Do Pickleball Pros Use Ball Machines? | Interview with Susannah Barr

Embracing Change And Building A Support System: Pro Susannah Barr On Her Pickleball Journey

Tennis convert Barr discusses adjustments, partnerships, and finding balance on the professional tour

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, growing from a hobby for retirees to a global phenomenon crossing age and ability levels. The professional scene is still evolving, but many top competitors like Susannah Barr got their start just a few years ago. In a recent episode of The Pickleball Effect podcast, hosts Logan Brown and Braden Unsicker interviewed the surging Barr about her journey in the sport. Barr originally played tennis, then after injuring her shoulder picked up pickleball as an alternative. She quickly excelled, going pro just three and a half years ago. This season she’s ascended to an elite level, winning several high-profile tournaments with partners like Catherine Parenteau, Andrei Daescu, and Megan Fudge.

Pickleball pro Susannah Barr credits consistency and hard work for major improvements this season: “If you look at last year I medaled at almost every tournament I played. This year I’m getting more Golds.” With her success and the turmoil surrounding competing leagues PPA and MLP, Barr recently signed a contract with MLP. She cited the stability and team environment as deciding factors, despite not knowing much about the future structure. For 2024, Barr aims to continue playing both MLP and APP events. 1. 00:55 Introducing Susannah Barr Barr has quickly built her reputation over just a few years as a pro. She went from local amateur status to competing regionally around three years ago. While new faces like Anna Bright jumped in with tennis experience, Barr feels her volleyball background helps with touch shots. “I kind of saw Vivienne David before anyone else and was already talking her up...I’d love to play with her again sometime if we get the chance.” Part of Barr’s strategy involves partnering with promising up and comers early on. She enjoys mentoring new talent and building chemistry over multiple tournaments. 2. 12:44 Steve Kuhn stepping down from MLP + future of PPA x MLP Pickleball politics took over the segment, with hosts Logan Brown and Braden Unsicker asking Barr about the breaking news of MLP co-founder Steve Kuhn reportedly stepping down. Kuhn was an outspoken driving force behind the MLP startup, promising players better pay and working conditions. His sudden departure and reduced role shocked many supporters. Barr could not confirm details, given the lack of official communication to contracted MLP players: “As a player we have not received any official word on Steve or the board or anything...very quiet as a player which is again a little bit of an issue we definitely would like to know more of what’s happening.” She speculated disputes are more business related than about pickleball itself. As players wait anxiously for the 2024 schedule after the supposed PPA/MLP “merger”, Barr mainly hopes any changes benefit the sport and athletes long-term. 3. 18:34 APP International: Could a trip to India be next? While the U.S. professional structure sorts itself out, Barr aims to play more international events with the APP Tour. She raved about her experience at the English Open this season. Barr appreciates the global growth of pickleball and playing with competitors from over 30 countries. Looking ahead, trips to India or other countries seem possible. Barr loves exploring different cultures through pickleball. “I would love to do more international pickleball...the tournament in England was probably my favorite this year.” 4. 20:30 Talking the sustainability of pro pickleball The unknown economics of professional pickleball concerned hosts Brown and Unsicker. With reported seven figure payouts for top players and massive event production costs, they questioned the current model’s sustainability. Barr admitted finances are beyond her scope, trusting the tours have a long term vision. As a player, she aims to perform her best and collect wins to earn money. Pickleball’s continued expansion should attract more corporate sponsors to cover growing pains. “I do think though that in general the sport's just going to keep getting bigger and we are going to get more and more sponsors.” While live audiences lag behind tennis and other sports, increased broadcasts should build that critical revenue source overtime Barr explained. 5. 26:24 Susannah gives Logan and Braden feedback on their gameplay Transitioning to a fun segment, Barr evaluated clips of hosts Brown and Unsicker competing in mixed doubles matches. She identified subtle technical flaws like footwork and positioning, along with smart strategic decisions. On Unsicker letting a ball go thinking it would land wide, Barr noted: “You did need to cover middle a little more but I do think like you went pretty far over but you were still sort of sitting backhand so you don't need to be that far.” For Brown’s struggling backhand, getting into better body position was Barr’s recommendation: “If you pivot back like he had pivoted off the kitchen line a little bit, then he would have had that space.” True to her coaching rep, Barr framed constructive feedback positively while clearly identifying areas for improvement. 6. 35:12 Susannah's thoughts on ball machines: Should you use them? The use of ball machines sparked debate between pickleball instructors. Barr weighed in from her perspective as a lessons pro. She owns but rarely uses a ball machine herself. In Barr’s view, machines have limited utility developing proper form on specific shots. The regulated repetition helps groove technical adjustments without other variables. Ball machines fall short mimicking real match unpredictability though. “You need the variety to teach you how to move yourself into position so that you're hitting the ball where you like it.” Nothing replicates reading an opponent’s paddle and body cues. For Barr, a 5-10% balance of machine practice to drilling seems ideal. 7. 38:30 Get yourself in position to hit your preferred shot Elite players have ideal contact points for their best shots ingrained. Barr focuses on moving into proper position to make that happen. She shared how imagining desired ball placement down to the inch keeps her footwork sharp. “That’s how I think about it...this is why you are so much better than me. I know exactly where I want that ball to be when I make contact with it.” Barr also stressed the constant adjustment required based on factors like opponent, weather, and fatigue. Perfect textbook form only gets you so far. 8. 41:00 Logan's experience with "ball machines" in various sports Brown added his multi-sport experience using ball machines for baseball and tennis. He found value in some randomness from higher end machines. But reading an actual pitcher or opponent’s cues makes a big difference in live action. Brown agreed with Barr that machines can engrain bad habits if overused. Their detached nature differs from reacting to a human across the net. Barr reiterated focusing on paddle and body tracking provides information vital in matches. 9. 43:40 Susannah discusses her preferred paddle setup + Selkirk's new Luxx paddle The pickleball ambassador for Selkirk, Barr offered insight into her paddle progression. She originally used the control focused Selkirk Maxima before switching to the Power Air for more pop. “I knew I wanted more power...I also wanted faster hands that I think it gives you.” Changing paddle profiles required a five week adjustment period Barr estimated. Her coach helped tweak technique for the new, thinner paddle. Adding weight at the top of the handle increased power further. For Selkirk’s new Luxx paddle, Barr noticed intriguing early results. Fellow pro Rob Nunnery won using the control-based option seemingly opposite his usual style. Barr expects a softer, more touch friendly feel suiting players at lower levels. Summary Susannah Barr covered a range of topics pivotal to her development as an elite pickleball player. She discussed partner chemistry, managing change, politics affecting job security, and growing the sport globally. Barr also gave coaching takeaways on using ball machines, moving into ideal position, and changing paddle types. Her thoughtful insights revealed how aspiring pros must embrace change on multiple fronts. Barr demonstrates drive adapting her technique, chemistry with partners, and paddle setups. She also discussed the benefits of building a support team including coaching, fitness, and mental training experts. Pickleball chaos swirls around Barr with conflicting league interests and unknown future directions. Through it all she maintains remarkable poise, controlling only what she can as an athlete, teammate and ambassador of the sport. Susannah Barr represents a model all can learn from balancing development on and off the court.