Sunday, December 13, 2015
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Don't Forget! Fauquier Pickleball Has a Facebook Page!
Check it out (and like it if you like) at: https://www.facebook.com/fauquierpickleball?ref=hl.
Friday, July 31, 2015
The Importance and the Odd Rules about the Kitchen
Players can have all the strategies they want - how to hold a paddle, whether or not to spin the ball, whether or not to play a soft or hard game. But there is no exception to one strategy, and that is the player must get to the kitchen. Not only does this place you at an offensive advantage, but it is the best defensive location on the court.
But the kitchen has some odd rules. Here's the official language about getting in and out of the kitchen:
A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line. For example, a fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, one of the player’s feet touches a non-volley line.
Easy enough - you can swing into and through the NVZ (aka the kitchen), but nothing (foot, paddle, sunglasses, hat, long shoe-lace) can touch any area of the NVZ, including the NVZ line.
But wait! There's more (and this is where it gets interesting)!
A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player's momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player's momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non- volley zone.
So you hit an awesome smash down the middle, the ball bounces in the court past the other players and out of bounds. You are still teetering at the line and fall in. Dead ball and you win the point, right?
Nope.
There are comments scattered throughout the IFP Rulebook, but it doesn't mention when you can enter the NVZ after a volley and subsequent point/side-out. Below is the best video I found about these quirky kitchen rules, but it would be nice to know the time between a dead ball and allowable entrance into the kitchen. The video is pretty cool - you can see how you can't even celebrate, but your partner can grab you to keep you from going into the kitchen.
But the kitchen has some odd rules. Here's the official language about getting in and out of the kitchen:
A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line. For example, a fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, one of the player’s feet touches a non-volley line.
Easy enough - you can swing into and through the NVZ (aka the kitchen), but nothing (foot, paddle, sunglasses, hat, long shoe-lace) can touch any area of the NVZ, including the NVZ line.
But wait! There's more (and this is where it gets interesting)!
A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player's momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player's momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non- volley zone.
So you hit an awesome smash down the middle, the ball bounces in the court past the other players and out of bounds. You are still teetering at the line and fall in. Dead ball and you win the point, right?
Nope.
There are comments scattered throughout the IFP Rulebook, but it doesn't mention when you can enter the NVZ after a volley and subsequent point/side-out. Below is the best video I found about these quirky kitchen rules, but it would be nice to know the time between a dead ball and allowable entrance into the kitchen. The video is pretty cool - you can see how you can't even celebrate, but your partner can grab you to keep you from going into the kitchen.
Friday, July 10, 2015
The Serve Debate
Some say don't worry about the serve (that's because one pickleball theory is that the game doesn't begin until the third shot since the there must be a bounce on the return). Others say if you've got a good serve, use it as a weapon.
The serve itself has some odd rules. First, "[t]he serve must be made with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below waist level," with the waist defined as your belly button. If that's not bad enough, the serve must be in an underhand motion, specifically, "[t]he arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball (paddle head is that part of the paddle excluding handle. The highest point of the paddle head cannot be above any part of line formed where the wrist joint bends)." In other words, no part of the paddle head (pretty much any part of the paddle head that has the typical plastic/rubber edge around it) may be higher than the wrist break.
In social games, there is probably a good number of illegal serves, not so much on the 'underhand motion,' but more so on hits coming above the navel, and players using some form of forehand or backhand, albeit still in an underhand motion. It's very difficult to tell as it happens so quickly, but logically a backhand or forehand stroke places the paddle head at an angle above the wrist. For the most part, you don't see much (or any advantage), so legality is rarely an issue (unless it is really flagrant and obvious).
So if you watch some videos, including tournament play, you'll notice a large mix of serves. A lot don't worry about a complicated or power serve. There's a good reason for this. There are no double faults in pickleball, so you don't have the opportunity to power one in, hit the net (or long), and then get another. If it's a fault, you pass the serve to your partner, or it's a side out.
If you want to develop a power serve, don't be dissuaded by the underhand rule (think women's fast pitch softball). Here's a video of Alex Hamner, from a number of angles, and in really slow motion (keep in mind that she's a player who has won lots of tournaments):
The serve itself has some odd rules. First, "[t]he serve must be made with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below waist level," with the waist defined as your belly button. If that's not bad enough, the serve must be in an underhand motion, specifically, "[t]he arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball (paddle head is that part of the paddle excluding handle. The highest point of the paddle head cannot be above any part of line formed where the wrist joint bends)." In other words, no part of the paddle head (pretty much any part of the paddle head that has the typical plastic/rubber edge around it) may be higher than the wrist break.
In social games, there is probably a good number of illegal serves, not so much on the 'underhand motion,' but more so on hits coming above the navel, and players using some form of forehand or backhand, albeit still in an underhand motion. It's very difficult to tell as it happens so quickly, but logically a backhand or forehand stroke places the paddle head at an angle above the wrist. For the most part, you don't see much (or any advantage), so legality is rarely an issue (unless it is really flagrant and obvious).
So if you watch some videos, including tournament play, you'll notice a large mix of serves. A lot don't worry about a complicated or power serve. There's a good reason for this. There are no double faults in pickleball, so you don't have the opportunity to power one in, hit the net (or long), and then get another. If it's a fault, you pass the serve to your partner, or it's a side out.
If you want to develop a power serve, don't be dissuaded by the underhand rule (think women's fast pitch softball). Here's a video of Alex Hamner, from a number of angles, and in really slow motion (keep in mind that she's a player who has won lots of tournaments):
And here's another with Rob Elliot, again, another player who has won his share of hardware:
Hamner has the smoother motion, and likely a more 'legal' serve - it is pure underhand. Elliot snaps his more, and his paddle is at a bit of an angle. Even at slow speed, it is hard to tell, but in some parts of the video it appears as if that paddle head may be above the wrist break (a couple of the comments mention this).
If you are new player, don't try to develop your power serve (or spinning/slicing serves for that matter) during a game. The two people on the other side of the net will appreciate it (on my faults I hear a bunch of "Thank yous!"), but your partner may get more frustrated than you. Rather, get a bucket of balls and run some drills. Also, if you master some different serves (I would LOVE to get a consistent soft-angle serve, whereby if it's not an ace, the returner is way out of position), change it up occasionally. You're not the only the only one thinking about your game - others are keeping a mental book on you, and if you have a one-dimensional serve, the returner will begin to position himself accordingly (e.g., if you consistently serve the ball into the middle of the return box, you'll begin to see players creeping up over the baseline).
So to put it all together, here's a final video on the three serves (and why you need them):
Monday, June 15, 2015
Want to Try Pickleball But Don't Have Any Equipment?
No worries! There are very few guarantees in life, but we can guarantee that someone will either let you borrow their paddle for a game or someone will have an extra paddle or two (or three). So if you want to try out pickleball, stop by Auburn Middle School at the tennis courts. Summer play is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
This is a great way to try out pickleball and try out some paddles. This is a good thing since paddles (and their costs) vary greatly. The cheapest paddles are made of wood and may be purchased for less than 20 bucks. Players rarely use wooden paddles. Usually, players are using composite or graphite paddles (these prices vary greatly from around 35 dollars to over 100 dollars).
Plus, you can see from the photo above the varieties of colors and designs. There are also some differences in size, weight and grip, so it's best to try out the sport (and maybe some different paddles) before making any investment.
This is a great way to try out pickleball and try out some paddles. This is a good thing since paddles (and their costs) vary greatly. The cheapest paddles are made of wood and may be purchased for less than 20 bucks. Players rarely use wooden paddles. Usually, players are using composite or graphite paddles (these prices vary greatly from around 35 dollars to over 100 dollars).
Plus, you can see from the photo above the varieties of colors and designs. There are also some differences in size, weight and grip, so it's best to try out the sport (and maybe some different paddles) before making any investment.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Pickleball So Important to Some That...
...people will move from one community to another. In a CBS Sunday Morning report:
So Sun City is getting a facelift, installing solar panels and updating the rec centers, including the pride of Sun City: a brand new pickleball facility.
"There are people moving here from Sun City West because of the pickleball we have here; it's incredible," said Carol Arinno.
Pickleball, a game played on a shrunken tennis court with paddles and a whiffle ball, has become the fastest-growing sport among retirees. The sun has barely come up in Sun City, and the courts are already packed with players like Larry Klein, who showed Knighton the ropes.
"I was introduced to the game about nine years ago," said Klein. "I lost my first game, just like you did."
"We don't need to say that part," Knighton said.
"It's addictive. I try to play every day. Some things interfere with my pickleball and it doesn't make me happy."
So Sun City is getting a facelift, installing solar panels and updating the rec centers, including the pride of Sun City: a brand new pickleball facility.
"There are people moving here from Sun City West because of the pickleball we have here; it's incredible," said Carol Arinno.
Pickleball, a game played on a shrunken tennis court with paddles and a whiffle ball, has become the fastest-growing sport among retirees. The sun has barely come up in Sun City, and the courts are already packed with players like Larry Klein, who showed Knighton the ropes.
"I was introduced to the game about nine years ago," said Klein. "I lost my first game, just like you did."
"We don't need to say that part," Knighton said.
"It's addictive. I try to play every day. Some things interfere with my pickleball and it doesn't make me happy."
Some of the Fauquier Pickleball Regulars
From left to right: Bob, Steve, Ralph, Donna, Keith, Linda, Jim, Randy.
Friday, May 29, 2015
See Why People Like Pickleball So Much!
Another news report showing the benefits (friendships, physical activity,etc.) of the fastest growing sport in the country. In this case, it's a recreation center up in Cleveland.
Benefits of Pickleball
Good video available here showing the benefits of pickleball, including the camaraderie that it brings (just ignore the part about the family pet, the origins of the sport aren't from a dog named Pickles).
People Take Their Pickleball Seriously (But Not Too Seriously)
Websites, books, apps, a podcast, now even a music video (sort of)!
Warrenton Outdoor Pickleball Schedule
Outdoor pickleball schedule at Auburn Middle School, 7270 Riley Road, Warrenton, is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Social Play (Not) and Side Stacking
Pickleball is a social game - you generally don't see a whole lot of anger on the court, mainly because everyone is looking to have some fun and not worry about the number of wins (everyone keeps score, so there are winners and losers, but I have yet to see anyone get upset).
Now there's an odd rule that says (or rather doesn't say) where the server's partner must stand. In the below video, you'll see what is known as side stacking. "When stacking, often you will see both players on the same side of the court during their serve, after which the server will move over to the other court. Used in receiving you’ll sometimes see the proper receiver return the ball and make a run, diagonally, towards the opposite kitchen line."
Typically stacking is used when one player is a lefty. If you don't side stack, the middle is open to two backhands; stacking allows players to get in position for two forehands down the middle line. It's also used when one player has a particular good (or great) forehand.
The video below has both side stacking, in addition to, well, an anti-social game. They seem pretty angry; however, keep in mind, this is a tournament game and not a Saturday morning "who's up?" game.
The video also has some poaching - aggressively going after the ball. The guy in the white shirt may be referred to as a poacher (even in the comments, someone refers to him as a 'court hog').
Now the video is nearly an hour (you don't need to watch that much to get the gist), but when the guy in the white shirt and the lady in the yellow shorts switch sides, you will see a better example of stacking. Both sides stack, but the aforementioned duo seem to do it more often - go 25 minutes for the side change.
Now there's an odd rule that says (or rather doesn't say) where the server's partner must stand. In the below video, you'll see what is known as side stacking. "When stacking, often you will see both players on the same side of the court during their serve, after which the server will move over to the other court. Used in receiving you’ll sometimes see the proper receiver return the ball and make a run, diagonally, towards the opposite kitchen line."
Typically stacking is used when one player is a lefty. If you don't side stack, the middle is open to two backhands; stacking allows players to get in position for two forehands down the middle line. It's also used when one player has a particular good (or great) forehand.
The video below has both side stacking, in addition to, well, an anti-social game. They seem pretty angry; however, keep in mind, this is a tournament game and not a Saturday morning "who's up?" game.
The video also has some poaching - aggressively going after the ball. The guy in the white shirt may be referred to as a poacher (even in the comments, someone refers to him as a 'court hog').
Now the video is nearly an hour (you don't need to watch that much to get the gist), but when the guy in the white shirt and the lady in the yellow shorts switch sides, you will see a better example of stacking. Both sides stack, but the aforementioned duo seem to do it more often - go 25 minutes for the side change.
A great way to learn about pickleball! Fauquier County Parks and Recreation requested that we conduct two pickleball clinics! Clinics will be held on Monday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 am to 11:00 am each day (rain dates will be Monday, July 13, and Wednesday, July 15). Location: Auburn Middle School, 7270 Riley Road, Warrenton.
Yes, This Is Fauquier Pickleball...
...but there is also a site dedicated to pickleball in the Commonwealth! Virginia Pickleball has all the information about tournaments, rules, and places to play pickleball throughout Virginia.
And You Know It's Getting Popular When...
...there's a podcast. The Pickleball Show is a pretty good podcast about both recreational and competitive pickleball. Tips, tournaments, and even myths are covered. One of the more recent episodes covers the serve, one of the more confusing aspects of the sport.
Pickleball News Clip
This clip was over a year ago, but it gives an indication on how the sport is growing.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The Origins of Pickleball
Some say it's named after a dog; however, it's probably the other way around. Wikipedia states that it's probably named after oarsmen of all things. Whatever the origin, we're thankful that there are pickleball opportunities in Warrenton. The USA Pickleball Association has lots (and lots) of information about the sport (yes, it's a sport) including rules and tips.
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