Pickleball players looking to elevate their game can learn a thing or two from Anna Leigh Waters, the world's most dominant player, by studying her unique "rhythm" and tempo. According to senior pro Eva Welsher, who has spent months analyzing Waters' game, this rhythm is the key to Waters' success and can be a game-changer for players of all levels.
Welsher identifies three key factors that set Waters apart from other players: minimal unforced errors, which allows her to play aggressively without making mistakes; knowledge of patterns, which enables her to anticipate her opponents' moves and attack with confidence; and a faster rhythm than everyone else, which doesn't give her opponents time to react or breathe. This faster rhythm is the most critical aspect of Waters' game, according to Welsher, as it dictates the tempo of the match and treats tempo itself as a weapon.
Understanding Rhythm in Pickleball
Welsher defines rhythm in pickleball as the tempo a player imposes on a match, including how quickly the ball comes back within a point and how little time passes between points. Most players accept the tempo they're given, but Waters dictates it, making it difficult for her opponents to keep up. Welsher notes that Waters' speed between points is just as damaging as her speed inside them, as it doesn't allow opponents to think strategically and makes them feel rushed and tense.
Welsher also observes that opponents often try to slow Waters down, but she is used to this tactic and knows how to counter it. In fact, Welsher argues that the pace of play itself has become a storyline in many matches, with opponents trying to slow down Waters to counter her rushing style. However, Welsher believes that this is not always a case of stalling, but rather an attempt to slow down the game to a normal pace.
The key takeaway from Welsher's analysis is that Waters' rhythm is not just about playing fast, but also about attacking when her opponents think they've earned time. This means that even when Waters is out of position or the ball is below the net level, she still hits hard and attacks at the kitchen, catching her opponents off guard. By studying Waters' rhythm and tempo, players can learn how to impose their own tempo on a match and gain a competitive edge.
Here are the three things that separate Anna Leigh Waters from other players, according to Welsher:
- Minimal unforced errors: Waters makes very few unforced errors, even when playing aggressively, which allows her to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match.
- Knowledge of patterns: Waters has a deep understanding of the game and can anticipate her opponents' moves, which enables her to attack with confidence and precision.
- A faster rhythm than everyone else: Waters' tempo is unmatched, and she dictates the pace of the game, making it difficult for her opponents to keep up and react.
By understanding and incorporating these elements into their own game, players can improve their overall performance and develop a more effective strategy for competing against top-level opponents.
