Pickleball

Pickleball News – 20230214– Archived Version

Jeff


This section of Jbrish.com is no longer active. News will be distributed via email ONLY. Sorry for any inconvenience!!


 

 

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – February 14, 2023


Archived Version of a Previous Newsletter
OLD NEWS


 

This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available by clicking HERE!

 

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – February 14, 2023

Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players:

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the moderating weather in the Valley! This will be a busy area for pickleball over the next few months and several important tournaments have already been held



Misleading Information About the
***** Non-Volley Zone Lines *****

It has been brought to my attention that some misleading information about the non-volley zone line is being disseminated. As former Ambassador and now pickleball enthusiast, I enjoy playing according to the OFFICIAL USA Pickleball Rulebook and I believe most players feel the same way.

Here is the rule about which balls are considered “in play” and “good” as related to the court lines.

6.B. Except the serve, any ball in play that lands in the court or touches any court line is in. (p. 30 – 2023 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook)

When it comes to the serve, this is the rule about the non-volley zone line:

4.A.2. Placement. The server must serve to the correct service court (the court diagonally opposite the server). The serve may clear or touch the net and must clear the NVZ and the NVZ lines. The serve may land on any other service court line. (p. 17 – 2023 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook)

NOTE – In RECREATION play, modification of the rules can be made as long as everyone understands and agrees before play begins. Once again, it has been my experience that most players stick closely to the USA Pickleball Rulebook.


***** USAP Pickleball Association Rulebook & Official Rules *****
Download your FREE PDF copy HERE



Humorous Pickleball
***** Public Service Announcement Video *****


SOME OF THE TERMS EXPLAINED

Stacking – Explanation

Erne – Read a description HERE Video example HERE

ATP – Around the Post Shot – A player can return the ball by “hitting the ball around the net post” and not over the net. Video example HERE



***** Finishing the Pickleball Point *****

Pickleball player, coach, blogger and podcaster Mark Renneson has written a very informative article:

5 Skills to Finish More Pickleball Points

Here is just one of the suggestions he makes:

The person who is cross court from you is farther away than your down-the-line opponent. And all things being equal, the person closer to you will have less time to get ready for your ball than the one who is on the diagonal. So unless you have a great reason to hit crosscourt, you should drive this ball down-the-line…

All things being equal, when you are trying to finish a point with speed aim toward the person that is closer to you — they’ll have less time to prepare for the ball.

If you want to read the entire article, you can find it HERE!



***** Desert Ridge Open Pickleball Tournament *****

When I am not playing pickleball, I enjoy watching the best of the best play pickleball. Some of the finest pickleball talents were on display at the recent Phoenix, Desert Ridge Open Pickleball Tournament.

It is understandable that these athletes have excellent offenses, but what struck me most, was the defensive shots. When a pickleball team or player is in “trouble” because they are being “attacked” by fast, hard-hitting shots, they try to RESET THE POINT. What this means is that they return the ball in such a way that it can no longer be hit hard toward them in a completely offensive position (often into the non-volley zone).

If you want to see this on clear display watch the women’s or men’s doubles finals. These players are so good at resetting the point and getting out of trouble.



******* DESERT RIDGE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT VIDEOS *******

Desert Ridge Open – Gold Medal Match – Women’s Doubles – Waters/Parenteau vs. Jansen/Jones

Desert Ridge Open – Gold Medal Match – Men’s Doubles – Johns/Johns vs. Wright/Newman



Desert Ridge Open – Gold Medal Match – Mixed Doubles – Johns/Waters vs. Wright/Kovalova


Desert Ridge Open – Gold Medal Match – Women’s Singles – Anna Leigh Waters vs. Catherine Parenteau


Inclusive Trounament Video
******* More than Five Hours Long *******



HERE ARE THE TIME STAMPS FOR THE VIDEO ABOVE as posted on YouTube – NOTE – Some of these are not accurate – YMMV

0:00 – #11 Zane Navratil/James Ignatowich #21 Derek Shearer/Grant Bond
21:45 – #1 Ben Johns/Collin Johns vs. #32 Nico Montoya/Adrian Legarreta
38:13 – #4 JW Johnson/Dylan Frazier vs. #13 Connor Garnett/Wesley Burrows
1:06:11 – #2 Riley Newman/Matt Wright vs. #15 Pesa Teoni/Kris Heddings
1:32:45 – #1 Ben Johns/Collin Johns vs. #8 Jay Devilliers/DJ Young
1:59:10 – #4 JW Johnson/Dylan Frazier vs. #5 Erik Lange/AJ Koller
2:29:22 – #3 Tyler Loong/Callan Dawson vs. #6 Thomas Wilson/Julian Arnold
3:08:22 – #2 Catherine Parenteau/Anna Leigh Waters vs. #7 Irina Tereschenko/Meghan Sheehan-Dizon
3:35:02 – #1 Ben Johns/Collin Johns vs. #4 JW Johnson/Dylan Frazier
4:08:23 – #2 Riley Newman/Matt Wright vs. #3 Tyler Loong/Callan Dawson
4:48:01 – #17 Bobbi Oshiro/Sarah Ansboury vs. #4 Lea Jansen/Allyce Jones
5:25:41 – #2 Catherine Parenteau/Anna Leigh Waters vs. #3 Anna Bright/Vivienne David

 


********** That’s All for Now **********

 

Stay Well and Play Safely!

Regards,

Jeff Ross
N. Phoenix Pickleball Enthusiast

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – April 4, 2023

Jeff

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – April 4, 2023

Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players:

Here is some timely information about Pickleball that may be of interest to many of our players.



April 15th — April 22nd, 2023 in Naples, Florida
***** US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS *****

This is the Internet Link for the US Open Pickleball Championships


Here is the schedule of events.

Last year, many of the quarter final, semi final and final matches were carried on the Internet, but that information has always been elusive. The finals did make it to one of the major streaming television channels. You can try the Professional Pickleball Association’s YouTube channel.

On the tournament website this notation appears, but it only pertains to the finals and I am not certain how
“complete” it is.





***** More pickleball terms *****

In the last newsletter, the terms Stacking, Erne and ATP were explained. Well, here are a few more with video examples:

The Tweener – a ball that a player hits that goes between their legs. In the video below, watch the player in the even court, bottom-right.





The Bert – When one partner jumps over to the other player’s side in front of that player to take the ball out of the air. The idea is to surprise the opponent and cause an error. Once again, watch the player in the even court with the blue shirt, bottom-right.





The Scorpion – When a player (usually at the NVZ) makes a shot by holding the paddle high at head-level or slightly above, and with the paddle flat hits the ball downward at the opponent. It looks like a scorpion’s strike with its tail. Watch the player in red closely!





Rally Scoring May Be
***** Coming to a Pickleball Court Near You *****

There are two hot topics in the pickleball world; regulations regarding the approval of paddles and the adoption of rally scoring. The paddle issues will need to wait for more clarity, but rally scoring has been adopted by the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and has picked up some momentum. I don’t think it will become the “official” scoring method in pickleball for some time, but it has been used by some clubs, tournaments and now the MLP.

Watch this video for a very brief overview:

GAMES

RULES GUIDE | MLPLAYTM 01/10/22 *

For 2023, each Game will be played with rally scoring to 21 points (win by 2). Players will change ends when one team reaches the score of 11. This format and order are subject to change. Rally scoring will be played until a team reaches 20, at which time the team reaching 20 is subject to a freeze on rally scoring and must score all future points while serving. If the trailing team reaches 18, that team too will be subject to a freeze on rally scoring and must score all future points while serving. If both teams are tied 19-19, then both teams are immediately frozen when it becomes 20-19. All Games must be won by 2 points.

*Excerpted from the MLP website.

** Obviously this format is designed for MLP and will need to be adjusted or modified for recreational play. The main idea of each player remaining on their designated side during the entire game will probably remain a part of all rally scoring.

Feel free to download the complete MLP rules and regulations at this link. Page 4 contains most of the pertinent information.

If you have never watched a MLP match between two teams, you will find that it is a bit more “hectic” than most pickleball matches. To witness how rally scoring is used and how MLP games are played, watch the women’s doubles video below. Pay attention to the main rally scoring rules, i.e. serving team does not switch sides after winning on their serve with each player remaining on the odd/even side of the court for the entire game.**

In the first game, the NY Hustlers (Anna Bright and Lacy Schneemann) go Against the LA Mad Drops (Catherine Parenteau and Irina Tereschenko) the game ends at the 19:01 mark.



**There are some exceptions to the players staying on the same side of their court for the entire game, but it is too long to explain here. If you are interested, download the MLP Rules and read page 5 -see link above.

So, what is the benefit of rally scoring? Consistency. Game lengths are more consistent with rally scoring. We have all been in games where they go to 12, 13 or even 14 points because teams must win by two and on their serves. According to statistical analysis of 173 MLP games, rally scoring shortens this extension of traditionally scored games. ***

*** https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/by-the-numbers-rally-vs-traditional-scoring/

If you have gotten this far, you might want to read Paddletek’s article which details the pros and cons of rally scroing Should Rally Scoring Be the Norm of Pickleball?



***** The Point of the Ages? *****

The point bellow has been called A Point for the Ages by some. Do you Agree?

[You can enlarge the video window by placing the pointer on the video and then
clicking the square corners on the bottom-right of the frame]


– AND –

How about this WILD Point Anna Leigh Waters (pink) vs Catherine Parenteau in singles?



 



********** That’s All for Now **********

Stay Well and Play Safely!

 
Regards,

Jeff Ross

North Phoenix
Pickleball Enthusiast

Best Day of Televised Pickleball – Peachtree Classic

Jeff

During COVID, I had very little court time with pickleball and this was the motivation for me to watch matches on YouTube.

Recently, I watched the final matches of the Peachtree Classic and the commentators said that this was probably the best display of championship pickleball ever streamed/televised. I couldn’t agree more!

The lineup for the finals:

  • Women’s Singles Final: Callie Smith vs. Anna Leigh Waters

    •  

  • Men’s Doubles Final: Ben Johns & Collin Johns vs. Matt Wright & Riley Newman

    •  

  • Women’s Doubles Final: Anna Bright & Jessie Irvine vs. Anna Leigh Waters & Leigh Waters

    •  

  • Mixed Doubles Final: Ben Johns & Anna Leigh Waters vs Riley Newman & Catherine Parenteau

    •  

  • Men’s Singles Final: Julian Arnold vs. JW Johnson

    •  

For those who are curious, you can check player rankings at the Professional Pickleball Association.

One thing for sure, the sport of Pickleball is maturing and the long-dink rally is slowly disappearing and the hard-core bangers seem to be taking over. The reflexes exhibited by the players in these contests are amazing.

So…if you are interested in watching excellent pickleball, this video has over seven hours of pickleball magic.

NOTE: I don’t think most people would elect to watch the entire video in one sitting. If you are not familiar with YouTube videos, check the section below with hints regarding how to watch YouTube videos and use the controls.


Peachtree Classic – Championship Sunday

 

Some things to note:

  • Pay attention to those matches where the momentum seems to change. This happens in all sports. It is hard to measure, but one point, one play or one tug on the emotions can shift the momentum of the contest.
  • Note how players/teams change strategies when they find that their style of play is not winning.
  • I never appreciated the importance of “stacking” and how certain players are better at one side of the court than the other because of the location of the stronger backhand or forehand. I don’t think most recreational players do much stacking, but is interesting to watch the pros.
  • I also enjoy learning the names of some of the shots: the ATP (Around the Post), the Ernie, the Bert and the Scorpion.

This video has more than 56,000 views. That many pickleball fans can’t be wrong!!

Check this YouTube website for additional tournament videos!


Hints about watching PB on YouTube

To start the video, click on the right facing arrow in the middle of the screen.

When the video linked above starts to play, if you point to the bottom of the video frame, a line appears (this can be yellow or red). You will then see a variety of controls which are explained below in the diagrams.

Here are some other controls you should know if you are not familiar with watching videos on your computer.






From time-to-time YouTube will provide the option for the viewer to skip the current add by placing a link like the one below. Click that to return to the video if so desired.



 

If you stop the video for a break, note the time stamp indicated by the red line. The number of elapsed minutes/hours will show. Write that down in the event you have to find that place when you next start the video. Do this each time you are going to take a break of more than ten minutes or so.

Don’t worry if you forget. Viewers can start the video and click and drag the right-edge of the red line to move the video back and forth to find the desired location, i.e. any place in the video.

Once you click on the start arrowhead, the icon at the bottom left of the video frame changes to two short vertical lines. That is the “universal symbol” to stop a video. You can click on that whenever you want to pause or stop the video.

To start the video once again, just click the right facing arrowhead.

I hope you enjoy these matches as much as I did. Although we may never approach the skills exhibited in these matches, it is grand to see what can be done by some of the best players in the world!

Happy Viewing – Jeff Ross, Pickleball Enthusiast

 

Pickleball Birthday Cake

Jeff

Well, I knew this day was coming and naturally I am glad I am here to enjoy it. A week ago, I celebrated my three-quarter century birthday. It has been an interesting journey and one of the most exciting facets of that journey is my enjoyment of Pickleball (America’s fastest growing sport).

My dear best friends helped my wife and I mark this milestone by taking us out to a local Italian restaurant for a wonderful dinner. I made sure to “leave room” because I had a hunch that the dessert was going to be something very special.

Sure enough, they unboxed this amazing pickleball birthday cake.



Note: The pickle and the ball are obvious, but the words on the bottom say “75 (hidden from view) and still dinking it.” The colors were much more vibrant in “real life.”

The cake was scrumptious. It had a vanilla layer and chocolate layer with a thin, tasty layer of raspberry preserves between. All the flavors melded well with the buttercream frosting.

This is truly a birthday to remember!

Pickleball: No Lets & the New Drop Serve

Jeff

While words may explain the new rules, not all the nuances are easily understood. With the new (and somewhat controversial) drop serve rule, I think the two videos below will clarify what IS an what IS NOT acceptable.

 

 

The video below is a conversation that explains the rules. It will furter help to explain and clarify some of the information presented by Jordan Briones in the tutorial above.

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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: How the Pros Practice

Jeff


********** WOW! What a Workout *********

 

Whether you are stuck inside because of quarantine OR the inclement weather, I think you will enjoy this practice session of Pro Pickleballers Zane Navratil, John Cincola, Kyle Selinko, and Ryan Rosenthal.

Some of their points had more hits than a few games I can remember. I mean really, these guys are unbelievable! I think the players in the dark shirts had an advantage.

What do you think about some of these shots!!?




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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


**********

 

All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: is the Third Shot Drop Offensive or Defensive

Jeff

Mark Renneson, Third Shot Sports, discusses offensive and defensive shots/tactics in the video below. He then continues to examine whether the third shot drop shot (the gold standard of professional pickleball) is an offensive or defensive play. If you haven’t thought about this before, I think you will find this interesting.

 

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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball Video: Improve Your Volleys

Jeff

Jordan Briones explains why it is important to maintain a compact swing when you are at the NVZ. He provides three important points to make sure your volleys go where you want them to go and how to keep them direct and sharp.



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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


**********

 

All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: Legacy Sports Arena Update

Jeff

In May of 2019, I wrote about the development of the Legacy Sports Arena in N. Phoenix, Arizona. While the construction of such a facility would be welcome in any area in America, what really caught my interest was the inclusion of pickleball.

You can read the original story HERE

The recent health emergency has slowed some progress, but quite a bit of the complex has been completed. Driving by the area on rt. 17, the structure is clearly visible.



Instead of early fall, 2020 it is more likely that the Legacy Sports Arena will open in late fall or early winter.

Here are some recent pictures for comparison…







A panorama of the area!



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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


**********

 

All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball in the time of COVID-19

Jeff

NO EXCUSES…PICKLEBALL ANYWHERE IN THE HOUSE with Miguel Enciso. A simple DO-IT-YOURSELF project

NOTE: The string Miguel used in the video was 12′ long (+/-).

From the YouTube Video:

No more excuses when it comes to playing our favorite paddle game with the silly name. Here’s an easy DIY project (big shout out to my friends at HOME AND FAMILY on the Hallmark Channel for teaching me everything I know about DIYing). NO MORE EXCUSES…keep your body and your mind active during this difficult time for our communities, our country and our world. Be safe and always PADDLE UP!


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Hank Weiss, PhD, MH, MS – Epidemiologist is apparently a pickleball player. He has created a video detailing how the Coronavirus works and more importantly, what it means for playing pickleball. Is there a safe way to play during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you want to skip the general COVID-19 discussion, fast-forward to the 9:12 (+/-) time frame to find out what it really portends for pickleballers.

BTW – (Some Mild NSFW content/coments)

NOTE – Recent reports indicate that COVID-19 can also be transmitted via another person who has the disease whether or not they are symptomatic via their breath. Apparently there does not have to be a particle release.


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More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Information and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)


**********

 

All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com