Passionate Pickleball Parents Balance Life, Love, and Laughs on the Court
Popular podcasters Matt and Abby Brandenberger of Fort Wayne, Indiana share insights on improving your game while keeping perspective.
As the crisp autumn air sweeps across the Midwest, many sports fans turn their attention to football and the start of a new season. But for a growing number of athletes, fall means the continuation of a different type of action - the fast-paced, addictive game of pickleball. And at the center of the pickleball conversation in the Fort Wayne area is Matt and Abby Brandenberger, whose popular podcast "1 More Game" offers insightful strategy discussions peppered with plenty of laughter and levity.
- Abby discusses her pet peeve (4:15)
Abby shares one of her biggest frustrations when trying to organize pickleball matches - people asking "Who else is coming?" after she invites them to play. As a busy mom of 5 girls, Abby spends much of her day coordinating activities, so detailing the entire guest list feels cumbersome.
She playfully vents her annoyance but understands the reasoning behind the question for newer players. However, after 3 years engrossed in their local pickleball scene, Abby believes her friends should know the regular crew by now. Still, she tries to see it from their perspective - some players prefer certain skill levels, while awkward social dynamics can make mixing groups complicated.
Abby clarifies that the issue reflects no ill will toward her fellow players. "It's not on me cuz you get along with everybody," Matt assures her. He agrees to help by creating a viral meme with stern advice - just say yes or no to Abby's invitation without demanding additional details. Though well-intentioned, this suggestion seems unlikely to solve the underlying tension.
- Pickleball and Changing Culture (09:26)
Matt segues into a weightier topic - how the culture of pickleball will evolve with Ace Pickleball's new facility. Currently, players in Fort Wayne reserve weekly court times in consistent groups. But Ace's model focuses on open play and special events that mix abilities and personalities. Matt acknowledges this will challenge local norms. He believes most will welcome increased inclusivity, but identifies "snobby" folks who prefer their regular teams as likely holdouts. Abby adds that variety benefits your game - lesser players often surprise, teaching you to "expect the unexpected." Interacting across skill levels improves both the new and the experienced.
Matt compares observations after visiting Ace's future site near Cleveland. Subcultures within that scene already blended players more freely, partly due to packed courts restricting cliquey play. Most importantly, he asserts Fort Wayne boasts an exceptionally strong pickleball community that uplifts everyone through its passion and sportsmanship. Ace will expand this culture while enhancing skills, especially among intermediate players who rarely face top competition. Though adjusting from their current system may prove difficult, ultimately Ace will elevate the city's existing pickleball excellence.
- Shout-out to the podcast “4.0 to Pro” (15:34)
Transitioning topics, Matt raves about the instructional podcast “4.0 to Pro” from hosts Michael O’Neal and Scott Fellman. He finds their technical breakdowns of match play strategy insightful, particularly a recent episode contrasting driving versus dropping. Matt admits feeling slightly embarrassed by his over-eagerness to drive the ball despite understanding its folly.
Even his cautionary motto “D93” (only drive 7% of shots) fails to curb this habit fully. The hosts explain driving's low success rate - even good drives often set up opponents without truly winning a point. They advocate playing “percentage pickleball,” using less risky shots to reach a neutral position. From there, a disciplined dink game seals the win. This perspective resonates with Matt, who vows to drive less and work on optimizing his current situation.
Abby jokes that no man can resist driving, though data suggests her self-restraint proves greater. Videotape may settle this “he said, she said” debate.
- Abby and Matt discuss pickleball strategies and techniques (19:46)
Expanding on insights from “4.0 to Pro,” Abby and Matt explore pickleball techniques for improving shot selection and court positioning. A key takeaway - take pace off the ball by hitting around 60% power, focusing control over velocity. This “new school drop” uses topspin to keep the ball low, rather than blasting high-speed drives. Finessing shots forces opponents into mistakes while maximizing your precision.
They also address the importance of footing when serving. Proper initial positioning lets you hit comfortable forehand third shots. Matt admits neglecting this as the server on the right, failing to set his feet for ideal court coverage. The conversation touches on “taking” third shots to enable your partner’s poach before circling back to the pod’s core theme - limit driving. Matt equates it to the Bible verse about desiring good but doing harmful things.
Drives feed the other team’s offense, undermining your partner’s strengths. At higher levels, flat baseline drives rarely beat good net play. Instead, take pace off the ball with gentle arcs. Get to the kitchen line in control, then win through skillful volleys.
- Shot selection and the crosscourt drop (23:03)
Matt heralds the crosscourt drop as the default return to start a point. Its diagonal angle provides more room for error compared to straight drops. When situated on the right, Abby prefers targeting the receiver's body to avoid feeding their forehand strength. Matt counters that any crosscourt direction puts them on their heels. If your drop lands shallow, aiming away from the receiver's optimal strike zone increases your margin.
This aligns with the hosts’ percentage pickleball philosophy. Though Abby's body shots seem logical, even her excellent precision will falter occasionally. A crosscourt drop's wider parameters protect you when missing the ideal location. While less aggressive, it allows both partners time to assume optimal court position. Don't attempt low-odds winners - take the higher percentage play to control the point. Mastering this discipline separates the great from the good.
- Percentage pickleball and getting to neutral (24:14)
Expanding on percentage pickleball strategy, Matt emphasizes the importance of reaching a neutral point position as the serving team. Your opponents begin with inherent advantages since one is already at the non-volley line. Your goal is getting both players up to neutralize this asymmetry.
Though riskier shots may sporadically succeed when serving, regularly dropping neutral balls back to their feet maximizes odds through consistency. If you reach the line yourself in a balanced formation, your chances soar. Winning 50% of these rallies means your dinking requires no extra work. While highlights like driving past opponents feel rewarding, focus on executing the proper setup shot instead of seeking fleeting glories.
- A Radical Statement about driving the pickleball (26:43)
In keeping with his steady advice against driving, Matt shares his most extreme position - never drive toward an opponent already stationed at the net. Abby pushes back on this blanket statement. At times, she notes, driving at a player produces a soft pop-up smash.
Matt clarifies driving is acceptable when both your opponents are deep, but argues its low success versus good net play from the baseline. Any drive mere feet from the line often speeds back past you. He reiterates earlier points - take pace off, use finesse, don't commit unforced errors.
While Abby's objections have validity, Matt's more conservative philosophy aligns with their overriding theme of having a plan and playing the percentages. His radical stance may court controversy, but emphasizes the cerebral discipline and shot consistency needed to excel.
- Closing thoughts and what they love (29:03)
Wrapping up the podcast, Matt and Abby share positive reflections to inspire listeners. Abby enthusiastically anticipates Ace Pickleball's upcoming opening, bringing the game she loves to more people. Though starting a business entails strains, seeing the tangible fruits of their vision come to life overrides these hurdles.
Matt finds motivation in his limited remaining chances to savor memorable family moments like reading with daughters before time flies further. He waxes poetic about how transitional periods like second grade represent the conclusion of an era. But expressions of love must continue evolving as life moves forward.
Ultimately, Abby receives the pep talk she needs - embrace the future and its exciting developments while cherishing each present moment with those you care for most. At its core, pickleball provides joy, camaraderie and exercise (with a touch of friendly competition). But it remains simply one priority among many. Marriages, kids and communities all require work to thrive. Recognizing this balance helps alleviate the angst when paddles and plans inevitably collide.
Thankfully, spouses like Matt can provide the levity to smooth out conflicts with laughter rather than lodging deeper resentments. Though busy schedules and shifting relationships will keep testing us, sometimes the solution is as simple as adding one more game.
Summary
Through open discussions of improvement and levity in their on-court partnerships, Matt and Abby Brandenberger's “1 More Game” podcast blends engaging insights with relatable humor. Their lighthearted but sincere conversations cover common tensions pickleball friendships face regarding time limitations, skill differences and contrasting expectations. Though arriving at definitive answers proves elusive, showing grace and flexibility helps alleviate relational strains.
More broadly, Matt and Abby emphasize maintaining perspective about what matters most amid the ups and downs of competition. Train diligently to hone your talents, but avoid outcome obsession. Appreciate the joy pickleball provides while investing in deeper relationships with those you care about. With the right motivation, one more game unifies rather than divides.
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