Third Shot Drop

Reuben Ruiz

Age: 75
Occupation: Retired NASA/JPL Project Manager
1Ruiz.webp

Athletic Background:

 Basketball, Baseball, Golf, 7 yrs Paddle, Tennis, 3 yrs Pickleball

How you got started playing pickleball:

Played Paddle Tennis at Leisure Village and considered Pickleball for older guys then I tried it and now I only play Pickleball.

What other family members play pickleball:

Nephew is trainer at Harvard Westlake and is avid PB player.

How often you play:

I try to play 4 times a week - 3 days at Ventu Park and Sat. at Camarillo.  Usually play for about 3 hrs a day.  Often train with Dan Mills.

I play:

 Singles, Mixed and Men’s doubles.

Why do you enjoy pickleball:

Pickleball provides wonderful aerobic exercise, great competition, many new friends, and many tournament opportunities.

What is your philosophy (what is important to you about the game, your goals, where you see yourself going in the sport):

Taking up the game at 72 provided limited opportunities for general competition. I typically cannot beat the younger, faster, unlimited energy young guys but I have not found anyone near my age with whom I cannot compete. I played down in age at Nationals and won Men’s doubles with Bill Weiss as my partner. I have medaled 27 times in sanctioned and non-sanctioned tournaments usually wining gold with various partners. My goal is to have pickleball keep me healthy and strong for another 10 years.

Play Strategy:

Get to the NET, Place the shot, return deep, Mix the serves, and Play the weaker player.

Preferred Paddle and what you like about it:

I play with a TSD KRATOS Composite Face with Polymer core and a ribbed grip to allow balanced power and control. I can place the ball where I want with the speed to win most points.

As I learn more about TSD I will provide whatever insight I can offer to help you succeed.