Coach Diller

Pickleball Terms by Coach Vin

2010-09-14T05:17:00.001-07:00

Vinnie wants to call himself a certified pickleball instructor but he has been told that there is no such designation. So Vinnie is calling himself Coach Vin

Pickleball Terms by Coach Vin

Pickler – a certified pickleball player who may or may not become addicted in the next 10 minutes or less.

Paddle – pickleball is played with a paddle not a racquet. A paddle can be made of wood, graphite or other composite material but cannot have holes drilled in it. A racquet has holes as in a tennis or badminton racquet. A paddle can only be a specific size not like Prince Tennis racquets. If you add the measurement across the face of the paddle and the length from the top of the paddle face to the butt end of the handle, it cannot exceed 24 inches. There is no limit to the weight the paddle can be but most are around 7.5 – 8.5 ounces. Players do use wooden paddles that might weigh 15 ounces. Players are asked not to drop these on the feet of opposing players.

Ball – a pickleball is a whiffle ball or a plastic ball with holes. The ball we are using is called the Dura fast 40 and it gets its name because it has 40 holes to increase the speed. There are Cosmo or Jug Balls that can be used indoor and have bigger holes. This slows them down more and the plastic is not as hard. The ball we use lasts longer and speeds up the game. I plan to stick with it until I am told we must use the Jug ball for tournament play indoors. Pickleball Canada has no official rules on paddles and balls at this time and that is the way we will keep it.

Volley – hitting the ball in the air. There is also an over head volley which as the name suggests is hitting the ball in the air but with your arms fully extended above your head. It is often called and overhead smash. This is a shot that should be practiced and a player should never intentionally smash the player at another players face or upper body. Smash to the open court or at the feet never the face. If you do this on purpose, I do not want you on my team. Accidents do happen but never on purpose.

Baseline – the backline of the court.

Sideline – the sidelines of the court. If a ball hits either the sideline or baseline it is considered in. The same is true of the centre line on the serve.

Ready Position – when receiving the ball on a serve or waiting for the return of a ball, players should have their weight on the balls of their feet and their paddle straight out in front so they are ready to go to their forehand or backhand as soon as they pick up the ball off the opposing players paddle.

Serve – must be made with both feet behind the baseline. Contact with the ball must be below the waist, and the arm must be moving in an upward arc. Beginners should use a bowling stroke or underhand softball pitch and aim for the middle of the court. You have to get your serve in to score a point.

Forehand – hitting the ball on your natural paddle side, on the right side if you are right handed or on the left side if you are left handed.

Backhand – hitting the ball on the opposite side of your forehand. This shot will most likely be the hardest one for you to get at. Vinnie suggest trying to position yourself so you take as many shots on your forehand as you can.

Non Volley Zone – the 7’ by 20’ rectangle found on both sides of the net. It is often referred to as the kitchen or the box. Kitchen is a scuffle board term for the bottom of the triangle that you try to stay out of or bump your opposition into. Players cannot hit the ball in the air in the non volley zone. In fact you cannot step on the NV line or that is a fault. Your forward momentum cannot take you or any article of clothing including your paddle after you hit the ball in the air. You can go in to get a ball that is going to bounce in there. You can stand in there as long as you do not hit the ball in the air and let it bounce. So remember, “No Volley Shots in the Non Volley Zone.”

Rally – hitting the ball back and forth over the net either on the bounce or in the air. A rally can be used to decide who will serve first in recreational play.

Start – a term sometimes used by players to indicate that the serving team starting the game will only get one service down before giving up the ball. So the player starting serving in the right court can either say 0 0 2 or 0 0 Start if this is easier. Both are understood and acceptable.

Scoring Sequence – the proper way of announcing score is your score, their score and server number. The server must announce the score or the other team can refuse to accept the serve until they do. It is only proper etiquette to announce the score. If the wrong score is announced the receiver can let the ball go and declare a let serve.

Two Bounce Rule - this term refers to the fact that the receiving team and the serving team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side of the net before they can play the ball on the fly. The serving team has to be very aware of this rule and not move up after the serve as in tennis. Both serving team members should stay behind the baseline until the serve is returned.

Double Bounce Rule - if the ball bounces twice before a player makes contact it is a fault. The ball may bounce twice coming off the paddle face as long as the arm motion is a continuous stroke. The hand that grips the paddle handle is considered part of the paddle so it is legal for the ball to come off your paddle hand. If the ball hits any other part of your body or clothing it is considered a fault. If you are hot by the ball on the fly even while standing outside the court playing service it counts as a point or a service down for the other team.

Let Serve – a ball that hits the net but bounces in the correct service court. The ball is reserved. A let serve can be called when a ball enters you playing court or a distraction happens. Play stops and the serve is taken over.

Line Calls – line calls are to be made by players on their side of the net. The proper code of line calling is, “They call it on their side and you call it on your side.” Spectators cannot make line calls, they are spectators not referees. One partner can overrule another partner on a line call or any other fault. A team can ask the opponents if they saw the ball in or out but they must accept their decision as final. If no one clearly saw the ball in or out, the decision goes to the opponent and the ball is IN. A let serve is not supposed to be taken but in a friendly game players may opt to do that. However, this will not be allowed in a tournament. Some players have very small lines. Other players claim they can clearly see the ball IN from their baseline to your baseline 44 feet away. Vinnie would say, “That is a crock of pickles.” You call your side fairly and your opponents should do the same. Try not to let bad calls upset your game.

Dink Shot – the dink shot is a soft shot just placed so it clears the net and lands in the kitchen. It is a difficult shot to execute but very effective if your opponents are both playing back. If you get it too high or too deep, you will pay the price.

Lob Shot – again a very effective shot when both of your opponents are at the non volley line waiting. You have to get it high enough to get over their out stretched paddle hand and still land in that 15 foot area between the NV-line and the baseline. It takes practice. If you can put top spin on the ball as you lob it, it will have more of a chance of staying in. In our centre it is even more difficult because of the low ceilings and the fans but it is a shot you should try to put the thought in the mind of the opponents.

Top Spin – coming over the top of the ball with your paddle. A shot for the pros. (see diagram left above)

Back or Drop Spin – cutting under the ball to have it drop as it clears the net. Another shot for the pros.

Service Side Out Scoring - Pickleball is the last net,racquet.paddle sport to use the service side out rule in scoring. This means that you must get the serve to win a point or you can only get a point if you are serving. You must get the serve back from the other team to score a point. The other system of scoring is called rally point scoring. In this system, the team that wins the rally gets a point and the serve.

2010-09-05T10:56:00.001-07:00

A Quick Summary of Pickleball Rules for All

The Court

Safety first

Stretch before you start, especially your calves and hamstrings.
Never run backwards when trying to get a ball lobbed over your head.
Wear a good pair of running or court shoes.
Keep hydrated.
Never intentionally hit a ball at another player’s upper body.
Play within your capabilities.

Rules to Start

The serve must be under hand, contact with the ball must be made below the waist and the paddle face cannot be above the wrist. The arm must come through in an upward arc. Use a bowling or underhand baseball pitching motion

Start serving from the right hand court.

Serve to the court directionally opposite from you. Aim for the middle of the service court on the other side. The ball must clear the non volley line.

The server must have both feet outside the baseline to start the serve and can only step in after contact with the ball.

The receiver can stand anywhere in the court but if the ball hits them before it bounces it is a point for the serving team.

The two bounce rule. The ball must bounce on both sides of the net before you can start playing the ball in the air (on the volley). This is very important for the serving team to remember. It is recommended that both players on the serving team stay behind the baseline until the ball is returned.

The 7’ by 20’ rectangle in front of the net is called the Non Volley Zone. A player cannot step in that box to hit the ball in the air or it is a fault. It is a fault if the player’s momentum carries them into the box after they volley the ball. A player can go into the non volley zone to get a ball that bounces in that zone but must get back out before they can volley the ball.

The team that starts serving a game gets only one service down the first time they serve. After the first serve is lost, the ball goes to the other side.

Your team can only score a point if you are serving. A normal game in Pickleball goes to 11 points win by 2.

The server must announce the score before serving. The proper sequence is your team’s score, the other team’s score, server number. 1 0 1 means your team has one point, your opponents have zero and you are the first server.

Click on this video by the usapa to review. Basic Rules of Pickleball

2010-08-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Play Pickleball Like a Smart Boxer

2009-11-10T06:01:00.000-08:00

PLAY PICKLEBALL LIKE A SMART BOXER
Tip of the month from Coach Mo

A boxer always jabs with his left hand waiting patiently for an opening to connect with a K.O. swinging right hand.

A pickleball player should jab at his volleys [extension at the elbow joint] waiting patiently for the ball to be the proper height [12 inches or higher above the net] and proper speed [not to fast] before hitting a K.O. swinging

Volley shot.
If a boxer used his powerful right hand too often he would probably be knocked out cold.

The same thing applies to a pickleball player who does not work the point with his jab volley waiting for the proper time for a swinging volley.

COACH MO

Check out all of Coach Mo''s tips at http://www.pickleballcoach.com

Poaching: when pickling isn't enough

2009-10-31T10:51:00.001-07:00

Another article by Coach Diller's favourite author.

Sun, 10/18/2009 - 16:07 — Gale H. Leach

Poaching comes in two varieties: planned and unplanned (or opportunistic). Both types can help you win points.

What is poaching? When you are playing doubles and you step out of your usual area to return a ball meant for your partner, you have poached that shot. Done well, it catches your opponents by surprise, making it harder for them to return the ball. [In the kitchen, poaching is to cook in a simmering liquid. In pickleball, poaching causes your opponents' tempers to become heated so that they start to stew.]

Planned poaching takes practice with your partner. You need to develop a signal that tells your partner you're going to move. In response, your partner will also shift position so that both of you still cover all of the court.

The easiest planned poaches are made by the player who is close to the net on the receiving team. After the serve, the receiver should return the ball deep to keep the serving team at the baseline. The most common return by the serving team would be to the receiver in back. Expecting this, the player near the net executes a planned poach, moving quickly to the other side of the court and intercepting the ball.

Poaching only works if your opponents don't expect it, so you should occasionally fake a poach. How do you signal this so that your partner doesn't become confused, too? Typically, forward players signal behind their backs to their partners. One scheme uses an open hand for a poach and a closed fist for staying put. This last is important: signaling only when you are going to poach will be a sure giveaway of your intentions, so you must also signal when you are not going poach for this to work. Whatever scheme you use, make sure it's clear and easy to remember.

There are other times when unplanned poaching suddenly seems appropriate. If you are up near the non-volley zone and your partner is further back, the opponents will likely try to hit the ball to your partner. You should definitely take advantage of an opportunity like this, especially if the ball is a little higher or slower, giving you added time to intercept it. You must keep your move a surprise for as long as possible though, so your opponent doesn't realize what you're about to do and return the ball behind you. Wait as long as possible -- preferably until your opponent has committed to the shot.

Sometimes poaching only requires you to step a few feet into your partner's side of the court, allowing you to return to your own position easily. When you must go further, it's usually best to call out "switch," signaling to your partner to do the same and cover your side of the court. Either partner can call this "switch," but it is important to communicate it since the player in front cannot see what his partner in back is doing.

However, this action is called 'poaching' because it derives from stealing a ball that rightfully belongs to your partner. Two things about poaching are important: do it wisely and make sure you and your partner are clear about why and when it will happen. Some players are so keen to poach that they deprive their partners of shots without a need. This is especially true if the poacher does not make the shot. Do not hog the court and poach unnecessarily.

In competitive pickleball, strategy says you should hit to the weaker player. If that person is your partner, poaching may be a good strategy, but make sure your partner understands that this technique is for the "greater good." In non-competitive pickleball, too much poaching often leads to bad feelings. Use this option wisely and don't monopolize the court.

Practice poaching just like you practice anything else in pickleball. It is a useful skill that can help win points you might otherwise lose. When adding poaching to your repertoire, try it early in the game so you can make up the point if it doesn't work. Certainly try it if you are far ahead or way behind.

Hone your poaching skills and dish out a recipe for success!

Pickleball Percentages - Monthly Newsletter by Coach Mo

2009-09-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Again Coach Diller is going to the expert for tips of the week. Diller's motto, "how can you make it better than the master?" This weeks tips are from the monthly newsletter of Coach Mo at http://www.pickleballcoach.com/. This newsletter is free to members and membership is free so go to pickleballcoach.com and sign up

This months tips are on Pickleball Percentages

Never sacrifice placement for power. A slow ball hit at your opponent's feet is better than a very fast ball hit at the waist

Two for Won

2009-08-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 21:28 — Gale H. Leach

Professor Diller's Comments

I feel that the best writer about pickleball by far, is Gale H. Leach. Her book, "The Art of Pickleball" is in my humble opinion, the best out there. Gale continues to keep her book current by attaching a blog to the website, http://www.pickleballstore.com/. I check this blog frequently to see what articles I feel all Pickleball players could benefit from. This week I have posted Gale's article that brings out the fact that a team of weaker players that play well together can beat a team of stronger players. How often have you tried to take shots that should have been your partner's? Failed to communicate. Been too predictable. Learn from Gale's advice "Two for Won"

This week, I was thinking about winning strategies (again). While there’s a lot to be said for just getting out there and enjoying playing pickleball, if you’re reading this, chances are you also think about winning and want to better your odds.

Most pickleball games are played as doubles. (You singles players out there can either skip this posting or keep it in mind for when you do play with a partner.) Doubles is a team sport, and I believe two players working well together will usually beat two players who don't work together as a team, even if the latter are each better individual players. I did a little research online to back up my thinking. While the statistics I found have to do with tennis, I believe they probably apply to pickleball as well.

The top men’s doubles tennis teams at the professional level don’t usually include players who are ranked very highly as singles players. There are exceptions and, in the case of the women’s teams, at least one of the doubles players is often a great singles player, too. But statistics indicate that two players who work well together often beat two players who may be individually better than they are but don’t work as well as a team.

When we pair up with someone on the court, we almost never spend enough time discussing strategy or figuring out how we can capitalize on our combined strengths and minimize our combined weaknesses, yet that would be the logical thing to do since it would win us more points. Even people who have been playing with the same person for a long time should occasionally take a look at how they play together and examine their strategy critically to see how it could be improved. Here are some things to keep in mind in Gales article, "Two for Won"

Coach Diller Quotes Coach Mo

2009-07-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Some may call this creative stealing, in my case it is straight plagiarism. I figure if something is so good, why not pass it on as it is. In my opinion, these tips are by the master himself, Coach Mo, Dick Movsessian. That said, "how can I make them better?" I can't.

I have posted these before, but I think we all need a reminder from time to time. When you are struggling with your game, sometimes, as you hear the pros say, "you just need to get back to the basics."

Here is what Mo says are 10 ways to guarantee that you will LOSE more
Pickleball games than you WIN

1. FREQUENTLY miss your serve.
2. FREQUENTLY miss your return of serve.
3. HELP your opponents by keeping their OUT balls in play.
4 When your opponent hits a very difficult FAST shot at you, try and hit a low
percentage sharp angled shot for a winner rather than a DEFENSIVE PUNCH shot. 5. Take away your PARTNER’S easy forehand shots, with your weaker backhand
shots.
6. Get upset with your Excellent Pickleball partner who has SUCCESSFULLY
jumped in front of you to win the point!
7. Do NOT keep the ball at your opponents feet as much as possible.
8. Do NOT play up at the Non-Volley Zone.
9. Hit the ball TOO FAST for good placement, and do NOT give yourself enough
leeway for error.
AND
10. Take TOO MANY sharp angle shots rather than high Percentage shots down the middle of the court that bounces between your opponents.

For More with Mo go to http://www.pickleballcoach.com/ and order Coach Mo's brand new DVD, "Pickleball Clinics - Strategies and Techniques", today.

Diller is watch his copy right now.

Diller's Tim Bits This Week - Making and Defending the Lob

2009-07-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

When I am asked to compare the game of Pickleball in Ontario with Florida, I have to think about it. There are decided differences.

One of the differences I have noticed is the fact that lob shots are a much higher percentage shot indoors than out. Articles by coaches in the US suggest that the lob shot although very effective is a low percentage shot at best. The reason is the 15' X 20' area to land a high towering shot in. Add the wind, and you can appreciate the reasons coaches call it a low percentage shot.

However, indoors the percentage goes up without the wind and makes it a shot all players should practice and use more frequently than most of us do.

As much as I like the lob shot to force the opposition back from the NV-line, I always fear for players running back to get it. Never, never, never, back peddle to get the lob over your head. Backing straight up is a recipe for disaster. Tripping over your own feet is so easy to do regardless of our agility. What do you do?

Last week, I commented on communication. Here is a good place to put that into action. Tell your partner that if the shot is over his or her head, you will take it. Since you will be running on the diagonal, you have a less dangerous shot to get to. Try to pick up the direction of the ball off the paddle so you can get a head start. You know some players like to lob more than others, so be prepared.

If your partner goes back to cover for you, don't forget to cover their side and yell, "switch".

If you do decide to go back on your own, tell your partner, "mine", and peel to the left to run back, turn and plant your feet so the ball is on your forehand if you are right handed.

Diller also suggests that sometimes, "discretion is the better part of valor." Is getting to the ball really worth it? What kind of return will you be able to make if you do get to it? If the return is weak and right in the wheel house of the other side, why bother. Diller even suggests blowing some garlic dill on the ball and maybe it will keep on sailing.

Remember. Diller Discretion.

Player Communication in Pickleball

2009-07-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

"Summer Time Picklers taking a little time out to discuss the game or communicate

Coach Diller's Tips this week deal with player communication.

One of the great things about playing Pickleball is the fact that it is a social game. Because partners are closer together on a Pickleball court, they talk to each other and often enter in some friendly banter back and forth. This is a "Diller Delight".

Although the friendly pokes at each other is great, there is a need for serious communicate with your partner as well. Communication is even more important in recreational play where each game may involve a new partner. You may never have played with that person before or not very often. Start right from the beginning of the game by shaking hands and introducing yourself if you have not met the person before. If the person is new, that will make them feel more at ease.

It is a good idea to find out if one or both of you are left handed. If you do not realize your partner is left handed until well into a game, it may be too late to make adjustments. Depending on which side of the court you are on, you will end up with two forehands up the middle or two backhands. Some times experienced players will switch sides after the serve or return of serve in this scenario to offset the two backhands in the middle. Diller does not recommend this until you have more experience.

Remember if your partner is playing the ball it is your job to watch the lines and communicate that the ball is out loud and clear. Yell as soon as your realize the ball is out. If you are not sure remember to yell, bounce it. Saying nothing, tells your partner he or she should be playing the ball.

This brings up that Indecision line Diller talked about last time. Players should communicate early who is going to cover that shot down the middle. Yell, "mine" or "yours" as soon as you realize where it is going. The person on their forehand should be the automatic choice but communicate anyway so their is no indecision.

A lob over both partners' heads at the NV-line presents a problem. If it is over your head, it is often better for your partner to run diagonally back to get it and you move to cover the position they vacated. Always yell "switch" so your partner knows what you are doing because he or she is looking up at the ball and may not see you. This avoids leaving a side open and a possible collision if the partner tries to get back. Remember when you switch, you must return to your proper side before serving or it is loss of serve or if receiving loss of point.

Don't forget player etiquette requires that the server call out the score loud and clear.

Also, compliment a good play by not only your partner but the other team as well. Even if you are getting beaten by the other team, be gracious and give credit. They may be, " having a great game or a stronger team but appreciate their play. On the other hand, if the other partnership is struggling, remember, we all have good and bad days.

Diller says, "Pickleball is a social game. Joke and have fun. Communicate with your partner. After all, Pickleball is no Big Dill."

Pickleball Poaching

2009-06-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Diller's Tip This Week is on Poaching

What is poaching? Simply put, running on to your partner's side of the court to cut off the ball and score a winner.

In Pickleball there are two types of poaches a good one and "bad ones."

Unfortunatley, many players feel they have to cover for a weaker partner and are constantly poaching. In fact, some players start looking like a chicken running all over the court with its head cut off.

This creates several concerns. Your partner feels they are not getting to play. They feel you do not trust them. They are angry that you are taking their shots and missing. They do not know where to hide so you won't hit them.

The player doing the poaching feels they are doing the right thing and want to win. They may not even realize they are upsetting their partner.

The real disadvantage of poaching all the time is that good opponents will take advantage of the fact that one side of the court is always open and hit it there every time.

I feel players have to realize that this is only a game and that trying to take shots that should be your partners is not helping them. Often, poaching happens because your partner is laying back and not moving up and you jump to their side to cut the ball off. Coach Diller feels it would be better to talk to your partner about coming to the NV-Line with you rather than taking over. Try to explain why they should be up so that the ball is not always hit to them. This will help them improve rather than trying to win the game all on your own.

I have been guilty of this myself and can recall a partner saying, "Wayne you have a partner!" I have also experienced the other side of the scenario when playing with high level players. I never mind when the shot is made but when it is on my forehand and they miss on their backhand it is upsetting.

There is a good poach. Some partners even practise this. They use it maybe once a match and have signals to each other when one partner is going to go. This tells the other partner to move to the vacated side. Example: On receipt of serve, the partner at the NV-Line puts two fingers behind his or her back telling the partner he or she is going to cut the ball off coming back after return of serve from the serve side. The receiving partner stays back after returning so the ball will be returned to them and then moves to the vacate court. It is a good idea to poach on occasion to put another thought into the heads of the opponents.

Remember, constant poaching is frustrating your partner because you are playing a game of singles, during a doubles match.

The Pickleball Indecision Line

2009-06-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Coach Diller's Tip of the Week

Coach Diller is always amazed at how experienced Pickleball players love to smash the ball as hard as they can at their opponents. This appears to be the appetite of Pickleball players as much as putting relish on a burger. The thrill of hammering that ball as hard as you can at the opponent. The sweet smell of victory, the agony or maybe the pain of defeat on your opponent.

Diller has a couple of areas to consider this week. Remember the harder you smash it with spin the harder it is coming back with reverse spin. Make sure it is a winner.

What about hitting it down the line? Have Pickleball players lost sight of this. There are actually two lines to hit the ball down according to Diller. The first is obvious. The left or right side lines.

The other is the Indecision Line. As you can guess by Diller's term, this is the line down the middle of the court two feet wide. The place where the opponents look at each other and think, "Is my partner going to get it as the ball goes flying by?" That is one of the most critical reasons for placing it there. Even a split second of indecision will be enough. If both players react at the same time, their paddles will collide and the return will be a put away. Even a slight movement by one player throws the other off.

Don't forget the net is 2 inches lower and you have at least 8 feet to miss on both sides of the court down the Indecision Line.

Another area of Pickleball that seems to be neglected in the smash game is the "Diller Dink" Game. No matter how tall or fast the opponents are, they have to wait for the ball to bounce if you place it in the NV Zone. If the dink shot is place well, all they can do is either dink it back or try to lob it. Diller wishes he could execute the dink game better because he lacks both height and speed. This would be the equalizing factor against taller, faster players. He can use this shot when he is 80.

Tips for this week. Down the Indecision line and start developing a Diller Dink game.

Happy pickling and Poaching Pickled Eggs next time.

Why Am I Hitting My Ground Strokes Into the Net?

2009-06-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

This week's the tip is for players who are new to the game or players who find they are all of a sudden hitting the ball into the net more frequently or hitting the ball high and out unintentionally.

If you are planning to hit a straight shot and not put spin on the ball, the ball should be coming off the paddle face straight and parallel to the ground. If the paddle is "square face', it is perpendicular to the ground and the swing motion is straight through. The ball will come off the paddle straight and go in a straight line following the forward motion of your paddle arm. Your shoulder should be aimed at your intented target and the barrow of the paddle grip should be lined towards the target before you start your forward motion. Finish your swing just slightly higher than the starting point but never up above the shoulder.

If the paddle face is angled down, the paddle "face is closed", as illustrated here, and the ball will travel downward and into the net. So if you are hitting into the net too often, recheck your grip and focus on keeping the paddle face square. As "Coach Mo" suggests, place your non paddle hand on the paddle in the ready position to make sure you are forcing your brain to focus on the paddle head and its position.

If the paddle face is angled up, the paddle "face is open", as shown below and the ball will travel upward after leaving the paddle. If you are not intending to hit a lob, the ball will be a sitting duck for an opponent's smash. When I do this, I always ask my opponent, "did I put that in the right spot for you or would you like it a little higher next time?"

Some times you need to refocus during a game. Check your grip on the handle to make sure the V between thumb and index finger is lined up with paddle face. Take a couple of practice swings after a missed shot. Try putting the non paddle hand on the paddle as you wait for the next shot.

Remember, the net should be 2" lower in the middle, so down the middle is always the best placement.

These are corrections to make on your ground strokes. Hitting your overhead volleys into the net or out is about the timing of the hit, too soon or too late. A tip for another time.

Coach Diller Tips This Week - Line Calls

2009-05-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Make Fair Line Calls

The game of Pickleball was invented to be a fun game that everyone could play. Coach Diller wonders why players get in to arguments over line calls. Is this the Canadian way? Diller reminds us this is only a game.

If you were playing in a sanctioned tournament there would be a referee to call the score and faults at the Non Volley –line and zone but players still call their own lines.

Here are some tips to avoid those arguments that can spoil a game.

1. All players should follow a code of ethics that involves fair line calls at all times. If there is any doubt, the call goes in favour of your opponent.

2. You call the game on your side of the net and they call the game on their side of the net. That is the rule even if there is a referee. The referee will call the NV-zone only. A player on the other side cannot make a call. You may see the call differently but remember you are further away and at a different angle. You also have to trust your opponents to do the right think.

3. Make the call with a clear hand motion signaling out or a loud call out. Do both if you want.

4. If you think the ball is out on the opponent’s side but they play it as in then the ball is alive and play continues.

5. The out call must be made quickly or before the ball is returned by the opponent.

6. The rules were changed in 2008 to allow a player to communicate to his or her partner by yelling out. Before that change, you could say leave it, no. or bounce it but yelling out was a distraction and a fault. Now you can yell out as player communication but one member of the team must repeat the out call if the ball is out. If the player, ignores the call and plays the ball it is live and the rally continues.

7. If one player calls the ball out and his/her partner calls it in, the ball is in.

8. If neither player can call the ball in or out, the ball is in.

9. If one side asks their opponents for an opinion on a call, that opinion stands.

10. Spectators cannot be asked about a line call, nor should spectators call the lines at any time. You are spectators not referees. Diller says, “it is amasing how well players can play from the bench and how well they can see the game 40’ away. Why do we need glasses if we can see that well?”

11. Avoid questioning the call on the other side of the net. You can only do that if there is a referee and he or she clearly saw the ball hit. Otherwise, just play the game and the law of probability states, "all things even themselves out."

Diller’s motto, “make fair line calls on your side and the other team will reciprocate.”

Coach Dillers Pickleball Tim Bits

2009-05-15T10:02:00.001-07:00

Coach Diller’s Tips This Week.

Vinessa is showing her prowess on the courts this week with her tips on serving. As Vinessa says, "I blossomed into this game."

Serving

How do you decide on who services first? The official rules state it is a flip of the coin for sanctioned tournaments. The team that wins the toss has choice of serve or side. Indoors, I would recomment the winning team take the serve. You can only win points if you are serving, so go for it. If you are outdoors, the whole scenario changes. Wind is a factor and the winning team may wish to choice side because of that or the glare of the sun in your eyes.

1. The server should always announce the score. Again, the sever should call out the score. According to the rules, the player receiving the serve can refuse to accept the serve and just let the ball go if the score is not called or the wrong score is called. The server must reserve and announce the correct score loud and clear. I suggest we all start doing this to get every one in the habit. The official rules also state that if the receiver returns the serve they have accepted that the score is correct as announced.

2. The server and only the server should call the score.

3. The correct sequence of calling the score is your score, opponents’ score, and server number. The sequence is now stated in the rules. When starting a game, the serving team only gets one fault on service. The proper way of calling the score is 0 0 2. The server number is 2 because of the one fault rule on the first side to serve. Often clubs use 0 0 start and this has become acceptable but not a rule.

4. The server should check to make sure everyone is ready before calling the score. After calling the score the server has 10 seconds to serve. This is a tournament rule and flexible in recreational play. The key is that everyone is ready and no one is at an unfair disadvantage.

5. If the receiver is not ready to receive the serve or their partner is not in position, they should indicate so in one of the following ways. Holding up the paddle hand straight in the air, holding up the non paddle hand in the same way or turning their back completely to the server. The receiver may do this because of a distraction, ball on court, movement behind the server, partner not in position or they need time to adjust a piece of equipment. It is not sportsman like to use this as a stalling tactic.

6. Although this very technical and can be flexible in recreational play, if the server serves from the wrong court it is loss of serve. And if the receiver receives from the wrong court it is a point for the serving team. This must be caught before the next point is played and the serving team switches sides to indicate the point has been earned. Do overs are not allowed in tournament play unless there is a distraction or wrong score is called.

7. Receiving teams should start calling illegal serves. The serve is illegal if contact with the ball is made above the waist or the server breaks his or her wrist and the paddle face is above the hand. The server must be called or bad habits are formed and they may not know they are even doing this. This habit comes from table tennis and badminton where there is no rule. Players want to put spin and junk on the serve. Diller’s question is, “why are you trying to do this?” There are few ace serves in Pickleball. Good players will adapt and be all over it. Just get it in. You can’t score a point if you don’t serve it in. Junk and spin servers, count the number of serves you miss the next game you play. What if you got all serves in? Would you have had a higher chance of winning more points? The best players just serve it in and get ready for the return. Play the percentages and aim for the middle of the service court so you have the most area to miss.

8. When receiving a serve, the receiver should be behind the baseline. If the ball hits you it is a point for the server.

9. The server can step into the court after making contact with the ball. A foot can actually break the plane of the backline before contact but not step down.

10. The non receiving player can stand anywhere on his/her side of the court including in the service court. However, if you are hit or catch the ball in the air it is a point for the serving team. This is a rule that I think should be changed.

11. The server's partner can stand any where on the court as well. I have seen situations where both partners on the serving team, stood side-by-side on the same side. This is legal and is done on occasion with a left handed player so they get two forehands down the middle. I do not recommend this practice and wonder why the rules allow it.

12. The non receiving player, in Diller’s opinion, should be at the NV line and turned sideways to watch where the ball lands for his/her partner. The receiver needs to keep their eye on the ball, so their partner is watching for the out call.

When is the last time you practiced serving? Never? Coach Mo suggests that you will start winning games just by getting your serve in. Coach Diller agrees.

Good Pickling, eh.

Coach Diller's Tips of the Week

2009-05-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

Coach Diller says “Pickleball is no Big Dill!”

Coach Diller’s Tips

Here are the Coach’s Tips this time.

1. When gripping a Pickleball paddle shake hands with it. Make sure the centre of the grip lines up with the V in between your thumb and index finger. Until you master complete control of your paddle, do not rotate the paddle in your hand, but keep the same grip for both forehands and backhands.

2. Make the paddle an extension of your arm. Keep the wrist straight so you do not get wrist action into your shot. This will give you more control of all your shots, forehand and backhand. It will help you avoid tennis elbow problems, as well. Tennis elbow results from vibration going up the handle of your paddle and into your arm. A firm grip is recommended to avoid this.

3. If you do develop tennis elbow, take it easy for a few days and start using a brace designed for tennis elbow. Diller stresses wearing a magnetic pickle bracelet on the injured arm similar to ones worn by golfers. If it doesn’t help, you will still have the newest in Pickleball fashion statements. Starting a routine of curling light weights with your wrist will help. Diller keeps a sponge ball to squeeze while watching TV.

4. Remember to keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Diller says, “Do not look at where you are going to hit, but what you are going to hit!” When you whiff the ball in golf, you took your eyes of the ball and looked up. Same thing in pickle ball. Diller suggests making a “grunt or whistle” to yourself as the ball approaches to keep your attention focused on the ball. You thought Serena Williams makes those noises to annoy her opponents but that keeps her focused.

5. Always watch the lines for your partner. If your partner is watching the ball, as they are supposed to, they cannot look to see if the ball is in or out. They must rely on you. This is most important on receipt of serve. Even though you should be at the NV-Line and your partner behind the backline, you must turn sideways so you can see whether the ball is in or out. Make the out call quickly and clearly. You have 30 seconds or until the opponent returns the ball.

Until next time, keep pickling, eh.