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