In professional pickleball, few players bring the same level of intensity and focus as Anna Bright. Known for her fierce competitiveness and unique on-court habits, Bright continues to climb the ranks with a mindset that separates her from the field.

In a “Fans Want To Know” segment with broadcaster Dave Fleming, Bright offered a rare look into the routines, quirks, and mental approaches that shape her performance.

The paddle twirl that fans can’t miss

One of Bright’s most recognizable habits is her paddle twirl before serving—a motion that often sparks curiosity.

“I don't know what's going on there. It's something that I've done for a long time.”

The habit dates back to her tennis background, where repetitive routines became part of her rhythm.

“I actually have always had some version of that with tennis. It could manifest for a few months as ball bouncing. Then I'd be twisting my paddle, so it's kind of a remnant of that.”

Even in high-pressure moments, the habit can resurface.

“In MLP DreamBreakers, when it's super high pressure, I will sometimes get a little stuck twisting the paddle. It's a weird psychological thing, I guess.”

Why she touches the wall before points

Another fan-favorite observation: Bright touching the back wall before points.

“If I don't sometimes touch the back fence or something, like something just doesn't feel right.”

What started as a simple reset has evolved into a layered routine.

“I touch the wall and then I'll also touch my paddle or the ball on my left leg. Maybe in another year I'll have added another step to it.”

For Bright, it’s less about intention and more about instinct.

“I'm not even thinking I need to reset myself. It's more just if I don't do it, something is wrong.”

What’s really happening during timeouts

While she may appear intense and locked in during timeouts, Bright says the reality is more about focus than emotion.

“A lot of times I'm kind of like meditating or focusing. A lot of times my eyes are even closed.”

Her go-to method is box breathing, a controlled breathing technique she uses to stay composed.

“You inhale for four, hold at the top, exhale for four, hold at the bottom for four, and you just kind of repeat that.”

Even her pacing between points has purpose.

“A lot going on to try to have not a lot going on, honestly.”

How she handles mistakes

Despite her calm exterior at times, Bright admits she feels frustration when things go wrong.

“I don't know if I'm like cussing myself out terribly, but I'm definitely often displeased depending on the situation.”

The difference comes down to focus and context.

“If I know that maybe I wasn't as focused as I should have been, then I'll be quite a lot more upset.”

Still, she keeps her reactions in check to stay ready for the next rally.

“I'm not harping on it too much because you do have to get ready for the next point.”

Crowd interaction, on her terms

Unlike some players who thrive on crowd energy, Bright takes a more reserved approach.

“I'm not a big 'I hit a good shot and I'm going to like rev up the crowd kind of person.'”

She engages more during breaks, when the moment allows.

“Coming in and out of timeouts, if people are close by and giving me energy, I usually will give them something in their direction.”

But once play resumes, her focus narrows.

“I usually am not hearing or seeing too much.”

A competitive edge that started young

When Fleming described her as a “stone cold killer,” Bright didn’t push back.

“I've kind of always had the killer instinct. I really really want to win at the things I care about.”

That mindset traces back to her early tennis days.

“I was always thinking about mind games, like who's going to go and pick up the balls.”

Even as a child, she was thinking strategically.

“I cared a lot about not being the person who breaks if both people are walking. Some psycho tendencies, for sure.”

Learning from Anna Leigh Waters

Bright’s partnership—and rivalry—with Anna Leigh Waters has played a major role in her development.

“I think we're both always learning from each other. If one of us does something good, it's like the other one's doing like a shadow swing.”

But some of her biggest growth has come from competing against Waters.

“I think I've learned more from probably playing against her. It's always this chess match.”

That constant adjustment and evolution keeps her engaged.

“It’s very fun and very intellectually stimulating.”

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From paddle twirls to breathing techniques, Bright’s approach is a blend of instinct, discipline, and relentless competitiveness.

Every routine, no matter how small, serves a purpose. And as she continues to rise in the sport, it’s clear that her edge isn’t just physical.

It’s mental.