Lauren Could, or “lofromTikTok” as she is affectionately identified by her growing social media fanbase, is bringing each grit and glamour to the game of pickleball together with her mixture of paddle mastery and easy magnificence. A former Division I tennis participant, Could is constructing each her physique and her model to satisfy the calls for of a quickly rising recreation. Thankfully, she has some prime ideas for you too.
As a junior, Lauren Could was a nationwide tennis competitor dealing with top-ranked opponents within the USTA Nationwide Opens, Tremendous Nationals, and ITF occasions. She skilled on the IMG Academy earlier than transferring on to Division I tennis on the College of Southern Mississippi, the place the elite athlete performed in each doubles and singles motion. Sadly, nevertheless, Could was compelled to step away from the aggressive courtroom after a severe wrist harm spelled the top of her tennis dream.
“Tennis formed the best way I present up on the planet,” she displays in a dialog with M&F. “Aggressive, strategic, and unafraid of a comeback!” Little did Could notice that pickleball would current that comeback alternative.
Born in Fort Myers, FL however touring extensively as a tennis participant, Could settled in Austin, TX, after graduating on the College of Alabama. Now far faraway from the comradery of sports activities, she craved a connection.
“After a lifetime of coaching and competing in tennis—transferring from metropolis to metropolis, academy to academy—I lastly needed to plant roots and construct one thing lasting,” she explains. “I used to be throwing myself at each alternative that got here my manner, searching for methods to really feel grounded once more. That’s when I discovered myself on the John Newcombe Country Club, the place I began educating tennis part-time whereas managing a full-time job and constructing model and social content material on the aspect. At some point, I acquired invited to a neighborhood pickleball open play and met essentially the most unimaginable group of people that welcomed me with open arms, together with Dr Chip who would turn out to be a mentor.”
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It was her prompt enthusiasm for pickleball that acquired Could’s aggressive juices flowing as soon as once more. “Perhaps quarter-hour into that first day, I noticed I wasn’t constructed to play casually,” displays the athlete. “I wanted to enter tournaments, like yesterday! Since then, we’ve gained a number of gold medals and competed on the Nationwide Championship.” It was additionally on the aforementioned Nationwide Championship the place Could was voted as fan favourite. “Pickleball gave me a aggressive outlet I didn’t know I used to be lacking—and extra importantly, it gave me a neighborhood. In below a yr, it’s modified my life,” she explains.
In fact, Lauren Could isn’t the one one to fall in love with pickleball in current occasions. The sport has seen a 311% growth since Covid boosted outside train participation, and there’s now round 50 million gamers in america alone. “It’s wildly addicting,” says Could. “Pickleball is accessible sufficient for inexperienced persons to leap in, however technical sufficient to maintain even essentially the most
aggressive athletes hooked. The actual secret although? The power of the pickleball neighborhood is electrical! Whether or not you’re strolling into an off-the-cuff open play or battling it out within the finals of a match, the environment is charged. You’re feeling seen, supported, and challenged—and that form of power is contagious.”
What points do tennis gamers face when transitioning to pickleball?
“The largest benefit is certainly within the footwork, courtroom consciousness, and being comfy below stress,” says Could. “I grew up competing at a excessive degree in tennis, so I got here into pickleball with a deep understanding of motion and tips on how to mentally navigate a match.”
Nonetheless, there are at all times changes to be made between sports activities. “I’m nonetheless studying tips on how to reprogram my habits,” shares the athlete. “I transfer and strike like a tennis participant as a result of that’s who I’m at my core, and I at all times will likely be. No disgrace in that. However pickleball forces you to decelerate, reset, and suppose a little bit in another way, particularly on the kitchen line. I’m nonetheless adjusting, and I feel I at all times will likely be. However I’ve discovered that embracing either side of my recreation has really turn out to be a power.”
Lauren Could’s Prime Tip For Pickleball Newbies
“Energy is nice, however management and consistency win factors,” explains Could, who invests time within the gymnasium to construct each muscle and mobility. “Get to the kitchen line early. That’s the place the sport is gained.”
Lauren Could’s Prime Tip For Pickleball Execs
“Begin drilling with objective,” advises Could. “You possibly can solely get to this point by simply enjoying matches. Centered reps construct consistency, and reviewing footage of your video games helps you see patterns and repair habits you didn’t even know you had.”
Drills like training your dinks (smooth, managed pictures) will allow you to drive errors in gameplay by maintaining the ball low and unattackable, permitting you to arrange pictures additional into the rally. “Additionally, combine up your opponents and companions. This retains you sharp, adaptable, and uncomfortable in the easiest way!”
Could loves nothing higher than getting her personal reps in. “I play 4-5 occasions per week, and most periods final 3 to 4 hours,” she explains. “I’m form of an addict. However I’ll additionally combine in shorter periods once I simply wish to unwind, work on fundamentals, or meet up with associates whereas competing.” Sharing her love of all issues pickleball is a mission that Could has actually acquired behind with the expansion of her personal profile within the recreation. “I’ve constructed @lofromtiktok round sports activities, storytelling, and exhibiting what’s potential once we lean into our ambition and authenticity,” the participant concludes, proudly.
To observe Lauren “Lo” Could on TikTok click here.
