Pickleball Basics for Beginners Part 2
Essentials and Gear
Getting started with pickleball is a breeze, thanks to the Santa Barbara Pickleball Shop! Here's what you'll need:
- Pickleball Gear: Get yourself some paddles and balls. If your local courts don’t have a net, consider buying a portable one.
- Pickleball Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Specialized pickleball shoes and socks can make a difference.
- A Local Court: Find a nearby pickleball court to play on.
Tip: Not sure which paddle to get? Schedule an in person paddle fitting to find the best paddle for your style and budget.
Setting Up a Pickleball Court
If you're lucky, your court will already be set up with clearly marked lines and a net that meets the official height standards. However, there may be times when you'll need to bring your own net. In that case, make sure to choose a sturdy net that's easy to assemble. Once you're on the court, position the net in the center, ensuring it's taut and secure, just like a traditional tennis net. This setup is crucial for ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game, allowing everyone to enjoy a great match.
Serving in Pickleball - How to Serve
Every rally in pickleball starts with a serve, which is a crucial moment that sets the tone for the entire game. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service area. This initial shot not only initiates the rally but also allows players to showcase their technique and strategy right from the beginning. Proper serving can give a player a competitive edge and influence the dynamics of the match.
According to USA Pickleball rules:
Volley Serve (hit before the ball bounces): Use an underhand stroke with the paddle making contact below your waist.
Drop Serve (new rule): Drop the ball and hit it after it bounces.
Where to Serve - Doubles: Serve to the diagonally opposite service court. The ball must clear the kitchen line and land within the correct section.
Where to Stand - Stand behind the baseline while serving. Your feet must not touch the baseline or sideline during the serve. Stay behind the baseline until after the third shot.
Hint: The returning team can adopt a "one-up, one-back" formation, where one player positions themselves near the net while the other stays towards the baseline. This strategic setup allows them to effectively start volleying immediately after their return, maximizing their chances to intercept and control the pace of the game. By maintaining this formation, they can quickly react to the opponent's shots and create opportunities for aggressive plays.
Serving Strategies
Serve Deep: Keep your opponent back by serving near the baseline.
Target Weaknesses: Serve to your opponent's weak side to force mistakes.
Add Spin (advanced): Use your paddle angle to add spin and surprise your opponent.
Legal Serve: Serving Rules
- Must land in the opposite service area.
- Must be hit underhand with an upward motion.
- Contact point must be below the server’s waist.
- Feet must be behind the baseline during the serve.
Common Serving Mistakes
- Foot Faults: Stepping on or over the baseline or sideline.
- Pre-Spun Serve: Adding spin to the ball before hitting it.
- Net Faults: Hitting the ball into the net or into the kitchen.
- Misplaced Serve: Hitting the serve into the wrong section of the court.
Starting a Game and Keeping Score
Beginning the Game
Who Serves First? - Flip a coin or follow local rules to decide.
First Serve: - The player on the right serves first and announces the score.
Scoring
Start: The initial score is "0-0-2"
Side Out: When the serving team loses a rally, the serve goes to the opponents.
Recap
- Player on the right serves first and announces "0-0-2".
- Serve to the diagonal side.
- Alternate serves between left and right after each point.
- Remember the "side out" rule.
The Two-Bounce Rule
What is It?
The ball must bounce once on each side after a serve before players are allowed to volley. This rule ensures that both players have a fair chance to react to the serve and allows for a more strategic play. It encourages a rhythm in the game, giving players the opportunity to position themselves effectively before entering into the fast-paced volleying exchanges. Example:
Serve: Ball bounces in the opponent’s court (first bounce).
Return: Ball bounces in the serving team’s court (second bounce).
After the two-bounce rule is fulfilled, players can volley the ball out of the air. Strategically moving to the kitchen is often the best position in pickleball once the rule is satisfied.
Common Two-Bounce Rule Mistakes
Volleying Too Early: Hitting the ball out of the air before it has bounced twice.
Hesitation: Waiting too long for the second bounce and missing the opportunity to volley.
Ball Bounces Out of Bounds: If a player hits a ball that bounces outside of the court boundaries, they lose the point. It is important to pay attention to where the ball is bouncing and to stay within the designated playing area.
Advantages of Using the Two-Bounce Rule
The two-bounce rule adds an extra level of strategy and skill to pickleball by preventing players from simply smashing or volleying every shot. This rule encourages players to work on their placement, control, and patience during rallies. It also promotes longer rallies and exciting back-and-forth gameplay.
The two-bounce rule is a fundamental aspect of pickleball that adds an element of strategy and skill to the game. By understanding this rule and avoiding common mistakes, players can improve their gameplay and enjoy longer, more engaging rallies with their opponents. Keep practicing and have fun playing pickleball! So, grab your paddle and get ready for some competitive fun on the court! Happy Pickling!
