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).

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!

**********

Pickleball News – 20181103– Archived Version

December 3, 2018March 7, 2019Jeff

Catch the latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News
November 3, 2018

Archived Version of a Previous Newsletter

This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter.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

Hello Phoenix Area Players:

********** City of Phoenix Vendors **********

I have been asked to circulate the message below for those who would like to work in City of Phoenix facilities coaching, selling or teaching. If you don’t have any interest in these opportunities feel free to skip to the next section.

The following information is for becoming a vendor with the City of Phoenix to provide classes or supplies with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Currently the City’s process requires potential vendors to register with the City using a two-step process. Step one, which can be done immediately, enables you to acquire your official City of Phoenix vendor number and be placed on a Qualified Vendor notification list. You will be notified by e-mail when to complete Step two. This process will require you to submit your qualifications with the Parks and Recreation Department to be eligible for the Qualified Vendor List (QVL). This second “QVL” process is only opened twice a year, in late fall and mid spring and again, you will be sent an e-mail notifying you that the list is open. Please click the attached link for further information.

https://www.phoenix.gov/parkssite/Pages/become-a-program-instructor.aspx

Thank you,

John-Mark Shea, Recreation Coordinator II
John.Mark.Shea@phoenix.gov
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation
Pecos Community Center
Office: 602-534-5252

********** Sunnyslope Community Center Sign Up **********

NOTE – This effort is not a part of, or endorsed or sponsored by the City of Phoenix/Parks and Recreation Department. This is an independent attempt to facilitate pickleball play at Sunnyslope CC.

In an effort to support and facilitate pickleball at Sunnyslope as other venues are becoming more crowded, I have created a SignUp Genius page. By using SignUp Genius to indicate that you will be playing at Sunnyslope on a particular day, others will know if there will be enough attendees to have a robust and enjoyable day of pickleball.

If you are interested, please read the description and instructions at this link:

Sunnyslope SignUp Genius

For those interested in playing at Sunnyslope CC, you can get started by scrolling down to the calendar at the link above and click on a date. Enter your information including your email and click Submit and Sign Up. YOU DON’T NEED TO HAVE AN ACCOUNT although it is handy. If you run into difficulty, I will try to assist for the first few weeks until the system becomes familiar to those using it – email me.

PS – Low attendance is good for more court time for beginners, those who want extended practice or teaching!

********** Reminder Week of Thanksgiving **********

November 21 is a regular day for community centers. City holiday closures for Thanksgiving – 11/22 & 11/23

********** End of an Era – Onix Pure 2 Orange Pickleball **********

The Bad News

In my effort to purchase replacement Onix Pure 2 Orange Indoor Pickleballs for use at Paradaise Valley CC, I learned that these pickleballs are being discontinued. Many people enjoyed playing with this particular ball because it had a nice bounce, responded well to the paddle and it was very durable.

If you enjoy the Onix Pure 2 and would like to prolong the inevitable you can try to purchase some while supplies last.

There will continue to be a Pure 2 pickleball, but it is designed for outdoor use.

The Good News

Onix is producing a new version of the Orange indoor pickleball which is called the “Fuse.” It is my understanding that the Fuse will also be manufactured in yellow. Communications with other PB ambassadors indicate that the new Fuse does react a bit differently during play, but is very similar. One drawback has been that the ball does not hold up to play as long as the Pure 2 did.

Also on the plus side, the new Onix Fuse Indoor balls have been USAPA Approved for tournaments and I always enjoy playing with sanctioned equipment. [It seemed to me that the Fuse is closer to the color of the original Pure 2 than the pictures indicate.]

Notice that the Fuse does not have a dark imprint of the word ONIX (as of this date) and the FUSE will have USAPA Approved in black ink.

********** Halloween Pickles Came to Play **********

There were a number of players who were at PVCC on 10/31 and they were in the Halloween Spirit. Can you tell which one of these Pickle-ball-players was the dill pickle and which one was the sweet pickle?

********** WORLD TEAM PICKLEBALL LEAGUES COMING SOON **********

Interclub pickleball leagues may be starting in our area soon. Please check www.worldteampickleball.com to learn about their activities. I have been contacted by people who are trying to organize local leagues starting during the winter of 2019. I will share details as they become available to me. I just wanted our players to have a “heads up.”

********** For Those Who Have Read This Far **********

In a recent Internet article Sarah Ansboury, Professional Pickleball Player and Coach makes a very bold statement:

“…today I actually am going to suggest something that will instantly improve your game.”

The issue around which she bases this advice is related to the question – “Does your team have a plan (strategy) for the return of serve and perhaps the third shot?”

She challenges us to do more than just try to get the ball back over the net, and to return it to a player or place on the court to support a strategy. If this is currently beyond your skill level or interest, don’t worry. It is still an interesting read and offers something to which we can all aspire.

You can read MAKE THESE PICKLEBALL DECISIONS BEFORE EVERY POINT by clicking the link/title.

PS – Even during non-competitive club play, it is a positive thing to have a plan before the ball comes at you!

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

Stay well and I hope to see you on the courts!

Regards,

Jeff Ross

Pickleball News – 20182618 – Archived

November 4, 2018November 4, 2018Jeff

Archived Version – N. PHX PB News – October 26, 2018

This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available at this link: – Catch the latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News

Hello Phoenix Area Players:

All seems to be going well at our pickleball venues so I just want to check in and bring a couple of items to your attention.

********** Paradise Valley CC **********

It has been suggested that perhaps players might want to show their Halloween Spirit by dressing in costume on Wednesday, October 31. No pressure here, but it might be fun if this is in your comfort zone. Keep in mind that you don’t have to play in the costume once everyone has seen you.

The upcoming league

It is my understanding that the Pickleball League – Seniors 55 + is similar to past tournaments and each individual will amass points while playing with other players. There are no set teams.

If you are interested, use the link below to sign up – NOTE: There is a fee! If you have questions please call PVCC – 602-495-3777

https://apm.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Activity_Search/pickleball-league-seniors-55/27167

Pickleball Purchase

We are in the process of purchasing additional Onix Pure 2 Orange Pickleballs. If you enjoy playing with this particular pickleball, please consider donating one dollar to help keep these in supply. I will be collecting money over the next week or two. Thank you to those who have already contributed!

********** Sunnyslope Community Center *********

Are you having difficulty getting enough court time? Do you know three other pickleballers who would like to play as much as they can? I understand that Sunnyslope CC has had light attendance to-date, but this is likely to change as our seasonal residents arrive.

If you want to take advantage of having lots of available court time, check out Sunnyslope Community Center for lots of play. You can bring a bucket of balls and practice serves, slams, etc.

The schedule, as always, is published on my website – https://jbrish.com/pickleball/ SCROLL DOWN to see the current, pinkish Phoenix Community Center Schedule.

********** A USAPA NVZ Rules Question *********

Pickleball — You Make the Call — NVZ Partner Grab

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 they volley it. In the act of the volley your partner begins to "teeter" toward the NVZ and it becomes apparent he/she is going to step into the NVZ.

NOTE: According to USAPA rules, it would be a fault if a player's momentum forces them to step into the NVZ after a successful 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.

********** Tournament Player Ratings Update *********

The USAPA has worked hard to develop an effective ratings system for players. This is an important process that will allow players to have a realistic assessment of their skills in relationship to others who play in tournaments. As expected, this is an ongoing process which seeks to improve the ratings system over time.

If you are interested in learning more about Tournament Player Ratings, you can check out this link: https://youtu.be/feaFMDnj-Rg

********** Dear Established Players – Thank You! *********

Thank you to all established pickleball players who play with our beginners. I have taught a number of introduction to PB sessions lately and naturally the participants are hesitant to show up for daily play because they don’t know how it works or they are concerned they lack the necessary skills.

Beginners need to play and learn and everyone who agrees to play a couple of games with them is giving them a gift of time, patience and learning. We were all beginners once so thank you for caring to share your encouragement and talents with others.

PS – I am still collecting non-wooden paddles that are seeking a new home and/or are no longer in use.

********** For Those Who Have Read This Far *********

Easily Add Extra Points to Your Score

Would you like an easy way to gain an advantage during competitive play? Would you enjoy adding an extra point or two to your team’s score with little effort? Learn how to avoid hitting an “out” ball and giving the other team another chance.

This is an easy technique to learn and once you watch this video, it will become much easier. Don’t hit an out ball and give the other team another shot!

Below is the link to one of my recent blog posts with the video by pickleball coach, Joe Baker. He explains the strategy and the physics (don’t worry it is simple) behind his approach.

https://jbrish.com/pickleball-video-avoid-hitting-balls/

Do yourself a favor and spend ten minutes watching this important video!

********** That’s All For Now *********

I hope you are all doing well as we enter the beginning of the holiday season. It is wonderful to see our friends from out of town returning to our courts.

Stay well and I hope to see you on the courts!

Regards,

Jeff Ross

**********

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.

To See Pickleball Videos Covering Many Aspects of the Game Click Here

Check out Additional Pickleball Info and Videos!

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 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?

Video: Faster Way to Sharpen Your Pickleball Skills

July 27, 2018Jeff

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.

Pickleball Video: Yours, Mine, Oh No!

July 23, 2018Jeff

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.

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

July 9, 2018Jeff

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.”

Pickkleball: Why do you do what you do?

July 2, 2018July 6, 2018Jeff

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

JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

Pickleball

Pickleball – What I Noticed by Watching Others Play

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball News – 20181103– Archived Version

Pickleball News – 20182618 – Archived

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 Paddle: Get the Lead Out!

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Video: Faster Way to Sharpen Your Pickleball Skills

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball Video: Yours, Mine, Oh No!

More Pickleball Videos and Information

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

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickkleball: Why do you do what you do?

More Pickleball Videos and Information