November Pro Series: Kyle Yates

Kyle Yates is one of the first players I started following online in 2016, back when watching pickleball on YouTube didn’t include live streaming and pro tours definitely did not yet exist.

Prior to APP and PPA, I would watch old footage over and over again trying to better understand the game and a lot of those videos included Yates.

My personal assessment of his earlier participation was that he was one of the youngest players to be competing at the top level and brought an energy that the sport desperately needed at the time, and he’s never been shy to engage with the crowd or to stand his ground.

He also has a style that demonstrates his background in other racquet sports such as table tennis.

If you’ve ever watched him play, Kyle has a very recognizable backhand volley and signature, well-disguised drop-shot. Yates has partnered and won titles with other well-known professionals such as Dave Weinbach, Ben Johns, and Simone Jardim and many more.

For November's Pro Series edition, I spoke to Kyle to learn more...

Name: Kyle Yates
Sponsored by: Paddletek
Paddle: 6x US Open Pro Champion
Achievement: World Pickleball Federation (WPF) #1 ranked player 2018

One of my first in-person impressions of Kyle was in 2018 watching him play against Matt Kawamoto and Ernesto Fajardo and I think the last time he and I spoke in person he was talking about zip-lining down Fremont Street.

I asked Kyle to participate in our Pro Series so that you can get to know this pickleball champ a bit better...

Q. How long have you been playing pickleball and how did you enter the world of pickleball?

About 10 years, professionally. My uncle introduced me in high school. I played some tournaments for fun, but I didn’t fully commit until I won the US Open in 2016.

Q. What was your first pro tournament and when?

SoCal Classic 2014. I flew from Florida to California to test myself against the real pros. I didn’t know anybody and was paired with random partners I had never met. My main focus was on singles.

Q. What was a stand-out moment of any tournament for you?

I won gold in men's pro singles against the then “world #1 player” . I remember hitting the last winning shot and just fell down in disbelief.

Q. How often are you drilling? Do you have a favourite drill and if so, what is it?

I used to drill often, maybe 3-4 days per week, and play 2-3 days per week. Nowadays I practice quite a bit less. I like to keep a few balls in my pocket, and just play out points cross court from the kitchen line.

When a ball goes out of play, by winner or error, I’ll just feed in another and keep the rally alive. This way I can play all-out but still maintain long rallies with little to no stoppages. Great practice and great workout.

Q. Who’s your pickleball hero?

My uncle, hands down. The man was Florida State Senior champion and athlete of the year… then [he] had a stroke and lost most of his vision. We didn’t know if he’d even survive, let alone be able to even see again. To this day he still plays every day and competes in tournaments. Now that’s what I call: resilience. 

Q. Name your top 3 favourite shots?

ATPs, Tweener drop shot off a lob retrieval, and the fake-smash drop shot volley.

Q. Do you identify more as a left-side player or right-side player?

I’m used to playing both sides. I prefer the left side, but can adapt and be a role player on the right side if it benefits the team more. I’m used to an era back when nobody stacked and nowadays it seems almost every team does.

Players are starting to specialize but I think versatility can be very useful.

Q. What’s your favourite pickleball moment to date?

Recently I was able to win the last couple of points in a dream breaker at MLP in Columbus. It’s such a great feeling to come up clutch for your team that’s counting on you, and have them rush out to celebrate with you.

Q. Here’s the picture: private pickleball court, in a perfect setting, it’s a competitive match but all for fun - who are the 3 other players on court with you and why? What is the exact match up?

Me & Snoop Dogg vs Joe Rogan & Post Malone would be hilarious!

Q. What is your favourite tournament format to play in and why?

Major League Pickleball rules: give me a team and rally scoring. Otherwise single elim.

Q. What does the sport of pickleball need the most in order for it to get to the “next level”?

More time. Everybody is trying to rush or manufacture the growth. Let it happen organically. The sport is growing too fast for its own good.

Q. Favourite ice cream flavour?

Vanilla, but with chocolate chips, Oreos, and chocolate syrup all mashed into it.

Q. How do you recover from a day of competition in order to get ready for the next day?

Foam rolling is a must, and making sure to eat good food and drink a lot of water.

Q. Do you have a favourite tournament that you attend?

The US Open will always be special to me.

Q. How do you prepare yourself mentally for competition?

You practice enough to where you’re 100% confident in your shots. I’m never worried to play because I know I’ve put the time and effort in to be ready.

Q. In how many years do you think pickleball will be an Olympic sport?

12-16.

Q. What’s your favourite piece of advice to give to a beginner?

The best player on the court is the one having the most fun.

Q.Would you share with us how you landed on Paddletek as a paddle sponsor and some of the reasons why you enjoy playing with their product so much?

I bought their paddle in 2014 and loved it. At the nationals, I was in a medal match and it broke... afterward, a man congratulated me on a great match and asked if I needed a new paddle. Turns out, it was the owner and he gave me a few more .. a few months later I was signed on with them and they’ve taken great care of me ever since.

Q. Can you share with the readers something unique about yourself?

I’ve won a gold medal in a 5.0+ tournament while playing with my sister, mom, uncle, stepsister, and brother-in-law.

This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!