Smashing Plastic hits Episode 50 with returning guest Jennings Smith from the very first guest on the podcast, for a powerful conversation about pickleball growth, drilling, strategy, mindset, and the business lessons that show up on and off the court. Coach Tommy and Jennings break down how players move past the 3.5–4.0 level, why third shot drops and dinking matter, and how smarter decision-making can change your entire pickleball game. This episode goes beyond just swinging harder. Jennings shares how intentional drilling, skinny singles, controlled drops, better footwork, and learning when not to speed the ball up have helped him level up as a player. The guys also dig into the “cliquey” side of pickleball, playing with the right level group, and why self-awareness matters if you want to keep improving. Then the conversation shifts into business, real estate, and entrepreneurship — including how pickleball strategy mirrors commercial real estate strategy. From finding weaknesses, making adjustments, and taking calculated risks, Jennings shares lessons from multifamily investing, commercial tenants, flex warehouse development, and building momentum before everything feels perfect. Whether you’re chasing 4.0, trying to become a more complete pickleball player, or looking for motivation to take the next step in business, this episode is packed with bold, practical takeaways. Watch now, subscribe, and let’s keep smashing plastic.   Follow Jennings and Unlock Your Life: Website: https://jenningssmithjr.com  Pod: https://thepodcastfactory.com/jennings-smith-unlock-your-life/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenningsfostersmithjr/    Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic  IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

Kenzie Welch joins Smashing Plastic for a powerful conversation about pickleball community, pageant preparation, music, competition, and handling pressure before the big moment. Filmed at PickleRage in North Charleston, South Carolina, this episode blends pickleball culture with Kenzie’s journey as Miss Lowcountry Teen and her mission to reduce stress through music. Coach Tommy sits down with Kenzie to talk about representing the Lowcountry, preparing for Miss South Carolina Teen, using music to manage stress, and why confidence and kindness can coexist in competition. Kenzie also shares how her “Healing Chord” initiative helps children use music as an outlet during difficult times, plus how athletes can use playlists, routines, and purpose to stay grounded before tournaments, games, or performances. In the middle of the episode, Noah Winningham joins from PickleRage to talk about the new indoor pickleball facility in North Charleston, including 13 indoor courts, clinics, open play, round robins, socials, memberships, birthday parties, and opportunities for beginners through advanced players. From pickleball training and tournament nerves to pageant prep, performance mindset, and Lowcountry pride, this episode is all about community, competition, and finding your rhythm on and off the court.   Follow Kenzie: IG: https://www.instagram.com/misslowcountrysteensc/    Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic  IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

Meet Mackonner Dy, a 16-year-old junior pickleball player from Vancouver, BC, and one of Canada’s rising young talents in the sport. Already a Canadian National Champion and PPA Tour competitor, Mackonner is balancing homeschool, daily training, tournament travel, and a serious dream of going pro. In this Smashing Plastic Pickleball episode, Coach Tommy digs into Mackonner’s competitive mindset, pickleball drills, mental toughness, faith, family support, and what it really takes to level up on the court. Mackonner shares how he went from basketball and casual family pickleball to winning gold in his first tournament with his dad—and realizing pickleball could become his future. His journey has already taken him onto the professional stage, including a recent run to the Round of 16 in Men’s Pro Doubles at the PPA Texas Open with fellow Vancouver player Armaan Jiwa-Mawji, where they faced one of the top teams in the world. Known for his quick hands, creative shot-making, calm composure, and advanced court awareness, Mackonner represents the next generation of Canadian pickleball players pushing the sport forward. This episode also explores Mackonner’s development, from training through Vancouver weather to improving drops, building consistency, managing pressure at 10–7, and learning that there is no single magic shot or drill that makes a great player. He also shares the importance of family, including how pickleball began as a family activity and grew into a serious competitive pursuit. Packed with advice for junior pickleball players, competitive rec players, parents, coaches, and anyone chasing the next level, Mackonner’s story is a powerful look at discipline, hustle, faith, family support, and the future of pickleball.   Follow Mackonner: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mackonner_pb  Sponsor: https://www.satoriintegrativehealth.com/pickleball-coaching.html    Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic  IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

DUPR ratings are one of the hottest topics in pickleball, and this Smashing Plastic episode goes straight at the big question: how accurate is your DUPR rating, really? Tommy Welch sits down with Katie Nimitz of My Journey Pickleball and DUPR Coach to break down coach-assigned ratings, player development, DUPR reliability, club programming, and why your pickleball identity should never be wrapped up in a decimal point. Katie explains how DUPR Coach helps unrated pickleball players get into the rating system through educated, certified coaches while giving players a clearer path toward better games, better competition, and better long-term growth. Tommy and Katie also dig into the challenges clubs face with DUPR-locked events, ladder leagues, inaccurate ratings, and the tension between data, AI, coach judgment, and real-world pickleball variables. If you are a pickleball player frustrated by your rating, a coach trying to evaluate players accurately, or a club operator trying to build fair programming, this conversation is packed with perspective. The future of pickleball ratings is moving fast, and DUPR Coach is right in the middle of it.     Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:58 What Is DUPR Coach? 02:48 Why Pickleball Ratings Matter 04:42 The DUPR Accuracy Debate 06:11 Why Logging Matches Matters 08:57 Pickleball’s Rapid Growth 09:49 AI, Data & the Future of DUPR 14:14 Golf Handicap vs. Pickleball Ratings 15:56 Analytics and Coach-Assisted Ratings 16:20 Coach’s Tip: Nothing Replaces Data 18:42 Court Building & Resurfacing 20:01 DUPR-Gated Clubs and Ladder Leagues 22:56 Why Pickleball Clubs Need Better Programming 25:26 How Coaches Help Player Retention 26:09 You Can’t Make Every Player Happy 26:58 People First, Winning Matters 29:47 Who Should Become a DUPR Coach? 30:56 DUPR Coach Growth and Contact Info   Follow DUPR COACH: Website: https://www.myjourneypickleball.com/   Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

Coach Tommy brings bold Smashing Plastic energy to a powerful conversation with Chris Singleton on pickleball, baseball, faith, coaching, adversity, and leadership. This episode dives into sports culture, mental toughness, team chemistry, positive self-talk, and how athletes can respond to failure with resilience and purpose. Chris shares his journey from Goose Creek High School to Charleston Southern baseball, getting drafted by the Chicago Cubs, coaching young athletes, speaking to students, and using personal tragedy to inspire love, unity, and character. Together, Tommy and Chris unpack what makes great teams different: culture, accountability, encouragement, hunger, and the ability to handle adversity the right way. They also talk about the explosive growth of pickleball, why the sport’s community is so unique, how baseball and pickleball both teach life lessons, and why the words athletes use matter more than they realize. From faith in the book of James to bench lessons, late bloomers, overlooked players, and real leadership, this episode is packed with perspective for players, coaches, parents, and competitors. This Smashing Plastic episode is for anyone who cares about pickleball mindset, baseball development, youth sports culture, Christian leadership, team building, and learning how to win in life as much as in sports.   Follow Chris: Website: https://www.chrissingleton.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/csingleton_2/   Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

Jack Munro joins the Smashing Plastic Podcast to talk about his rise in pro pickleball, what it takes to compete at the highest level, and where the sport is headed next. From becoming one of pickleball’s earliest young standouts to building Longhorn Pickleball at UT Austin and competing as one of the top players on the APP Tour, Jack shares his journey, mindset, and vision for the future of the game.   In this episode, Jack talks about the difference between the APP and PPA, why training environment matters so much for development, how youth pickleball and college pickleball are growing, and what players can do to improve faster. He also opens up about balancing pro pickleball, school, content creation, recovery, and long-term goals on and off the court.   This conversation is packed with insight for pickleball players, coaches, parents, and fans who want to better understand the modern pro game and where the next generation of talent is coming from. Whether you’re interested in strategy, mindset, junior pickleball, collegiate competition, or life as a pro athlete, this episode delivers a great inside look at one of pickleball’s rising stars.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Jack Munro 03:09 The Growth of Pickleball in Austin 06:00 Youth Pickleball: The Next Generation 09:03 The Art of Ambidextrous Play 11:54 Comparing APP and PPA Tours 14:59 Future Aspirations and Goals 17:59 Advice for Aspiring Players   Follow Jack: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejackmunro Website: https://www.jackmunropickleball.com/home   Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

What separates good pickleball players from great ones? In this episode of Smashing Plastic, Coach Tommy sits down with Jill Martin (Pickleball Yogi) to break down the mental side of winning—confidence, partner communication, mixed doubles dynamics, and how to build your game around your true pickleball superpower. Jill shares powerful insights from her work with Dayne Gingrich, their book Pickleball Mindset, and her experience coaching players on how to compete with more clarity, resilience, and self-belief. From pre-match communication to handling pressure on court, this episode is packed with real strategy for tournament players, rec players, coaches, and anyone trying to level up their pickleball mindset. They also dive into women in pickleball, the need for more female coaches, how mixed doubles is its own game, and why bad coaching can be worse than no coaching. If you want to play freer, communicate better with your partner, and stop fighting against your natural style, this one delivers. In this episode: How Jill approaches mindset and competition on the pickleball court Why partner communication should happen before the match starts Mixed doubles strategy and gender dynamics in pickleball How to build confidence under pressure Why you should build your game from your superpower The biggest mistake new partnerships make Coaching, fear, identity, and mental performance in pickleball Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Pickleball Mindset 01:09 The Competitor vs. Coach Mindset 02:22 Proving Yourself in Pickleball 04:04 Building Confidence on the Court 06:49 Empowering Women in Pickleball 07:27 Addressing Gender Dynamics in Coaching 10:52 Effective Communication on the Court 14:52 Navigating Mixed Partnerships 18:56 The Importance of Pre-Match Communication 25:15 Future Plans and Online Offerings 27:46 Final Tips for Improvement   Follow Jill Martin / Pickleball Yogi and learn more about her mindset work, clinics, and online training through PB Mindset.   Website    -   IG    -   FB Follow Smashing Plastic: FB  IG

Coach Tommy goes live with PPA pro Juan Benitez from the airport en route to the Palm Springs Masters—fresh off a men’s doubles win at the Punta Gorda Challenger with Camden Chaffin. Juan breaks down the daily habit that separates players who level up, what to drill if you only have 30 minutes, why most intermediates get the 3rd-shot drop footwork wrong, and the #1 underrated skill holding amateurs back (spoiler: it’s footwork). Plus: how pros build momentum, why “dinks out of the air” change everything, and the simple self-talk routine Juan uses to reset after mistakes and win more points.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Juan Benitez 03:01 Daily Habits for Improvement 06:04 Common Mistakes in Coaching 08:57 Structuring Productive Practices 12:05 The Importance of Mindset 15:08 Tracking Progress in Pickleball 17:49 Future Goals and Sponsorships   #Pickleball #PickleballTraining #PickleballTips #PPA #Dinks #Footwork #PickleballPodcast Follow Juan: IG: https://www.instagram.com/zero_zero_juan/?hl=en   Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

Halina Slowinski is back! One of our favorite fan-favorite guests returns with a real-time tour check-in from California at the PPA Masters. Halina shares what it’s like competing as a 10-year-old junior pickleball player, how she balances homeschooling + travel, what she’s training at The Pickler & Montclair Pickleball, and the specific skills she’s focused on right now (including backhand flicks, overheads, footwork, and improving singles). We also talk sponsors, paddles, tournament partners, and her best advice for kids getting started: get on the court and believe in yourself. Follow along and track Halina’s next stops as she heads to Las Vegas and then Minnesota for another tournament. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Helena 01:22 Transitioning to Homeschooling for Pickleball 02:30 Competing in Tournaments 04:31 Life on the Road as a Young Athlete 06:17 Daily Habits and Training Insights 08:06 Working with Coach Jeff Heirs 09:47 Footwork and Fitness Training 12:20 Upcoming Tournaments and Goals 13:25 Surprises and Challenges in Pickleball 14:31 Acknowledging Sponsors and Support 16:15 Favorite Paddle and Shots 17:53 Meeting Professional Players 19:00 Future Aspirations and Advice for Young Players   Follow Halina: IG: https://www.instagram.com/halina_pb_queen Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

In this episode 41 of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with Sarah Ansboury—one of the earliest professional pickleball players, a current PPA Tour competitor, and the Vice President of the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), the world’s largest coach registry. Sarah breaks down what’s coming in 2026 for PPR and global pickleball growth, why the sport can’t lose sight of grassroots development, and what it really takes to build sustainable pathways for players—especially kids and juniors. They dive into the realities of youth competition, parent/coach dynamics, sportsmanship, and why great coaching goes far beyond mechanics. Coach Tommy also shares his vision for youth pickleball in Charleston and why a team-based model can change the entire experience for young athletes. 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ansboury and Pickleball Coaching 01:00 The Growth of Pickleball and PPR's Role 04:00 International Expansion and Youth Development 06:45 The Importance of Youth in Pickleball 12:02 Coaching Youth: Challenges and Strategies 19:59 The Role of Parents and Coaches in Youth Sports 21:57 The Evolution of Pickleball 24:34 Pathways to Growth in Pickleball 27:41 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 30:54 Coaching Ethics and Influence 36:14 The Role of Coaches in Player Development   Follow Sarah: Website: https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/sarahansbourypickleball IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahansboury   Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic #pickleball #sarahansboury #ppr #smashingplastic