Raise The Bar: Q&A with Anna Bright
1. How many coffees or energy drinks did Anna have before practice? [2:24] Anna: None. She claims it was pure energy and describes herself as "a freaking winner" after winning $2 gambling the night before. 2. What's on Anna's bucket list for Vegas? [4:00] Anna: She mentioned jumping off a building with friends, spending more time with Dekel, and potentially shopping and gambling. 3. Has Anna played pickleball with Andre Agassi? [5:47] Anna: Yes, she played with him a couple of months ago at an event in New York. 4. Jackie Kawamoto [7:44] Anna : Jackie's Drops, getting to the line, maybe the best dinker in women's, her lobs are unreal and few errors. 5. Mari Humberg [10:21] Rate her flick 6. What partnership does Anna think could beat or push Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau? [12:51] Anna: She suggests Jackie Kawamoto on the left and Jorja Johnson on the right, citing Jackie's deception and ball movement, and Jorja's exceptional play out of the air. 7. What does Anna think needs improvement in her game to beat Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau? [15:12] Anna: Anna mentions improving her handling of the drive and crash, as well as her backhand dink to better compete with Anna Leigh's. 8. Where does Anna see the women's game heading in the next six months? [17:44] Anna: She believes the one-handed flick is becoming increasingly important and necessary, similar to how the "Erne" shot has become more prevalent in men's play. 9. Is the lob under-rated? [20:04] Anna: Yes 10. How many tournaments did you do with Riley Newman? [21:54] Anna: 3 11. Does Anna have a coach? [22:47] Anna: She doesn't currently have a coach but has considered it and has inquired with some people about potentially coaching her. 12. What does Anna think Gabe Tardio is doing differently in mixed doubles compared to his previous performances? [29:59] Anna: She notes that Gabe was getting to the line exceptionally well, making good decisions, and that his partner Jesse Irvine kept him focused on their game plan. 13. How does Anna describe facing Gabe Tardio at the kitchen line? [33:33] Anna: She says it feels very "squeezed," with limited space to hit into. She also mentions feeling rattled by his successful Ernies, which made her hesitant to dink behind him. 14. 36:11 Do you like the baseline or kitchen cam? Anna: I don't have an opinion on this. 15. Does Anna drill at tournaments? [36:47] Anna: She doesn't typically drill at tournaments but drills a lot at home, often with her parents. 16. Who are Anna's favorite people to practice with at tournaments? [38:26] Anna: She often practices with Dekel Bar and Tina Pisnik, partly due to convenience as they don't play singles. 17. Would Anna consider playing mixed doubles with Dekel Bar? [39:49] Anna: Yes, she says she would probably play mixed with Dekel if he had an opening. 18. What does Anna think Dekel needs to work on for mixed doubles? [41:26] Anna: She jokingly mentions that Dekel sometimes does "too much tricky stuff" and suggests he should use more "brute force" against women opponents. 19. How much is Anna willing to bet on her performance in the upcoming tournament? [45:57] Anna: Anna says she would bet $5,000 on making it to the semi-finals with her partner Tina Pisnik. 20. How much money is Anna planning to gamble with in Vegas? [47:31] Anna: She has $500 with her but says losing more than $200 would "really hurt" her.
Anna Bright Talks Pickleball Strategy, Vegas Adventures, and the Future of Women's Play
Rising star opens up about recent tournament performances, gambling exploits, and the evolving landscape of professional pickleball
In a candid and energetic interview on the "Raise The Bar" podcast, pickleball sensation Anna Bright shared insights into her recent tournament experiences, her thoughts on the sport's evolution, and her Vegas adventures off the court. Hosts Ryan Dawidjan and Dekel Bar engaged Bright in a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from gameplay strategies to late-night gambling sessions, offering fans a glimpse into the life of one of pickleball's most promising young talents.
Article: Fresh off a gold medal win with Rachel Rohrbacher and a silver in mixed doubles at a recent tournament, Anna Bright brought her characteristic enthusiasm to the podcast. Her energy was palpable as she recounted her first-ever gambling experience the night before, proudly declaring herself "a freaking winner" after coming out $2 ahead.
Bright's competitive spirit extends beyond the casino floor, as evidenced by her detailed analysis of recent matches and opponents. When asked about facing Gabe George at the kitchen line in mixed doubles, Bright described feeling "very squeezed," noting the limited space to hit into and the mental impact of George's successful Ernie shots. This insight into the psychological aspects of high-level play highlights the complex dynamics at work in professional pickleball matches.
The conversation turned to the future of women's pickleball, with Bright offering her perspective on emerging trends. She emphasized the growing importance of the one-handed flick, comparing its increasing prevalence to the rise of the Erne shot in men's play. This observation underscores the rapid evolution of techniques and strategies in the sport, as players constantly seek new ways to gain a competitive edge.
Bright's dedication to improvement was evident in her discussion of practice routines. While she doesn't typically drill at tournaments, she revealed that she spends considerable time drilling at home, often with her parents. This glimpse into her training regimen showcases the behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining her high level of play.
The interview also touched on potential partnerships and strategies for success in mixed doubles. Bright expressed openness to playing with host Dekel Bar, praising his powerful overhead shots while playfully suggesting he could benefit from using more "brute force" against women opponents. This banter highlighted the camaraderie among players on the professional circuit, even as they compete fiercely on the court.
One of the most intriguing segments of the interview focused on Bright's analysis of what it would take to beat the formidable team of Annalee Waters and Catherine Parenteau. She proposed a hypothetical partnership of Jackie Kawamoto and Georgia Johnson, citing Kawamoto's deception and ball movement skills and Johnson's exceptional play out of the air. This strategic thinking demonstrates Bright's deep understanding of the game and her ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of top players.
Bright also reflected on her own areas for improvement, particularly in handling drive and crash plays and refining her backhand dink to better compete with Annalee Waters. This self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement are hallmarks of a player poised for long-term success in the sport.
The conversation wasn't limited to on-court matters, as Bright shared her plans for enjoying Las Vegas off the court. From jumping off a building with friends to her cautious approach to gambling (bringing $500 but hoping not to lose more than $200), Bright's enthusiasm for new experiences was evident. These anecdotes provided a refreshing look at the human side of professional athletes, reminding listeners that even top competitors know how to have fun between matches.
As the interview wound down, Bright's competitive nature shone through once again as she confidently stated she would bet $5,000 on making it to the semi-finals with her partner Tina Pisnik in the upcoming tournament. This bold declaration encapsulates Bright's self-assurance and ambition, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her rapid rise in the pickleball world.
Throughout the interview, Anna Bright emerged as a multifaceted figure in the pickleball community – a fierce competitor with a deep understanding of the game's nuances, a dedicated athlete committed to constant improvement, and a vibrant personality unafraid to enjoy life off the court. As the sport of pickleball continues to grow and evolve, players like Bright are not just participating in its development but actively shaping its future through their play, insights, and engaging personalities.
