In this edition of Zick Playbook, we had a blast chatting with one of pickleball’s brightest young stars, Garrison Eaby. At just 20 years old, Garrison has already taken the sport by storm, winning gold in Men’s 5.0 Singles at the APP event in Chicago and snagging second place at the 2024 Collegiate Championships. But his ambitions don’t stop there—he’s got big goals, a killer training routine, and even dreams of taking on soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé in a pickleball match. Yes, really!
From Casual Games to Full-On Obsession: Garrison’s Pickleball Journey
Garrison’s story doesn’t begin with years of training or a lifelong dream—it all started a little over a year ago, when he and his friends would casually hit around at the local rec center. “We didn’t even follow any rules,” Garrison admitted with a laugh. But what began as fun quickly turned serious. After a summer of dedicated play, Garrison ditched soccer to focus solely on pickleball—and his game exploded from there.
Gold in Chicago: The Comeback Kid’s Sweet Victory
After finishing last at the APP New Jersey event in 2023, Garrison returned to the tour with a vengeance in 2024, securing gold at the APP event in Chicago. "It felt pretty good," he said, with classic understatement. Going undefeated in the Men’s 5.0 Singles was proof of just how far he’s come in such a short amount of time.
Training Drills You’ll Want to Try
What’s Garrison’s secret sauce for getting better so quickly? For singles, he recommends a drill called the "drive drop drill," which focuses on lateral movement and transitioning between powerful drives and soft drops. And for doubles? He’s all about intense kitchen points to 11, where quick reflexes and sharp hands reign supreme. It’s high-intensity training, but it’s what keeps him at the top of his game.
Off the Court: Poker, Competitiveness, and Mbappé?!
When Garrison’s not crushing it on the court, you might find him at the poker table. That’s right—he loves the mind game of poker, and even says it’s similar to pickleball in how it tests strategy and patience. But here’s where things get really fun: if Garrison could challenge any athlete to a pickleball match, he’d choose none other than soccer star Kylian Mbappé. “I want to see how someone like Mbappé would do,” Garrison mused, laughing at the idea of bringing the world-class athlete onto the pickleball court. We can only imagine the speed of that showdown!
The Zick Pyrogen Paddle: Garrison’s Go-To Gear
Garrison recently made the switch to the Zick Pyrogen paddle, and he’s loving it. “It’s a paddle I actually enjoy using,” he shared, praising its 16mm core for offering the perfect balance of power and control. The spin? Next level. And the durability? Outlasting just about everything else on the market. It’s safe to say the Pyrogen has become his secret weapon on the court.
Pre-Match Rituals: Sleep, Spaghetti, and New Grips
When it comes to game day, Garrison keeps things simple but effective. His routine includes loading up on carbs the night before (bring on the pasta!) and getting a solid night’s sleep. Oh, and he always puts on a fresh overgrip before every match to keep his head in the game. “It helps me stay focused,” he explained. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
What’s Next? Garrison’s Goals for the Future
With his recent success, Garrison’s looking ahead with some lofty goals. By the end of this year, he’s aiming to make his first singles main draw. By 2025, he wants to crack the doubles main draw. And by 2026? He hopes to consistently make main draws at both APP and PPA events. We’ve got no doubt he’ll get there!
Garrison’s Advice for Aspiring Players: Don’t Quit
Garrison’s advice for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps? “Don’t quit.” It may sound simple, but for Garrison, consistency is everything. He credits his success to staying committed, showing up every day, and putting in the work when others might take a break.
As Garrison continues to chase his goals and push his limits, we’re excited to see what he’ll achieve next. Keep your eye on this young talent—big things are coming!
Stay tuned to The Zick Playbook for more exciting interviews, tips, and insider stories from the world of pickleball!