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This section of Jbrish.com is no longer active.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This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter.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

Pickleball News – 20220801– Archived Version

Jeff

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – November 2, 20222


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 – November 2, 20222

Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players and Friends:


*****Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships *****



One of the major national pickleball tournaments is coming to a court or screen near you!

The Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships will feature Live @ Nationals with expansive coverage on ESPN+, For The Fans, Roku, Selkirk TV and YouTube, and over 80 total hours of live action from 3 courts. The program will provide coverage from November 8 – 13 (originally they had the 5th as the start date which apparently was an error!- see their graphic above!!) on the respective platforms and accessible from the official event website.





********** Celbrities are buying Pickleball Teams **********

Read the story about LeBron James HERE

and Tom Brady HERE



Reset the Point to
********** Get out of a Jam **********

 

USA Pickleball
********** Rule Changes **********

DID YOU KNOW that the USA Pickleball website maintains a list of proposed rule changes and those that have been passed and those that failed to be accepted?

One rule change (ID #521) that seems likely to go into effect in 2023 is the “Clothing as a distraction” rule. For years I argued that in tournament play, players should not be able to wear clothing that is the same (or very similar) color to that of the ball being used. There are times, depending upon the server’s motion, that a ball matching a garment color would be difficult to pick up immediately upon serve.

If you want to see the proposed rules, the USAP Board Voting Status and the USAP Rules Committee Voting Status click THIS LINK: [ See Hints Below ]

HINTS:

1 – There are multiple pages of proposed changes. Look at the upper, right-hand side above the headings and you will see numbers 1 through 6. Click on 6 to see most of the current rules that have passed.

2 – Reading the “View Details” notes often clarifies the reasons for and the anticipated results of the rule change.

To read about the rule change process or suggest one of your own, visit THIS WEB PAGE!



For Advanced Players
********** Around the Post Shots & Strategies **********

1 – ATPs – Around The Post shots – A pickleball shot can go around the side of the net without going directly over the net and still be a valid shot!
2 – Court Coverage




NOTE – There are many courts where there is not enough room around the courts to attempt ATPs so be very careful and AVOID RUNNING ONTO ADJACENT COURTS WHEN PLAY IS IN SESSION!


Doubles Strategy
********** Getting to the Net **********

While the video below is a demonstration of “higher level play,” there are good, basic strategies discussed by Jordan Briones throughout (don’t rush the net willy-nilly, court coverage, when to move back as a defensive strategy, and more).

********** Pickleball Problems Podcast **********


For those who cannot get enough pickleball or who want something of interest to listen to in the car while driving, you may want to drop by Mark Renneson’s Pickleball Problems website to check out his podcasts.

 


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

 

Stay Well and Play Safely!

Regards,

Jeff Ross
N. 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.

**********

 

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: 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!!?




**********

 

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 News – 20201124 – Archived Version

Jeff


Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – November 24, 2020

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!

Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players:

Before I begin with the “news,” I want to encourage everyone to read the USA Pickleball’s Statement on the Coronavirus.



So…You Want to Be a
********** Pickleball Referee **********


The Following information comes to us from Lynn & Linda Laymon via Larry “Bud” Lite – Southwest Regional Director.

In our capacity as regional Referee Training Coordinators we are trying to gauge interest for an online referee training course, primarily to support the Southwest Regional tournament, but also to increase the number of trained refs for all future tournaments.

The interactive course would utilize the USA Pickleball PowerPoint presentation in one or two sessions totaling 3 to 4 hours. We ask that, prior to the course, participants watch the Referee Quick Start video and read through the Rulebook and Referee Handbook, located in the Officiating section of the USA Pickleball website (https://usapickleball.org/get-involved/pickleball-officiating/).

In order to access the Zoom platform all that is required is a computer and Internet connection; the access code will be provided. The training would take place in January to encompass the newly revised rules. It will be free, but we would expect to elicit an agreement from participants that they would begin to practice their skills during recreational play and eventually at local tournaments, since we cannot meet in person for on-court training. We will also work with Certified refs in the region to connect participants with opportunities for supervised practice and skill assessment for a rating.

Could you please utilize your regional Ambassador organization to spread the word?

Anyone interested in referee training should contact us at laymonwalden@gmail.com

Once we have an idea of those interested we will set up a time and date.

Thanks,
Stay safe!

Lynn & Linda Laymon
USA Pickleball Southwest Region
Referee Training Coordinators

 


Free Pickleball Strategy Course
********** By Mark Renneson *********

Many of you know Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Mark, he is a premier pickleball coach and advocate. He also provides on-air commentary for some of our most prestigious tournaments. Mark has partnered with Selkirk Sports to develop a pickleball strategy course.

For some of our advanced PB friends, much of this may be repetitive. Like most sport-related skill development or learning however, we often tend to forget some of the subtle tips, tricks and suggestions discovered if they are not reinforced.

For those who have been away from pickleball for some time because of COVID-19 or other reasons, this may serve as a good refresher.

Here is what you can expect…

Receive a free Pickleball strategy video every day for 14 days:

  • Learn never before revealed strategies
  • Discover what pro players do differently
  • Elevate your technical skills to win more games

If you are interested, here is the link to sign up for the FREE PICKLEBALL STRATEGY COURSE.



PPA Mesa Grand Slam Qualifier
Feb. 18-21, 2021
********** $55K Prize Pool *********


– Grand Slam Filling Fast –

PPA event at Mesa Tennis Center in Mesa, AZ
Pro & Skill/Age events
Over 910 players already registered
Registration ends 2/21/21

Registration Information HERE:

Find other tournaments HERE AND click “Tournaments” on the top menu.

 


FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ THIS FAR

How To Generate Effortless Power
********** On Your Pickleball Serve *********

Jordon Briones, of PrimeTime Pickleball, provides three tips that will help playaers generate more power on their pickleball serve which he claims has “devastating speed.”

Watch Below!

 

 

********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********

 

Previous newsletters that may have pickleball hints, videos, rules changes, etc. are now archived at the following link. You can check out previous newsletters there.

Archived N. Phoenix PB Previous Newsletters


Support your Sport
********** Join the USAPA $20 for 1 Year **********

 

Marketing Image USAPA 1

 
Join the USA Pickleball Association – Click HERE for More Information!

 

Marketing Image USAPA 2

 


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

 

Stay Well and Play Safely!


Regards,

Jeff Ross



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.



**********

 

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 News – 20200609– – Archived Version

Jeff


Pickleball News – 20200609 – Archived Version

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 – June 9, 2020

Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:

I can’t send out a newsletter without mentioning the Coronavirus in Phoenix and it’s impact on our sport. My main concern is the health and well-being of all pickleball players and especially my colleague-players who share the game with me on a regular basis at Paradise Valley Community Center, Beuf Community Center and the FLC. Any information contained in this newsletter is not meant to scare or steer anyone in a certain direction regarding the continuation or resumption of play. I simply want to raise awareness so when the crisis has subsided, ALL of us can once again share the joy of our sport with each other.


********** THE CORONAVIRUS IN THE PHOENIX AREA **********

I am sure most of you are following the COVID-19 situation as it pertains to Maricopa County and especially Phoenix. In case you didn’t hear or understand all the recent facts…

This is what the news has reported as of 6/8/2020

1 – State Hospitals have been told to “fully activate” emergency plans

2 – Banner Health said it had reached capacity for its nine ECMO machines (machines that take over the breathing function for those who can’t breath even with a respirator)

3 – Maricopa County has the 26th highest number of confirmed cases of any county in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University.

Source: AZ CENTRAL

**********

I am not a health expert and none of what I am about to say is definitive regarding COVID-19 safety and pickleball so use your own best judgment. These are just a few things I have considered regarding pickleball play in our current environment.

    According to most medical experts, masks do not protect you. They protect those around you from you! [I don’t know if people are wearing masks during play, but certainly after play while waiting that might be a solid choice.]

    If you bring a towel to the playing field/court, be sure to use only one side to wipe your face and do not touch that side with your hands.

    Make sure only you touch your water bottle and other belongings.

    If possible wash your hands frequently or use sanitizer especially after a game. Once your hands are sanitized, don’t pick up the paddle until you get your next turn to play.

    Socially distance while sitting and waiting for the next game.

    Try not to touch your face and/or eyes.

    The kitchen line (NVZ) is seven feet from the net. If all players stay behind the kitchen line at the end of the game, they are a minimum of 14 feet apart. This exceeds the space suggested by many health officials. You can stand there and have a virtual paddle tap and say “good game!”


AND NOW FOR SOME LIGHTER NEWS
AND INFORMATION


DON’T BE NONCHALANT WHEN SERVING OR
********** RETURNING THE SERVE *********

Sarah Ansboury points to the best practices for serving and returning the serve. As she suggests: “It is one of the times during a match when you have 100% control of the outcome. Take time to think about what you want to do. Being focused at the beginning of the point is a great start to being purposeful throughout the point.”

Read the rest of the post HERE


GETTING OUT OF TROUBLE
********** BY RESETTING THE POINT *********

Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports explains the importance of getting out of “trouble” by resetting the point.

If you are more or less sheltering in place and you don’t get the Third Shot Sports Newsletter with much information, videos, podcasts about pickleball, perhaps you should subscribe or take a look at the Third Shot Sports website!



******************** THE FLC ********************

In a recent communication, the Family Life Center (FLC) shared plans for resuming the summer pickleball schedule. As far as I understand it, these are the most current plans.**

“You will have to reserve court time in two hour increments. This is the only way we can keep you from coming to the FLC only to find out that we are at max occupancy and you are not able to play. We will have a sign up system on line. We will give you instructions on how to sing up to play soon. We will reopen Pickleball with a max occupancy of 32 people in a two hour time slot. This will make it so you rarely have to wait to play and we have a safe amount of people in one place. If the next time slot is not full when you finish you can sign up at the desk and keep playing. You will still sign on the white board to play games during your two hour time frame. There will be a sanitation procedures in place. As always we will be looking to you to lead in keeping everyone safe so we can allow the Pickleball program to run. This will include spreading out in the bleachers when you are not playing, wearing a mask when you are not playing, and following the basic Covid prevention procedures.”

** Please understand that because of the specific situation in our area, plans may change with very short notice.


DID YOU SEE THE NYT ARTICLE
***** ABOUT PICKLEBALL? *****

Is Pickleball the Perfect Pandemic Pastime?

“Ellen DeGeneres recently declared herself among the intergenerational sport’s ardent enthusiasts.”

NOTE – The NYT allows a limited number of “free” views a month and then users need to subscribe to see more. If your allotment has been used, you will not be able to read the entire article, although ou will get to see the picture and headline briefly before the nag screen shows!



USA PICKLEBALL STATEMENT ON THE CORONAVIRUS
**********

It is my understanding that this information will be updated as new pertinent information for the Pickleball community becomes available.


********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********

 

Previous newsletters that may have pickleball hints, videos, rules changes, etc. are now archived at the following link. You can check out previous newsletters there.

Archived N. Phoenix PB Previous Newsletters


********** Support your Sport – Join the USAPA $20 for 1 Year **********

 

 
Join the USAPA – Click HERE for More Information

 

Join the USAPA

Picture Courtesy of Pickleball Magazine and the USAPA

 


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

 

Stay Well and Play Safely!


Regards,

Jeff Ross