I tell my students, the first thing is you want to look prepared to play a good competitive game of pickleball. That means, proper foot wear, court attire. correct stance, and a good paddle. At a clinic I was doing at a development, I was talking about this, and one man spoke up and said, “I just want to come out here and socialize.” Meaning, he didn’t want to be competitive. Okay, I get that but I cater to the more competitive souls. If you just want to learn the basics; here’s the kitchen, serve it across court, then I can teach you that in one lesson. But if you want to be someone other players want to play with, then you continue to work on your game to improve.
Sarah Ansboury
A good player will have:
Endurance
Court etiquette
Proper clothing
Brings plenty of water for hydration
Knows the importance of a good court shoe
Has a good paddle (Like a Gearbox)
And they will:
Focus on the game
Know pickleball strategies
Be able to move fast
Gets up to the kitchen and knows when to hang back
Executes a serve that worries the opponents
Is supportive of their partner
Makes few unforced errors
Does not take their partner’s forehand
Knows the line down the middle of the court is only for the serve
Makes shots to make their opponents fight for each return
A gracious loser and winner
Keeps score well without asking everyone else what the score is
What a novice will do:
Stand up straight with the paddle dangling down by their leg usually looking around
Mentally not prepared and thinking about everything else but the game
Hasn’t worked out in a while so little endurance
Slow moving up to the NVZ.
Doesn’t know why they call it the NVZ
Fears the kitchen
Doesn’t like to dink
Shows up wearing running shoes
Forgets water or ice when it’s hot out
Says things like, “That was on my side of the court!”
Steals their partner’s forehand
Crowds their partner
Always plays defensively
Shows frustration when they miss a ball
Doesn’t have an eye to know a ball is going out so they hit it
Gets angry and fights over the calls the opponents make
Never says the correct score
Seems to hit it into the net often
How to move from novice level to intermediate level?
Practice makes perfect. Drill, drill. drill until it becomes second nature. Turn on your laser focus when you are playing. Think of nothing but the game and do not be distracted.
It’s good idea to video your games then play it back to dissect your game. I just had a video of myself playing in a tournament reviewed by a pro player who gave me helpful suggestions. I can do the same for you.
When I started playing pickleball, I remember asking people what I was doing wrong in my game. They couldn’t tell me because a) they didn’t want me to get any better, b) they didn’t know what the heck they were doing so how could they tell me? Now, players have more advantages to improve quickly. Lucky them! If they listen to what their coaches say, like Coach Terry, they will improve in months to be a smart, competitive player.
Things you must know and do:
Move fast
Have a good 3rd shot drop
Confident at the kitchen
Can dink 100 times in a row
Return the serve with a topspin groundstroke
Know it is : serve and stay: return and run
Put-away the put-aways
Be ready when an attackable shot comes over
Support your partner
Never throw away a serve
Always target the opponent’s weakness
Be ready to do a ATP when opportunity presents itself
Play as much as you can but also know when it is time to take some time off
Stretch and warmup before playing
Use the proper paddle to improve performance and reduce elbow stress
POACH!
Those are just a few suggestions I have. If you want to play better, you have to practice. Some people I see out there never drill/practice and I see them making the same mistakes over and over again. So, basically they are just reinforcing their bad habits. A good coach can stop you from doing that and put you on the right track.
Good Place To Begin
My Y Berlin clinic every Friday at 1:00 – 3:00 is a great place to drill. We have drills like: Weakest Link, 3rd Shot Drop.Walk of Shame,Red light/Greenlight,Pop Up, Money Ballzzzz
I also have a ball machine that we drill with. In my clinics I do not stand around and talk. You will begin playing as soon as you walk in. It’s two hours of action and you will leave with knowledge and slightly tired…well maybe very tired.
Competitive players know they need to practice. Novice players just want to have fun and that’s okay, too. What kind of player do you want to be?
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
PPR Certified Coach
USA Pickleball Ambassador
Creator and owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
Dinlpickleball@gmail.com
Want a Gearbox? Contact me. dinkpickleball@gmail.com
This blog post is long overdue. I have been playing for 4 years now and teaching for 2, I think. I’ve given a lot of thought on what I wish people would have told me when I began playing pickleball. Somethings were a real shocker. So, here are the 10 things I wish I knew when I started playing pickleball.
It is a fast game
People will tell you that pickleball is a great game for seniors because it uses half of a tennis court, and you don’t have to run as much, as let’s say tennis. Wrong! Pickleball is a very fast game and if you want to be a competitive player, then you better get ready to move. Run to the kitchen! Get that lob! Make no mistake, the better players are going to speed up the ball and you better be able to get to it. I’m do not want to discourage new players, I just want you to be prepared.
2. You will fall!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen on the court. Luckily I have extra padding in the way of body fat that seems to protect my bones. Oh, there are some benefits of carrying the extra pounds. Do not think that falling gives you a free pass. Nope. Falling does not stop the play and your opponents will target a down player. Yup! So, get up and shake it off.
3. You need some athletic ability
I have seen people show up to drop-in play with no obvious athletic ability. They stumble around, wobble on weak ankles, and become out-of-breath after a few minutes. Why? Because someone told them that pickleball was the “in” thing to do as a Baby Boomer. It is great, but before you give it a start, Mr. or Mrs. Baby Boomer, please go to step class or yoga class, and work on your balance and endurance. Falling on a hard court can be life changing, and not in a good way. Many people end up in the ER after playing pickleball. It is not something you can just pick up after not participating in any physical activity for years and years. Pickleball is not as easy as it looks. And players are very competitive pushing you to your physical limits. I would recommend taking a private lesson where the coach can carefully assess you and your abilities, before your participate in open play. When I started playing, I was already a racquetball player and took yoga classes, but I still had sore muscles for 2 weeks after I started playing. It is a very physical game.
4. Why you have to get up to the kitchen?
When I first started, my partners were always yelling at me to GET UP TO THE KITCHEN. Well, I was terrified of going up to the kitchen. The kitchen is the area 7’x20′ from the net on either side. You can stand at the kitchen line or NVZ (non-volley zone) but God help you if you step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces in the kitchen first. What? Wait, you want me to run up to the kitchen but not step into the kitchen, and block any balls coming at me at 20 miles per hour? SO SCARY!!! I tell my students to NOT FEAR THE KITCHEN and to get up there. My mantra is SERVE AND STAY, RETURN AND RUN! The reason beginners are staying back by the baseline is because they have more time to react to a ball, and a better chance of a successful return. Next time you play a beginner, don’t be so hard on them with the GET UP TO THE KITCHEN! That will come but they have to get a feel for the game first before they get confused by all the rules and strategies. I used to go to bed hearing GET UP TO THE KITCHEN yell.
I was playing for months before someone explained dinking to me. This was an interesting concept. The people I was playing with were just banging the ball back and forth with no so-called dinking. Here’s the problem. You learn to dink (soft hits over the net keeping the ball in the kitchen area hoping that the opponents lose patience and pop it up, and this results in you slamming it down the court) but no one else dinks!!! That’s right. All that pregame, warming up and dinking, and then once the game begins everyone resorts back to banging.
“Dinking is boring,” somebody said. And the percentage of winning shots are greatly increased when you slam the ball instead of dinking…when you are a beginner, novice and intermediate. However, if you want to be considered advanced and a competitive player, then you better become consistent at dinking.
6. Drilling is important!
Ah, another thing I wish people had whispered in my ear when I took up pickleball, is you have to drill. But again, some people find drilling so boring. That’s like expecting to be great at a sport but not practicing. That makes no sense. I found out the “rule” is; drill 80% and play 20%. But finding drilling partners is so hard. Last year, I put together a drill group and it became very obvious that if you get a bunch of pickleball players together, they are going to want to play games. Anyway, the drill group fell apart, but I get all my drilling in now by coaching. I drill, drill, drill with my students. And they can’t say, “NO!” because I am the coach. Drilling problem solved.
7. You have to learn the 3rd Shot Drop
Along with drilling, no one told me about the 3rd Shot Drop until I was a year into pickleball. A 3rd Shot Drop is what the server does when he/she carefully lobs the ball into the kitchen in front of the opponents. Why is this shot important? It gives the serving side enough time to get up to the kitchen. Again, another great drill is doing the 3rd Shot Drop over and over again. If you want to get in on my drills, come to my weekly clinics at the Y Berlin on Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00.
8. You are going to meet some knuckleheads along the way.
No, it’s not you. That angry player is mad at everyone. That’s just his game face. Some people are intensely serious when they play. They don’t smile. Some don’t even acknowledge your amazing shot. (Hmmm) There are people who don’t want to play with you. (She’s not good enough.) There are people who will be friendly but guarded. People who will not give you the time of day. All kinds of personalities you will come across on the pickleball courts. My suggestion is ignore. I’m not saying you should let the court bully push you around, but choosing not to engage is probably a good idea. After all, it’s just pickleball.
The following people you will meet:
-The clickers…they are still in the high school mindset and want to play only with people in their “click.”
-Eye rollers…every time you miss a shot they roll their eyes.
-Ball hogs…They soon determine that you are way below their level so they decide to run all over the court and take every shot.
-Paddle slappers…every time they miss a shot they slap their thigh with the paddle causing a shockingly loud noise.
-Paddle movers…they think they are being sly and when your back is turned they move your paddle and put theirs ahead of yours.
-Paddle throwers…they get mad and throw their paddle as if they had 10k on winning the game.
-Anti-netters…they come late and leave early so they don’t have to put a net up or take one down.
-Stinkers…they argue about everything from calls on out balls to the score.
Preachers…they like to give unsolicited advice even when you didn’t ask for it.
-Potty Mouths…well, you know what that means.
-Yellers…when they hit a ball or miss a ball, they yell or grunt. (yes, me)
If you have more to add, email me at dinkpickleball@gmail.com
9.The score thing.
Telling the score is the hardest part. That’s what I tell my students. I create a reenactment of a game and move the students around like pawns on a chess board. I have them go over and over saying the score. I explain to them how important it is to fully understand the concept of when the starting server is on the right side of the court, the score will always be even. I have them wear a rubber bracelet to indicate who begins serving, that I pickled up at some of the tournaments I played in. I also try to relieve my students’ frustration by telling them, “It took me 6 months to learn how to say the score.” That makes them smile.
10. And lastly find a Pickleball Terry
When I started, I didn’t have a Pickleball Terry who hosts weekly 2 hour clinics for $7.00, or gave private lessons. I mean there were instructors when I started but they were too busy, or I had to drive 2 hours to get a lesson. I say all the time, “I wish I had a Terry when I started.” I remember clearly what I went through when I began, and I know what I wish I had explained to me. What are the strategies? What is the difference between a volley and a rally? Why doesn’t that player want to play with me? What paddle should I use? What are the best court shoes? Oh, things could have been simpler. So, my suggestion if you are beginning pickleball, is find a Terry to help you out, or just call me.
Thanks for reading.
Pickleball Terry
941-400-0978
USA Pickleball Ambassador
PPR Certified Coach
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
We all have been there. The magic number 10. Just one point away from 11 and victory. You can almost taste the success. And that’s when it happens. You turn cocky. Cocky as heck! OVER CONFIDENT. Then what happens? The opponents start gaining on you. All of a sudden, you and your partner start making silly mistakes as in hitting the ball out or knocking it into the net. You and your partner look at each other in total disbelief as another side out happens, and the opponents gain a couple more points. Uh-oh! They are catching up and now the score is 9-10.
So now you are really frustrated and try to do some kill shots but alas, they go sailing by your opponents and they yell OUT! Your partner, feeling the same angst, serves the ball into the net. Side out again!
Now the opponents can see you coming unglued and quickly get 3 more points, much to your horror, and win the game. You all go to the net to tap paddles and you have to congratulate them on their comeback.
What happened? It’s the curse of the number 10. I’ve seen it happen over and over again, and it has happened many times to me. But not anymore. Because I figured out how to UNCURSE the number 10.
How do you solve the curse of number 10?
You play with even more control then you did throughout the game. I teach this technique to my students. When you have 10 your strategy is to just get the ball over the net. Do not try for a kill shot. Don’t be tricky with your strokes, just get it over the net. Let the opponents make the mistakes. And they will as long as you stay cool as a cucumber and just place the ball over the net . Sooner than later, your opponents are going to crumble like a saltine cracker, and sweet victory is yours.
Play smart out there.
Pickleball Terry
USA Pickleball Ambassador
PPR Certified Coach
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
Your lizard brain…what?! I have a LIZARD BRAIN and what does it have to do with pickleball? Good question. Let’s start with the lizard brain…
Also referred to as your reptilian brain as it refers to the most primitive part of our brain, where lay the instincts that warn us of danger when it lurks.
The “basal ganglia” (lizard brain) refers to a group of subcortical nuclei within the brain responsible primarily for motor control, as well as other roles such as motor learning, executive functions, emotional behaviors, and play an important role in reward and reinforcement, addictive behaviors and habit formation.
In Nick Bollettieri, tennis master and founder of IMG tennis camp, said in his documentary (Love Means Zero-Showtime) about your lizard brain, it is the part of your brain that automatically knows when to step out of the way of a speeding car. You don’t have to process it…look there is a car…what should I do? No, the lizard brain automatically takes over and you jump out of the way.
Activate your automatic…This is what your pickleball instructor means when they say, “MUSCLE MEMORY.” The pickleball students execute a drill over and over again until it is locked and loaded into their brain and it becomes automatic.
Example: I was standing at the net at my Friday clinic when one of my students popped the ball up. At the moment, my thinking was more on what I was going to cook for dinner, but my lizard brain saw the ball and I automatically slammed it down the middle and past the dinking students. I apologized immediately. One of them said wide eyed, “How did you do that?” I said, “My lizard brain took over.”
Hence: to be better, to level up, and to be a competitive player, you have to DRILL DRILL DRILL. What do you have to do? DRILL!!! Lock in to your muscle memory.
If you don’t want to drill, you don’t want to win.
But Terry, drilling is boring. No. it isn’t. If you find it boring, you are doing it wrong. Get a foursome together and go to a court, not during the morning rush, and drill. Set a length of time, say for an hour or two. Somebody gets lazy in the group and declares it is boring and they want to play a game, then don’t ask them to drill next time. Get a group of DEDICATED TO IMPROVE. DRILL FOR THE THRILL!
Receiving instructions at Pickleball Camp
Examples of some drills
Youtube is an excellent source to find pickleball drills. You can do 3rd Shot Drop drills, and dinking drills. Or sign up for a drill session with me.
Complaining students…
Whoa… I have blogged about this before, that in a clinic I was taking in Punta Gorda, one of the players complained to the instructor that his drill was boring. Oh, it went from bad to worse in just a few seconds as the student was scolded by the coach. “Don’t tell me how to run my class.” he demanded.
And I’ve had that happen to me. “Let’s move on, this is boring,” said one of my students. I moved on to another drill hoping she would find it more interesting.
IF YOU WANT TO MASTER ANY SPORT, YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE!
Tom Brady: Hey Coach, I don’t have to practice anymore, I’m Tom Brady.
Coach: Get out of here!
Muscle Memory and Learning Skills
The famous saying practice makes perfect applies here.
You might have heard people mention the term muscle memory when you’ve been training and exercising. Muscle memory can also be referred to as motor memory and it refers to your body’s memory to perform certain actions.
And researching MUSCLE MEMORY I find this…
The two parts of the brain which are responsible for controlling the muscle memory are the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. They help to learn sequences of actions and help to adjust errors in learning in order to improve our ability to perform the movements correctly.
The cerebellum (which is Latin for “little brain”) is a major structure of the hindbrain that is located near the brainstem. This part of the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements. It is also responsible for a number of functions including motor skills such as balance, coordination, and posture.
In order to learn movements and make them habits which can be performed efficiently, you must go through a process of attempting the movements and then refining these movements until you are happy with how you perform them. The movement or behavior becomes learned and ‘hard wired.”
A good example of this could be the first time you preform a pickleball underhanded serve with a continental grip. It feels weird and you fail at first, but keep on trying and you are able to improve your serve. During this process, you go from thinking really hard about how to execute it to performing it effortlessly without thinking!
The best example of motor memory would be learning to drive or to ride a bicycle – combinations of movements which at first are extremely difficult but once mastered are performed mostly without over thinking.
I hope this blog post inspires you to drill and not just get out there and play. Unless you are just a Sunday/Funday- kind of player, then ignore all of the above. But for the players who want to become better and be the kind of player everyone wants to challenge on the courts, then drilling is thrilling, and practice makes a better player.
Thank you for reading! All the best!
Pickleball Terry
USA Pickleball Ambassador
PPR Certified Coach
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Paddles, Paddles…how do you choose? When I started playing pickleball, I used the standard of gold…only kidding. It with a wooden, heavy pickleball paddle. Here is a picture of that bad boy.
Quickly, I realized that the more seasoned pickleball players were using esthetically more appealing paddles, and I purchased a BLASTER. I believed I bought it at Wal-Mart. Cheap and did the trick. Don’t be conned into purchasing an expensive paddle if you are brand new to pickleball. I suggest you learn the sport first before you invest in an expensive paddle.
Sadly, I left my BLASTER at a facility and it was lost forever. I then moved into a PADDLETEX WAVE.
I didn’t know anything about the paddle. The person I bought it from just placed it in my hand and said, “Try this.” I thought okay, and I bought it for a whopping $150.00. What the heck?! I just paid $150.00 for a paddle that I knew nothing about?!
Years later and much more educated about paddles, I now go around with a LL Bean canvas bag that contain about 10 different paddles. I have low end to high end. I pass them out at my clinic on Fridays at the Y Berlin, and let interested buyers demo my more expensive ones.
There are many brands on the market today. Selkirk, Onix, Head, Paddletek, Gamma, Golden, Vulcan, Third Shot Drop, Nuipopo, just to name a few. The pros will use whatever paddle they are being sponsored by. So, let’s just get this out there… no one paddle will instantly make you a 5.0 player. That takes years of practice. (Having a natural athletic ability doesn’t hurt.)
Most paddles begin with a honeycomb core that has a surface material (also referred to as the skin or face) glued to both sides of it. These 2 materials determine the COMPLETE BALL RESPONSE OF YOUR PADDLE. After the core and surface are assembled, an edge and handle are attached. It is then finished by wrapping the handle to form your grip.
Simple, right?WRONG! The catch is that there are a variety of cores, surfaces, paddle shapes, thicknesses, weights, grip shapes, and grip sizes to choose from.
Overwhelmed yet? We sure were when we started learning that there were all these different options and, worse yet, no one was telling us accurate facts about them. That’s how Third Shot Drop began!
First, we had to figure out how paddles really worked. Then, we had to sort through the “information” and learn what was correct and how to make it all make sense.
1 MINUTE LESSON IN PADDLE MATERIALS
Honeycomb core – There are 3 popular materials currently being used:
Aluminum– the softest (most touch)
Polymer– medium (most neutral)
Nomex– the hardest (most power)
The core determines about 75% of the paddle’s performance.
Surface (face, skin) – The 3 materials most used for paddle surfaces are:
Carbon Fiber (aka Carbon Fiber weave) – softest
Composite (aka Fiberglass) – medium
Graphite (aka non-woven Carbon Fiber) – hardest
The surface is used to fine tune how your paddle responds to the ball.
Finishing touches – These choices are what make your paddle fit you and your game precisely.
They are customizations that are not generally available in all aspects from most manufacturers. However, it is these factors that will immediately improve your game and help step up your confidence and skill level.
Grip shape– Most common are
oval
octagon (tennis)
square
Grip size – Should fit your hand/finger length; Sizes range from 4” to 5 ½” circumference
Paddle weight– Weights range from 7 ounces to 11 ounces. Although it’s a matter of personal preference, many pros recommend heavier weights for improved balance and control.
Okay, if you are reading this and got this far, you already know more than I knew the first 3 years of playing pickleball.
If you have played with me on the courts, you know that I have been playing with a Gearbox G6 Joey Faris special edition.
It is not a honeycombed paddle. Instead it is constructed with Patented SST. Patented SST uses an advanced proprietary molding process utilizing high strength unidirectional carbon fiber, that is meticulously hand laid and arranged at very precise angles. The angle configuration of these carbon fiber is critical and directly related to the paddle’s overall durability and playability. I love it! More here.
I also use the Vulcan V550 , a hybrid. Good for power and control. I prefer a 5 inch long handle and 4 1/4 gripe. Jack, from Third Shot Sports recommended a heavier paddle to take most of the force of hitting the ball therefore saving my elbow, so my paddles will weigh 8.0 ounces and up.
HERE ARE WORDS OF WISDOM WHEN PLAYING RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL WHICH IS WHOLLY DIFFERENT THAN TOURNAMENT PLAY. FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE WILL HELP HONE YOUR SKILLS AND GET YOU INTO BETTER PHYSICAL SHAPE.
IF YOUR OPPONENT IS A BETTER PLAYER, RESET THE POINT AND WORK ON PLACEMENT VERSES HITTING WINNERS. REALLY GOOD PLAYERS CAN EXTEND THE POINT TO HAVE LONGER RALLIES. HIT THE BALL TO CHALLENGE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT HITTING IT SO HARD THAT IT DOESN’T GIVE YOUR OPPONENT A CHANCE ON RETURNING THE BALL. KEEP YOUR SHOTS CHALLENGING; NEVER BE CONDESCENDING BY HITTING BALLS THAT ARE TOO EASY.
INSTEAD OF TARGETING THE WEAKER PLAYERS, HIT THE BALL TO THE BETTER PLAYERS SO YOU GET LONGER RALLIES. IT IS A LOT OF FUN TO HAVE EXTENDED POINTS WITH LONGER RALLIES. YOU WILL GET MORE EXERCISE, TRY DIFFERENT ANGLES, AND HAVE MORE FUN ALL THE WHILE YOU ARE DEVELOPING YOUR PLACEMENT AND FINESSE.
FINALLY, FOR RECREATIONAL PLAY, BE INCLUSIVE TO ALL PLAYERS ON THE COURT BECAUSE THEY CAME TO PLAY.
WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING IN TOURNAMENTS OR MATCHES THAT REALLY MATTER TO YOU, IT’S A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY. GO AHEAD AND UNLEASH YOUR SKILLS. GO FOR THE KILL SHOTS, AND YOUR BEST ANGLE SHOTS AND HIT ALL BALLS TO THE WEAKER PLAYER SO YOU CAN WIN.
You will not find one particular paddle brand taking on the courts in Sarasota. I see a plethora of different designs. A couple of years ago, I thought Selkirk was going to dominate, but they lost ground as more companies started competing for a piece of the paddle pie.
Don’t rush out and buy the most expensive paddle because someone told you it was going to make you a winner. I see great players with entry level paddles dominating on the court. Please take your time and once you think you are ready to advance to a better paddle, think about what you want from it. Control? Power? A longer handle for two-handed backhands? Nomex core? A little education goes a long way.
There are now over 300 paddle companies. Check to see that the paddle you want to buy is USA Pickleball approved. Click here.
Also, where is it made? What is the warrantee? Is this the best price or could I do better on Amazon or at Dicks?
If you have more questions, feel free to shoot me an email. Dinkpickleball@gmail.com.
Someone said, “If you watched Pickleball Terry you wouldn’t know there was COVID.” It’s true. If you saw my calendar, you would see that I play outside and inside with a lot of different people. So far, so good. (Knock on wood.) But I am certainly not encouraging you to take risks. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with the situation, please listen to your conscience and don’t play, especially if you have underlining health conditions.
RL Taylor
Some people are shocked when they see me in pictures with other players close together, and we are not wearing masks. I know. Believe me, I know. If I contract COVID I give you permission to say, “I told you so.”
The indoor pickleball facilities are doing their best to keep things safe. They are limiting the number of players, and disinfectant is easily accessible The staff does their part in sanitizing areas after/between pickleball times.
Remember: You must preregister to play inside at a county facility. No preregistering for the Ys, Church of the Palms, RL Taylor Community Center (except for the beginner’s class-limited to 8.)
Masks are mandatory to enter a building but not while you are playing. I want everyone to realize this before your travel to an indoor facility or outdoor court to play and find out that not everyone wears a mask while playing. Based on this understanding, you should make an informed decision. Are you comfortable playing inside or outside if everyone is not wearing a mask?
Some people feel more secure playing outside with a better air flow but again, not everyone wears a mask. They do try to social distance between games, and touching someone else’s paddle is considered taboo. Also standing closer than 6 feet is not good. I have to admit, that sometimes I forget and I come too close when I’m talking with someone. They gently remind me to “step back.”
( Currently, my favorite paddle. Gearbox GX6)
Remember, if you are not feeling well, please do not come to the courts. And being tested for COVID is as easy as standing in line at RL Taylor for 30 mins. No cost. Testing also available at the old dog track on 5400 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota. When in doubt, get tested. (I’ve done it and it’s painless.)
What a shocker! The USA Pickleball Association announced their changes to the official rules that will become effective January 25, 2021, and one of the most eyebrow raising of the changes is THE DROP SERVE.
Along with the normal serve, which is toss the ball and hit with an upwards motion, players will now be able to drop the ball so that it bounces on the ground and then hit it with the paddle in any manner including a side hit. What? After all these years of perfecting our upward strokes not above the waist, now we may serve with a drop serve?
The drop serve is good for beginners, handicapped and for players that have developed the YIPS.
The new serve is provisional.
pro·vi·sion·al
/prəˈviZHənl/
1.
arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.
“a provisional construction permit”
Check out the video below to see examples of the drop serve.
From the official changes.
4.A.8. Provisional Drop Serve. In addition to the
standard serve sequence described in Rules 4.A.1 to
4.A.7, players may opt to use an alternate “drop
serve” method.
4.A.8.a. Servers must release the ball from one of
the server’s hands or dropped off the
server’s paddle face from any natural (unaided) height and hit the ball after the ball
bounces on the playing surface. The
server’s release of the ball must be visible
to the referee and the receiver. In matches
without a referee, the server’s release of
the ball must be visible to the receiver. A
replay shall be called before the return of
serve if the release of the ball is not visible.
The rules for feet placement (4.A.2 and 4.L)
still apply.
4.A.8.b. Before bouncing on the ground, the ball
shall not be propelled (thrown) downward
or tossed or hit upward with the paddle.
Failure to drop the ball properly will result
in a fault. There is no restriction on where
the ball can land on the playing surface
after it is dropped (providing 4.A.2 is
satisfied) nor how many times within the
USA PICKLEBALL & IFP Official Rulebook
20
10 seconds after the score is called the
server may drop the ball.
4.A.8.c. If the drop serve is used, the ball may be
struck with either a forehand or backhand
motion without any other restriction; i.e.,
the location restrictions of the ball and
paddle in Rules 4.A.3, 4.A.4 and 4.A.5 do
not apply.
Here is a link to the new rules. (click on the pictures)
And the alternative rules below. (Used mostly for tournaments)
Thanks all for reading. If you have any questions, please drop me an email.
Yesterday I received an email with the new rule changes to the Official Pickleball Rule Book from the USA Pickleball Association. Surprisingly, the “let” rule has been eliminated. Meaning, that there are no more LETS on the serve. If during the serve, the ball hits the net but lands in the opponents correct side of the court, and not in the kitchen, it is a playable ball. No more TAKE OVERS. If someone calls a FAULT and stops the play, they lose the serve, or if the opponents yell LET during serve the, the serving side gains a point.
Or when the ball hits the net then lands in the kitchen, the server loses the serve. This should move the game along.
Another interesting change, you can not hit a ball then call BALL and a replay if a ball rolls on the court. You must stop play before returning a stroke. As in no more, I messed up but it was because a ball rolled on the court.
Rule 4 M 11 States that it is a FAULT if the ball is served before the entire score is being called. This is to end quick serving. (A tactic to catch opponents off guard. Can’t do that anymore.)
Here is a new one…a player may use their paddle to toss the ball up for the serve. You no longer are just limited to your other hand to toss the ball for the serve. Reason…to stop the spread of disease. (Not making this up.)
There are 81 pages of changes, most have to do with clarifications when a referee is present. But here it is in PDF for you to review.
Where is everyone playing? It used to be easy…before COVID. We all went to one of the county or city facilities and played inside. Not this fall. Sarasota pickleball players are scattered all over the county playing outside, and we are finding out we like playing outside.
Why aren’t we playing indoors? All the county facilities are open for play.
It requires registering. Seems that pickleball players do not like to register. We don’t know who is going to be playing, and this requires commitment. Ha! This is not going over well.
I personally tried to organize a few friends to signup to play indoors at Colonial Oaks Park, and I went online to register. But try as I might, I couldn’t. I went to the office the next day and asked why I wasn’t successful. Patricia, who is the park manager there, said I had to register 48 hours prior. She said she only had one person who signed up so she cancelled the time slot. Unfortunately, It also is not possible to see who else is signed up to play. On pickleball signup apps like the Pickleball Den, you can see the names and sometimes level of who is playing.
A couple years ago, I did try to organize a signup program on Signup Genius, but unfortunately it didn’t catch on and it fizzled out. It was especially great for the RL Taylor Friday night play because players could see if enough people were playing before they drove to the facility. But, nope, it was not successful and I abandoned promoting it.
Then there were the private groups. I and other people rented county facilities for a couple of hours on certain days then invited our friends of equal playing ability to play. These were great because X number of people would play and there was no long waiting between games. We all remember the LONG WAIT TIME at Arlington, RL Taylor and Salvation Army. Ugh! 45 minutes of waiting to play a 10 minute game.
I also sought out info on renting an indoor facility this year but the paperwork that was sent to me was scary! I would have had to submit an action plan on How Would I Keep the Players Safe From COVID? That did it for me. Nope!
While indoor play at the county facilities is down or nonexistent right now (Colonial Park-2 courts, Longwood Park-3 courts, Newtown-4 Courts) I hear that people are playing inside at Englewood and Venice Community Center.
City Indoor Facilities
RL Taylor does not require preregistering. They have 2 courts open at 9-3 Monday – Friday. You can only sign up for blocks of time. Masks are worn to come into any inside facility but not while you are playing. Taylor is a COVID testing center and if there is a line of cars to get into the parking lot, just go around and tell the attendant that you are there to play pickleball.
Arlington Park is not open at this time.
Salvation Army on Tuttle has not opened at this time.
Church of the Palms does not require preregistering. They have 3 courts in their beautiful gym and limit it to 24 people. Eye protective glasses are required.
INDOOR PICKLEBALL 12/14-12/20
CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEAR’S DAY CLOSED
City Facilities Indoors
RL Taylor Community Center
1845 34th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
You can register now at the front desk. If there is a line of cars for COVID testing, just go around them and tell the guard you are there to play pickleball. He’ll let you right in.
Monday and Wednesday: Beginners
Tuesday and Thursday: Intermediate/Advanced Fridays: Open play
Hours: 9:00am to 3:00pm broken into 2-hour blocks of time.
In order to maintain the cleanliness with an abundance of caution the courts will have to be cleared 15 minutes prior to the end of the time block in order to give the staff adequate cleaning time. The playable time will be 9am-10:45am, 11am-12:45pm and 1pm-3pm.
More people are showing up. Mornings are busy, Afternoons are empty.
Pickleball Terry and Coach Russell, owner of Suncoast Pickleball
Arlington Park Still Closed
Below is a list of indoor county facilities
Englewood Sports Complex
1300 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
You must pre-register before going CLICK HERE to any county facility!!!!
Venice Community Center 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285
Newtown Park
2800 Newtown Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34234
Colonial Oaks Park
5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34233
Longwood Park
6050 Longwood Run Blvd, Sarasota, FL
Woodmere Park
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
DON’T FORGET THE Ys
Below are the times for the Ys. Drop-in. No pre-registering required. Cost is free for members, Guests are free for first visit (please check in at the front desk. After that $7.00) OUR Y ESL (Formally the YMCA)
Potter Park Dr., Sarasota, FL 34238Members free and Drop-in $7.00
Did you know…if you are new to the Y they will give you a free pass?Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Intermediate/advanced (2 courts)
Intermediate/Beginners (1 court)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Beginner lessons with Bob
7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Beginner/Novice clinic with Pickleball Terry Drills/Techniques/Strategies/ Games
Fridays 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
(Members free and $7.00 for non-members)
Friday Beginners – 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Intermediates/Advanced
Sundays 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open play
The Church of the Palms
3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
(Note: Protective lenses are required.)
Tuesday and Thursday NEW MORNING TIME
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Intermediate and Advanced
Tuesday and Thursday NEW AFTERNOON TIME
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
All play
Thursday, December 24 – no Pickleball
Friday, December 25 – no Pickleball
Thursday, December 31 – morning play only from 9:00 – 12:00.
Friday, January 1 – no Pickleball
*We will try to maintain a maximum of 24 players in the facility
GT Bray (Indoors) For more information contact Jay Jaudon at 941 742-5923 x6 – Send Email
All levels and no reservation required for outdoor pickleball at GT Bray. Click Here and Here
G.T. Bray Pickleball Outdoor Courts are OPEN Outdoor drop-in with skill-level choices is now Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:8:30-noon.
(941) 742-5923
OUTDOOR PLAY
Outdoor play, as you expect, is popular in Sarasota with COVID and we live in Florida with beautiful weather. Who wouldn’t prefer to play outside! Love it!
Colonial Oaks Park is the HOT place to play in central Sarasota. Dick Friede is the volunteer that sets the nets up everyday, 7 days a week, 7:30 a.m. – 11ish. There are 2 tennis courts with one court lined for 2 pickleball courts. Nets are not supplied by the county. You have to bring your own if you want to play in the afternoon or at night. There are lights for nighttime play, bathroom facilities close and plenty of parking.
Because this location is popular and many players showing up, we have chalked out the other tennis court for 2 more pickleball courts. This is where the problem is. When and if tennis players show up, the pickleball players have to vacate the tennis court. This has caused friction between the tennis players and the pickleball players. Oh boy. We need dedicated pickleball courts in central Sarasota so we don’t have to share with the tennis players.
Fruitville Park has 2 tennis courts and all are lined for 4 pickleball courts. There are lights and a bathroom close by. We also do not need to give up the courts if tennis players show up. It is first come, first serve. NO ORGANIZED PLAY. You must wrangle up your own players and your own nets.
Siesta Key Public Tennis Courts have 4 tennis courts and 2 are lined for 4 pickleball courts. No organized play and bring your own nets. The bathrooms are a hike away but plenty of parking and lights. The tennis players can get pretty testy with pickleball players so be cautious with running behind their courts or letting balls wander onto their courts. First come, first serve so try to get there early to beat the tennis players.
Gillepsie Park in downtown Sarasota has 3 tennis courts and one of the courts has lines for 2 pickleball courts and nets that are left by the fence that you can move to the pickleball courts. It is hit of miss. Sometimes I go there to play and I have to wait. Other times, no one is there. Can’t figure the pattern out. No lights and the last time I tried to use the restrooms, they were locked.
Newtown Park has 2 tennis courts and both are lined for 4 pickleball courts. Bring your own nets. Bathrooms in the main building or across the street at the library. NO organized play. If you see a group playing there and any place I have written that does NOT have organized, drop-in play, it is a private group of friends. Will they let you play if you happen upon them? Maybe, but they are not required to.
Lakewood Ranch has dedicated pickleball courts by the high school for drop-in play. I have heard mixed reports and some people have told me they don’t like new people, and people have said it is a very inviting group. Here is info from Bob Haskins who “runs” things at the courts. LWR Pickleball Club Newsletter LWR DECEMBER
No lights and not sure what the bathroom situation is.
…If you see a group playing there and any place I have written that does NOT have organized, drop-in play, it is a private group of friends. Will they let you play if you happen upon them? Maybe, but they are not required to…
Twin Lakes Park does not have organized play and does not supply the nets. They have 2 tennis courts and both are lined for 4 courts. No lights, sorry. The bathrooms are a hike but plenty of parking. Tennis dominates at this location and hard to plan a group to play there because you never know if all the courts (and they usual are) have tennis players. Sorry.
Laurel Park in Venice has 2 tennis courts that are lined for 4 pickleball courts. There is NO organized play there but yes for lights. Lots of parking and bathroom close by.
Foxworthy Park in Venice. Finally, dedicated courts for pickleball! Yea! 6 of them with drop-in play in the mornings. (All organized, drop-in play is in the morning.) Bathrooms are a HIKE! Might as well drive to them. No lights! They used to have a porta-potty but kids kept on tipping it over so it was removed. Also, there are 2 tennis courts nearby with one court lined for 2 pickleball brings. Bring your own net and friends to play on the tennis courts here.
Englewood Sports Complex has indoor and outdoor dedicated courts. Outdoor: (12) Permanent Outdoor Pickleball Courts. Lights available until 10pm Sept-May. No Reservations or fees for outdoor courts, 1st Come, 1st Serve. M-W-F mornings are intermediate to advanced play. Tu-Th-Sat are beginner to intermediate play. Bathrooms nearby and plenty of parking.
The schedule is constantly changing so to keep everyone up-to-date I send out a weekly newsletter. Please signup for my newsletter.
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Simone Jardine – 
