Pickleball "Leaps"

An extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it in sync with the earth’s revolutions around the sun. It takes 365.242199 days for the earth to complete a full rotation around the sun.
Our calendar, however, marks out a mere 365 days a year. If we did not add a day every four years, we would lose six hours from our calendar every year. That would add up to the loss of 24 days in the course of 100 years! I don’t know about you, but I can use all the extra time I can get. All the more reason to get playing pickleball .

Pickleball Strategy: Practice forehand placement

If there is court space and time available, practice some fun drills.
However, this can sometimes be a luxury if they play at recreation centers. Players have limited time to play and that is what they want to do. Some have driven a long way to get there and of course they want to play. To practice both placement of the ball and forehands, tell the players that all shots must be made to the opponents’ forehands and you can only use forehands to make your shots. The serve must be to the opponents’ forehand. If a shot is not placed or taken on the forehand it is loss of serve or loss of point. Also, the two bounce rule is in effect for the whole game. All players must stay at the baseline and allow the ball to bounce before they can play it. You can also add a variation to the game by switching it to strictly backhands.

Pickleball Rules Refresher: Distractions

I witnessed a group of competitive guys playing pickleball one evening, and was surprised when 1 player yelled a "MISS" at the opposing player who was about to hit a shot. Later the other team tried to distract the server by waving their arms ferociously. I know that fair play & sportsmanship would not me to do this. Is this type of strategy or distraction legal as far as pickleball rules? According to IFP rules 12.H. it states, "Distractions. Players may not yell, stamp their feet, or otherwise try to distract an opponent when the opponent is about to play the ball. In Doubles, team communication shall not normally be considered a distraction. However, loud communication at the time the opponent is about to strike the ball may be considered a distraction. If, in the judgment of the referee, a distraction has occurred, it shall result in the loss of the rally." So if I yell to my partner to "LET IT BOUNCE" or "SOFT SHOT", "DOWN THE LINE" , those are allowed as partner communication. Full on distraction towards the other team, be it yelling, waving arms, or stamping your feet...NOPE!

Pickleball beyond capacity

Last night at Abbotsford Recreation Center for our Tuesday night pickleball session we were overflowing with pickleballers. We had all 8 courts going, and could have filled 3-4 more courts. It was great to see so many (10-14) badminton players stick around after their session before pickleball, and enjoy the competitive games that took place. A BIG shout out to all our regulars who took the extra time to do some basic instruction, and play some games with them. I heard many words of thanks from the badmintoners, many who voiced that they would come again next week.

Pickleball Strategy: Encourage

Hey everybody, if you give out any pickleball words of wisdom to other pickleballers do it with a smile. Sometimes we all need pointers to help us improve our game, but we like it when someone does it with a sincere heart, not out of a better-than-thou-so-you-need-to-know attitude. Smile! Give a thumbs-up! Pat on the back! High 5! Fist pound! Hug! Encouraging words! We all have something to learn, and we all have something to give...HEEEEYYYYY! It's all good.

Pickleball Rules Refresher: Hitting the wall faults

Let's say you are at your local recreation center playing pickleball, and your ball strikes the wall or ceiling or net post after you struck the ball, yet lands in the opponents court. What does the rules say? According to IFP rules section 7.G.  it states,  If the ball in play hits a permanent object before it bounces on the court, it is a fault. (revised April 1, 2011) So If I fire a lob skyward and it hits the rafters, or in some centers a light, it is a fault. Ball is dead! Even if I hit the net post slightly, it is still a fault. But if I was to hit a ball, it landed cleanly on my opponents side, then hits a wall, ceiling etc. I win the rally.

Pickleball Canada National Open Tournament 2012 FAQ

Pickleball Canada National Open Tournament 2012 FAQ:
Q. What is the difference between Open event and Under 55 event?
A. Open events are open to players of any age. In the Under 55 event, one of the partners must be under 55 years old.
Q. Is there any skill level restrictions in Open and age events?
A. No, there is no skill level restrictions in Open and age events.
Q. If my age is 59, my birthday is in October, which age event do I enter?
A. You will enter in the 60+ event. The event you enter is the age you will be on Dec.31/2012.
Q. What age bracket will an older player enter with a younger partner?
A. An older player may play down with a younger partner in the younger partner's age bracket, but a younger player may not play up with an older partner in the older player's age bracket.
Q. Are the games played indoors, what balls and rules will be used?
A. All indoor games using Jugs pickleballs. Rules are International Federation of Pickleball rules, non-conforming paddles such as Apike and Hush are not allowed.
Q. How many events can I enter?
A. You may enter a maximum of 2 events,
Q. Where can I get a registration form?
A. You can get a registration form from ARC. The registration form is posted on many websites: http://www.pickleballcanada.org http://www.usapa.org http://pickleballbritishcolumbia.blogspot.com
Q. What is the cost of the registration?
A. Registration fee is $30.00 plus $5.00 each for 2 events-total $40.00.
If you are a current Pickleball Canada member, your registration fee will be $5.00 less for a total of $35.00.
Q. How do I register?
A. You can register in person, by phone ARC 604-853-4221 with credit card or by mail with payment to 'City of Abbotsford' to Mandy Hadfield, Recreation Coordinator, Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7R3.
Q. When is the deadline for registration?
A. The deadline for registration is June 20, 2012.
Q. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A. Cancellations and refund requests must be received by June 6, 2012. Requests sent after this date will not qualify for a refund. Registration fees will be refunded less a $5 adminstrattion fee.

Pickleball Strategy: How to lose games

How to lose games!

Always remember that about 75% all lost volleys are unforced errors. The following are common mistakes that we all make that can give up points or lose serves.   Usually, there are only 11 points in a game. You make a few of these mistakes, your opponents make a few good shots and you've lost.  Neat!    After successfully performing one of these techniques be sure to carefully examine your paddle.  Your opponents will think you were actually trying to make a good shot.  We give these suggestions here as recommendations with tongue in cheek but they are very real.

*Serve really hard.  Lot's of balls will go into the net or over the baseline.

*Stand in the playing area to receive a serve.  When players return the ball deep you can try to reach behind you to hit it. Holler "Great Serve"

Return serves hard.  This causes lots of hits to go into the net or over the end line and gives you less time to get to the non-volley line so you're still trying to move in when the ball gets back to you.  You get lots of chances to hit balls at your feet this way.  If you return the serve soft and deep your opponents have to let the ball drop before they can hit it,  You could actually win the volley. No! No!
*Aim "kill" shots at the side lines.  One of the really great ways to lose points! Often we miss the lines for a fault when a softer shot in the same direction but nearer the middle of the court would work just as well.  As the ball goes out of bounds yell "Darn, I just missed"
*Rush your shots when you have the time to make a controlled shot.  This causes all kinds of mistakes.  Your paddle make contact with the ball at all sorts of angles. They won't know what to expect next. The folks in the next court might not like it.  Just say "So?"
*Stand close to the center line.  You can take a good shot away from your partner and you leave the outside area of your court uncovered. When your opponents hit he ball into that open space yell "Nice shot!"
*Stand close to the side line.  This leaves the middle of your court open and makes you vulnerable to the dreaded center-line shot.  Your opponents will love it and you get to make a lot of eye contact with your partner!
*Snap your wrist on overhead slams. A nice follow-through helps control the ball but we don't want to do that do we? A lack of follow-thru and the slightest mistake in timing can cause the ball to go awry in almost any direction but usually into the net.
*Poach.  Though a good shot at times this leaves your part of the court open for return shots to the space you just vacated. Your opponents will drool over all that open space.
*Put lots of spin on a lot of shots.  They're harder shots to control and people are waiting for them. Be sure to stand in one place and admire that crazy bounce.
*Play catch, hit the ball right back to the opponent who hit it to you instead of making them reach for it. They'll never know you did it on purpose.
*Lift your eyes as you swing at balls near your feet.  A common fault that makes it more difficult to get your paddle at the correct angle, or even make contact. And you usually look pretty good doing it.
Watch where you are going to hit the ball.  Like the item above, this adds a third element to hand-eye coordination and greatly reduces the probability of making a good shot plus your opponents will know where you're trying to hit it.
*Back peddle to return a hard hit toward your feet.  No one can consistently make  controlled shots when moving backwards and you can't get into a set position before the ball gets to you.  Watch out though, if you trip and fall backward it could be very dangerous.
*Hold your paddle low, below the waist.  It's very hard to get your paddle into position when you have to raise it quickly. Great for driving the ball out of bounds at all angles.
*Stay back from the non-volley line.  This leaves lots of room for your opponents low shots and even if you get to the ball you are moving.  You can hit the ball with more control when you are stationery so play back near the base line and give your opponents lots of room to place their winning shots.
*Don't be patient at the non-volley line. When you are faced with a dinking game end the rally quickly, commit a fault, and let them have the stupid point.

Pickleball Strategy: 3 easy stretches

The 3 easy pickleball stretches:
Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance, preventing sports injury and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective. Below are 3 very beneficial stretches for pickleball; obviously there are a lot more, but these are a great place to start. Please make special note of the instructions beside each stretch.

	Rotating Wrist Stretch: Place one arm straight out in front and parallel to the ground. Rotate your wrist down and outwards and then use your other hand to further rotate your hand upwards.
	Assisted Reverse Chest Stretch: Stand upright with your back towards a table or bench and place your hands on the edge. Bend your arms and slowly lower your entire body.
	Kneeling Heel-down Achilles Stretch: Kneel on one foot and place your body weight over your knee. Keep your heel on the ground and lean forward.

Pickleball Strategy: Be a serving Buffalo

I believe that how you initially serve sets the tone for your pickleball game. Study your opponents likes and dislikes, and be able to mix it up. If the opponent doesn't know what to expect, they can't always return their best shot. Make them move! Vary your serves with short shots, side spin shots, shots aimed down the centerline, high bounce,  or aimed at your opponents backhand. If I have the time at pickleball I take a bunch of balls to an empty court, and do continuous practice serves until it becomes natural. When your serves are varied you become as unpredictable as a buffalo/bison leaping over the net.

Explanation of Pickleball Scoring

The following information applies to doubles scoring. In addition to the information below, refer to the service sequence rules in Section 5 of the Official Rules on the USAPA website

Points are scored only on the serve. The receiving side can not score a point. At the start of the game, the player on the right side serves. If a point is scored, the server moves to the left side and serves to the opposite court. Each time that a point is scored, the players on the serving side alternate from the right to left or left to right. That player continues to serve until the serve is lost by losing a rally. Players on the serving team do not alternate sides unless a point is scored. The receiving side never alternates sides.

When the receiving team wins a service turn, the player on the right serves first and continues to serve and alternates sides each time that a point is won. When the first server loses the serve, the serve goes to the second server on the side. When the second server loses the serve, the serve goes to the other team and the player on the right serves first. That pattern continues throughout the game.

Call the score in the order of  server's score, receiver's score, then the server number. For example, if the score of the serving team is 3 and the score of the receiving team is 6, and the second server on the side is serving, the score would be announced as 3-6-2. Some players might say "first" or "second" for the server number, for example 3-6-second. Either way is correct. Note that the server number is for that service turn only. Whoever is on the right when the team gets the serve back is the first server for that service turn only. The next time that the team gets the serve back, it might be the other player that is on the right and is the first server for that service turn only. Beginning players often mistakenly assume that the player keeps the same server number throughout the game.

It is important to call the score including the server number prior to each serve. That helps the players to keep the server and the score straight. When you announce, as part of the score, that you are the first server, everyone on the court knows that when you lose the serve, the serve goes to your partner. When you announce that you are the second server, everyone knows that when you lose the serve, the serve goes to the other team. To minimize the advantage of being the first team to serve in the game, only one player gets a service turn on the first service turn of the game. To help everyone remember that the serve goes to the other side when that player loses the serve, it is customary to say that the player is the last server or second server. Therefore, at the start of the game, it is customary to say that the score is 0-0-2. The "2" means that the serve goes to the other side when the serve is lost.

At the start of each game, make a mental note of the player that served first for each side. If the rotation is done correctly, a team’s score will always be even when that player is on the right and odd when that player is on the left. As you call the score, use the player position as a double check on whether you have the correct score.

Singles scoring is very similar except that there is no second server. The serve is always done from the right side when the server's score is even and from the left side when the server's score is odd. Note that it is the server's score that matters, not the combined score of server and receiver.

Pickleball Strategy: Trio games

So, how many times have you been at pickleball and there are only 3 people to play pickleball. You wait and wait for that 4th to join, but there will always be that awkwardness or empty court. Here's a great game you can play using three people. In this three player game, each player will take turns serving and trying to win points against the other two players. However, each server will get two service turns instead of one and will serve from the right side when they have an even number of points and from the left side when they have an odd number of points.
When calling the score before each serve, the server should call their score first, then the score of the opposing player on the left, and then the score of the opposing player on the right.
After a player has finished their service turn, all players should rotate with the server going to the left hand return of serve position on the opposite court, and the player he replaces now taking the right hand return of serve position, and the remaining player now becomes the server on the opposite side of the court.
In this game, it is usually very difficult for the serving player to score points since they are playing against two players. Several of our players have used this variation and had a lot of fun, but these were players who were able to run fairly well. If you don't move well, or are primarily a doubles player, then the next variation should be more fun and better practice for you.

Pickleball Paddle Review: S-Type Composite Z5

S-Type sports creator, Steve Wong, a top ranked pickleball player, designed the new Composite Z5 with outdoors play in mind. The Composite Z5 WIDEBODY Paddle provides maximum power.  If you like a heavy Composite paddle that plays like a tennis racquet then look no further.  The Z5 enables the toughest competitors to hit hard and still be consistent.  The wide body design gives S-Type customers a new high performance shape.  Stand out on the court with the NEW Z5 WIDEBODY!! 

• Made from High Performance composite fiberglass materials 
• New WIDEBODY dimensions
• Extra wide hitting surface with the new WIDEBODY design
• Even larger than our oversize paddles
• Designed for outdoor play in mind, but adored by indoor pickleballers too!
• Endorsed and Designed by a Top Player, Steve Wong!
• Exciting colors with a fresh cool logo.
• Plays like a tennis racquet. 
• This paddle has good pop when the ball strikes the wider surface
   
  This paddle weighs in at approx. 8.8 oz. according to my digital scale. You can feel the power in the paddle surging to hit the ball. There are some paddles that are touted as heavyweights, and they are just that...heavy. But the composite Z5 widebody feels comfortable in hand, with it's gel contour gamma grip. The face is a honeycomb design with a huge Z5 in bold colours. There is a departure from S-Types signature pickleball snake (my favourite pickleball logo) but that same logo i like has scared off many female players I'm sure. The paddle is by no means overtly wide, maybe an extra inch or 2 than any regular paddle. I have played with this paddle, and it has a very full sound and power when struck. Composite Z5 Widebody's sell for $60.

Pickleball Tournament: Kelowna 2012

One of the biggest and most successful Pickleball Tournaments in BC was held in West Kelowna in May 2011, just under 90 people attended from all over B.C.
2012 Registration opens March 3rd, the dates are MAY 19th & 20th. This tournament is “sanctioned” under IFP rules. All PCO members receive a $5.00 discount when registering.
There are two divisions: Recreational (rating from 2.0 to 3.0) or non-rated players/members. Competitive (rating from 3.5 to 4.5) or top local players. Each division will have Men’s and Ladies DOUBLES and MIXED Men’s & Ladies Doubles. It will be run as a “Double Knockout” best of three format NOT as a Round Robin tournament.
ALL AGES WELCOME. You will be rated by yourself or by other players that know you. This system worked well last year. Price $25.00 plus $5.00 per event, Less PCO $5.00 discount.

I know there are a bunch planning to head up from the Fraser valley...come join us! May 19-20, 2012

Pickleball Strategy: Pre-game warm-up

So the other night at pickleball I re-introduced myself to some newbies to pickleball, and asked how they were enjoying themselves. They remarked that they liked the game but are feeling more and more sore after pickleball. I asked them if they were warming up before playing, and astonishingly...they weren't. Dynamic warm-up and flexibility training is an essential element of any pre-practice or pre-competition routine and helps prepare the body for the demands of today’s pickleball game. An effective warm-up does five very important things for pickleball players.

1. Increases body temperature allowing muscles to work more efficiently.
2. Gets the heart and lungs ready for vigorous activity.
3. Stretches muscles actively, preparing them for the forces experiences during pickleball.
4. Engrains proper movement patterns and the coordination needed in pickleball.
5. Wakes up the nervous system and gets the brain talking with the muscles.

A dynamic warm-up, which involves stretching with movement, accomplishes all of these tasks.
Warming up for pickleball is an important part of your routine. Research suggests it can speed nerve transmission, increase blood flow to the muscles and assist in injury prevention. The aim is to increase your breathing and warm up the specific muscles to be used in each stroke and court movement. Start with low impact movements and gradually build to more dynamic movements that contract and stretch the muscles through their full range of motion. Start at the baseline and move forward to the net, then repeat each movement backwards to the baseline:

• Walk on heels
• Walk on toes
• Right leg lunge, then rotate upper body to the left. Repeat on left leg, and alternate
• Lift right knee to hip level, then straighten knee, repeat on left leg and alternate
• Lunge sideways
• Skip
• Jog
• jog with knees high in front
• Jog with heels to buttocks
• Side steps
• Side step crossovers.

On the spot with racquet:

• Split step then shadow forehand, repeat for backhand 10 times each side
• Split step then shadow forehand volley, Repeat for backhand volley 10 times each side.

Pickleball Paddle Review: Pro-lite Graphite Blaster

This is a paddle review of Pro-lite sports new Graphite Blaster.  This is Pro-lite's newest paddle, and according to Pro-lite, "have been the best sellers." The Graphite Blaster is extremely light. When I first picked it up, I was surprised how light it is. I put it on my digital scale and it only weighed 6.5 oz, yet the paddle face is one of the largest on the market. Because of it's larger overall paddle face, it has a greater sweet spot, so you can have no excuse not hitting the ball. This means, combined with the Graphite addition, you can hit the ball harder with less energy and more bounce with almost no sacrifice in paddle speed. If your playing style includes a long swing motion (Swing motion is distance that the paddle travels by moving your arm back and raising your paddle and then swinging down through ball contact and then back up on your follow-through) then the pro-lite Graphite Blaster is a great selection for you. I myself find the paddle a little on the light side, but I have heard many great reviews of how lightning fast peoples reactions are with the Graphite Blaster. The graphics alone are great. The paddles sell for $65 CDN.

Pickleball App

Okay for all you pickleballers and Ipad lovers, Onix sports now has a pickleball app! Keep score of your Pickleball games in real time with this awesome iPad app! There is a blank "coaches" board for you and your friends to draw up plays. Additionally, you will find the Score Tracker modules that allows you to keep track of the game scores and player's positioning with ease.

INSTRUCTIONS

Pickleball Playbook
- Use a stylus or your fingers to draw up plays on the coaches board.
- This is a unique training tool to help you and your partner draft up plays or talk about pickleball strategy.
- The ball can be dragged to the desired location.
- Use the clear button to erase the board and start over.

Score Tracker
- Select the game (singles or doubles and total points).
- Decide on which player will serve first and the player's positioning.
- Player 1 (starting server for the game) should be entered in the first player text box.
- If you are playing doubles, Player 3 should be the first server on the opposing team.
- Select Start Game after entering in all the players.
- The highlighted quadrant indicates whomever is serving.
- Once a rally is won, click on the + (plus sign) for the team that won the rally. The App will do the rest and figure out the correct positioning until the game is won.
- If you make a mistake, just select undo.
- One the game is finished, click Reset.
- Select Game History after a game is complete to view the results.

Search "Onix Sports Pickleball" in your ipad store.

Pickleball Strategy: Court movement

Mobility is important but don't overlook economy - don't waste energy shuffling backwards and sideways. Striding, lunging and sidestepping are much more effective than using lots of small steps. You will find it difficult at first to judge strides, often arriving beyond the ball or losing your balance after over-striding. By striding, your body position is lower and your knees are already bent, a much better position from which to stroke the ball than an upright, running posture. Karate, for example, executes well placed lunges for side to side movement.

Pickleball Reminder: New weekend times

Hey Abbotsford Pickleballers...or Fraser Valley/Lower mainland Pickleballers. Get out for the start of this wekkends new pickleball time at ARC. Saturdays & Sundays 7:00 - 8:45 AM. The best start to any weekend!