CJ Johnson Headshot
CJ Johnson
Tony Roig
Tony Roig

#111-Two Tips From Top Senior Pro’s Jose Derisi and Scott Crandel

The best is when the lessons from the top pro players are things that can help us in our games and also things that are achievable by us – no matter our level.

I had the opportunity to speak with two of the two senior pros in pickleball at the recent APP tournament in Hilton Head, SC. Scott Crandal and Jose Derisi had come back to win the gold medal in the men’s senior pro division the day before. I asked each of them separately for their perspective.
I asked Scott how he approached pickleball. His answer: fundamentals – that word that makes players run away.
I asked Jose for one piece of advice he had for new players. He said that players should not try to win the rally in one shot. Instead, work the rally and wait for your opportunity.
In the riff, we talk about framing the game with gratitude from the start. You will feel better and play better. Give it a try next time you play.
If you like the podcast, please give it a rating. And share it with your friends. If you like it, they probably will too. Stay well, Tony
CJ Johnson

Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)

7 Comments

  1. Avatar photo Jodi Kostal on November 6, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    I love love that you brought up gratitude. I feel in general that when we are in a state of gratitude we attract more things to be grateful for and in pickleball it is really no different. I love how you stated that it frames the way that you’re playing I even am grateful for my mistakes. I feel as if when we approach the game that way there’s a different feeling that happens. We are probably more relaxed or smiling or maybe even laughing and that relaxed Focus play is always my best play.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on November 8, 2022 at 6:52 pm

      Hi Jodi, a little gratitude goes a long…..way!

  2. Avatar photo Moe on November 6, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Gratitude goes a long way in all areas of life.Will use that tip next time I’m on the court!!!

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on November 7, 2022 at 1:24 am

      Well said Moe

  3. Avatar photo Jean Amundsen on November 6, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    I thoroughly enjoy your podcasts!
    I’m working on my 3.0 rating. This week I had the opportunity to play with 3 3.5 players. When we finished 4 games I thanked them especially for the fact that they dinked unlike many of the local players who, as they agreed, play tennis on a badminton court.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on November 7, 2022 at 1:24 am

      Jean we’re so glad you find them helpful!

  4. Avatar photo Bettina Moench on November 7, 2022 at 3:56 pm

    Loved this podcast! I felt gratitude just listening to it, and I know I will express it to my playing partners! I know I THINK it often, but I haven’t said it out loud! What a great way to build camaraderie and a full heart!!!

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