The 2023 PPA Atlanta Open Mixed Doubles Championship, pitting the formidable duo of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters against Riley Newman and Paris Todd, delivered an electrifying showcase of professional pickleball, as highlighted in the video above. This match was a masterclass in strategic execution, athletic prowess, and the mental fortitude required at the sport’s highest levels, offering invaluable insights for players looking to elevate their game.
Deconstructing the Dynamics of Elite Mixed Doubles Pickleball
Professional mixed doubles pickleball demands a unique blend of individual talent and seamless partnership. Each player brings distinct strengths, and the ability to leverage these while minimizing weaknesses is paramount.
Johns & Waters: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Ben Johns, often considered the greatest male player in pickleball history, consistently demonstrates his ability to finish points with devastating precision. His forehand flick, as noted by commentators, is like a surgeon’s scalpel, capable of dissecting the tightest defenses and returning the ball exactly where it came from with unanswerable pace.
Anna Leigh Waters complements Johns with her exceptional athleticism and aggressive court coverage. Her defensive plays, often turning seemingly lost points into offensive opportunities, are akin to a flexible steel shield, absorbing pressure and redirecting it back with force. Their combined power often creates an overwhelming offensive front.
Newman & Todd: The Art of Strategic Pressure
Riley Newman and Paris Todd counter this power with a nuanced approach built on relentless pressure and tactical shot placement. Newman’s ability to “pick-pocket” opponents, taking balls out of the air or off the bounce with deceptive quickness, acts like a skilled thief in the night, stealing points when they seem least likely.
Paris Todd’s contributions, though less explicitly detailed in the highlights, are crucial in maintaining consistent pressure and setting up Newman’s aggressive attacks. Their teamwork creates a web of dinks and drives, forcing opponents into uncomfortable positions and capitalizing on even the slightest misstep.
Unforgettable Moments and Strategic Implications
Beyond the spectacular shots, this match at the 2023 PPA Atlanta Open provided several moments that underscore the intense mental and physical demands of professional pickleball.
The “Friendly Fire” Incident and Paddle Loss
One of the most memorable moments involved Riley Newman’s paddle flying into the crowd—a rare occurrence that speaks to the sheer force and intensity of his play. While thankfully no dental work was needed, as humorously noted by the commentators, such an incident can momentarily disrupt focus. For any player, maintaining composure after an unexpected event is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of competitive play.
The ATP Shot: A Stroke of Genius
Riley Newman’s “off-hand ATP” (Around The Post) shot was a moment of pure brilliance, prompting the male commentator to suggest it should be “worth double.” This advanced shot, executed from outside the sideline, requires incredible paddle skills, hand-eye coordination, and strategic foresight. It’s the pickleball equivalent of a baseball player hitting an inside-the-park home run—unexpected, thrilling, and a testament to extraordinary skill.
An ATP shot is often a high-risk, high-reward play, reserved for moments when an opponent leaves a wide-open court on their side. Successfully pulling it off, especially with the non-dominant hand, showcases a player’s mastery and willingness to push boundaries.
The Role of Defense and Pace
Crucially, this mixed doubles championship highlighted the “spectacular” defense exhibited by both sides. Good defense in pickleball isn’t just about returning the ball; it’s about neutralizing offensive threats and transitioning back to offense. Anna Leigh Waters demonstrated this by going for unexpected shots, disrupting her opponents’ rhythm and forcing errors.
The concept of “pace,” mentioned as a missing ingredient for Johns and Waters at one point, is vital. It refers to the speed and depth of shots, dictating the tempo of the game. A lack of pace can allow opponents too much time to set up their offense, while expertly controlled pace can rush them and create openings, much like a chess master controlling the board.
Lessons for Aspiring Pickleball Players
Analyzing this high-stakes 2023 PPA Atlanta Open mixed doubles battle reveals several key takeaways for amateur and aspiring professional pickleball players:
- Master the Basics, Then Innovate: The pros demonstrate fundamental shots (forehand flicks, dinks) with unparalleled consistency, then add layers of complexity like the ATP. Solidifying your dinks, volleys, and groundstrokes is the foundation.
- Develop a “Finishing” Mentality: Ben Johns’ ability to “finish things off” underscores the importance of converting opportunities. Practice aggressive, well-placed shots designed to end the point decisively, rather than just keeping the ball in play.
- Embrace Defensive Resilience: Anna Leigh Waters’ tenacious defense is a reminder that not every point is won with offense. Learn to reset difficult balls, absorb pace, and extend rallies until an opening appears. Think of defense as setting the stage for future offense.
- Understand Court Positioning and Teamwork: In mixed doubles, seamless communication and understanding your partner’s strengths and weaknesses are critical. Work together to cover the court effectively, anticipating shots and moving as a unit.
- Control the Pace: Experiment with varying the speed and depth of your shots. Sometimes a soft dink is more effective than a hard drive, and vice versa. Using pace strategically can keep your opponents off balance, much like a pitcher varying pitches to a batter.
The 2023 PPA Atlanta Open Mixed Doubles Championship serves as a brilliant example of how individual brilliance combines with strategic partnership to create thrilling, high-level pickleball. By studying these professional tactics and moments, players can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s nuances and find inspiration for their own journey on the pickleball court.
Volley Your Questions: Atlanta Open Mixed Doubles Championship Q&A
What event is discussed in this article?
The article highlights the 2023 PPA Atlanta Open Mixed Doubles Championship, a professional pickleball match featuring top players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters.
What does “mixed doubles” mean in pickleball?
In mixed doubles pickleball, a team consists of one male player and one female player who compete together against another mixed team.
What is an “ATP shot” in pickleball?
An ATP (Around The Post) shot is an advanced and often risky play where a player hits the ball from outside the sideline, around the net post, into the opponent’s court.
What does “pace” refer to in pickleball?
In pickleball, “pace” refers to the speed and depth of shots. Controlling pace is vital for dictating the tempo of the game and keeping opponents off balance.
What are some basic pickleball shots new players should master?
New pickleball players should focus on mastering fundamental shots like dinks, volleys, and groundstrokes. These are the building blocks for more advanced play.
