Only 6 teams per division. Spots are filling quickly. Signup before they are closed. There will be a waiting list. Email dinkpickleball@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.
We are using Swish Tournament software which means you will be able to find your opponents and court assignments on your Swish apps. You will also be able to see everyone’s score in realtime.
You do not need to have a DUPR score but you will need to signup with DUPR. When you register at Swish by clicking the link above, they will instruct you on how to validate your DUPR account. This is a sanctioned DUPR tournament. All scores will be recorded on the DUPR site.
We will have giveaways, 50/50, T-Shirts, Medals, Cash prizes, Free water and snacks, Free Kona Ice Slushies for participants, and so much more!!!
Booth rental space is $50.00 for vendors who want to sell pickleball related items.
We want to thank Archwell Health for supplying the Kona Truck.
Understanding Pickleball Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Deal with It by Pickleball Terry
It’s real and it’s happening. Pickleball burnout! Whether it’s because you’re tired of rec play that’s getting more irritating than fun, or your knees are feeling so much pain with every move, you’re just not as motivated to get on the courts as you used to be.
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity due to its accessibility and fun gameplay. However, as with any sport, enthusiasts can sometimes experience burnout. Pickleball burnout can impact both casual players and competitive athletes. Understanding the signs and symptoms, and knowing how to address them, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable relationship with the game.
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Signs of Pickleball Burnout
Decreased Motivation: If you find yourself dragging your feet to the court or lacking the enthusiasm you once had for the game, it could be a sign of burnout.
Mental Fatigue: Feeling mentally exhausted or overwhelmed by the sport, even when you’re not playing, can indicate that you need a break.
Physical Exhaustion: Persistent tiredness or muscle soreness that doesn’t seem to improve with rest might signal that you’re pushing your body too hard.
Reduced Performance: A noticeable decline in your game performance, despite practice, could be a sign that you’re overdoing it or not giving yourself adequate recovery time.
Loss of Enjoyment: If you no longer find joy in playing or feel that the game has become a chore rather than a pleasure, burnout may be the cause.
Symptoms of Pickleball Burnout
Irritability or Frustration: Becoming easily frustrated or irritable, both on and off the court, can be a symptom of burnout.
Sleep Issues: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be a result of excessive stress and anxiety related to the sport.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social events or activities related to pickleball, including games and tournaments, might be a sign of burnout.
Physical Complaints: Chronic aches, pains, or injuries that don’t heal properly can indicate that you’re not allowing your body enough recovery time.
Take a Break: Sometimes the best remedy is to step away from the court for a while. A short hiatus can help you recharge and regain your enthusiasm for the game.
Reevaluate Your Goals: Reflect on why you started playing pickleball in the first place. Adjusting your goals to be more aligned with your current interests and abilities can renew your passion.
Set Realistic Expectations: It’s important to set achievable goals and avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself. Celebrate small victories and progress rather than focusing solely on major accomplishments.
Mix Up Your Routine: Incorporate other physical activities or hobbies into your routine. This can prevent you from feeling monotony and can help you stay physically and mentally fresh.
Focus on Recovery: Ensure you are allowing adequate time for rest and recovery. Incorporate stretching, proper nutrition, and hydration into your routine to keep your body in good condition.
Seek Support: Talk to other players or a coach about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your experiences and hearing others’ can provide new perspectives and solutions.
Enjoy the Game for Fun: Remind yourself why you love pickleball. Shift your focus from competition to enjoyment, and try to play just for fun rather than stressing over performance.
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By recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout and taking proactive steps to address it, you can maintain a balanced and enjoyable pickleball experience. Remember, sports should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not stress. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being ensures that you can continue to enjoy the game you love.
Thanks for reading!
Pickleball Terry
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
As a pickleball instructor and having taught over 1k students so far, the question I get asked most by novice to intermediate players is, WHY DO WE PRACTICE DINKING IF WE NEVER DINK DURING A GAME?
What is dinking? A dink shot in pickleball is a type of shot that is used to control the pace of the game and to gain an advantage over the opponent. The shot is executed close to the net, usually with a soft touch and with the aim of landing the ball just over the net.
Good question and so true. Warmup in my bootcamps/clinics/private lessons starts with dinking. Usually 100 times back and forth. followed by cross-court dinking, I can image that it is boring to some or even futile as when they play on the public courts, all they do and their opponents do is BANG! Slam! Hit as hard as the can.
Make sure you signup for the tournament at Pompano Park in Sarasota.
I explain, hitting the ball as hard as you can works well during lower level play, but not in advanced intermediate to advanced. If you are not seeing dinking in your games, you are playing in a lower level. Period.
In advanced games, dinking is an essential strategy. Keeping the ball low is mandatory, and one pop-up is what your opponents were waiting for, and it’s no second chances.
EASY BLUEPRINT What should you do?
1.Serve deep
2 Return deep
3. 3rd Shot Drop
4.Dinking with patience
5.Waiting for your opponents to make the unforced errors
To win in a dinking battle a player must practice dinking in a non-game setting like in one of my clinics. We drill, drill, drill.
If you would like to join one of my BOOTCAMPS, send me your email address and I’ll add you to the list. We practice keeping the ball low, speedups and resets, target practice, put-a-ways, doubles strategies, and 3rd Shot Drops.
I was on the court today and my opponent popped a ball way up. Already picturing my graceful and accurate put-a-way, I raised my paddle and watched the ball descend, but at the last moment I looked down and completely missed. Victory was not mine, not to mention, it’s embarrassing.
What happened? I was so sure I had it that I got over confident. Rookie move! I and many players have done it. GOT IT! Oops!
Sometimes you can’t help but look away when someone lobs the ball directly into the sun. Below is a video of opponents who used the sun as part of their strategy much to the annoyance of Leigh Waters.
Other times, it’s just sloppy playing. Don’t be sloppy.
Here are five ways to keep your eye on the pickleball while playing:
Focus! Don’t get distracted by spectators, your opponents, or even your partner. Laser focus. Concentrate on tracking the ball’s trajectory, speed, and spin. A good drill is to write different numbers on the balls and play. The players have to spot the number
Track the ball with your paddle. Here’s a good tip from Sarah Ansboury, pro player, who said to follow the flight of the ball with your paddle. I use this with beginners and novices and it works!
Ball! Another tip, say BALL as you are watching the flight to your paddle. It’s hard to think of anything else if you are saying BALL.
Positioning. Position your body in a way that allows you to see the ball clearly. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and body balanced. Stay on the balls of your feet with eyes on the ball. Try to stay ahead of the ball in thought and action.
And my last tip is, it isn’t fair to your partner to NOT keep your eye on the ball. Yes, sometimes good old guilt works the best, but truthfully, you are not being a good partner or player for that matter, if you aren’t keeping your eye on the ball.
Remember, consistent practice and concentration are key to keeping your eye on the ball. By honing your visual skills and staying focused, you’ll be able to react quickly and effectively during the game, and we all want to play a good game.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan, Founder of Sarasota Pickleball Organization, LLC
PPR Certified Coach (over a thousand students so far)
Dinkpickleball@Gmail.com
“What’s wrong, John?” I said after I saw a player grimace between shots on the pickleball court. “My foot is killing me,” he said through clenched teeth.
Turns out he has plantar fasciitis. An extremely painful foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia provides support to the arch of your foot and helps absorb shock during walking and playing pickleball.
Luckily and fingers crossed, I have never experienced that kind of pain, but so many pickleball players have and it is debilitating usually causing them to suspend playing pickleball. Yikes! Having plantar fasciitis can ruin your pickleball game!
When the plantar fascia is excessively strained, it can develop small tears and become irritated, leading to plantar fasciitis. This condition is often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, such as playing pickleball too much. It can also be associated with certain risk factors, including flat feet, high arches, obesity, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper or unsupportive footwear.
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of the heel, which may be sharp or dull. The pain is usually worse in the morning when taking the first steps after waking up or after prolonged periods of rest. It may also worsen with activity and improve with rest. In some cases, the pain can extend along the arch of the foot.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves:
Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen the pain and giving the foot adequate rest.
Applying ice packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Performing specific exercises to stretch the calf muscles and plantar fascia and strengthen the foot muscles.
Orthotic devices: Wearing supportive shoes or using orthotic inserts to provide better arch support and cushioning.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Make an appointment with a podiatrist or a physical therapist. They may provide additional treatment modalities like ultrasound therapy, massage, or taping techniques.
Night splints: These devices keep the foot in a stretched position while sleeping to alleviate morning pain and stiffness.
In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
9. Surgery is rarely necessary and is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatments after several months. I have met a couple of people who have had surgery though, with great results.
Choose supportive footwear or use inserts specially made for plantar fasciitis.
Gradually increase activity levels: When starting a new exercise routine or increasing your physical activity, do so gradually. Sudden, intense activities can strain the plantar fascia. Allow your body time to adjust and strengthen gradually.
Warm up and stretch: Before engaging in any physical activity, warm up your muscles and perform stretching exercises for your feet and calves. This helps prepare your muscles and reduces the risk of injury.
Avoid prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces: If your job or daily activities involve long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces, try to take breaks, wear supportive shoes, or use cushioned mats to reduce the impact on your feet.
Maintain a healthy foot posture: Practice good foot posture by avoiding excessive rolling inwards (pronation) or outwards (supination) of the feet. If you have any foot abnormalities or imbalances, consider using orthotic inserts or arch supports prescribed by a podiatrist.
Strengthen your foot and leg muscles: Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs, as strong muscles provide better support to the plantar fascia. Calf stretches, toe curls, and toe towel scrunches are some examples of exercises that can help.
Take regular breaks from repetitive activities: If you have a job or hobby that involves repetitive foot movements (such as running or standing for long periods), try to take regular breaks and vary your activities to avoid overstraining the plantar fascia.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to any foot pain or discomfort. If you experience persistent heel pain or other symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis, seek early treatment and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain or suspect plantar fasciitis, it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treat it before plantar fasciitis places you on the bench.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry, Founder and owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization
On a sunny afternoon in Sarasota, FL, Lieve Olivera and I, Terry Ryan, A.K.A. Pickleball Terry, gave a presentation on pickleball in a conference room in the Selby Library. Julianne Bosch, of the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota, had called me a couple of months before and asked if I would be willing to give a talk on pickleball. I replied, “Sure!” I figured I would just give a presentation on what was pickleball all about. However, she requested I put an international spin on the presentation because it was a Sister Cities Association. That’s when I suggested that Julianne get in contact with our local pickleball connection, Lieve Olivera, a certified pickleball coach for Special Olympics, and a Global Pickleball Diplomat appointed by the International Federation of Pickleball.
A few days before the event, I put together a power point presentation. Basically, it was how pickleball started, how it grew, and my start and role in pickleball. But as I was digging in to putting all the info in the slides, it occurred to me how many global connections I have made because of pickleball. Looking at the subscribers to my weekly newsletters, I have subscribers from Thailand and Australia, England and Ireland. I have met people from all over the world at tournaments and played with people like Karen Mitchel from PickleballEngland.org in the World Pickleball Tournament. The tournament director put us together. I would never have met her and other people who live in different countries if it wasn’t for pickleball.
I sent these paddles to South Africa with stars and stripes on them because I heard that they love anything that represents USA.
My last US Open partner was from Canada and spoke only French. I soon learned that cuisine was French for kitchen. We are still all friends through Facebook. And I know that I could fly into Ireland and soon find a pickleball court and play games; make friends. That’s the power of pickleball.
But enough about my presentation, Lieve gave a more interesting presentation about the Road to The Olympics.
Slide by Lieve Olivera
Steps to the Olympics
Number of countries that already play/have pickleball.
Currently there are 195 countries (conflicting info…193/195) and presently according to the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball, there are 76 countries that play pickleball.
Many rules and regulations control whether the sport will become part of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Charter indicates that in order to be accepted, a sport must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents and by women in no fewer than 40 countries and on three continents. The sport must also increase the ‘‘value and appeal’’ of the Olympic Games and retain and reflect its modern traditions. (source: https://www.britannica.com/story/how-are-sports-chosen-for-the-olympics)
2. Financial
What is the cost to host pickleball tournaments? What is the draw? Is it popular enough for the Olympics? Is it a spectator sport?
3. Does it look good on TV? Will advertisers pay to have their commercials on when pickleball is being played?
In the picture above is Theresa Capozzoli, USAPA Ambassador and Special Olympics Pickleball Coach, Lieve Olivera, Special Olympics Pickleball Coach and Global Pickleball Diplomat, and me, Terry Ryan, PPR Certified Coach and owner of SarasotaPickleball.com.
Light up pickleballs CLICK ON THE PICTURE
Lieve said we have a long ways to go. Many hurdles to overcome. Somebody in the audience mentioned curling. How did curling pass all these requirements? (Good question!) Lieve said it could be as simple as someone who liked curling to be on the board of directors for the Olympics to pass it through. I asked if changing the name of pickleball to something else might speed up the process? After all, ping pong was changed to table tennis. She didn’t know.
Lieve Olivera
This is from the internet.
In recent years the IOC (International Olympic Committee) has worked to manage the scope of the Olympics by permitting new sports only in conjunction with the simultaneous discontinuation of others. Sports that have already been part of the Games are periodically reviewed to determine whether they should be retained. The Olympic Programme Commission notes that problems have arisen when trying to find venues to accommodate some sports’ specific needs, such as baseball and softball, which were discontinued from Olympic programming after the 2008 Beijing Games. When choosing sports to include in the program, the IOC must take into consideration media and public interest, since these are a key drive behind the Olympic Games, but must simultaneously manage costs.
Anyway, I googled Summer Olympics and I read that breakdancing in now an Olympic sport so I think that maybe in 10 years or less, pickleball just might be in the Olympics. But as Lieve reminded the audience, it’s a long road to the Olympics.
As a pickleball coach, I have been coaching for around 3 years. I am a fully insured PPR Certified Coach, and love introducing people to pickleball. I have taught over 500 people so far, and besides a few students falling, there has not been many bad moments. It’s always a good time teaching pickleball. I believe I have found my calling. Let’s just say, if you play pickleball, retirement is great!
Sarah Ansboury
After observing student after student on the court, there are 10 things that a novice student should stop doing that SCREAMS I’m a novice player. Here they are:
Not standing on the balls of their feet.
I tell my students, if you are not putting pressure on the balls of your feet and standing flat-footed, you are not in a ready position. Sarah Ansboury says pretend that there is a button on the bottom of your big toe and press that button.
Standing too close to the baseline.
If you are standing too close to the baseline when you are receiving a deep serve, you are going to either miss the serve, hit it before it bounces, or hit the ball up in the air and out of bounds. Always stand a foot behind the baseline. My students say, “But what happens if they serve short?” Then you run like you’re 18 years old and get to the ball, I always say jokingly. But, if you see someone who constantly serves a weak and short serve, take a step inside the baseline.
Creeping up after you serve.
Oh, seasoned pickleball players love to see their opponents do this…take a couple of steps forward onto the court after they serve. That’s a sign of definite weakness. Your receiver is going to return the ball deep back to you who is already a couple of steps too far forward, therefore you hit the ball before it bounces. FAULT! The saying is SERVE AND STAY!
Not getting up to the NVZ line.
This is a drill I do over and over with my students. It’s return and RUN. Or I like to say…RUN LIKE HECK! Now, this is when I’m teaching people who can run and who want to become aggressive players. If you are not returning the ball deep and running up to the kitchen, it says…I’m still learning.
Standing like a statue.
They hit the ball and don’t move as they watch their ball fly over the net. Why? They are admiring their shot. Then what happens? They are not prepared for the return shot and miss it. Stop admiring your shot and immediately move and be ready for the ball coming back.
Not keeping their paddle up.
If I see a player standing with their paddles down by their side, I know they are not ready to return a fast ball coming at them. In pickleball, a player does not have the time to bring the paddle up from the side of their leg, to return a fast ball coming at their backhand. Keep your paddle up! A coaching trick I use is telling my students to put their finger tips of their non paddle hand on the back of their paddle after every return. If this doesn’t work, I give them a ball that they have to hold on the back of their paddle so they remember to keep their paddle up. And this one seems to work…I tell them keeping their paddle up makes them look 10 years younger.
Not Focusing.
Sometimes I see a ball fly by a student and they try to hit it after the pass. You know, the whiffing stroke. They look at the paddle like there must be a hole in it. How could they possibly miss that ball? They look at me, their coach, in disbelief. But seconds before, I could tell their mind was someplace else. I ask them, what were you just thinking of? They admit, they were thinking they had to get an oil change, or make a dentist appointment. Definitely not on the game at hand. You have to stay laser focused in the game. If not, it’s not fair to your partner, you or your opponents that are there because they want a good game.
Hitting the ball back to your opponent (politely).
Isn’t that what you are suppose to do? No! During warmup we hit the ball back and forth to each other because we are WARMING UP. After that, make your opponents move. Don’t give them an easy shot to return. And go for their backhand, the weaker side. When I’m playing, I will hit to one opponent and if he gets it back, I’ll switch direction and hit to the other opponent. Keep them guessing. {Select Ray-Ban Oakley & Costa active polarized sunglasses}
Hitting into the net.
Time after time, I witness a novice player go for a put-a-way and they hit the ball with extreme force right into the net. That will hurt your ego. Then I look at their feet and find them standing a foot behind the NVZ line. If they were rather standing an inch back from the line as they should have, they would have gotten that ball over the the net and past their opponents. Win! Get as close to the NVZ line as you can.
Not watching the ball.
A ball comes towards you and you swing and miss it. Why? You thought you were watching the ball but just as it comes a foot from your paddle, you look across the court towards your opponents, and you completely miss the ball. What happened? You took your eyes off the ball. Another good hint from Sarah Ansboury is point your paddle paddle at the ball as it goes back and forth. This is good practice for your brain to train it to keep track of the ball.
If you are a novice, above are 10 things you should work on if you want to STOP looking like a novice. If you master the above 10, you are no longer a novice player and moving in to the intermediate zone.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 941-400-0978 or email at dinkpickleball@gmail.com.
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Thanks for reading, Pickleball Terry
Pickleball Terry, Founder and owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization, LLC
Mary woke up with the same feeling of dread she felt every morning since her husband passed away. His death came so suddenly. He was experiencing pain in his side followed by a trip to the emergency room, tests and more test, and the horrible diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. They were holding hands as the doctor delivered the bad news. Prognosis wasn’t good; only months to live. He was sadly gone in one month. Mary was devastated. Here she was, in the dream home she and her husband had always wanted in beautiful Sarasota after they both retired from their jobs, and she was now all alone. What to do?
New to the area, she didn’t have many friends, but someone told her about pickleball. This was interesting because Mary wasn’t ready to sit in a rocking chair. She looked up Sarasota Pickleball and soon found me, Pickleball Terry. After her first lesson she felt more alive than she had in months, and she was hooked. Pickleball became her new way to exercise mixed with a social network.
What is depression? (from the internet)
A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
Social isolation and depression in older adults
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression.
What happens as we get older or as I like to put it, seasoned? Loneliness? Feeling isolated? Feeling unwanted or not needed? We have spent all of our lives hurrying through the days of our youth and middle age, when we finally achieve our retirement years. Now what to do? Read the entire New York Times everyday? Then what? Puzzles? What about social interactions? Or something to live for? No wonder people get depressed.
Is pickleball the cure for depression?
I am not so bold to say that pickleball is the cure for depression, but it can’t hurt. As long as you’re physically able, pickleball is a great way to stimulate dopamine, the happiness hormone. It also great for keeping you busy. The part of the brain that causes anxiety and depression is amygdala, hippocampus, and the dorsomedial thalamus. Amygdala is what is called the lizard brain that sends out danger signals. But unfortunately, these signals continue through the day for no reason. Thinking about what the score is, who is serving, trying to get the 3rd shot drop in can give your brain something to do besides worrying.
Things that set off depression can be a big life change like moving to a new town, divorce, or the loss of a spouse. Sometimes there is no reason you can put your finger on why you are depressed.
I was talking to another player who told me that her way to manage her depression was to get up every morning and get moving. She heads to the pickleball court where she mingles with fellow players and gets her daily exercise quota mixed with fun.
Everyone needs a purpose
It also supplies a purpose in life. Implementing pickleball as your new hobby is an excellent way to get out of the house and to see other people. I know when I go to Colonial Oaks Park, it’s an uplifting experience. I’m happy to see everyone, and I talk and laugh with the other players. Before I know it, my Fitbit is buzzing letting me know I hit 10k steps. But I take it lightly until I talk to someone who lets me know how pickleball has changed their life. That takes my breath away. When I hear some of the struggles people have gone through or are going through, and then tell me how much pickleball has helped them, it send shivers down my spine. I realize just how important pickleball is to the seniors in Sarasota and to the rest of the country. It’s bigger than I ever realized. Not just a game.
You are not alone
So, if you think your the only one who is using pickleball to help your depression or anxiety, you are not alone. My pickleball circle is large and I talk to many players. Some players are going through incredible hardships and they still show up on the court. That’s their “ME” time. A time to not think about dying relatives or their next chemo treatment. You never know what the player next to you is going through.
COVID and pickleball
Pickleball was a saving grace during COVID. What the heck would we all have done without pickleball. I took all of 2 weeks off and I was back on the courts as soon as the county allowed us. And I have spoken to players who have said if it wasn’t for pickleball they didn’t know how they would have gotten through COVID.
What other sport do you know where you can just go anywhere and drop in for a game? I was in Pompano and looked up pickleball courts nearby. With in 30 minutes I was playing on a court with new people making friends and having fun. This sport is amazing.
Sure, my upstate NY friends think I’m crazy. They have actually said they would come and visit me but they won’t play pickleball. Boy, they don’t know what they are missing. I’m busy and happy. I’m in a good place.
One night a couple of months ago, I was playing pickleball with a few people at Colonial Oaks Park. The lights were on and the mosquitoes where biting. I saw a older man and a young man around 15 peering through the fence with great interest as to what we were doing. After about 5 minutes I couldn’t stand it anymore and I asked them if they wanted to give it a try. “Really?” they responded with surprise mixed with enthusiasm.
They were soon on the court with paddles. I learned that it was a grandfather and his grandson. Their names I cannot remember now as I tell you this story. What I do remember is that the grandson was cocky and rebellious. He was my partner, and as I tried to explain the rules he would look away or roll his eyes. When I tried to help him serve with some tips, he would angrily answer with. “I know what I’m doing.” Jeeezzz Louiseee! I thought. I began to regret that I extended the offer for them to play.
And then I looked down at the grandson’s feet. A-ha! He had flip flops on. A good reason to suspend his play. Besides, I had other players showing up. I said to him, “You can’t play with flip flops. Can you go home and put of some sneakers?”
He replies, “If I go home, I’m not coming back.” So what do I care if he comes back, but I look across the court and I see his grandfather trying to send me a message. His eyes are pleading with me to let his grandson stay and he mouths PLEASE!
I say, “OKAY, you can stay.” Boy, I must have been in a good mood that night to let a teenager with attitude stay and play. A teenager I didn’t even know and his grandfather.
Eventually, another net was put up and we had around 10 people playing. The teenager greatly improved as the night went on. Granddad called the rest of the family and soon uncle, aunts, mom, dad, the cousins all arrived and played with balls and tennis racquets and frisbees on the other side. All ages were running and yelling. It was a total zoo. But then I saw it. A smile across the cranky teenager’s face. His eyes were lit up and even with flip flops on he was getting the ball past his opponents. He latched on to one of the male players that had come that was a really good player, and together they were the dual to beat.
His grandfather had come over to me as we were getting ready to take down the nets…oh yes, they stayed for hours…and told me that what happened tonight was amazing. He said that they were concerned about his grandson who was very depressed and wasn’t socializing anymore. To see him playing and interacting with the other pickleball players brought tears to his eyes. He had called the rest of the family to observe this “miracle.” By then, the teenager was smiling and joking with all of us. He was now transformed from a moody kid to a fun to be around person.
Then this happened…he came over and hugged me and said, “thank you!” I froze for a second before I wrapped my arms around him and looked past him to see his mom and dad smiling at him. They were so happy.
I invited him to come back anytime he wanted to play with proper shoes, I joked, but I have not seen him since.
The other day, I was talking to somebody who explained to me that pickleball is the sport that brings the athlete out of the average person who didn’t know they were an athlete. Pickleball is more than just a sport. It is a way to be social. It molds an introvert into an extrovert.
I’ll never forget that night, the eyes of the grandfather pleading with me, the smile on the sulky teenager, the laughter and banter from the pickleball players. And I’ll never forget to bring bug spray again to Colonial Oaks Park. Ouch!
Here’s to playing pickleball with flip flops and may that never happen again.
Thanks for reading.
Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan
Coach Terry owner of Sarasotapickleball.com
Clinics/Lessons
941-400-0978
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Yes, the new rules by the International Federation of Pickleball and therefor the USA Pickleball Organization have been released. The big question everyone wants to know…IS THE DROP SERVE STILL IN? Yes, it is.
Pickleball Terry
Drop Serve
4.A.6.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. There is no restriction how many times the ball can bounce nor where the ball can bounce 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.4) still apply.
4.A.6.b. The ball shall not be propelled (thrown)
downward or tossed or hit upward with the
paddle.
4.A.6.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.
Is the Chainsaw Serve legal? No!
New Rule: The Volley Serve. The server shall use only one hand to release the ball to perform the serve. If the ball is visibly spun by the server during the release, the part(s) of the hand contacting the ball must be bare. 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 there turn of serve if the release of the ball is not visible or if the referee (or receiver in non-officiated matches) cannot discern whether an item on the hand contacted a visibly
spun ball. Exception: A player who has the use of only one hand may use their hand or paddle to release the ball to perform the serve.
Can I bring 2 balls on the court with me?
Yes, but the second ball must be hidden. You cannot at anytime have 2 balls in your hand. If the ball you are carrying in a pocket and out of view, suddenly slips out of your pocket and lands on the court, that is a fault.
Are headphones allowed?
No, Nope.
Calling the wrong score
YOU CAN’T STOP PLAY IF YOU THINK THE WRONG SCORE IS CALLED!!! You now must wait until the rally is over than say, hey I believe you called the wrong score. Correction is made then to the score. It is not a fault. If you do STOP play and say…hey, you called the wrong score, then the player who stopped the play receives a fault. (I know, right!)
Existing: Wrong Score Called. If the server or referee calls the wrong score, any player may stop play before the “third shot” occurs to ask for a correction. New: Wrong Score Called. If the server or referee calls the wrong score, once the serve is made, play shall continue to the end of the rally and the correction made before the next serve. After the serve is made, a player who stops play based solely on an incorrect score call, will have committed a fault and shall lose the rally.
Resting between games.
Did you know there is a difference between a fault and a FOUL?
A fault occurs when a player hits the ball out of the court, steps into the NVZ before a bounce, steps on the baseline during a serve, hits the ball into the net, touches the net during a shot, etc. When that happens, the serving team either loses their serve or, if the opponents made the fault, the serving team wins a point. BUT if during a game, a player uses profanity (in a tournament) he receives a FOUL and a point is deducted from his team’s score. Or if he intentionally slams the ball after a point because of anger and doesn’t care where it ends up endangering his opponents or spectators, that is a FOUL.
Proposed changes that didn’t make it in. (Thank goodness!)
Rally scoring
Partners not rotating when winning a point
Surprising things
You can now change starting servers between games in tournaments.
You can take your 2 time outs between games. There are usually 3 minutes between games, but now if you think you’ll need more time (like for a bathroom break) you can add your 2 upcoming time outs (2 minutes total) to the time between games. Thought you’d like to know.
Something I wished made the cut
Saying the starting score as zero-zero-start. It stays as zero-zero-two. Why? I coach a lot of beginners. Saying zero-zero-start is easier when teaching scoring.
SIGNIFICANT RULE CHANGES FOR 2022
Spin Serves (4.A.5)
In 2022, the server shall use only one hand to release the ball to
perform the serve. If the ball is visibly spun by the server during
the release, the part(s) of the hand contacting the ball must be
bare.
The Drop Serve (4.A.6)
No changes were made to the drop serve other than to remove its
Provisional status.
Wrong Score Called (4.K)
The rules concerning what happens if the wrong score is called by
a player or a referee have changed. If a player thinks a wrong
score has been called, a player may stop play to ask for a
correction before the ball is served. If it has been served, the rally
is to be played out and the score correction (if any) is made before
the next serve occurs.
A Dropped Ball (7.N)
In non-officiated matches, it is not uncommon for a player to carry
an extra ball. If an extra ball is carried, it must not be visible to the
opponent. If a player accidentally drops an extra ball during a rally,
it will result in a fault. This does not apply in an officiated match
because the referee is responsible for removing any extra
pickleballs from play.
Medical Time-outs Called by a Referee (10.H.2.a)
If a referee, in the interest of player safety, determines that either
medical personnel or the Tournament Director should be
consulted for a player health issue, that time-out is not chargeable
to the player as a medical time-out. The player retains the right to
call their own medical time out later in the match, if needed.
There you go. NEW RULES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Thanks for reading! All the best!
Pickleball Terry
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
PPR Certified Coach
