Lauren Could’s High suggestions for Establishing Pickleball Prowess
Lauren Could, or “lofromTikTok” as she is affectionately recognized by her rising social media fanbase, is bringing each grit and glamour to the game of pickleball together with her mixture of paddle mastery and easy magnificence. A former Division I tennis participant, Could is constructing each her physique and her model to fulfill the calls for of a quickly rising sport. Thankfully, she has some high suggestions for you too.
As a junior, Lauren Could was a nationwide tennis competitor dealing with top-ranked opponents within the USTA Nationwide Opens, Tremendous Nationals, and ITF occasions. She educated on the IMG Academy earlier than shifting on to Division I tennis on the College of Southern Mississippi, the place the elite athlete performed in each doubles and singles motion. Sadly, nonetheless, Could was pressured to step away from the aggressive court docket after a severe wrist damage spelled the top of her tennis dream.
“Tennis formed the best way I present up on the planet,” she displays in a dialog with M&F. “Aggressive, strategic, and unafraid of a comeback!” Little did Could notice that pickleball would current that comeback alternative.
Born in Fort Myers, FL however touring extensively as a tennis participant, Could settled in Austin, TX, after graduating on the College of Alabama. Now far faraway from the comradery of sports activities, she craved a connection.
“After a lifetime of coaching and competing in tennis—shifting from metropolis to metropolis, academy to academy—I lastly needed to plant roots and construct one thing lasting,” she explains. “I used to be throwing myself at each alternative that got here my means, searching for methods to really feel grounded once more. That’s when I discovered myself on the John Newcombe Nation Membership, the place I began educating tennis part-time whereas managing a full-time job and constructing model and social content material on the aspect. In the future, I obtained invited to a neighborhood pickleball open play and met probably the most unimaginable group of people that welcomed me with open arms, together with Dr Chip who would develop into a mentor.”
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It was her immediate enthusiasm for pickleball that obtained Could’s aggressive juices flowing as soon as once more. “Possibly quarter-hour into that first day, I noticed I wasn’t constructed to play casually,” displays the athlete. “I wanted to enter tournaments, like yesterday! Since then, we’ve gained a number of gold medals and competed on the Nationwide Championship.” It was additionally on the aforementioned Nationwide Championship the place Could was voted as fan favourite. “Pickleball gave me a aggressive outlet I didn’t know I used to be lacking—and extra importantly, it gave me a group. In underneath a yr, it’s modified my life,” she explains.
In fact, Lauren Could shouldn’t be the one one to fall in love with pickleball in current occasions. The game has seen a 311% development since Covid boosted out of doors train participation, and there’s now round 50 million gamers in the USA alone. “It’s wildly addicting,” says Could. “Pickleball is accessible sufficient for learners to leap in, however technical sufficient to maintain even probably the most
aggressive athletes hooked. The true secret although? The power of the pickleball group is electrical! Whether or not you’re strolling into an informal open play or battling it out within the finals of a match, the ambiance is charged. You are feeling seen, supported, and challenged—and that sort of power is contagious.”
What points do tennis gamers face when transitioning to pickleball?
“The largest benefit is certainly within the footwork, court docket consciousness, and being comfy underneath strain,” says Could. “I grew up competing at a excessive stage in tennis, so I got here into pickleball with a deep understanding of motion and how you can mentally navigate a match.”
Nonetheless, there are at all times changes to be made between sports activities. “I’m nonetheless studying how you can reprogram my habits,” shares the athlete. “I transfer and strike like a tennis participant as a result of that’s who I’m at my core, and I at all times will likely be. No disgrace in that. However pickleball forces you to decelerate, reset, and assume a bit in another way, particularly on the kitchen line. I’m nonetheless adjusting, and I feel I at all times will likely be. However I’ve discovered that embracing either side of my sport has really develop into a power.”
Lauren Could’s High Tip For Pickleball Newbies
“Energy is nice, however management and consistency win factors,” explains Could, who invests time within the health club to construct each muscle and mobility. “Get to the kitchen line early. That’s the place the sport is gained.”
Lauren Could’s High Tip For Pickleball Professionals
“Begin drilling with objective,” advises Could. “You may solely get to this point by simply enjoying matches. Centered reps construct consistency, and reviewing footage of your video games helps you notice patterns and repair habits you didn’t even know you had.”
Drills like working towards your dinks (mushy, managed pictures) will show you how to drive errors in gameplay by conserving the ball low and unattackable, permitting you to arrange pictures additional into the rally. “Additionally, combine up your opponents and companions. This retains you sharp, adaptable, and uncomfortable in one of the best ways!”
Could loves nothing higher than getting her personal reps in. “I play 4-5 occasions per week, and most periods final 3 to 4 hours,” she explains. “I’m sort of an addict. However I’ll additionally combine in shorter periods once I simply need to unwind, work on fundamentals, or meet up with pals whereas competing.” Sharing her love of all issues pickleball is a mission that Could has actually obtained behind with the expansion of her personal profile within the sport. “I’ve constructed @lofromtiktok round sports activities, storytelling, and displaying what’s attainable once we lean into our ambition and authenticity,” the participant concludes, proudly.
To comply with Lauren “Lo” Could on TikTok click on right here.
