Alpha Pickleball Podcast EP 03 (Ryler DeHeart)

 

From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Dreams: Ryler DeHeart's Unlikely Journey to Pickleball Glory How a former college tennis standout became a rising star in the fastest growing sport in America Alpha Pickleball Podcast host Tatsuya "Tats" Nakagawa sits down with Ryler DeHeart, a former professional tennis player turned professional pickleball player, for a wide-ranging and insightful discussion about DeHeart's personal journey into the world of pickleball as well as his thoughts on skills development, the growth of the sport, and why he thinks pickleball and tennis communities can peacefully co-exist.

You had tremendous success as a college tennis player before going pro. What was the transition like going from college tennis to playing full-time on the pro tour? (1:14)

DeHeart reflects positively on his college tennis career playing for the University of Illinois, crediting his coaches and teammates for providing a nurturing environment, instilling discipline through academic responsibilities, and preparing him for pressure situations. However, the grind of professional tennis required major adjustments. In college, everything was handled for the players - travel, scheduling, equipment, etc. But touring pros have to take care of all logistics themselves. Financial constraints also forced difficult choices. The physical toll was also an eye-opener. DeHeart admits he took his health for granted in college and didn’t properly invest in injury prevention best practices early on. That came back to haunt him later with nagging injuries that ultimately led him to retire earlier than he hoped. When and how did pickleball first appear on your radar and what inspired you to start pursuing it more seriously? (6:25)

DeHeart's initial pickleball experience came roughly 8-10 years ago while recruiting tennis players. He was introduced to the sport by a coach whose father-in-law had a pickleball court. But after hitting some balls, DeHeart all but forgot about it. During pandemic lockdowns, DeHeart and his wife, Megan Fudge, set up a pickleball court in their driveway, as many others did. When new job opportunities arose in a part of Florida near enthusiastic pickleball friends, the DeHearts got a proper pickleball introduction. After some early tournament success playing together, seeing pro players compete inspired dreams of pickleball glory. As prize money grew, DeHeart went all-in on pro pickleball. As a tennis player transitioning into pickleball, what skills or shots proved the most challenging to pick up? (9:57)

Like most tennis converts, DeHeart says singles play transferred more seamlessly while developing touch shots like the dink took time and practice. But he now enjoys incorporating finesse shots into his well-rounded game. DeHeart focuses on maintaining sound pickleball fundamentals before layering on flashy shots. He believes the best players minimize errors and force opponents to beat themselves. But at higher levels, players must continue improving their shot variety and skills. DeHeart works tirelessly on his overall game - drilling precision dinks, tuning specialty shots like the Ernie, and shoring up perceived weaknesses. You seem to emphasize keeping your game simple compared to players attempting trick shots. Is sticking to fundamentals a deliberate strategy based on coaching principles? (11:58)

DeHeart applies core coaching philosophies to his own development - establishing a solid technical base enables adding stylish shots later. While highlighting abilities is enjoyable, he prioritizes mistake avoidance. DeHeart models the mental and physical discipline displayed by renowned players like Ben Johns and Andrei Daescu, praising their steadiness. By building sound technique, new skills integrate more smoothly. DeHeart is incrementally expanding his repertoire with measured exploration of exciting shots, hoping to surprise opponents next season. But he believes well-executed fundamentals triumph over flashy highlights reels. Winners stem from forcing opponents into errors, not miracle shots. For beginner to intermediate players, what skills should they focus on drilling to elevate from one level to the next? (15:27)

DeHeart stresses repetitious drilling - whether volleys or third-shot drops - as the path to mastery. Players should self-diagnose weaknesses then devote focused practice to those areas. Want better dinks? Hit more backhand dinks. Half-speed games have benefits but drilling ingrains muscle memory. He reminds players to work on transition shots Moving effectively from baseline to kitchen is vital. DeHeart wants to pressure opponents quickly (within two shots) before resetting to control the net. But measured aggression and minimizing mistakes early in rallies boosts point success rates exponentially. Ultimately, DeHeart urges pickleball players to mindfully drill skills needing improvement rather than simply playing recreationally. Growth flows from breaking down weaknesses and addressing them through deliberate training. Can you share any colorful stories or fun memories you’ve accumulated playing pickleball? (18:46)

DeHeart fondly recalls winning numerous mixed doubles comeback tournaments thanks to the unique pickleball comeback draw. After first match losses, he loved battling back through the draw to face that same opponent in the finals and avenge the earlier defeat. DeHeart feels the comeback draw format reveals competitor character - real players finish tournaments. He also details mixed doubles partnerships straining marriage relationships through volatile emotional swings - intensely joyous when smooth but fraught when struggling. While his mixed doubles record with wife Megan remains stellar, off-court friction erupted. They recently elected to split as partners but DeHeart emphasizes valuing marital happiness over any medal count.

As an experienced coach, what excite you about junior pickleball and getting youth involved? (24:24)

DeHeart radiates enthusiasm about rocketing junior pickleball participation, now coaching his own children. He recently witnessed his 8-year old daughter Lily become the youngest gold medalist in APP tour history, vanquishing a nemesis. After years developing tennis players, DeHeart loves mentoring junior pickleball athletes. He believes properly welcoming eager youth players strengthens the broader pickleball community. DeHeart reminds critics that today’s juniors are tomorrow’s posteriors and spokespeople. If objections over court space or youth hijinks arise, he advocates extending grace and remembering the priority of healthy activity. Pickleball provides genuine community across age groups.

You mentioned the occasional friction between tennis and pickleball communities - do you think they can peacefully co-exist? What needs to happen? (25:07)

Despite temporarily setting aside tennis for pickleball, DeHeart firmly believes both sports can flourish together as he once played both. He thinks sharing facilities reduces friction. Requests for dedicated pickleball courts are reasonable to accommodate growing enthusiasm. DeHeart simply asks for mutual understanding and respect across player communities. Tennis needn't feel threatened by pickleball’s popularity surge. He will proudly advocate for pickleball without denigrating other sports and hopes tennis players adopt a similar supportive mindset regarding multi-generational integration.

In closing, DeHeart reiterates pickleball having unprecedented growth outpacing other sports which gets entire families exercising together. He expects to continue touring the country with his wife and kids in their recreational vehicle, competing while advocating for the sport he loves.. DeHeart calls pickleball “a gift” for improving lives through athletic endeavors and intergenerational connections. He thanks the community for welcoming his family on this journey.