Meet Shane Wilson: How New Zealand's #1 Senior Pickleball Player Stays Competitive
As pickleball continues to grow across New Zealand and around the world, more players are searching for the best ways to improve their movement, fitness, and on-court performance.
One player who understands exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level is Shane Wilson, New Zealand's #1 Senior Pickleball Player.
From representing New Zealand on the world stage to winning international medals, Shane has become one of the leading figures in New Zealand pickleball.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Like many players, Shane's journey to pickleball started on the tennis court.
"When tennis became too tough on the body, I gave pickleball a shot. Best decision I ever made, it gave me a second chance to compete at a high level."
What began as a new challenge quickly became a passion. Today, Shane competes internationally and continues to prove that age doesn't have to limit athletic performance.
Representing New Zealand at the Highest Level
Some of Shane's proudest achievements include:
- Representing New Zealand at the Pickleball World Cup
- Winning medals in international competition
- Competing against some of the world's best pickleball players
- Helping grow the sport throughout New Zealand
For Shane, wearing the black fern and representing his country remains one of the highlights of his sporting career.
The Biggest Challenge in Senior Pickleball
According to Shane, success in pickleball isn't just about hitting great shots.
At the senior level, the real challenge is staying healthy enough to keep performing week after week.
Recovery, mobility, balance, strength, and injury prevention all become increasingly important as players age.
That's why many competitive players are now investing in specialised pickleball training equipment and pickleball fitness tools to help maintain their movement and athleticism.
Shane's #1 Pickleball Training Tip
When asked for his biggest piece of advice, Shane's answer is simple:
"Drill. Drill. Drill."
"If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail."
Consistent practice remains one of the fastest ways to improve your pickleball game.
Whether you're working on footwork, balance, dinking, transitions, or court positioning, quality repetitions create lasting improvements.
Why Shane Uses the XPAND Gravity Belt
One tool Shane uses to stay sharp is the XPAND Gravity Belt.
The Gravity Belt is designed to help players develop:
- Better athletic posture
- Improved balance and stability
- Stronger movement patterns
- Faster change of direction
- Greater lower-body strength
- Enhanced court coverage
Unlike traditional gym exercises, the Gravity Belt trains players in sport-specific positions that directly transfer to pickleball performance.
For players looking to improve movement, agility, and body control, it has become one of the most popular pickleball training aids used by racket sport athletes around the world.
Pickleball Training Equipment for Players of All Levels
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced tournament player, developing a strong athletic foundation can help unlock your game.
Many players focus only on technique, but elite performers understand that movement is often the hidden advantage.
The best pickleball training gear helps players:
- Move more efficiently
- Stay balanced under pressure
- Reduce injury risk
- Improve endurance
- Recover faster
- Maintain performance over time
That's why players across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Europe are incorporating specialised pickleball training tools into their weekly routines.
Save 15% with Shane's Discount Code
Ready to take your pickleball training to the next level?
Use code SHANE15 at checkout to save 15% storewide on XPAND training equipment.
Follow Shane
Instagram: @smw_pickleball
Questions about pickleball training, tournaments, or improving your game?
Shane is always happy to connect with fellow players and help grow the pickleball community.
