Eric Oncins

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Home: Boynton Beach, Florida

Age: 23

Marital status: Single

Major and college: Communications at Florida Gulf Coast University

Best shot: Backhand flick

Favorite tournament: San Clemente

Ranking: 37 in singles, 16 in men’s doubles, 16 in mixed doubles

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You received MLP’s Most Improved Award last year. What did you to do achieve it?

I started as a rookie, nobody knew me, I played the MLP Challenge. I practiced and worked on my fitness with Simone Jardim.

You are Brazilian. How does that influence your pickleball?

I was born in Brazil. My dad played professional tennis. We had a tennis court at my house. I grew up with the energy and charisma of South America. We are 100 percent passionate in sports. South Americans have warmth. We express a lot of love for everything we do.

What is the status of pickleball in Brazil?

It is growing but not like it is in the U.S. Our courts are mainly in private country clubs. There are several Brazilian players coming to the US Open next year. My dad and I are helping pickleball grow in Brazil.

What do you see as the future of pickleball?

I just returned from playing in Malaysia and Vietnam. We broke all attendance records. There were 7,900 spectators in the stadium in Vietnam. It was so cool to play in the finals before such a big crowd. With Asia coming to the pickleball market, there will be rapid growth.

What would you like to see happen in the sport?

I think lowering the power of the paddles would be a good thing. I love the lifeline ball. It has no bad bounces. If they lower the power of the paddles, there will be more speed-ups and extended rallies. Good for spectators.

Do you have a special diet?

Yes, I eat a lot of organic foods and red meat. When I am home, I cook my own meals. Eating well makes a huge difference when you are traveling. I love Brazilian food. My mom is a wonderful cook. She makes Beef Stroganoff with a touch of Brazil.

What is your training routine?

I drill from 7 to 9 a.m. I do lots of dinking and third-shot drops and resets. The second hour I work on learning new shots. It is challenging to learn a two-handed backhand. I have a one-handed backhand in tennis. In pickleball it helps to have a two-handed block and a two-handed speed-up. A two-handed shot is more deceptive. You can achieve more angles. You can cuff it and go around the ball. You need perfect timing with a one-handed backhand.

Would you teach a two-handed backhand to a beginner?

100 percent.

What do you see as the difference between men’s doubles and women’s doubles?

I enjoy watching women’s doubles. Women are always behind the line just a bit. Not many women have a flick. Women’s doubles is more fun because they have more speed-ups and resets. Men have the height and the wrist strength to take almost every shot out of the air.

What physical and mental characteristics make a good pickleball player?

Height is important. A great height for pickleball is 6’2” or 6’3”. You can cover more area and still have speed. This is a young sport. It is important to have good sportsmanship and be electric.

How tall are you?

6’2”!

What is your favorite song?

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson.

What is your favorite book?

I just read David Goggins’ biography, “Can’t Hurt Me,” about being mentally stronger.

What person do you most admire?

My dad. I want to follow in his footsteps. •