Behind the Scenes with Pro

What is your favorite shot ? My forehand volley and my overhead . I like high balls to hit .

What is the most important shot in pickleball ? The third and fourth shots . The third shot depends upon the person you are playing . You need a penetrating fourth shot . It is a puzzle . You must figure out your opponents ; they could even be different that day .

You were a tennis player . What did you bring to pickleball from tennis ? Quickness , good hands , and drive .

What would you tell a good tennis player coming into pickleball ? Not to expect it to be easy . You have to learn to drop and reset , and you must have a third shot drop .

What is the one thing that would improve pickleball ? It would help if players had more recovery time on the tour . There are 35 options of tournaments to play . I am playing 26 . Players need time to recover and to train .

What makes a good player ? The motivation and drive to be better . I am never satisfied . I wasn ’ t always best at everything . I had to work hard . I try to be my best self . I was the kid who always asked , “ How much extra credit can I get ?” I ’ ve always been in competition with myself .

Why is the two-handed backhand such an asset in the game ? It is a power shot that can be hit behind you . It is good for countering . Tennis players are used to it . Even Ben Johns has started using it .

You recently started a business . Tell us about it . I have started a clothing line — CallieJoSports . com . My favorite color is turquoise . We have shirts , jackets , joggers , tank tops , sweats , and windbreakers .

What about training meals and drinks ? I eat a lot of fish and veggies . I drink protein smoothies . Lots of green salads with protein on top .

What do you think about on the first point ?

Typically , we talk about the game plan , who to hit to , who to return to — you need a solid plan so you can adjust if necessary . I think about getting to the kitchen first . That will give us the best chance of winning .

Where do you see pickleball in the next five years ? There will be a lot more younger players , more 16- to 20-year-olds .

There will be more slams , more people playing , improved paddle technology , tiered levels — everyone can play .

If you could invite any three people for dinner , who would it be ? Actor Liam Hemsworth , my all-time favorite tennis player Roger Federer , and my grandpa . He meant the world to me . He was one of my coaches in tennis . I always wanted to be around him .

What is something few people know about you ? I have a twin sister and twin brothers . There are six kids in our family . My twin sister is the opposite of me . She is fire to my ice . She is my best friend .

Utah has so many beautiful parks . Which is your favorite ? I love to hike at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon .

Where would you love to travel ? I would like to visit Greece and I hear New Zealand is beautiful .

What is your dream day ? I would be on a beach in the sunshine , no clouds , looking for seashells , not have a care in the world , with a chocolate chip cookie in my hand . •

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