What 2024 Taught Us and How We Are Getting Set for 2025 (and you can too!)

As 2024 winds down, Tony and I have been reflecting on the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. If you’re anything like us, this past year probably felt like a mix of small victories, hard lessons, and moments where you thought, “Am I really making progress?” Trust us, we’ve been there too. But here’s the thing—every step, no matter how small, adds up to something bigger.

For me, it’s been about learning to pay attention to the little things. Whether it’s tracking my workouts or focusing on one small improvement in my game, I’ve realized that the magic is in the daily effort.

Tony, on the other hand, has been talking about breaking down big goals into manageable chunks—a mindset that’s been a game-changer for both of us. Within this more effective approach, Tony has been focused on the soft game as the centerpiece for the best pickleball.

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that progress doesn’t happen in one big leap—it’s the result of showing up, even when it’s hard.

This year was full of moments that reminded us just how important those small steps are, both on and off the court.

Since Tony always lets me go first, here’s what I learned (or rather, relearned) in 2024.

When I look back on 2024, one number jumps out: 6,000.

That’s how many minutes I logged on my Peloton this year.

Depending on your perspective, you might think, “Wow, that’s impressive,” or “That’s not much,” or even, “What’s a Peloton?”

For me, the number comes with a comparison. In 2023, I hit a long-standing goal of 10,000 minutes. 

So, what changed?

It wasn’t my motivation, my goals, or my commitment to staying active.

The difference was simple: I stopped showing up

As an athlete, I’ve learned that what I don’t track, I don’t pay attention to. And if I’m not paying attention, it doesn’t get done.

Back in 2023, I focused on showing up—even if it was just for 10 minutes.

Whether it was a quick mobility workout to start the day or a stretch before bed, those small efforts added up. But without that same focus this year, my consistency slipped.

Yes, in 2024, I stayed active, but not at the level I needed to stay at my best.

Cause here’s the thing – it’s not about the minutes—it’s about what they represent.

I’ve been a lifelong athlete, and while I can still do most of the things I used to do, I turned 61 this year, and it takes more preparation, more care for my body, and—let’s be honest—more recovery time.

When I don’t focus on my strength and flexibility, my performance takes a hit.

And 2024 reminded me that I need to show up if I want to stay strong and healthy.

I’ve already started putting this lesson into action, even before the new year.

I’ve recommitted to my workouts, and I’ve leaned on one of my favorite mantras: “Just 10 minutes.” Whenever I don’t feel like working out, I tell myself to start with 10 minutes. And if I still don’t feel it after 10 minutes, I can stop. The funny thing is, in all the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve only stopped once.

This lesson isn’t just about fitness—it’s about everything, including pickleball.

Every small, consistent effort builds toward something bigger, whether it’s improving a volley, developing your court sense, or staying sharp as the game gets faster.

So that’s my 2024 in a nutshell. But Tony, I know you’ve been reflecting too—what did this year teach you?

For me, 2024 continued to teach me the importance of the soft game. But more than it being important: the soft game is at the absolute center of the sport.

During 2024, I was focused on shoring up my soft game. Specifically, control of my backhand dink and “cleaner” mid-court resets into the Non-Volley Zone. Both of those have been game-changers

The reason is simple: my stress resistance has improved.

As I am able to successfully withstand more stress, I am able to make rallies last longer. I can be patient and wait for the perfect moment to strike – all on my terms.

If a player is not careful, they can get lost in the cacophony created by the myriad of posts, videos, and opinions declaring that the soft game is dead or “old-school” strategy.

That is nonsense.

Not only is the soft game alive and well at the highest levels of our game (See any pro doubles medal match), but the soft game is central to the very construction of pickleball (what we refer to as the sport’s “Framework”).

In addition, our students who go all-in on our soft game philosophy prove the point: they can hang with players at all levels and enjoy a competitive match relying on their soft game skills.

For me, 2024 was a further entrenchment of the key that an effective soft game can provide to playing amazing pickleball at all levels.

Putting it into action.

CJ mentioned above that in 2025, we are focused on bite-size chunks, both in how we do things ourselves and how we coach.

This approach will definitely be one that will help me – as well as any of you who want to start on that 1,000 mile journey by taking it one step at a time. The reality is that there is no other way of doing it.

Click this link if you want to hear the method I’m using to make bite size chunks manageable.

After hearing Tony’s reflections, it’s clear that both of us are using what we learned in 2024 to prepare for an even stronger 2025.

For me, it’s about refocusing on the details that drive improvement. For Tony, it’s continuing to lean into the soft game as the cornerstone of the game – in his play and in our coaching.

Together, we’re taking those lessons and channeling them into how we show up—not just for ourselves but for you, too.

That’s why, as we look toward 2025, we’re not just setting our own goals; we’re planning ways to help you tackle yours. It starts with understanding where the game is headed and preparing for what’s next.

Our recent training, 3 Must-Know Trends for 2025, was all about that—giving players a head start on the skills and strategies that will matter most in the coming year.

For those who joined us live, you know how eye-opening it was to see where the sport is heading. And if you’re an Academy member who couldn’t make it, you can catch the replay. Not a member yet? It’s a great way to access training like this, plus so much more.

One of the things we talked about during that training was the fact that the game is getting faster.

Paddle technology has evolved (and there is no indication it’s slowing down), giving everyone more access to power than ever before.

Players who struggled to generate their own power are now cranking it up, and those who already had a powerful game? Well, they’re hitting even harder.

That’s why, as we get ready for 2025, we’re putting in the work to prepare for these changes. And just like we’re getting ourselves ready, we want to help you get there, too.

While we’re creating instruction to support all three pickleball trends coming in 2025, we’re kicking off the year with one focus: beating the banger. To handle the hard hitter, you need solid movement patterns and the fitness to back it up—skills that will set you up for success across all the trends.

But let’s focus for a minute on the key to controlling the banger: the volley.

For example, when you hit a block volley, it’s about soft hands and a solid foundation to absorb the pace. And when you hit a punch volley, it’s about moving the paddle along a line, keeping your target in mind, and dismissing the desire to overpower the shot.

We’re focusing on these things ourselves this winter.

I’ve already committed to 30 days of mirror drills. I’m going to start with the Block Volley; I noticed the last few times I played that my grip pressure is a little tight, my paddle is a bit closer to my body than I would like, and I’m a bit on my heels.

It’s a simple routine—just two minutes, three times a day, paying attention to those three things to make sure that when I see the hard hitter wind up, I stay smooth and consistent.

Once the block volley feels dialed in, I’ll repeat the same process with my Punch Volley.

Oh, and one more thing—I’m adding the 8-Week Pickleball Fitness Challenge to my routine.

It’s a self-paced program designed specifically for pickleball players, focusing on footwork and the muscles we rely on to play our best. The best part? No equipment is needed, you can do it anywhere, and if you guessed it can be done in just 10 minutes a day—you’re right! I’ve noticed that whenever I work on my footwork regularly, everything about my game feels sharper. If we’re going to handle the bangers and keep up with the speed of the game, this kind of preparation is non-negotiable.

As we wrap up this year, we’re taking a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come—and to set our sights on what’s next. The lessons we’ve learned in 2024 have shaped how we’re preparing for 2025, and we’re excited to help you do the same.

What’s your next step?

Maybe it’s committing to the 8-Week Pickleball Fitness Challenge, practicing those volleys, or simply showing up for 10 minutes a day. Whatever it is, let’s tackle it together.

Oh, and before you go—what was your biggest achievement in 2024? Let us know in the comments so we can celebrate with you!