Riding with Riley: Riley Newman Talks Pickleball Prep, Strategies, and More

 

Behind the Wheel with Riley Newman: A Pro Pickleball Journey to Day 4 at Virginia Beach

Riley Newman Opens Up About Life as a Pro Pickleball Player: From Pre-Match Routines to Part-Time Jobs

In his first episode, pro pickleball player Riley Newman takes us along for a ride to Day 4 of the PPA Tournament in Virginia Beach. As he navigates the streets, he shares his thoughts on competition, strategies, pre-game rituals, and even some personal anecdotes about his journey before becoming a pickleball star. From his unique sleep habits to his former jobs, Riley provides a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a pro athlete.

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1. Introduction and Sleep Routine (0:17)

Riley kicks off the interview with a discussion about his excitement for Day 4 of the PPA Tournament. Despite a late night, he’s well-rested after 10 hours of sleep, something he considers essential for recovery. He even mentions that tennis legend Roger Federer sleeps 12 hours, highlighting the importance of proper rest for peak performance. For aspiring pros, he advises prioritizing sleep as a critical aspect of recovery.

2. Visualization and Relaxation Techniques (1:02)

Riley talks about his mental preparation for the match, noting that his visualization exercises were completed the day before. As he drives to the venue, he takes time to focus on his breathing and relax. He suggests that many players, both amateur and professional, can benefit from managing pre-game nerves with breathing exercises and mindfulness.

3. Mixed Doubles Strategy (1:49) 

Riley discusses his upcoming mixed doubles match against former partners Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon. He explains a unique strategy he and his partner Jackie Kawamoto used, placing Jackie on the left side to disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm. Riley emphasizes the importance of flexibility in doubles, noting that some players are too rigid about their court positions. 

(4) Catherine Parenteau/Christian Alshon v (11) Jackie Kawamoto/Riley Newman

4. Men's Doubles and Underdog Mindset (3:22)

Riley dives into men’s doubles, mentioning an upset in a previous match involving Casey Diamond and Max Freeman defeating Tyson McGuffin and Jay Devilliers. Though Riley and his partner Rafa Hewett are often considered underdogs due to his lower ranking this season, Riley enjoys the challenge. He explains that taking time off in 2024 to travel to places like Brazil and Australia caused his ranking to drop, but he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong.

(6) Christian Alshon/James Ignatowich v (9) Riley Newman/Rafa Hewett

5. Part-Time Jobs Before Pickleball (4:36)

Before finding success in pickleball, Riley worked various part-time jobs, including being an Uber driver and a movie extra in LA. He shares a funny story about his mom’s favorite memory of him, playing Danny Zuko in a middle school production of Grease. Despite his pickleball achievements, his mom still fondly recalls his performance in Grease as her favorite moment.

6. Pre-Game Routine: A Calm Start to the Day (6:01)

When asked about his routine on the day of a tournament, Riley shares how he tries to avoid diving into his phone immediately after waking up. Instead, he takes a few moments to relax, get some fresh sunlight, and enjoy a hearty breakfast—usually a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel. His focus is on staying calm and mentally prepared for the day ahead.

7. The Life of a Pro Pickleball Player (6:44)

Riley laughs about driving himself to the tournament in a rental car, as many pro pickleball players do. He mentions that he’s not one to splurge on parking and shares a funny anecdote about his dad’s frugality, which has clearly rubbed off on him. Despite the fame and success, Riley remains grounded, doing what it takes to save a few bucks on the road.

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In-Depth Summary:
Riley Newman offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a professional pickleball player in this candid car ride interview. He emphasizes the importance of sleep, mental preparation, and flexibility in strategy—keys to his success on the court. Beyond the sport, Riley’s stories about his past jobs and frugal habits reveal a down-to-earth personality, relatable to anyone pursuing their passion. Whether he's playing against former partners or navigating the challenges of being an underdog, Riley's enthusiasm and humility shine through.

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Question List:

1. (0:17) How many hours of sleep does Riley recommend for aspiring pro athletes? 
2. (1:02) What mental preparation techniques does Riley use before a big match? 
3. (1:49) How does Riley adjust his mixed doubles strategy to gain an advantage? 
4. (3:22) What challenges does Riley face due to his lower ranking in the 2024 season? 
5. (4:36) What were some of Riley’s part-time jobs before becoming a pro pickleball player? 
6. (6:01) How does Riley start his day on the morning of a competition? 
7. (6:44) Why does Riley prefer to drive himself to tournaments instead of using other transportation options?

Riley Newman Interviews

1. Part 1 No Smoke Pickleball Show Ep 3 - Lindsey & Riley Newman (2019)
2. Part 2 No Smoke Pickleball Show Ep 3 - Lindsey & Riley Newman
3. Part 3 No Smoke Pickleball Show Ep 3 - Lindsey & Riley Newman
4. The PicklePod with Zane Navratil (January 2024)
   stories from six years of being a pro pickleball player
5. The Briones Pickleball Podcast (2023)
6. The Pickleball Clinic (2023)

Instructional Videos

Highlights From Riley Newman Pickleball Clinic in Royal Oak, Michigan (2020)