What? The COVID Serve? By Terry Ryan

What did I just read? There is such a thing called the COVID serve??? Okay, first there was the standard underhand serve which pickleball players used since the game was invented. Then in 2021, the provisional DROP SERVE was introduced, but not even on the first of the year, but on January 21. So there was a little bit of controversy that some players were using it before the 21st, and other people were saying, “No, not until the 21st.” Any who, the drop serve is being used by a small percentage of players. Most seasoned players can get a more aggressive serve in using the standard serve. I must admit, I still have to correct players who BOUNCE the ball rather than dropping for the drop serve.

So, how do I know there is a 3rd style of serve? I just received an email from the US Pickleball Open where I will be participating in next week. And here it is:

(What??? No let serves for pros???)

And here is a video of Zane demonstrating the COVID serve around in the middle of the video. I also have heard it called the chainsaw serve. But I see that serve will NOT be allowed in the pro division.

If you are confused about the drop serve, here is a video I made back in January.

So, there you have it. The COVID serve. Not officially in the rule book that I can see but some of the PROS were using it. Well, you learn something new every day. What do you think of the COVID serve?

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan
AKA Pickleball Terry or Coach Terry
PPR Certified Coach
USA Pickleball Ambassador

Everyday, I am thankful I can still play pickleball.

April 11, 2021

The Difference Between Novice And Good Players by Terry Ryan

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 keeping focused Sarasota Pickleball — 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/Green light, 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

March 14, 2021

The Curse of the Number 10

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

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

February 28, 2021February 28, 2021

Paddles Paddles! So Many Paddles

Feature image for title Paddle Paddle by Pickleball Terry

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.)

What are paddles made from: (This is from the Third Shot Drop website. Jack the (owner) taught me everything about paddles.)

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.

Z5 Onix – Order here

Onix Styker – Order here

Selkirk – Order here

Paddletek – Order here

Good info about fair play.

SHARE THE BALL by: Gregg Whitfield

From the blog: Picklebilly.com

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.

Simone Jardine – Prince

Corrine Carr – Vulcan

Kyle Yates – Paddletek

Sarah Ansboury – Head

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.

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry
PPR Pickleball Coach

February 21, 2021February 21, 2021

Drop in Play in Pickleball

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021

What About COVID And Pickleball

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.

Pickleball Terry at RL Taylor — 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 to bring with you for playing pickleball:

Mask
Disinfectant (Lysol is good to spray on the ball)
Hand sanitizer
Eye Protection
Alcohol wipes

Stay safe out there.

Pickleball Terry

USA Pickleball Ambassador
PPR Certified Coach
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com

December 14, 2020December 14, 2020

New Pickleball Rules For 2021 by Pickleball Terry

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.

NEW CHANGES TO THE USA PICKLEBALL RULES FOR 20212021 Change Document 12-13-20

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry
USA Pickleball Ambassador
Certified Pickleball Coach PPR
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

September 6, 2020September 6, 2020

How to get smells out of your sports clothes

It happened to me. Smelly sports clothes. I have to admit, it snuck up on me. I was driving to pickleball and I was wearing a clean, quick-dry shirt when I noticed an oder. What the heck?! Was that me? Yup. I was a victim to smelly workout clothes. Shocked!

I soon realized that washing in normal detergent wasn’t going to cut it anymore after playing for hours in the Florida weather, and hours of sweaty bacteria building up in my clothes. What to do?

Researching on the internet, I soon found a few tricks.

You have a bacteria situation going on. This happens when you sweat and sweat and do not get all the bacteria out. So you need to tweak your pickleball clothes laundering routine.

- Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash.

Use special sports detergent like Tide Sport
Wash your clothes immediately after getting off the court. Don’t let them sit around in a laundry basket.
Use bacteria eating Lysol Sanitizer (It works)

I also use Borax in my wash that does a pretty good job.

After attacking the problem, voila! Problem solved. Stinky smells are gone for good.

Have fun on the courts!

June 18, 2020June 21, 2020

Sarasota Pickleball Club is not Pickleball Terry

I am not the CLUB

Sarasota Pickleball and Pickleball Terry is not Sarasota Pickleball Club. We are two different entities promoting pickleball in Sarasota.

I know that recently, the Club sent out an email asking for membership donations. A few people questioned me about that and were a little confused. I don’t blame them. It’s confusing and it is not me. I am not the Sarasota Pickleball Club, Inc.

Pickleball Terry and Sarasota Pickleball’s History

In 2017 I was happily playing pickleball, (not well I might add so I was dismissed to the first court at Arlington, but trying hard to make my way up to the second court), where I met Deann who was already sending out emails listing the places to play in Sarasota. She decided to hand that responsibilty over to someone else, and I eventually took over where she left off. That was the fall of 2017, and I purchased domain names (SarasotaPickleball.com, SarasotaPickleballAssociation.com, SarasotaPickleballOrganization.com, PickleballTerry.com), built a website and Sarasota Pickleball has been growing since to 1,300 subscribers.

My game has gotten slightly better, and I have the honor to introduce other people to pickleball. The newsletter has improved with more news, tips, memes, and funny jokes to get you all through COVID.

My weekly goal is to play at different locations, meet new players, and keep the familiar faces on the courts informed. Soon, I will be hosting the Welcome Back Pickleball Tournament indoors as soon as I am able to secure a County or City location. I hope my enthusiasm is inspiring. Really, I have a great time doing this. Thank you for letting me be a part of your pickleball life.

A picture of Pickleball Terry Ryan and Coach Russell from Suncoast Pickleball — Pickleball Terry and Coach Russell, owner of Suncoast Pickleball

Now what’s the Club all about?

Sarasota Pickleball Club, Inc. (not Sarasota Pickleball) has recently filed as a corporation with the State 4/30/2020 CLICK HERE. They are a not-for-profit and currently work as lobbyists for building more DEDICATED, outdoor pickleball courts in Sarasota.

I, as Pickleball Terry and Sarasota Pickleball, promote playing pickleball in Sarasota as an USAPA Ambassador, through marketing on this site and weekly newsletter. I report news about Sarasota County, Sarasota City, Our Ys, Lakewood Ranch Pickleball, Bradenton Parks and Recreation, Health Fit, Church of the Palms and Salvation Army, by advertising their times of play, levels of play, and any special events.

If my name, Pickleball Terry, isn’t on the email, it’s not from me.

Confused?

People were confused because SPC was requesting memberships, and they may think they are contributing to me. That is not the case. Not me or Sarasota Pickleball. If you want more info about the Sarasota Pickleball Club (Board members, Tom Everitt, Carrie Palmer, and Cathy Denault), you can go to their website by clicking here.

May 17, 2020May 17, 2020

How to Maintain Your Focus

When I first started out playing pickleball, I found it very hard to maintain my focus. Little things would steal my concentration; a yell “OUT!” from another court, people walking behind the court I’m playing on, or just someone new walking in the door. And the minute something steals my attention whoosh there goes a ball by me.

Here is a video on improving your mental focus.

Sometimes my mind will wander, and I’ll even start thinking about my shopping list, or other errands I should do after pickleball. All the above is not good for your game. Your mind should be on one thing, and that is the next shot. Not even the hopeful outcome of the game, but your next shot. Meaning; don’t get ahead of yourself.

You can become rattled by a bad shot you made, or even by the opponents saying the incorrect score, and you’re thinking, wasn’t it 2 – 4? How did they get 3? Meanwhile, the ball is going back and forth and you are still thinking of the score. Not good! Your head should be in the game. What is happening right now? Where are your opponents’ weaknesses? Who has the weak backhand?

There are some tricks to keeping your mind in the game. As the ball is moving back and forth, pickleball pro Sarah Ansboury, likes to point her paddle in the direction of the ball. She feels this keeps her focused.

(Check out this video by Sarah Ansboury-What’s in my bag?)

Another way, is to say “ball” (to yourself) as the ball is coming towards you, and another pro told me to look for the holes in the ball. It’s hard to be distracted when you are focusing on the ball.

>>PURCHASE QUILT HERE<<

I would recommend getting into your game head. As soon as you step onto the court clear your mind of everything else. Say to yourself, I am only thinking about this game. Between points, I will tap my hat with my paddle and that is code to my brain to FOCUS! You can tap your knee or squeeze your paddle as a way to get ready. But please don’t slap your thigh with your paddle so it creates a loud SLAP. That is neither helpful or comforting to your partner.

If you miss a shot, don’t continue to think about it. Shake it off. Tap your knee. Focus on the next rally. If someone rolls their eyes at you or gives you a smirk, ignore! Ignore! Ignore! Think only about winning the next shot.

In a tournament, one of the opponents’ strategies is to call a time out if you and your partner are getting way ahead in points. This is a method to break your concentration. Take this time, for a water break and keep thinking about the game. When you get back on the court, stay on the balls of your feet, give your partner a little encouragement with a tap of the paddles, a look meaning “we’ve got this!” and proceed where you left off.

To summarize, stay FOCUSED!

By Pickleball Terry

USAPA Sarasota Ambassador
Creator or SarasotaPickleball.com