What does it take to rise in pro pickleball?

For Zack Taylor, it’s a mix of stage presence, resilience, & a love for competition. Before he was earning medals on the APP tour, Taylor was singing his way through American Idol.

For former NFL receiver Rodney Adams, however, it’s more about a willingness to jump into something new.

More below:

From ‘American Idol’ to the Pro Pickleball Court

Locker rooms haven’t always been safe for anyone who feels different. Many may have experienced fatphobic, homophobic, and many other hateful remarks after gym class. While pickleball isn’t perfect there, it’s a far cry from other areas in sports.

As one of the few openly gay professional pickleball players, Zack Taylor embraces his pickleball platform to inspire others, proving that authenticity and confidence—honed both on stage and on the court—are key to success.

Zack’s journey to the pro pickleball circuit started in an unexpected place—on the stage of American Idol.

Before pickleball, Taylor was deeply immersed in the entertainment world:

• He was a natural performer since childhood

• He sang his way to the Top 48 of American Idol in 2015

• Followed that up with opportunities in Los Angeles, appearing in TV competitions, commercials, & almost landing a spot in Coachella

But when the pandemic brought his entertainment career to a standstill, he found himself back in Kansas City—where a neighbor introduced him to pickleball.

That first game sparked something special. With a background in competitive tennis, Taylor quickly rose through the amateur pickleball ranks. Just a year and a half in, he committed fully to the sport, transitioning from coaching to playing professionally.

Now, he boasts two bronze medals on the APP tour and a world ranking of No. 40 in men’s singles.

Pickleball, he says, has a unique way of bringing people together.

With pickleball’s rapid rise and growing sponsorship opportunities, Taylor is all-in. “There’s no time to stall,” he tells OutSports. “I train every day to compete with the best in the world.”

Follow Zack’s journey.

All About the Flick

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: When dinking battles drag on, the backhand flick provides a sudden & aggressive change of pace.

This shot allows you to take advantage of balls that are just high enough to attack but still difficult to drive with power.

The flick’s combination of speed and spin makes it tough for opponents to counter, especially when executed with precision. Even if they DO counter, it typically comes back popped up.

Elements of a Consistent Backhand Flick

1. Positioning

• Stay on the kitchen line—backing up makes the shot much harder to execute.

• Maintain an athletic stance with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width.

• Keep your butt back, shoulders forward, & chest out to maximize reach.

2. Recognizing the Right Ball

• Green Light: Any ball at net height or slightly higher is perfect for an attacking flick.

• Yellow Light: Balls between your knees and the net can be attacked with high-level precision.

• Red Light: Balls below knee height should not be flicked—reset instead.

3. Paddle Prep & Wrist Action

• Drop the paddle tip below the ball to generate spin and power.

• Loosen your wrist to allow for a smooth flicking motion.

• Follow through deliberately, pointing the paddle toward your target (middle, down the line, or crosscourt).

Where to Flick

A well-placed backhand flick forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. Here’s where you should aim:

• Opponent’s right shoulder – Tough to counter and forces awkward contact.

• Left side after baiting movement – Exploits a wide-open space.

• Crosscourt flick – A deadly option that can create immediate winners if used sparingly.

If opponents start anticipating your flick, adjust your attack locations. Elite players like Ben Johns & JW Johnson keep opponents off balance by mixing in flicks to multiple spots.

A Pro Paddle for Power and Control?

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Former NFL Receiver Ditches Ultimate Frisbee for Pickleball

…What a headline, right?

Westword reports that former NFL wide receiver Rodney Adams was set to be the first NFL player to play for the Ultimate Frisbee Association…until he chose pickleball instead.

Adams was set to play for the Colorado Summit, a professional ultimate frisbee team, after signing with them earlier this year. But now, he’s opted out of his contract to join the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) instead.

Adams previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets.

He apparently first discovered ultimate frisbee through Instagram and saw similarities to football. Makes sense: anyone who can jump like an NFL receiver can probably out-leap even the most competitive Ultimate players.

However, it seems pickleball won him over in the end: Westword says he’s opted join the Pro Pickleball Association instead.

While details about his PPA debut remain unclear, this move highlights a growing trend: elite athletes from other sports transitioning to pickleball.

No lobbing this guy.

TAKE ACTION

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