podcast in an interview all about rules.  He talks about many of the hot topics in Pickleball such as the chainsaw serve and drop serve.  Don also goes in depth about player disputes, appeals, and the responsibilities of referees.  This is a must listen to episode which is  jam packed with things we should know about as Pickleball players. 

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Scott Fliegelman calls Pickleball his back to the future sport as he uses his experience as an endurance athlete in preparing for senior pro tournament events. He talks about his magical week at the U.S. Open where he had the chance to play with the one of the best players in the world.  Scott also gives some of the best tips I've heard when it comes to getting the best from your Pickleball partner.   

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Brad Walker is well known as the stretch coach and he brings his expertise to the podcast to talk about how you can improve your flexibility and how this helps your Pickleball game.  While many of us just jump right in and start playing Pickleball, he stresses the importance of what you should be doing before, during, and after our time on the court. 

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Since 2010 Deb Harrison has been coaching Pickleball and making videos for the sport.  Her knowledge of the game is incredible so during this interview we talk about some things you may have never heard of before such as the chop, loop, and hair pin drop.  I think anyone who listens to this episode will learn something new that you can use to improve your game. 

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Randy Sussman didn't take his friend's advice in regard to starting a Pickleball apparel business.  So, he started PB 1965 and is partnered with well known professional Kyle Yates on the endeavor.  Randy talks about what it takes to manufacturer clothing that helps you to keep cool when playing and the uniqueness of their signature hoodie. 

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It's funny that Kyle Yates, who is in his mid twenties, feels old in the Pickleball world.  But he has already accomplished so much in the sport both at the professional level and in the business aspect of the game.  Kyle definitely has a passion for the game and it comes across in the interview.  He also talks about how to make it difficult for your opponent and the importance of a having a game plan. 

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Andrea Koop and Maggie Remynse are sisters and both Pickleball professionals competing at the highest level in the game.  They talk about the challenges in playing with and against each other during tournaments and also how they balance being two of the best players in the world with full-time careers outside of the game.  

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Coach Russell runs an absolutely amazing boot camp for Pickleball players in North Carolina.  He brings together eight of the top pros for each camp and in this interview he gives his top three tips from these world class instructors.  We also discuss the difference between a Pickleball camp and actual boot camp.  

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While Ernesto Fajardo is still in university, he is the second ranked men's Pickleball player in Canada.  During the podcast he talks about the state of Pickleball in Canada plus his academic and Pickleball goals. 

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I really had a lot of fun interviewing senior professional John Sperling.  He is so full of energy and enthusiasm which really comes across on the show.  Plus, he gave some great tips on how to improve your defense and figure out you opponent's patterns so you can defeat them. 

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Mircea Morariu finished second in senior pro doubles at the 2021 U.S. Open, but he says he still has a lot of room for improvement.  He talks in depth about what else he is working on and what it takes to progress beyond the early rounds of a tournament to the semis, finals, and winning gold. 

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Shea Underwood isn't a Pickleball professional yet.  But he is well on his way to achieving his goal after being a football kicker at Georgia Tech University.  We really cover a lot of ground in this interview but I think Shea has a really great perspective on developing a system to play Pickleball when competing at high levels in the sport.  This is really one of my favorite interviews as we talk about Shea's journey to becoming a professional Pickleball player. 

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Pickleball professional Taylor Niss, like many people, found a new hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic.  She now bakes healthy treats for her family and friends.  The great thing about this is they all now have more energy on the Pickleball court so listen on for what Taylor is baking and how you can feel better on the court too. 

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I spoke with J Hall, better know as Gizmo, during planting season on his farm.  He is not only growing crops but the lives of young people through Pickleball.  Gizmo also talks about his growing up in the inner city, what he feels his purpose in life is, and why he wears colorful outfits on the court.  This is a must listen to episode as Gizmo's story is so inspirational. 

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Diadem Sports recently jumped into the Pickleball market after having success producing tennis equipment.  Evan Specht talks about how they plan to use the same blue print in Pickleball where they manufacture paddles in small batches and use 3d cameras in the development of products.  He also discusses what makes their first paddle, the Icon, a great offering for Pickleball players. 

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When Linda Thompson first started playing Pickleball, she was called one of the Original Banger Sisters.  Fast forward a few years, and she is now a top senior pro with a well-rounded Pickleball game including the soft shots.  We talk about how to beat bangers and also how the professional game is becoming more aggressive so her natural attacking style is also serving her well. 

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Altaf Merchant's dedication to Pickleball is amazing so it's no wonder he has spent plenty of time on the podium in professional events.  In the interview, he walks through the things he does to make sure he is at the top of his game.  Near the end of the discussion, he talks about his really amazing daily schedule so ensures a balance between family, work, and Pickleball. 

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Pickleball professional Corrine Carr talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic actually helped her game.  She also goes in depth on how to hit a block volley and practice this skill to improve your game. 

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Have you ever dreamed of taking your RV on the road after you retire and playing Pickleball around the country?  Well, Cindy Macall is living the dream so she shares her experiences about travelling along the west coast in her RV with her husband playing Pickleball in different locations.  She also talks in depth about how to work with cities and home owners associations to get Pickleball courts built and resurfaced. 

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The #1 most requested person to have on the Pickleball Fire podcast is CJ Johnson.  She is well known as an expert in not only Pickleball but also health and fitness.  We were able to connect for an episode so listen for some great tips on how to stay healthy and injury free and improve your Pickleball game by getting fitter. 

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Kerry Shannon started Pretty Picklers a couple of years ago and it has grown to over 120 women in the New Jersey area and is now extending to localities throughout the country.  Kerry talks about her mission statement for the group along with the activities the Pretty Picklers enjoy. 

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Megan Hall had a health scare on the Pickleball court a few months ago, but now she is on the road to recovery.  She talks about how her health is now influencing her Pickleball game plus the differences in preparation and strategy when playing doubles versus singles. 

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Jason Santerre from Pickleball Brackets talks about software for our sport.  He talks about how Pickleball Brackets helps tournament directors automate the process of running events, how clubs can use it for a reservation system, and the accuracy of his player rating system. 

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I spoke with Rick Witsken a few days after the U.S. Open where he won three medals including a gold with Scott Moore in senior pro doubles.  Rick talks about the many ways he is involved with Pickleball and he also gives advice about switching hands, grip pressure, and how to hold your paddle. 

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Seymour "Rif" Rifkind is well known in the Pickleball world for doing so much to help the game grow the right way.  He started the IPTPA to develop standards for teaching in Pickleball and spear headed the effort to create the World Pickleball Federation to promote the sport across the globe.  In this interview we also talk about Rif's ride across the country to raise funds for the Pickleball Hall of Fame. 

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National Champion Matthew Blom retired from tournament Pickleball after winning the U.S. Open Men's doubles championship in 2015.  Still, he is known for his stress free approach when competing and his inside out approach to the game as he teaches others.  In the interview, I love it when he talks about some of the weird things he does on the court when teaching. 

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Addam Shand has a background in running sports programs for children.  So, it wasn't surprising that after just a few months of playing Pickleball, he started a league for kids.  Addam has teamed up with a variety of instructors and manufacturers in the game to build a great environment for kids to learn and enjoy the game. 

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Joey Farias went from playing professional tennis to practicing with a group of well known Pickleball professionals in Michigan including Simone Jardim, Corrine Carr, DJ Howard,  and Catherine Parenteau.  Needless to say, Joey is also a Pickleball professional.  He joined me on the podcast for an in depth discussion on how to volley in Pickleball and how it differs from a tennis volley.  

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NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry might be 77 years of age, but he is well on his way to achieving his Pickleball goals.  Although just starting to play Pickleball two years ago, his high-level tennis background has propelled him in the sport that he now loves.  This is a must listen to podcast as Rick's energy and enthusiasm are evident for his new favorite sport. 

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Rob Nunnery is a name I've been following in Pickleball for sometime now.  I first heard about him when he starting blogging about his journey to becoming a professional Pickleball player in one year.  Despite a number of challenges, Rob is making great progress with his game and he even his started a Pickleball podcast with the number one men's player Ben Johns. 

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Jason Grigg recently left his long-time job as a tennis coach to focus on teaching Pickleball full-time.  As you might expect, his Pickleball business is booming so I asked Jason some common questions his students tend to have on how to improve your mixed doubles game. 

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Pickleball professional DJ Howard travels the country teaching Pickleball through Gamma's Never Stop Playing Pickleball Camps.  He was able to make some time to discuss serving as we take a deep dive into the subject on this podcast episode.  We cover how to practice serving, how to overcome the yips when serving, and the drop serve. 

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Scott Golden, also known as the Golden Boy, was considering what to do with the second half of his live.  He was recently divorced and was also interested in a different career path.  Then he found Pickleball and everything changed as he is now a professional Pickleball player and ESPN3 commentator for the Professional Pickleball Association tour. 

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Professional Pickleball player Kyle McKenzie and I take a deep dive into dinking as we discuss different aspects of the shot.  I have to admit this is one of my favorite interviews so far on the Pickleball Fire podcast as we really geek about this one shot but it is so important as you move into higher levels of play. 

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Mike Branon was stuck on a cruise ship at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.   What came of that experience was Pickleball & the Art of Living:  The Power of Positive Dinking, a book which is a metaphor for life.  It combines humor, advice on how to live fully, and of course guidance on how to play Pickleball. 

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Pro Player Sarah Ansboury has won multiple national titles, but she says her greatest accomplishment in Pickleball is as an educator.  This is not surprising when talking with Sarah as she gives some very surprising tips on how to move on the Pickleball court to improve your game. 

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You may have seen the Pickleball librarian on Facebook or Youtube.  Drew Evans is the head of reference and he has a great Pickleball story as he went from being a law librarian to a Pickleball librarian.  

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Dominic Catalano said five years ago he would have laughed at the idea that Pickleball would become his full-time business. But in 2021 he not only teaches and plays Pickleball but also is a commentator for the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) tour and is involved in a new venture called the Pickleball Club.  Dominic also goes in depth in this interview on how to drill to improve your game. 

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Certified instructor Trey Sizemore has teamed up with pro Helle Sparre to create an amazing video course on Pickleball doubles strategy.  Trey talks about the relationship between chess and Pickleball, thinking more than one shot ahead, and the importance of patience in building a point.

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Pro player Meg Charity combines her passion for the sport with her entrepreneurial spirit that helps her to run Pickleball events, develop a large Pickleball venue, and teach (when she has the time).  Meg also talks in depth about an advanced Pickleball strategy called stacking and reverse stacking and how it can benefit your game. 

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Pro player Taylor Taylor talks about how she uses Pickleball to develop community outreach programs in Memphis and why she started building Pickleball courts during the pandemic.  Taylor also goes deep into what it means to have shot tolerance in Pickleball and how this can improve you game. 

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In this episode,  pro Vicki Foster talks about all things Pickleball from what is involved in building a court at your house to what it means to build a point and stack.  She also dives deep into how to be a great Pickleball partner in doubles. 

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Michele Dabal had acute liver failure and was given a 50% chance to live.  She not only survived, but started participating in the Transplant Games in numerous sports.  When Pickleball was added to the U.S. games in 2018, Michele decided to learn the sport.  Since then she has been teaching and growing the game of Pickleball both for organ transplant recipients and others in the New Jersey area. 

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It's not unusual for elite tennis players to come into Pickleball at the 4.5 or professional level.  But in this interview I talk with Aaron Donofrio who started at the 3.0 level and a few years later become a professional Pickleball player.  Aaron shares what it took to develop his game since he didn't have a racquet sports background.  He also discusses how this and his unusual grip can actually be an advantage in the game of Pickleball. 

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In this episode, I talk with Kathy Pederson who is just so passionate about teaching Pickleball while still being a student of the game.  Kathy is a certified Pickleball instructor who works with adults and juniors of all levels and abilities.  She also shares instructional tips to help with your game. 

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In this episode, I talk with professional Lauren Stratman, the day before a tournament, about her physical and mental preparation for competition.  Apparently, her methods work well as she finished in third place in women's doubles with her partner Lea Jansen.  

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In this episode, I talk with Carly Penfold who specializes in shiatsu acupressure massage.  Carly discusses how this technique not only helps to relieve pain but can increase your energy on the court and with your Pickleball partner. 

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In this episode, I talk with Gordon G.G. Gebert who I first saw in a Youtube video practicing Pickleball in the snow.  Gordon has developed a training practice paddle called the Slam Master and you don't even need a partner to get in a great workout.  The Slam Master helps to improve reaction time, control, and coordination. 

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In this episode, I talk with Lauren McLaughlin a commentator for the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) tour.  Lauren discusses what is involved in live streaming Pickleball tournaments and her new show on APP TV called First Dates with Lauren McLaughlin. 

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In this episode, I talk with Laura Fenton Kovanda who has won national championships in five different sports.   Yes you read that right, in five sports including Pickleball!  Laura really has a powerful story as she talks about the challenges in becoming a professional athlete and her passion for teaching sports.   

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In this episode, I talk with wheelchair Pickleball player Joe Dowling and tournament director Jim Loving.  Jim held the first regional Pickleball tournament with a wheelchair division and Joe was one of the participants.  Joe discusses why Pickleball is such a great sport for people with disabilities and the challenges in growing the sport for wheelchair players. 

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In this episode, I talk with Helle Sparre who brought her expertise on tennis strategy to doubles on the Pickleball court.  Helle was a professional tennis player in the 1970's but has been an avid Pickleball teacher and player the past five years.  If you are interested in learning more about Pickleball doubles strategy this episode is for you as she takes a deep dive into the subject. 

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In this episode, I talk with Marlene Bell who wrote a book called Pickleball: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.  Marlene discusses why she wrote a humorous book on Pickleball, how she came up the subject matter for her book, and the plans for her next book.  If you like to laugh, then this show is for you! 

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In this episode, I talk with Steve Wong who has a long history in Pickleball as he started playing the game in 1991.  Steve has done so much in the sport including being a founder of the USA Pickleball Association, winning a national championship, and starting two Pickleball companies (Onix and Armour Pickleball).  Steve has seen so much growth in the sport yet he still has an ultimate dream for Pickleball.

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In this episode, I talk with Mike Hoxie from Pickleball Is Great, which is a company running Pickleball tournaments all over the United States.  Mike discusses how he got started running tournaments and his journey to having a company running events.  He is also partnering with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) by hosting a series of tournaments called the road to the AAU junior Olympics. 

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In this episode, I talk with Leigh and 14-year-old Anna Leigh Waters who are a mother and daughter professional Pickleball team.  Anna Leigh wasn't even a teenager when the team finished in first place at the 2019 Pickleball nationals.  They have an incredible story of how they started playing Pickleball and had a rapid rise to the top of the game.  This is a must listen to episode especially if you are interested in learning how to play aggressively and win at the highest levels. 

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In this episode, I talk with Dotti Berry who is bringing together players and experts in live interactive events to improve health and fitness in Pickleball.  Ironically, it took three different people to convince Dotti to start playing Pickleball and just a couple years later she's bringing together Pickleball professionals and other experts.  Her next summit is January 28-29, 2021. 

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In this episode, I talk with Catherine Parenteau who is a former Division I tennis player and current professional Pickleball player.  Catherine has some great tips on training both on and off the court.  She covers how to choose doubles partners, how to scout opponents, and the physical and mental training methods she uses to maximize performance. 

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In this episode, I talk with legendary Pickleball instructor Richard "Coach Mo" Movsessian and Coach Matty Klein.  This show is a must listen to episode as it is jam packed with information which will improve your game.  Coach Mo and Matty, who have taught together for years, talk about percentage Pickleball and what this really means when you are on the court.  Coach Matty also discusses his serving strategy and how he thinks the optional drop serve will significantly change the game. 

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In this episode, I talk with Kasandra Gehrke who gave up her career as a physical education teacher to play professional Pickleball full time. Kasandra has a great story of how she transformed her game and body to become one of the top pros in the game.  She also explains a very interesting strategy to improve her game quickly and discusses how the game is changing. 

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In this episode, I talk with Ken Herrmann the founder of the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) tour.  Ken discusses his vision for the tour and where the events will be in 2021.  He also surprises me with tales of noodles and groupies.  Be sure to listen to find out more! 

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In this episode, I talk with Kyle Selinko, who does a full production live stream for the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).  Kyle discusses the challenges of both Pickleball and live streaming for the pro tour.  He has a great perspective on the growth of Pickleball including his two very ambitious goals for the sport and what it will take to achieve them. 

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In this episode, I am talking with National Champion Steve Cole who has partnered with Scott Moore, winning many tournaments together.  Steve is the teaching pro at the Plaza Hotel so if you are heading to Las Vegas be sure to visit the hotel for some Pickleball.  During this episode he talks about his Pickleball philosophy, his clinics at the Plaza, and the state of Pickleball in Las Vegas. 

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In this episode, I talk with top professional Zane Navratil on how the game of Pickleball is changing.  He talks about the advanced shots he teaches 4.5 players and above.  He also discusses how his own game strategy has evolved over the years and how he used statistics to help identify areas of improvement.  All of this is working for Zane as he recently finished second in Men's pro doubles in a Newport Beach tournament losing to Ben and Collin Johns in the final. 

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In this episode, I talk with Randi Levenbaum who is a USA Pickleball certified referee, registered referee trainer, and the USA Pickleball mountain region referee training coordinator.  She talks about new rules for Pickleball in 2021 including two new serving rules which are being talked about a lot on social media.  Randi also talks about other new rules which are especially important for tournament players and how you and your partner should work together to make line calls. 

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In this episode, I talk with John Callahan who is the author of the #1 best selling Pickleball book on Amazon, Pickleball Tips, Lessons, Strategies, & Myths From a Certified Pickleball Professional & U.S. Open Gold Medal Winner.  On the show he talks about his book including the 10 myths of Pickleball and how they impact your game.  At the end of the interview, John also tells you how you can enter his contest to win a Pickleball paddle of your choice when you purchase his book. 

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Carolyn Ebbinghaus talks about how you can win with power in Pickleball even at the professional level.  She also  mentions an unusual method of tournament preparation that is important to her game. 

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This episode is all about Pickleball paddles as I talk to the paddle geek Brandon Swanson.  Brandon gives paddle recommendations for people of all levels and budgets.  He also talks about how to find the paddle that's right for you and dives into the technical aspects of Pickleball paddle materials and manufacturing.  If you want to learn more about paddles or are looking for a new paddle, this is a must listen to show! 

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Today I'm talking with senior pro Joe Frasca who is changing the life of many of his Pickleball students by applying science to off-court training.  This is one of the most interesting interviews I've done as Joe shares numerous tips for not only how players can improve their game but also their life.  And the interview is not all about off-court training.  Joe also talks about how Pickleball strategy has changed over the years and the different ways to grip your paddle.  This is a must listen to episode packed with tips to help your game! 

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Athena Trouillot has already had a lot of success in professional Pickleball although she just started playing the sport in the summer of 2017.  In 2019, she won gold and silver in the pro division at the Canadian nationals and also won a silver at the U.S. nationals.  In the interview, Athena gives some great tips for advanced players as she talks about blocking, seeing the ball, and misdirects. 

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Jelle Kooijman  is the first person I've interviewed on the podcast who is not a Pickleball player.  But he has a great deal to offer to listeners as he talks about the importance of your mindset when trying to perform at the highest levels on the court.  Jelle is a mental performance coach who helps athletes adapt to the negative aspects of the sports environment. http://pickleballfire.com/podcast

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Mark Livingston is a certified Pickleball coach through 3 different organizations and will soon become a Certified Rating Specialist.  During the podcast he talks about his coaching philosophy and how it can help move your game to the next level.  Mark has also discusses The Coach Mark Workout© which is a a series of drills and drill games to improve your performance on the court. 

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Karen Mitchell talks about Pickleball in England and why she and Frank Arico started PickleballEngland.org.  She also discuss what's happening with Pickleball in other parts of Europe and the goals for Pickleball in England in 2025.  http://pickleballfire.com/podcast

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Darlene is a Pickleball ambassador in the Oakland, CA area.  She talks about how she teaches people to play Pickleball who have never played a sport or have a disability.  Darlene also talks about what she learned from Pickleball professional Gigi LeMaster on how to be proactive rather than reactive on the court. 

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Laura Jaget has an amazing story where she started playing Pickleball in 2018 and recently won her first prize money as a senior pro.  Laura gives great advice on what it takes to move up from the 4.0 to pro level and what to be prepared for on the court.   http://pickleballfire.com/podcast

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Pickleball Triple crown winner, Scott Moore, discusses not only the fourth shot and how to reset points but also how he is building a destination Pickleball resort in Prescott Arizona. http://pickleballfire.com

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Kevin Huckle from Tyrol Pickleball talks about how he worked with professional Pickleball players Chad Edwards and Simone Jardim to develop the first shoes specifically designed for Pickleball players.

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In this episode, Jacqueline Paraiso talks about how she uses her experience as a professional racquetball player to make her serve a weapon in Pickleball.  She gives great insight into her serving and dinking strategy and also discusses how she is now an aspiring professional Pickleball player.

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Sophie Vanden Bosch of Revolin Pickleball talks about the challenges of designing an environmentally friendly Pickleball paddle.  Hear what she has to say about helping to launch Revolin Pickleball and what players are saying about their paddles.  http://pickleballfire.com

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Vaughn has an interesting history both as a tennis and Pickleball player.  He played Division I college tennis and later joined Wilson Sporting Goods where he worked with  well known players like Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, and Jimmy Connors.  During the interview Vaughn even shares a story about Chris Evert and her footwork.  Today, Vaughn has just returned to the court after some injuries and when he is not teaching or playing Pickleball, he writes a Pickleball column for the Coastal Point newspaper in Delaware. http://pickleballfire.com/podcast

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Thomas Yelloweyes found Pickleball by accident but after playing 5 games he was hooked.  Since then Thomas has taught 180 Pickleball clinics with 1200 students in a year's time and is a certified Pickleball instructor by two organizations.  Enjoy the podcast as he talks about his journey while giving some great tips on both the technical and mental side of Pickleball.  http://pickleballfire.com/podcast/

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On today's show I'm talking with Kyle Snay who is a USA Pickleball Association Ambassador
and is known for his flashy outfits on the court.   Kyle talks about what it means to be a Pickleball ambassador and gives some great tips on what beginners should be doing
and how intermediate players can move up a level. http://Pickleballfire.com