Pickleball

Video: Faster Way to Sharpen Your Pickleball Skills

Jeff

A number of my pickleball blog posts have made a statement such as: “You can’t greatly improve your game just by playing. Focused practice is necessary.” I didn’t make this up. I have read this or heard this from many of the top pickleball coaches. It sounds logical and I believe it is true.

Now let me ask you. If you had a chance to hit twice as many balls as you normally would, do you think that would give you more practice? Do you think it might help you improve your game? I think it would.

Did you ever play a game with a weaker player and most of the balls are hit to them while you stand by wondering when the next ball will come your way?

Here is a unique idea. Play Sick Trx Singles (I have no idea how they came up with this name). It is playing singles almost like a doubles game. This way each player gets to hit all the balls on their side of the net; no partner. Don’t worry, you still cover just half of the court.

This will force players to learn to “guide” the ball in various directions and to be more precise!.

What makes this a different variation is that the service and return of serve is similar to that of doubles.

Watch the video below to see if this is something you can use to improve your pickleball skills.

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball Video: Yours, Mine, Oh No!

Jeff

We aren’t necessarily mean, but we love it when it happens to others.

If you have played pickleball for just a few days, you will probably know what I am talking about here. It is that ball that is neither totally on one side of the court or the other. Or, it is very close to the player with the forehand even if it is a bit on the other player’s side of the court AND…

Each player on the team thinks the other is going to get it and the ball zings by scoring a point for the other team or at minimum a lost rally. Partner communication is important both before and during the game.

Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports gives a few pointers. As the video points out, many teams will actually call “yours” or “mine” to let both players know who should and who shouldn’t go for the ball.

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Video: Tennis Players, Pickleball Isn’t so Bad!

Jeff

Pickleball is growing across the United States and the world. There were a significant number of new pickleball courts developed in the US last year and many tennis centers are embracing pickleball as a companion sport.

This gives some tennis players the opportunity to try both sports and many have made pickleball part of their athletic routines. Watch the video below to see how the Bobby Riggs Tennis Club made the transition.

From the YouTube Page:

“Yes, pickleball and tennis can thrive and flourish together! At the world renowned Bobby Riggs Tennis Club, owners and tennis pros Steve and Jennifer Dawson decided to add pickleball to their tennis club which not only added revenue to the organization but has enhanced the community and members’ experience. Watch a heartwarming story about this tennis club and how the Dawson family took a chance on pickleball and ended up completely embracing the sport. The Dawsons aren’t planning on giving up tennis, but by adding pickleball, they’ve given their tennis club new life and have created a unique community that opens doors for additional opportunity and community for BOTH sports.”

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickkleball: Why do you do what you do?

Jeff

 


When you are playing pickleball and you are ready to return serve, do you try to place the ball in a specific spot on your opponent’s side of the court? If you do, does your partner understand where they need to be to help you defend against the third shot? Do you know where you should be in relationship to your partner to best counter the returning ball?

In a recent post by Sarah Ansboury, Pickleball Tip: Follow the Ball, she explains the importance of knowing “why” you want to accomplish something on the court. She suggests that technique and knowing how to hit the various types of shots are not really enough. Sarah continues to explain why successful players need to follow specific strategies depending upon the variables.

If you want to “up your game” and begin to bring it to another level, check out her recent post by clicking this link:

Pickleball Tip: Follow the Ball

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball Video: Returning a Very Short Ball

Jeff

There are times when a ball from your opponent barely makes it over the net. Perhaps it ticks the top of the net and dribbles over. When the ball lands only a foot or so away from the net, this can be a problem for the returning player.

Such a short ball is very hard to return as there is no room for the player to swing and get the ball up and over the net if they hit the ball straight on. There is, however, one very good alternative. Watch the video below to learn a one way to handle this situation.

NOTE – If you can, time your hit so the paddle reaches the ball as it is bouncing up (ascending) so it is not at its lowest point to the ground. The higher the ball, the easier it will be to get it over the net!

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: Video – Getting Out of Trouble

Jeff

If you play doubles pickleball on a regular basis, sooner or later you will find that you and your partner are in a defensive posture stuck near the baseline. If this happens, one of the best strategies is to “reset the point.” After all, it is hard to hit a winner when you are pinned near your baseline.

So what is “reseting the point?” Mark Renneson, pickleball coach and owner of Third Shot Sports, explains via the video below:

Remember, the drop shot isn’t an offensive shot. It doesn’t have to be a “winner,” it just needs to give your team time to move forward.

Do you want to Win a Trip for 2 to the 2018 USAPA National Championships in Indian Wells California? If so, CLICK HERE!

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball Video: Give Me the Ball!

Jeff

NOTES FROM THE VIDEO’S Web Page

Seventeen time national champion, Jennifer Lucore, shares her Pickleball Quick Tip that is simple but brilliant! How can you be ready for the ball when you’re waiting at the kitchen line? Watch and listen as this pickleball pro gives all of us some practical advice for being prepared to hit that winning shot! You’ll be amazed what this simple trick can do for your game. It can make you more aware, engaged and focused, and ultimately, it can set you up for hitting the next winner. What is this quick and easy tip? Watch the video to find out!

When you are playing doubles pickleball do you look forward to having the ball hit your way or do you hope the ball doesn’t come in your direction? Jennifer Lucore, national champion, explains why it is important to want the ball.

This doesn’t mean that you should be a ball hawk and go after every ball. What it does mean is that you should be ready for every ball to come your way and with that anticipation, you will be prepared to make your best possible shot. It keeps your head in the point and therefore in the game!

Keeping your paddle up and in the ready position as well as keeping your eye on the ball, will help you be ready when it does come in your direction. Another great hint offered by Sarah Ansboury, is to use your paddle as a pointing device and keep it pointed at the ball when it is on the opponent’s side of the court. In this way, your body has a better chance of being in the ready position to attack the ball if comes in your direction.

Watch the brief video for a further explanation:

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: Reflex Drill – A Ball, A Paddle and a Wall

Jeff

I am one of those people who want to become a better pickleball player, but I don’t like drills; my bad! Most coaches tend to agree that proper drills will do more to help pickleballers improve than will playing games.

Having said that, I often invoke the woe is me defense: “I don’t have a drill partner! Nobody I know wants to drill.” Well, there are some drills that don’t require a partner. What they do require is the will to do them.

Let’s add this question to the “I don’t like drills” equation: “Can pickleballers develop faster reflexes?” Most of the reading I have done from the websites of certified pickleball coaches uphold the idea that reflexes can be improved, i.e. it isn’t necessarily something built into your DNA! Of course we all have physical abilities and limits. Reflexes however can be improved.

Once again I turn to PrimeTime Pickleball and Jordan Briones to show us a drill to help us develop our pickleball reflexes. Good news, all you need is a paddle, a ball and a wall – – – no partner require.

Takeaways: Start by hitting the ball higher so it will take longer to return to you. This is how to sart; slower. Once you can do that well, lower the ball a bit and it will return to you a bit faster. Continue to lower the ball as you get better.

Remember – 1) Watch the ball until it hits the paddle. 2) Hit the ball in front of your body.

I guess I don’t have as many excuses now!

 

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: Pecos Park Grand Opening

Jeff

There was some pickleball excitement in the Valley of the Sun last weekend. Pecos Park in Ahwatukee, AZ was celebrating the official grand opening of their pickleball complex.



The city and citizen planning group has done a wonderful job in laying out sixteen beautiful courts built to specifications allowing for USAPA sanctioned tournaments.


Ramadas are going to be constructed to enhance the experience for onlookers and those waiting to play. There are benches along the side of the courts with room for many more folding chairs.


The lights are very modern and I believe they are LED, but I am not certain. I arrived early to help set up for the big event.



As the crowd began to gather, the pickle twins took to the podium to help bring a celebratory aire to the day.


Everyone was having fun. One round robin tournament player had bunny ears on his hat as he enjoyed the competition. Other guests expressed their enthusiasm in their own particular style.


Seats wer filling up fast. The first two rows were reserved for USAPA Pickleball Ambassadores including yours truly.



The round robin tournament used the new ONIX outdoor pickleball which is visibly stamped USAPA APPROVED!



The ceremony praised the hard work of everyone involved. I am going to do my best to provide correct names for most of the people in the photos. If I have made an error, please let me know in the comment section below and I will revise ASAP.

Esther Avila, Deputy Director at City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation began with opening remarks.



Councilman Sal DiCiccio, City of Phoenix Councilman for District 6


Justin Maloof – Executive Director – United States Pickleball



Jack Thomas, President of the USAPA



Perhaps the one person most responsible for the vision and custodianship of this new facility was Steve Manolis, Regional Ambassador for Education, USA Pickleball Association, Southwest Region.



Councilman, Sal DiCiccio hits the first official serve to start the play at the new courts.



If you live near Pecos Park, I think you will be pleased to join the pickleball fun!


7010 S 48th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85048

 

More Pickleball Videos and Information

To See additional Pickleball Videos & Information Click Here (primarily for beginners and less 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 – 2018 – JBRish.com



Pickleball: Video- Dink Destroyer

Jeff

Jordan Briones of Prime Time Pickleball demonstrates what he considers a major mistake many people make in their dinking technique. After describing and explaining the issue, he offers tips and a practice exercise to help overcome a habit that may destroy the best approach to successful dinking.

When I watch novices/beginners play pickleball, I see this mistake many times. Another mistake that beginners often make is taking a step backward at the NVZ hoping to “catch a better bounce” of the ball. Learn to take it in the air if you can.

1 – It avoids the ball taking a funny bounce

2 – It keeps you in position

3 – It takes time away from your opponent.

More Pickleball Videos and Information

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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 – 2018 – JBRish.com