Meet The Pros - Ted Meyer

Meet The Pros – Ted Meyer

Ted Meyer is very philosophical about the game of pickleball. He is in it to win it! Enjoy!

Can you list for us your major wins so we can correctly introduce you to our readers?

  2018 U.S. Open, Men's 65+ Doubles with Jim Hackenberg, Gold
  2017 USAPA Nationals, Men's 65+ Doubles with Lenny Chimino, Gold
                   Men's 65+ Singles, Silver
*2017 National Senior Games, Men's 65+ Doubles with Jim Hackenberg, Gold
                   Mixed 65+ Doubles with Diane Baumgartner, Bronze
*2017 U. S. Open, Men's 65+ Doubles with Ernie Tomlinson, Gold
                   Mixed 65+ Doubles with Diane Baumgartner, Bronze
*2016 USAPA Nationals, Men's 65+ Doubles with Lenny Chimino, Gold
                   Men's 65+ Singles, Silver
*2016 Huntsman World Games, Men's 65+ Doubles with Lenny Chimino Gold
,                  Mixed 65+ doubles with Diane Baumgartner, Silver
                   Men's 65+ singles silver medalist
*2016 U.S. Open, Men's 65+ doubles, bronze
                   Mixed 60+ doubles, bronze
*Super senior slam -  men's 65+ doubles (all 4 majors in 8 month period)

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play with the Paddletek Tempest Wave Paddle because it gives me the most feel on my dink shots and third shot drops.

What is your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

I started playing pickleball in 2012 at The Villages, FL. But the first year I was there (like many others), I was essentially just playing tennis on a pickleball court. So, I always tell people I've only been playing for 5 years the right way.

What is your preference – playing indoors or outdoors?

I prefer to play outdoors. Like many of us at my age, we can see the ball much better outside.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I prefer to play doubles. I only play singles at the national tournaments. For me, singles is fun for the first few matches, then after that it becomes a lot of work.

What is your secret sauce? Any tips for players?

My secret sauce is not really a secret, but you would be surprised to know how many don't utilize it. My philosophy is not to feed to your opponent’s forehand. Hit 90% of the shots to their backhand. Make them beat you with their backhand. Also, when dinking, make sure your shot bounces in the kitchen so that your opponent cannot attack it.

How many hours a week do you play? How do you make time to play?

Since I'm retired, I play 4 times a week, 3 to 4 hours at a time. Playing that much does require me to schedule an hour nap in my daily routine, however. (Lol.)

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

I don't have any lucky rituals before a big tournament. I got severe leg cramps in my last match on the first day of the first U. S. Open. Since then I do make sure I stay hydrated with plenty of water and Gatorade.

Do you have any pickleball goals you would like to share?

My goal is to stay healthy enough to play competitively for another 5 years.