Pickleball: Six Rules for the Fast Game

March 7, 2019Jeff

Pickleball Strategy 301 – Six Rules of the Fast Game

NOTE – I have introduced Jim Baker’s excellent videos in a number of my blog posts and this one is especially for average plus players because you need a good level of at-the-net skills such as dinking and volleying. There are, however, some hints for players at every level.

The term “fast game” is used in this video to denote a rally at the net that involves a quick interchange of volleys at the net which shortly results in one team winning the point.

This is what Joe Baker states:

“…If you start the fast game and you fail to defeat your opponent’s reaction time with your first shot, your chance of winning the rally is only about one in three.”

The above statement is especially true if you “poach” a shot and step into your partner’s zone leaving a big gap. If your shot does not win outright, you are most likely to leave a wide gap in the area you left to attempt that poach and your team will most likely lose the point. If you are going to poach, be sure (or at least mostly sure) that you are going to hit a winner.

If you are a 3.0 or higher rated player, this video might be of interest to you.

Did you catch Jim Baker’s “Old Rule of Thumb?” Well, if you missed it, here it is:

“If you have to hit up on the ball, hit softly, aiming to keep the ball in or near the kitchen area. If you can hit down on the ball, you may hit hard. Unless you are an advanced player, I suggest sticking to this rule.”

Another thing Jim suggests in his video is that the best players are apt to lose these fast rallies about 30% of the time. To use a baseball analogy, you would still be batting .700 So don’t be discouraged to try to implement these strategies if you have the skills!

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Pickleball: Explained Q & D Video

February 3, 2019February 3, 2019Jeff

As a USAPA Pickleball Ambassador and enthusiast, I am often asked to answer the question: What is pickleball? Luckily for me, most people asking the question have heard something about the sport and have a vague idea of how it is played.

It is a difficult answer to give in a quick and concise manner. It was originally developed as a family sport and because of that it has some interesting, others might suggest strange, rules! Let me just say that it is a lot of fun! Most people who try pickleball continue to play and many become “hooked.”

Pickleball-It's Like Tennis, only Better!

Picture Courtesy of Third Shot Sports

Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports – Pickleball, who is a tournament player, coach and commentator, has created a relatively short and concise video that gives a quick explanation of the sport of pickleball. Keep in mind that this is just an introduction and viewers may have a number of questions. If you would like more information, leave a comment or question below and I will do my best to provide an answer.

If you want to get a good idea of what pickleball is, watch the video below:

NOTE – If you like the shirt pictured above and would like to purchase one, visit Mark’s website: Pickleball-It’s Like Tennis, only Better!

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Pickleball – Let’s Talk Etiquette

January 14, 2019January 17, 2019Jeff

Line Calls

Over the last several weeks at our community center’s recreational pickleball program, I have heard some players make line calls by saying: “I think the ball was out!” We can probably all agree that on some courts the lines are difficult to read and calling balls correctly may be a bit tricky at times, but let’s examine the sentence above.

It seems to imply that there is some doubt as to whether the ball was “in” or “out!” In such an instance, we can look to the official rulebook to learn how to deal with this situation.

Here is what the rulebook states:

“6.D.3. The opponent gets the benefit of the doubt on line calls made. Any ball that cannot be called “out” will be considered “in.” A player cannot claim a “let” because the ball was not seen or there is uncertainty. A player may appeal to the referee to make the call if he or she did not clearly see the ball land. If the referee is unable to make the call, the ball is “in.” [ USAPA & IFP Official Tournament Rulebook (2018), p. 31 – Emphasis added by me]

The remedy to “thinking” the ball was out, in my opinion, lies in the first sentence, i.e. the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponent. Secondly, “Any ball that cannot be called ‘out’ will be considered ‘in’.” Careful reading of that sentence suggests that if the ball cannot definitively be called “out” it is considered to be “in.”

When playing recreational pickleball, we should always be in a position to give the opponents the benefit of the doubt. After all, isn’t that what sportsmanship is?

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Balls Coming on to the Court

At the community centers or churches where I play pickleball there is an attempt to share the fun of pickleball with as many people as possible. To accommodate a large number of pickleballers, these facilities generally squeeze in as many courts as feasible; within reason. There are times, of course, when balls come rolling or flying onto a court of play from a nearby game.

At that point someone yells “ball” or “pickle” and then play stops. The reason for this procedure is to avoid someone stepping on the ball and getting hurt by twisting an ankle or falling.

At the time the words “stop” or “pickle” are shouted, all play should stop and the point should be replayed from the beginning with the same server initiating the point as before. I often call the score and use the word “over” (2-2-1, over) to review that this is a replay of the previous point.

Naturally there will be times when the stoppage of play is called and you may be just short of making a great shot and your opportunity is removed because of the stoppage. This can be frustrating, but over the long haul those kinds of breaks seem to even out and the other team may likewise lose opportunities for a winner. [On a side note here – there really is no thing as a sure winner. If you have ever hit an easy ball into the net, you know what I mean!]

There will be times when the call for the stoppage of play will be close to a swing at the ball or during a swing. It would seem to me that if a player indicates that hearing the call caused them to react in such a way that they did not play the ball effectively because of it, I offer to play the point over. Once again, I offer the opponent the benefit of the doubt. Even if the ball is not on the court on which I am playing, if the shout affects play, let’s start the point again.

If the play is just over when the call is made, then the play stands because it “was over.” If we are going to offer each other the benefit of the doubt in the cases above, then we need to be as consistent and honest as we can be. Few people will want to play with someone they cannot trust to reciprocate in giving the benefit of the doubt.

I have tried my best to lay out my thoughts about the scenarios above. I think they make sense!

What are your thoughts?

UPDATE – 1/17/19 – Frank asks a good questions which leads to some more thoughts for consideration. Read the comments below and chime in if you so choose!

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Pickleball – When All Else Fails

December 19, 2018Jeff

There I was playing a game of doubles the other day. My partner and I were matched against a team that I thought was somewhat more skilled than we were. I knew we would have our work cut out for us if we were to win.

I am not that confident in my third shot drop shot or any drop shot for that matter. I can generally hit a successful drop shot about 70% of the time. I really need to work on this and get it up to 90% plus, but then again that would take practice; ugh!

So there we were playing against two people who were very good at the net. My usual attempt to use a third shot drive or other hard drives to get the ball by them was not working consistently. They were either whacking the ball back hard or dropping it short and making us really work hard to move forward and hit a shot.

We were behind, but not by that much so I decided to start using drop shots into the kitchen area. My dink game is pretty good and I don’t lose too many dink points. I thought, “After all, what have I got to lose if other shots aren’t working.?”

Much to my surprise, this became an effective strategy. I was aiming primarily for the backhands of the opponents and every once in a while, down the middle. Sprinkle in my partner’s effective lob every now and then and the game was very close.

Lucky for us we were able to win although barely.

Here’s the point:

This was recreation play and not a tournament. Winning or losing didn’t mean as much to me as did making a good show. The one strategy I generally like to use, i.e. hitting hard drives, was not working.

Changing strategies to the softer game via drop shots turned out to be a better choice. Let’s say that we continued to lose points and ended up losing. It still would have been a good chance for me to get experience with the softer part of the game.

Keeping the ball low in pickleball is the key to winning points. A low ball is hard to attack and often results in a weak return. Of course, we need to be good at the soft game as well to take advantage of this situation.

Don’t be afraid to change strategies if what you are doing is not working.

A FINAL NOTE – I often talk to my partner during the game to share ideas, strategies, etc. This keeps everyone on the same page.

What are your thoughts?

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Pickleball – What I Noticed by Watching Others Play

December 6, 2018Jeff

A number of players…

#1 – have questionable serves.

The Serve

The serve must be made underhand.
Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist (navel level).
The serve is initiated with at least one foot behind the baseline; neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck.
The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court.
Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let (the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court; let serves are replayed).

USAPA Rules Summary – The Serve

NOTE – The server’s swing must be in an upward arc as shown in the drawing below (p. 18 – USAPA & IFP Official Tournament Rulebook)

Pickleball 101: The Basics of a Pickleball Serve

Additional information:

The Ultimate Guide To Serving In Pickleball

#2 – take step forward after serving and sometimes they are caught moving backwards trying to hit the return of serve. It is more difficult to hit the ball forward while you are moving backward. Taking a step backward while hitting the ball will result only in an arm shot which is difficult to hit precisely and usually will not have much power. Stay back waiting for the return of serve, but be ready to move forward if the return is short!

#3– are facing the net, i.e. parallel when hitting a groundstroke even if they have time to set up. This is known as an open stance; not generally good for a ground stroke. A groundstroke, either forehand or backhand, has more power when you can set up with your shoulder perpendicular to the net.

#4– when not receiving the serve, partners are waiting near the kitchen line and they do not watch the ball as it is served to the receiver. I have noticed some facing completely forward without ever turning around, but just waiting to see the ball hit the opponent’s side of the court. The non-receiving partner should watch the ball as it is served to the receiver.

a – The ball may be out and the receiver may not have called it. You then call it.

b – If the receiver hits a bad shot, you have time to react if you are watching the ball. If it is a pop-up and it will be coming back hard, take a few steps back to gain more time to respond.

c- Watching the receiver hit the ball may enable the non-receiving partner to determine where the ball is headed and prepare for the return by facing in that direction with the paddle up.

I hope beginning pickleballers and perhaps others find some of these observations and associated links helpful.

Have fun on the courts!

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Pickleball – You Make the Call – NVZ Partner Grab Answer

October 24, 2018October 24, 2018Jeff

Original Scenario Posted on 20181016

The Scenario:

You and your partner are involved in a multi-shot exchange at the non-volley zone with the other team. After a couple of back-and-forths a ball is hit to your partner and he volleys it. In the act of the volley he begins to “teeter” toward the NVZ and it becomes apparent that he is going to step into the NVZ.

According to USAPA rules, it would be a fault if a player’s momentum forces him to step into the NVZ after a successful volley.

Would it be legal, according to USAPA rules, for you to grab your partner to pull him back to avoid his entering the NVZ after such a volley?

The Answer according to USAPA Rules:

It would be “legal” for a player to grab or pull their partner to prevent them from entering the NVZ and avoid causing a fault AS LONG AS the partner doing the grabbing is not themselves in violation of the NVZ rule, i.e. remains outside the NVZ during the maneuver.

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Pickleball – You Make the Call – 20181016 – NVZ Partner Grab

October 16, 2018October 16, 2018Jeff

You and your partner are involved in a multi-shot exchange at the non-volley zone with the other team. After a couple of exchanges a ball is hit to your partner and he volleys it. In the act of the volley he begins to “teeter” toward the NVZ and it becomes apparent that the is going to step into the NVZ.

According to USAPA rules, it would be a fault if a player’s momentum forces him to step into the NVZ after a successful volley.

Would it be legal, according to USAPA rules, for you to grab your partner to pull him back to avoid his entering the NVZ after such a volley?

Leave your answer in the comment section! The answer will be presented next week (+/-) in a follow-up post.

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Pickleball Video: How to Avoid Hitting Out Balls

October 9, 2018Jeff

Doubles Pickleball Strategy 103
Don’t Hit Out Balls, Six Easy Rules
by Joe Baker

Joe Baker creates some of my favorite pickleball videos about many aspects of the sport. In the video below, Joe explains several steps to use to learn how to stop hitting balls that would ordinarily be out-of-bounds and thus avoid giving your opponents extra chances.

When I teach beginners how to play, I give them some of the same advice. I explain that they have to learn to use their body as a “ruler” or measuring device to know when to let the ball “fly.”

For me, this is how it goes… When I am at the non-volley zone and the ball is above my chest or higher, I let it go. If I am at mid-court and the ball is around mid-section high, I let it go. If I am standing near the baseline, such as when the other team is returning serve, if it is knee height or higher, I let it fly.

Joe Baker provides a number of good hints and he places emphasis on the fact that you need to develop this skill by playing and assessing the balls as they come towards you.

Do I make an error in judgment once in a while? You bet, but I win more points that way than I lose!

Pickleball: Between Games Don’t Just Wait

August 17, 2018Jeff

When you are playing in a non-tournament situation what exactly is your goal? Is it to get exercise? Is it to have fun? Is it to do your best? Is it to do everything you can to win? Whatever your goal may be, I think we all want to do well.

The question then arises…If you are at a club and there is a ten or fifteen minute wait between games, what do you do with that time? I think depending upon your answer to the goal question above, you may have a couple of different answers, but some coaches suggest that there are several things to consider doing.

* If there is space, can you get on a practice court and stay warm?

* Is there a wall you can use to hit against? You can practice your dink or reflex vollies.

* Can you do some in-place movement to stay limber?

NOTE – The ideas above were excerpted from the article 3 Pre-Game Tricks to Play Better Matches by Mark Renneson. While his essay focuses on those in tournament or more serious play, I believe we can all benefit from his admonition that between games “Don’t just stand (or sit) there.”

If you are a serious, competitive player, you might want to check out the article linked above.

Pickleball Paddle: Get the Lead Out!

August 14, 2018Jeff

Lead Tape for Racquet or Paddle Customization

Picture courtesy of Tennis Express

I am going out on a limb here by suggesting that most pickleball players probably do not know that some of the competitive and/or professional players add lead tape to their paddles to change the weight and feel.

Of course there are rules about what can and cannot be done with a paddle and still have it qualify for USAPA certification. I understand that many people don’t play in tournaments, but my personal philosophy is that I want to play with certified and approved equipment whenever I can.

Keeping that in mind, let’s consider what the rule book says about making changes to the paddle:

“2.E.5. Alterations. The only alterations or additions that can be made to a commercially made paddle are edge guard tape, lead tape, changes to the grip size or grip wrap, and adding name decals and/or other identification markings on the paddle face. Decals, markings, and tape can extend no farther than 1.0 inches (2.54 cm) above the top of the grip nor more than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) inside from the outer edge of a paddle or paddle edge guard if in place. Altered paddles must meet all specifications.”

One of the professional players I follow, Sarah Ansboury, uses quite a bit of lead tape on her paddle. She has written an essay explaining why she does it and what some of the advantages might be.

She ends her blog post with encouraging players to try different things and experiment. Sarah says:

“You can buy 100″ of lead tape on Amazon for under $13, so experimenting won’t break the bank. You may find altering your pickleball paddle just feels more comfortable. And we all know comfort is a key to playing better pickleball.”

Read the entire blog post at the link below. Even if you don’t try it, I think it is an interesting option that many players don’t appreciate.

Should You Add Lead Tape to Your Pickleball Paddle?

JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

Pickleball

Pickleball: Six Rules for the Fast Game

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball: Explained Q & D Video

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – Let’s Talk Etiquette

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – When All Else Fails

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – What I Noticed by Watching Others Play

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – You Make the Call – NVZ Partner Grab Answer

The Scenario:

The Answer according to USAPA Rules:

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – You Make the Call – 20181016 – NVZ Partner Grab

Pickleball Video: How to Avoid Hitting Out Balls

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball: Between Games Don’t Just Wait

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball Paddle: Get the Lead Out!

More Pickleball Videos and Information