ES ← ES Pickleball
MEET EVAN SMALL · ES PICKLEBALL

MEET EVAN SMALL

A 4.5 tournament player built from a 2023 blank slate with zero prior racket-sport habits — and an endurance competitor taking on 15km assault courses and HYROX.

Evan Small — ES Pickleball Player
EVAN SMALL 4.5 PLAYER · ATHLETE
Evan Small competing on court
EVAN ON COURT 4.5 TOURNAMENT PLAYER
PLAYER STORY · 2023 BLANK SLATE

Zero Tennis Bad Habits to Unlearn

When I picked up a paddle in 2023, I had zero background in tennis, squash, or badminton. Instead of relying on a big baseline swing, I built pure pickleball habits at the kitchen line from day one.

HOW I COMPETE · 4.5 LEVEL

Winning Through Positioning, Tempo & IQ

Climbing to a 4.5 tournament competitor meant learning to read opponent shoulders early, absorb pace in the transition zone, and win points by putting balls in awkward spots rather than just hitting harder.

ON-COURT FOOTAGE & SCENARIOS

LIVE RALLY VIDEO On-Court Point Play
Evan Small compact ready stance at the kitchen line
KITCHEN LINE Compact Ready Position
Evan Small hitting a forehand dink in doubles play
DOUBLES SCENARIO Transition & Touch
Evan Small running a 15km Assault Course
ENDURANCE · GRIT OFF THE COURT

15km Assault Course & Training for HYROX

I love pushing my limits outside of pickleball too — from tackling a grueling 15km assault course to currently training for a HYROX event. Building that engine and mental toughness directly fuels my footwork, recovery, and stamina deep into tournament days.

Evan Small working on his laptop on the beach
ALWAYS BUILDING · ALWAYS STUDYING

Obsessed With Learning & New Challenges

Whether I’m studying match film by the sea, preparing for HYROX training blocks, or stepping onto court to compete, I bring the exact same curiosity and energy to every challenge I take on.