Pickleball star shares secret to success

World No. 2 pickleball star Gabe Tardio believes the Philippines has the potential to compete with the sport’s established powers but needs more time and international experience to consistently challenge for major titles.

Tardio, one of the sport’s rising young players, said the Philippines’ rapid growth in pickleball has given the it a strong foundation, but players still have to make up for years of experience compared to nations where the sport has been established longer.

“I would say it will just take time, like everything. I think it just got popular now in the Philippines, so you guys are a little behind just in terms of experience,” Tardio, a Bolivian-American, said in during a meet-and-greet event over the weekend in Pasig City.

Tardio, however, believes the gap can be closed as Filipino players spend more time competing and learning against different styles of opponents.

“I’m sure that the longer you play, the more you learn the game and the more you play against different kinds of players, you’ll guys be right there with us,” he said.

For Filipino players looking to make the jump to the international level, Tardio said developing a deeper understanding of the game could be just as important as physical ability.

“The toughest thing as a pickleball player in general is to understand the game really deeply,” Tardio said.

Tardio pointed out that players near the top of the sport already possess a similar collection of physical skills.

“Every single player at the top, let’s say the top 70, has really every single shot in the bag. They’re pretty athletic, fast hands, strong and in good shape,” he said.

What separates the elite players, he added, is their ability to understand the game at a deeper level and make smarter decisions on the court.

“I think a couple of things that differentiate us from the other players are just our deeper understanding of the game and just a little more smart pickleball, I guess,” Tardio said.