Is Dekel's Serve Legal?? | Dekel Bar - Conversations with DJ

 

From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Fame: Dekel Bar's Journey to the Top

Israeli-born athlete discusses his transition, business ventures, and the future of the sport

In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball, few players have made as significant an impact as Dekel Bar. The Israeli-born athlete, who transitioned from professional tennis to become one of pickleball's most formidable competitors, recently sat down with DJ Young for an enlightening conversation on the podcast "Conversations With DJ." From his early days on the tennis courts to his current status as a pickleball powerhouse, Bar offers unique insights into the sport's growth, its challenges, and his own entrepreneurial ventures. This intimate discussion provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a top-tier athlete navigating the exciting landscape of America's fastest-growing sport.

1. 00:00:00, Introduction and Tennis Background,

Dekel Bar's journey began on the tennis courts of Israel at the age of nine. He quickly progressed to playing professionally from 18 to 24, eschewing college to pursue his dream. Bar's tennis career was marked by early success and a powerful serve, but recurring injuries, particularly to his abdominal muscles, ultimately led him to step away from the sport. This setback, however, would pave the way for his introduction to pickleball, a transition that would redefine his athletic career.

2. 00:05:05, Who was better at tennis? Collin or Dekel?,

In a lighthearted comparison with his friend and fellow pickleball pro Collin Johns, Bar reveals that while his tennis ranking was higher (around 500 compared to Johns' 900), their head-to-head record stood at an even 1-1. This friendly rivalry would later evolve into a strong partnership both on and off the pickleball court, showcasing the camaraderie that defines much of the sport's culture.

3. 00:08:20, Transition to Pickleball,

Bar's introduction to pickleball came through Ben Johns, a pivotal figure in the sport. Initially skeptical, Bar and Collin Johns quickly realized the complexity and challenge of pickleball during their first tournament experiences. Bar recounts humbling defeats against players who, despite not appearing as athletic, possessed superior pickleball skills. This steep learning curve only fueled Bar's determination to excel in his new sport.

4. 00:17:25, Sponsorships,

As Bar's pickleball career took off, so did sponsorship opportunities. He discusses his early deals, including a partnership with Paddletek that later evolved into a sponsorship with Prince. Bar provides insight into the sponsorship landscape of pickleball's early days, where top players might earn between $20,000 to $40,000 annually – a far cry from today's more lucrative arrangements. This evolution in sponsorships mirrors the sport's explosive growth and increasing professionalization.

5. 00:19:52, DJ's Mixed Doubles Story vs Anna Leigh and Tyler,

In a moment of shared experience, DJ Young recounts his own challenging match against pickleball prodigies Anna Leigh Waters and Tyler Loong. This anecdote highlights the rapid skill development within the sport and the unique strategies that set pickleball apart from tennis, providing context for Bar's own learning curve and adaptation to the nuances of pickleball play.

6. 00:21:20, Hindsight on Pickleball's Popularity,

Reflecting on pickleball's meteoric rise, Bar admits he didn't anticipate the sport's current level of popularity. He saw it initially as a fun way to continue competing post-tennis, with the bonus of potentially having his expenses covered. The explosive growth of pickleball over the past few years has surprised even its dedicated players, with Bar noting that the sport's evolution has been rapid and continuous.

7. 00:25:18, Pickleball Getaways & Pickleball 360,

Bar's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his discussion of Pickleball Getaways and Pickleball 360. Founded with Ben Johns in late 2018, Pickleball Getaways combines Bar's love for travel with pickleball instruction, offering unique experiences for enthusiasts worldwide. Pickleball 360, a joint venture with Ben and Collin Johns, provides online instructional content, leveraging the teaching skills of the Johns brothers and expanding access to high-level pickleball education.

8. 00:32:30, Stacking,

The conversation turns technical as Bar discusses the strategy of "stacking" in pickleball. He believes this technique will remain a part of the game due to players' side preferences and team dynamics. Bar introduces the concept of "half-stacking" as a potential solution to challenges posed by increasingly fast-paced play, demonstrating the ongoing tactical evolution within the sport.

9. 00:35:55, The Future of Paddles in Pickleball,

Bar delves into the contentious topic of paddle technology and its impact on the game. He advocates for reasonable regulations to maintain a balance between technological advancement and player skill. Bar suggests potential solutions, such as power-to-thickness ratios for paddles, to ensure fair play while allowing for innovation. This discussion underscores the ongoing debate within the pickleball community about equipment standards and their effect on gameplay.

10. 00:44:50, Dekel's Serve,

The podcast concludes with Bar addressing the controversy surrounding his powerful serve. He staunchly defends the legality of his technique, challenging viewers to find video evidence of any rule violations. Bar advocates for clearer, more consistent serving rules across all pickleball organizations, similar to those adopted by Major League Pickleball. This segment highlights the ongoing discussions about standardization and rule clarity in the rapidly evolving sport.

Throughout the interview, Dekel Bar emerges as not just a skilled athlete but a thoughtful ambassador for pickleball. His journey from professional tennis to pickleball stardom encapsulates the sport's appeal to former racquet sport players and its potential for rapid skill development. Bar's insights into the technical aspects of the game, from serving techniques to paddle technology, provide a window into the complex discussions shaping pickleball's future.

Moreover, Bar's entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate the opportunities arising from pickleball's growing popularity. Pickleball Getaways and Pickleball 360 not only capitalize on the sport's expansion but also contribute to its growth by providing unique experiences and education to players worldwide.

As pickleball continues its ascent in the sports world, voices like Dekel Bar's will be crucial in navigating the challenges of standardization, technology regulation, and maintaining the sport's inclusive spirit while fostering high-level competition. His balanced perspective on issues like paddle power and serving rules reflects a desire to see pickleball evolve thoughtfully, preserving the elements that make it unique while embracing innovations that can enhance play.

In the end, Dekel Bar's story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and passion. From the tennis courts of Israel to the pickleball courts of America, his journey exemplifies the transformative power of sport and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for pickleball and its growing community of players and fans. As the sport continues to evolve, athletes like Bar will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future, both on and off the court.