Anna Leigh Waters Rumors, Paddle Wars, Rick's Signature shot Revealed & The #1 Tip For 2026

Kick off 2026 with a bang! In this special New Year's episode of This is Pickleball, Rick and Fabian dive headfirst into the chaotic world of "Paddle Wars." With contract negotiations exploding and pros switching brands left and right, the guys break down the biggest moves, rumors, and controversies shaking up the PPA . From the speculation surrounding Anna Leigh Waters leaving Paddletek (is Nike involved?) to Rachel Rohrabacher's shocking departure from Selkirk, Rick offers his insider perspective on why pros really switch gear—and it's not always about the paddle. Rick also shares his own origin story, tracing his journey from a tennis coach in 2011 to becoming a pioneer in the sport, resurfacing high school courts on his own dime to host early tournaments. Plus, he reveals the secrets behind his signature "Backhand Slice Return" and gives his #1 New Year's resolution for amateurs looking to level up their game.

🔑 Key Takeaways
The 2026 Paddle Shuffle: A breakdown of major pro moves, including rumors about Anna Leigh Waters (Nike/Franklin?), Rachel Rohrabacher leaving Selkirk, and Kaitlyn Christian joining Luzz.

The "Hot Paddle" Issue: How the combination of new paddle tech and the Lifetime ball is changing the speed and safety of the game.

Rick's Origin Story: How Rick discovered pickleball in 2011 and took a massive risk by resurfacing high school courts to host the first APP pro tournament in Zionsville.

Signature Shot Revealed: Rick breaks down the mechanics of his "Backhand Slice Return"—vertical paddle entry, grip pressure, and body weight transfer.

Amateur Advice: Rick's top tip for 2026 is focusing on flexibility (lunges, yoga) to get lower and improve defense.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:24 Pickleball Drama and Player Movements
01:16 Paddle Market Insights and Player Choices
05:14 Pro Player Sponsorships and Paddle Preferences
08:08 Speculations on Player Paddle Deals
14:49 Emerging Paddle Brands and Player Transitions
20:08 The Rise of Culty Paddle Brands
20:53 Family Affairs in Sponsorships
21:39 Impact of Paddle Changes on Performance
23:33 Mental Aspects of the Game
25:01 Rick Witsken's Journey into Pickleball
29:10 The Evolution of Pickleball Tournaments
32:37 Signature Shots and Techniques
36:58 Advice for Amateur Players
39:19 Final Thoughts