Pickleball Strategy: Singles prep.

Are you thinking about playing singles? Be prepared!
Recently at a few tournaments I attended, several players injured themselves while playing in their singles event. The injuries forced them to withdraw from all the other events they had entered and left their partners to find subs on short notice. Since I play singles as well, I got to thinking more specifically about what singles play demands of the person’s body.
Playing singles is a whole different animal from playing doubles. First, you are required to cover the whole court. Yelling “YOURS” doesn’t cut it in singles. Second, you have to be able to run forward, back and side to side — quickly. Third, you need to be able to hit from the baseline for most of your shots, unless you rush the net at every opportunity you can. And fourth, you need to be able to last through what may be a very strenuous match.
So what this means to you is that you need to be in shape, you need to be flexible and you need endurance. You cannot just walk out on the court and – poof! – you’re a singles player. You will have to put in your time getting fit in order to play singles injury free. Still want to play singles? Read on.
1. Plyometrics (controlled high speed movements) are an important factor to prepare your joints for quick action moves. Single and double leg squat jumps are a good way to begin. Add skipping and side to side jumps and you are ready to go.

2. Stretching hamstrings and hips and quads after you work out is key to not pulling those pesky muscles.

3. Practice hitting from the baseline to a target on the other side of the net. Place a chair, towel or other object on the other side of the court and try to hit it. Move the object around and work to hit it everywhere on the court.
4. Endurance development requires long, slow distance increases to develop your breathing capacity. Start by slowly jogging around the pickleball court one direction 5 times, then change direction and repeat. Jog around the parking lot; increase your distance as you acclimate to your current distance. Only increase your speed when you are comfortable with your distance.
We need more singles players on the tournament circuit. Don’t shy away from singles; give it a try. Just make sure you’re physically prepared.

Pickleball Rules Refresher: Injury TO

At a recent tournament in Nanaimo I was playing in the men's singles tournament. During the tournament I was playing well through 6 games winning all my games fairly easily. During the gold medal game I wasn't able to play properly with a pulled calf muscle on my left leg. Seemingly easy shots I couldn't even get to as my leg screamed "Stop! What do you think you are trying to do?"  In a tournament match what are you allowed for a time out? According to IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) rules it states in 11.B. , " If a player is injured during a match, that player may call an injury time-out. The referee must agree that an injury did take place and that the player is not just stalling to rest or recuperate. If the referee agrees, then that player will be allowed no more than 15 minutes of rest during the injury time-out. If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute injury time-out period, the match shall be awarded to the opponents.
*IFP Comment*: A player may take only one injury time-out per match. That time-out must be continuous and may be up to 15 minutes. For me I took the time out, and tried to play after that TO, but my leg was toast. At this point I really wanted the gold,  but knew i couldn't physically obtain it, nor provide a decent game to my opponent. I conceeded the gold to Rhyner W. (The young guy in the orange shirt.) My pride, and determination wanted me to continue, but luckily common sense won.  The moral: take the injury time out if you need it, but know your own limits. Congratulations Rhyner - Gold, Me (Grant) - Silver, Joe Wong - Bronze.

USAPA Nationals Champions playing at Canadian nationals

2 of pickleballs top players are coming to play at the Canadian Pickleball Nationals in Abbotsford, July 7-8, 2012. Billy Jacobsen (top Left) and Chris Miller (Right) have won gold in men's open singles & men's open doubles. I've seen youtube clips of these 2 gentleman playing, and you can tell why they are the best. It will be great to see these 2 and many more in Abbotsford next week. If you haven't decided if you were coming, make plans now to witness North America's best pickleball players and supporters. We at Pickleball International will be on hand selling pickleball supplies both days. come by to watch and say Hi to us at the booth.

Pickleball Strategy: Singles 3 rules

When I'm playing singles, I think of a quote I had heard from tennis great, Andre Agassi. He stated 3 simple rules,

• Hit shots you know you can make.

• Make your opponent hit a shot he/she can't make.

• Remember most of all, tennis (Pickleball) is meant to be enjoyed.

 Pickleball singles like tennis is a game unlike doubles in so many great ways. It can be hard mentally & physically, yet most of all it demands our full attention. Pickleball singles isn't for everybody, but a great cardio brain workout.

Pickleball Strategy: More singles play

At right is Chris Miller, a Washington state resident who has been the reigning mens open singles champion for pickleball in the last few years. I've watched a video on his playing, and can see why he is the best. He is also a high ranking men's doubles player as well. He enjoys playing doubles, but longs for the singles games where you truly put your own pickleball strengths and weaknesses to the test. Singles uses the same size court as doubles, but forces you to make all your shots count, not relying on a partner. Pickleball singles is definitely about proper placement, and shot selection.

There has been a cry amongst our men's group for more singles play, and Pickleball International is looking for a new day and location to practice singles matches. Stay tuned! But for now, take time every week to play a game or 2 of singles for a great cardio & mental workout.

Pickleball Nationals 2010/2011

So for those of us not in the know, this week is very important to us pickleballers! I'm sure when you tell someone about what sport you play, you tend to get blank faces, or uproarious laughing. But as I said this week in Buckeye Arizona, November 7 - 14 is the annual Pickleball Nationals. It is the best of the best, the who's who in the pickleball world. At the tournament you will find all categories, and all ages represented (pre-teen, teen, under 30's right up to 80's, male and female.) Singles, mixed and gender doubles.

As you can see in the picture from last year the mens open doubles champions and bronze finishers are from Washington State. Besides the playing there is always releases of new paddles or protypes that have been approved for tournament play. Through my contacts I have personally heard of 3, and no doubt they will be offered to the public after the tournament ends. I will post the results next week, and keep you informed of any new paddles that come available.

Pickleball Strategy: Playing singles

Last Thursday night I had a great time to shy away from the doubles scene for a few games of singles. Singles mentally challenges you to make sure your strokes are precise, and where you place a shot will put you in good place for a put away finishing shot. I've put together some tips for playing better singles.

1. Serve from the center of the court, deep and in.  Some books and instructors say to serve within one foot of the back line.  NO – that is a low percentage shot.  Deep means within three feet of the back line.  That way, if you miss by a little, the ball will stay in.
2. Try to hit to opponents backhand.  Hitting to the backhand whenever you can is a higher percentage shot, because 80 to 90 % of the time, people are stronger on their forehand side than their backhand.
3. Return serve deep to corners and go only halfway up.  Going halfway up to the net means halfway between the back line and the 7 foot no volley line.  That way, in singles you can go left, right, up or back on the first ground stroke from the server.
4. Take the net (7 foot line) when you can, but do a split step just before your opponent hits the ball.  For any shot after the service return, if you are not at the net, stopping with your feet at shoulder width will allow you to run down the next ball coming your way.
5. When your opponent is at the net, hit a (1) passing shot, (2) lob, or (3) drop shot.  In order of highest percentage, when your opponent is at the net, the drop shot is best, the passing ground stroke is next, and in singles, the lob should be your last choice.

Men's Pickleball @ ARC October 2011

Wow!!! Last night at Men's pickleball we had 6 courts of Men's doubles pickleball, and some great Men's singles games. It was neat to see so many guys out enjoying the game, and having a sweat and friendly competition. We have predominantly younger men ages 30-late 40's, but had some great "Advanced & Wiser" players that were in the next age category above. There was great talk of having a Men's singles and doubles tournament in December or January. Stay tuned for more details.

If you are in the younger mens category and live in the greater Vancouver area, we encourage you to come and join us:)

Men's pickleball night in Abbotsford, BC

In case you haven't heard, or haven't been yet we have a new men's night pickleball session at Abbotsford Recreation Center (34690 Old Yale Road) Tuesday Nights 7:45 - 9:45 pm. This past week we averaged 4 full courts of men, and are hoping to have 6-8 courts full of men by the end of October. Our goal is to meet together for social, get some excellent cardio exercise, and have a paddle full of fun. We also want to boost the amount of men under the age off 55 playing pickleball, as there are some great tournaments coming up in the spring/summer to show off pickleball's future. We know that there are many splinter cells of men around BC, and we could really unite them through under 55 only tournaments. Currently on Tuesdays we play doubles, but also relish a good sweat & strategy of a singles game.

Drop-in rates are $6.05 for single session or if you purchase 20 tickets it would be $96.80 or $4.84/session (which would force you to be at pickleball for 20 sessions & you save money!) or if you have a membership it is included.

MEN!!! This is for you...but ask you're wives first:)

Are you coming? What do you like about the men's night pickleball?

Why should I play Pickleball?

PICKLEBALL - Strange name...great game:)

Truthfully up until a few years ago I had never heard of Pickleball. It wasn't until I was asked to help develop the Pickleball drop-in at the Abbotsford Recreation Center in 2008 that I fell in love with this great sport, as has every other single person that I've introduced to Pickleball.

1. This is a sport for all ages --- At first I believed this sport to be for the seniors crowd that we were running the drop-in for; which is an ideal aerobic exercise to get the arms and legs moving. But then teens and young adults would come by the gym windows after classes wanting to play, and so it was decided to drop the drop-in ages from 55+ to 16+ to allow for a greater introduction to the sport. My own elementary age sons Isaiah, Samuel or Ezra get great thrills out of hitting the ball over the net with me, and it helps to develop hand-eye coordination and patience in them. I've heard stories of some of the greatest players that could easily beat any youthful player and are in their 80's! Whatever your age or playing ability, Pickleball is a great sport to get you moving, get exercise, or play for the competitiveness.
2. Huge cardio workout --- The first time you play Pickleball, you realize that you can get just about any level of cardio exercise that you want. Are you looking for a super cardio workout? Grab a partner that is roughly the same skill level (or higher) and play a game or 2 of singles. In singles the lines are the same as doubles play using the badminton courts outside lines. Small court space, quick fast volleys, deep lunges get your heart rate up in a hurry. You'll be sweating profusely in no time! If you're wanting an easier pace, play doubles. Just grab 3 other players, and have fun hitting the ball back and forth. Singles requires you to focus on yourself, while doubles allows you and your partner to depend on each other, and there is more possibilty for learning new skills with the other players.
3. Low Co$t --- Grab a pair of tennis shoes or running shoes that will support your ankles, a t-shirt and maybe a pair of shorts or loose fitting pants and your pretty much set. The only pickleball equipment needed is the paddle. Most Rec. centers will have wooden paddles to use free of charge, or you can purchase your own. Pickleball paddles vary in price from $40 - $80 CDN, made from aluminum, composite or graphite. Since there is no strings to break, you make a 1 time purchase and you're usually good for life. The 3 main pickleball paddle manufacturers are: S-Type Sports, Pro-lite Sports, and Pickleball. There are many more paddle manufacturers now, but make sure they meet International Federation of Pickleball regulations for paddles!

Pickleball is a sport for all ages, offers great cardio exercise, and is lo-co$t? Doesn't that sound like a great sport? See you soon on the courts:)