Best Day of Televised Pickleball – Peachtree Classic

September 22, 2022Jeff

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 News – 20201124 – Archived Version

December 18, 2020Jeff

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: is the Third Shot Drop Offensive or Defensive

October 7, 2020Jeff

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

**********

Pickleball News – 20190423 – Archived Version

May 1, 2019Jeff

April 23, 2019

Hello Phoenix Area Players:

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!

********** City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation **********
Summer Pickleball Schedule

The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation has published their summer pickleball schedule.

Current Schedule – Above

To download a color PDF copy of the 2019 Summer, Phoenix Community Center Pickleball Schedule, click HERE!

I want to thank the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for giving us a timely copy. ALSO…please keep in mind that “things happen” and adjustments may be made to the schedule. I know we all appreciate the summer accommodations considering that the youngsters need to have time at our Community Centers.

*** 2019 Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships ***

2018 WOMEN’S PRO SINGLES Champion – Simone Jardim

Naples, Florida is hosting the Minto US Pickleball Open Championship this year from April 27-May 4, 2019 with singles, doubles and mixed doubles contests.

Information from the website linked below tells us:

Pickleball grew from 3.1 million players last year to 3.3 million this year.

Players will be coming from 48 states and 16 countries.

Players range from age 11 through age 86.

“National television: The event will be covered by CBS Sports Network and live streamed on CBS Sports Live from May 1 – May 4 on their app. CBS Sports Network will broadcast the finals at a later date.”

I believe our good friend Mark Renneson from Third Shot Sports will be one of the commentators which is good for us. Mark is often able to gather additional videos to share with his followers and I will link to them on my websites via pikcleball posts when they become available. You can look for them by following this link:

JBRish.com Pickleball

For those who use a two-handed backhand, watch to see how well upcoming pickleballer Lindsey Newman, recently highlighted by Selkirk Sports, does.

Selkirk Athlete, Lindsey Newman

To read more about the 2019 Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships from the organizers, click HERE.

********** Don’t Play Pickleball Like a Tree, Move **********

The ultimate goal of both players on a team to work their way up to the NVZ and hold that position can, at times, be carried to an extreme especially when a dink game ensues. In the video below, Jordan Briones, – Prime Time Pickleball Coach – details when it is advisable to back up and move away from the NVZ line as a smart strategy.

********** Partner Communication **********

Wherever and whenever we play pickleball, it is always a good idea to develop some method of communicating with our partners. I have probably shared this video before, but it deserves to be repeated.

Did you ever notice how much better your “team” does when you play several games with the same partner? Generally speaking, that is because some “communication” has evolved.

Thanks to Mark Renneson from Third Shot Sports for explaining why!

********** 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 **********

I hope to see you on the courts!

Regards,

Jeff Ross

Pickleball: Review, Repeat, Reward – The Dink

April 6, 2019Jeff

The cast of a Broadway show involved in a long-run hit is called together on a routine basis, perhaps twice a month or more, to walk through the script repeating their lines and discussing issues that might have arisen since the last review. One might ask why, after performing so many shows over the course of weeks, would they need to go over the script in a rehearsal mode.

The answer is rather simple. Over time, words in a script get dropped or modified and over time, a sentence may take on a meaning that was not intended by the author. This type of review is not unusual, but standard operating procedure.

What does this have to do with pickleball?

I think the answer is relatively simple. From what I have read and witnessed, most pickleballers are not tournament players. They like recreational pickleball and enjoy the fun and benefits of social, competition and exercise.

When we learn to play pickleball, many of us are taught certain skills such as the proper dink technique and unless you are a serious competitive or tournament player, the odds are you don’t “practice” much and that’s OK. Many of us just enjoy playing and don’t enjoy (or desire to) practice.

Although I prefer to play more than practice, I am interested in improving and doing better and therein lies the rub. Every once in a while, I like to review how to execute certain skills such as dinking, the overhead smash, serving, etc. That doesn’t mean I am going to spend hours practicing. What it does mean is that I will pay more attention to how I execute certain shots and focus on proper technique when I do play. Hopefully I will pick up a tip or two (or just a reminder) that will help me improve my current skill set so that I can perform better.

With that in mind, I am including two videos for those who want a refresher on dinking skills. This is an important, yet often overlooked part of the game that tends to favor the more dramatic power shot.

Best Pickleball Dink Technique

When you are at the net and receive a low ball, you must be careful not to pop up something high and attackable. A dink (yes, that’s what it is called) is a great response to a low ball since it makes it hard for the other team to pounce. In this video from Third Shot Sports, coach Mark Renneson breaks down some key elements to a great dink.

Pay attention to the following:

* Point of contact
* Short stroke on the shot
* Stiff (stable) wrist (and arm)
* Maintain proper balance

Dinking Strategy – 3 Steps to Dominate with Dinks & the #1 dink you must avoid

Jordan Briones of Primetime Pickleball explains some of the more modern strategies behind the dinking game. Learn what a dead dink is and how to avoid them.

I hope you have found this review useful and that it helps you enjoy your play even more!

**********

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?

**********

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 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!

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

Pickleball Video: Returning a Very Short Ball

June 18, 2018June 18, 2018Jeff

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!

JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

strategy

Best Day of Televised Pickleball – Peachtree Classic

Pickleball News – 20201124 – Archived Version

Pickleball: is the Third Shot Drop Offensive or Defensive

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball News – 20190423 – Archived Version

Pickleball: Review, Repeat, Reward – The Dink

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball – When All Else Fails

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball News – 20181103– Archived Version

Pickleball Video: How to Avoid Hitting Out Balls

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickkleball: Why do you do what you do?

More Pickleball Videos and Information

Pickleball Video: Returning a Very Short Ball

More Pickleball Videos and Information