Are you willing to know about Zane Navratil, a professional pickleball player in the USA? If yes, then you are at the right place. Because in this blog on the title “Zane Navratil: Meet The Pro Pickleball Player,” we are going to describe about his background, achievements, and how he started his career as a professional pickleball player.
We are also going to provide some tips that he has given to other pickleball players for winning in the pickleball tournaments. Read this blog post, and you will know about Zane Navratil: The Pro Pickleball Player.
Background of the Zane Navratil as the Professional Pickleball Player
Zane Navratil is an American professional pickleball player ranked among the world’s top players. He was born on November 2, 1995 in Racine, Wisconsin, where he grew up and attended The Prairie School. He played tennis competitively and won three state championships before switching to pickleball.
After completing his master’s degree in accounting at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Zane ventured into the field as a CPA for a year. However, driven by his passion for pickleball, he made the bold decision to quit his accounting job and dedicate himself to the sport full-time. Zane’s remarkable career boasts an impressive collection of over 80 medals, with sponsorship support from Franklin Sports.
He has gained widespread recognition for his remarkable attributes, including his outstanding speed, agility, profound knowledge of the game, and impressive spin serve. Fondly referred to as “Gucci,” he resides in Austin, Texas, with his fiancée Jennifer and their beloved dog Murray. Zane Navratil started his career as a pickleball player after being a successful tennis player. He first played pickleball when he was 18, when his father took him to the Cesar Chavez Community Center in Racine, Wisconsin.
At first, he had doubts about the sport, believing it was exclusively for older adults. However, he quickly discovered that it demanded a great deal of skill and strategic thinking. He played as an amateur for several years while also playing college tennis and working as a CPA. In 2020, he quit his job and turned pro in pickleball.
He swiftly advanced through the professional pickleball rankings and is widely acknowledged as one of the top players in the world, second only to the current No. 1 player, Ben Johns. Zane organizes pickleball clinics across the country, where he instructs a group of 16 to 32 individuals daily. These clinics typically charge $75 per person per day, constituting a significant portion of Zane’s current earnings. Zane is well-known for introducing creative serve techniques like the chainsaw serve, which has been adopted by several professional players, including Ben Johns. You can also other details of pro players such as Ben johns girlfriend and Leigh Waters family.
What Are the Achievements of Zane Navratil in Pickleball?
Zane Navratil has accomplished numerous milestones in his pickleball career, including:
- He holds the No. 3 rank in singles play according to the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and is ranked No. 9 and 2 for doubles and singles, respectively, by the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).
- He has earned over 80 medals throughout his career, securing multiple championship titles in both singles and doubles competitions.
- Zane has triumphed in the Major League Pickleball twice, in 2020 and 2021.
- In 2020, he claimed the gold medal in men’s singles at the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships.
- He got the gold medal in the men’s singles category at the Las Vegas Pickleball Open in 2018.
- Zane secured the men’s singles gold medal at the PPA Atlanta Open in 2021.
- He attained the men’s singles silver medal at the PPA Vegas Championships in 2022.
- Zane is credited with inventing a unique spin serve known as the chainsaw serve, which has attracted considerable attention due to its remarkable effectiveness. However, despite its noteworthy effectiveness, the chainsaw serve has been prohibited from use due to being considered “too elite” by the governing authorities.
- Since 2021, Zane has been sponsored by Franklin Sports.
Tips by Zane Navratil to Other Players for Winning the Pickleball Match
Here are some tips by Zane Navratil to win the pickleball match:
How To Win Against Bangers: Bangers are players who depend on their strong and fast shots to overpower their opponents. Zane recommends employing techniques such as soft blocks or counterpunches to counter the aggressive style of bangers. These techniques neutralize their attacks, forcing them into a disadvantaged position and leading to mistakes. Furthermore, Zane highlights the importance of maintaining composure, confidence, and avoiding frustration when facing the aggressive playing style of bangers.
How To Hit Stronger Groundstrokes: Groundstrokes are shots executed from the baseline or close to it. Zane suggests utilizing a continental grip, which provides better spin and control. He also demonstrates the use of a semi-open stance, which enhances balance and power. Zane emphasizes the importance of swinging the paddle in a low-to-high motion and ensuring a complete follow-through. He considers this aspect to be crucial in executing groundstrokes effectively.
How To Cover The Middle In Doubles: The middle refers to the space between the two players on the same side of the court. Zane emphasizes the significance of covering the middle as it helps to prevent opponents from making easy winning shots. He advises that the player who is closer to the ball should take control of it and maintain communication with their partner. Furthermore, Zane suggests that the player who is farther from the ball should shift towards the middle, staying ready for possible interceptions or lobs.
How To Hit A Hybrid Drop/Drive: A hybrid drop/drive is a third shot that combines elements of a drop shot and a drive. Zane says that this shot is useful when the opponents are expecting a soft shot, and are positioned close to the net. He shows how to hit a hybrid drop/drive by using a continental grip, swinging low to high, and hitting the ball with topspin and pace. He says that the goal is to make the ball bounce low and deep, forcing the opponents to hit up.
How To Improve Your Ready Position: The ready position refers to the stance you assume before striking a shot. Zane emphasizes the significance of having a strong ready position, as it enables quick and efficient reactions. He recommends maintaining a shoulder-width stance with slightly bent knees, positioning the paddle in front of the chest, and keeping focused on the ball. These elements contribute to a proper ready position. He further advises adjusting the grip based on the situation and being prepared for any shot that may come your way.
Also get tips from Bobby Riggs pickleball.
FAQs
According to reports, it is estimated that Zane Navratil’s net worth is approximately $557,000. As a professional pickleball player, Navratil generates income from various sources such as tournament prizes, sponsorships, and endorsement deals.
Zane Navratil often plays with the blue version of the Franklin Ben John’s Signature paddle, which has textured surface technology which allows for maximum spin and minimum vibration during the game and is designed with grit offering better traction with the ball. Additionally, Zane Navratil utilizes the ProXR Zane Navratil Signature 14mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle, which is specifically designed to provide optimal control and power during pickleball matches.
Zane Navratil, a professional pickleball player, actively competes in numerous tournaments throughout the year. To keep his fans updated, he maintains a website (https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/) where he shares his tournament schedule. According to the website, Zane has several upcoming tournaments lined up in his schedule, which are APP Sunmed Mesa Open(in Mesa, Arizona, from January 13th to 16th, 2023), Hyundai Masters Pickleball Tourney in Palm Springs, California(from February 10th to 13th, 2023), and Clubwars Pickleball Tournament(in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from July 21st to 24th, 2023). You can also follow him on his social media accounts to get updates on his pickleball activities.
Conclusion
Zane Navratil has worked for the post of CPA at Deloitte before becoming a professional pickleball player. He got to know about pickleball from his father, Denis. Zane has gained widespread recognition for his innovative and self-developed serve, called the “chainsaw serve.”
In this blog on the title “Zane Navratil: Meet The Pro Pickleball Player,” we have discussed about his background, achievements, start of career as a pickleball pro, and his tips to other players for winning in the pickleball tournament. We hope you have got the required information on Zane Navratil, a professional pickleball player from this blog.
