1 tip to maximize improvement, 2 Mcguffins? AND the BIGGEST update on my Journey to Pro, yet!

Welcome back to the 41st edition of this newsletter — powered by Selkirk!

Today’s edition has three parts: 

1. A Helpful Tip - If you train pickleball, try this one thing only few know about.

2. An Entertaining Video - Some random (and some say, hilarious) Tyson McGuffin impersonator went to the PPA Peachtree Classic last weekend. 

3. An Update on my Journey To Pro - I've decided. It's time to... (find out below)

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Also, welcome to the 72 people who joined last week and thanks to everyone who referred a friend.

Now, let’s get to it!

A HELPFUL TIP: 

In a past edition, I wrote how to use the 5 minute prep method to improve your game faster. 

The short version is, most train with no intention. They get to the courts and say, “What should we work on today?” 

I’m guilty of this, too. 

And while the 5 minute prep is more big picture thinking for an entire training session...

This short video shows you how to maximize your improvement — no matter what drill you do.

AN ENTERTAINING VIDEO: 

Part time Tyson McGuffin impersonator. How’s that for a LinkedIn title?

For those who don’t know, Tyson is currently ranked the #1 singles player in the world. 

Two weeks ago, I made an impersonation video of him. If you missed it, click here. 

Then last weekend during Tyson’s match at the PPA Peachtree Classic, I thought, what better way to cheer him on than to, well — be him?  

The camera crew jumped on the opportunity to watch (fake) Tyson, watch real Tyson…

I gotta admit. It was a fun time for everyone. It even got a nice smirk from Tyson mid-match 😂.

MY JOURNEY TO PRO PICKLEBALL: 

Let’s go back. 

It’s August 17, 2021. 

This was the day my entire life changed because this was the day I went to the pickleball courts for the first time. It was the day I got hooked on this game so many said, “is just for old people.” 

Fast forward four months. 

It’s Saturday, December 11, 2021. 

This was the day I decided, “I want to become a pro pickleball player in the next 12 months.” 

This was the day I decided to go “ALL IN.” 

So, what does that mean?

Well, it means I’d: 

• Hire a coach to train with. 

• Play rec games 6-7 times / week.

• Start drilling skills 3 days / week with friends I met at the park. 

Soon after I made these decisions, I played in my first tournament at the 4.0 level. Medaled a few times there. Then moved up to 4.5, medaled there. Then moved up to 5.0, which for those unfamiliar with pickleball levels, that’s one level before pro. And I won multiple medals there. 

Now, let’s jump in the Delorean and head back to the future (or in reality, the present).

It’s September 17, 2022.

I’m playing 5.0 at the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Peachtree Classic in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Two days earlier, I got 3rd in singles. On this day (Sept. 17), I got 1st place in doubles — making it the fourth time I’ve medaled at the 5.0 level and the second gold medal I’ve won. 

 

On Sunday, September 18, I was flying from Atlanta back to my home in Phoenix — sitting on the plane thinking…

“What’s next?” 

And well, I’ve decided — it’s time. 

It’s time to take my game to another level. 

It’s time to start entering more pro events. 

It’s time to become the pro that, back on December 11, 2021 — I decided I would become. 

Since December 11, 2021, it’s been 9 months and 11 days. 

And while I’m not sure if I’ll hit my target of officially becoming a pro pickleball player in 12 months, I do know I’ll continue to control what I can control. 

My work ethic. My desire to learn. And my commitment to show up each day being the best person and player I can be. 

Thanks for joining me on this journey, 

Kyle 

PS:  My mission here is to educate (and teach) people this awesome sport, make them laugh, and inspire others to have the courage to go after what they want in life.

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