Saturday, June 29, 2013.....Pickleball No Volley Zone Clarification

Our Paso Robles Pickleball Club website: www.pickleballpasorobles.shutterfly.com

Eleven players arrived by 7:30 a.m. to brave soaring Paso Robles temperatures (it was close to 90 degrees by 10:00 a.m.).  We finished by 9:45.  Unusual, but so is this hot spell, which usually does not start until next month.  Nevertheless, good Pickleball was had by all.  Lots of improvement, players are taking the third shot more seriously, serves and service returns are more consistent, and the playing (or should I say the not playing) of "out" balls has shown marked improvement.  I have also noticed that players are playing wider (feet) and lower (knee flex), and are shuffling well at the No Volley Zone line line rather than crossover stepping.  This shuffling is not only wiser (less NVZ violations), it is also safer because balance is better maintained, and, there is less impact on the body.

Today's Pickleball Rule Interpretation involves the No Volley Zone.  It seems that the newer players are way too conscious of the NVZ zone and this affects their performance.  Tip toeing around the NVZ line is commonplace even when not necessary.  REMEMBER:  The No Volley Zone is just that.  You cannot VOLLEY (hit a ball that has not bounced) while in/touching any part of the NVZ.  If the ball has bounced (in the Kitchen/NVZ) or anywhere OUTSIDE of the NVZ, and was returned by you AFTER bouncing, you can enter the NVZ (because forward momentum carried you into the NVZ) without committing a violation.  Don't linger, because a smart opponent will hit the next one right to you hoping you will volley while standing in the NVZ.   O.K.....an example:  I serve, my opponent returns my serve (two bounce rule) BEYOND the NVZ line but relatively short, it bounces (of course....two bounce rule), I run forward and hit my third shot keeping it in play, but my MOMENTUM carries me into the NVZ. The fourth shot is hit to my partner and she puts away a winner.  Our opponent says that after my third shot, I entered sacred territory (the dreaded NVZ) and therefore a violation was committed.  RULING:  No.  The ball had bounced on our side, and it does not make any difference where it bounced (many people think that the only time you can enter the NVZ is when the ball bounces in the NVZ).....you can enter anytime the ball bounces anywhere on your side of the court.

Sixteen references to the NVZ in the above entry. Make that seventeen with this sentence.  It is to prove a point.  Get it out of your system.  The ZONE is your friend, not your enemy.

Went to Von's Supermarket after playing.  The parking lot reminded me.......

"There are two types of people in this world:  those who put their shopping carts away, and those who don't." Hmmmmmm..........

Friday, June 28, 2013.....Pickleball Rules

This has come up a couple of times on our courts.  Team A is serving to Team B.  The server's serve hits the up person on Team B (in the air) while he/she is standing in the opposite service box.  What is the ruling?  A point for Team A (the serving team).  If the ball strikes an opponent anywhere within the court boundaries before it hits the ground, it is a fault or loss of point on the Team whose player was hit by the ball.  Recommended positioning for the team receiving serve:  If the up person is too close to the center service line, two things come into play.....you could be hit by the serve (although aiming for the up person and hitting that person is harder than you think), or, you may be restricting the return of service by your partner by standing in the way of the return of serve.  In effect, you have taken away almost half the court by standing at the T.  Your partner has no choice but to return to the open half of the court.  Try standing off to the side a little more and immediately step back in to the desired area at the No Volley Zone line as soon as your partner's return of serve passes you.

Mid-Week Pickleball: Staying Active

Our Website:  www.pickleballpasorobles.shutterfly.com

15 players today.  Weather got into the low 90's pretty fast this morning so most players were done by 10:30 a.m.  Number one priority....have fun while staying active.  A 2005 study by the American Dietic Association showed that 45 minutes of brisk exercise significantly reduced the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.  A follow-up study showed how regular active exercise decreased the chances of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.  Most players who stick with the game say that they have lost weight and see increased strength, agility, and balance.

A closer look at the reversed paddle Pickleball handshake:

I leave you with this thought.  "How did the ball come off your paddle today?"

Central Coast Pickleball, Pickleball Blogs, Pickleball Equipment

Here in Paso Robles, CA.....Great morning weather and all five courts in play.

We had 21 players this morning.  We have been working hard to get the word out....posting flyers in local businesses, on our Rec. Dept. website, Facebook, Meetup.com, etc.  Seems our efforts are paying off.  Court 1 (4.0+ players) had some lively fun and great games.  The other courts featured rookie and somewhat "seasoned" players who are improving daily.  Many calls from travelers who have their paddles in the car or RV and are looking for a place to play.  Nine months ago there was zero Pickleball from San Luis Obispo north to Paso.  We now have three venues and four or five private courts.  Our USAPA website says there are 25-30 new venues a month appearing from coast to coast.  We are doing our share.

Three good websites:

Great service and the best inventory:  www.pickleballpaddlesplus.com

Great Pickleball Information:  http://pickleballcoach.blogspot.com

Another Great Website:  www.pickleballrocks.com

The Pickleball handshake.  Touch handle ends with your opponents.  Do it right!!

Wineries, Pickleball, and WW II Veteran

What does this entry have to do with wine?  Nothing really.  On second thought, most anything that has to do with Paso Robles might somehow be connected to wine.  Wine and Pickleball....good thought, better idea.  Play PB in the morning and visit wineries in the afternoon.  The real reason for this post is to introduce our newest member, 87 years young Bob Hager.  Bob is a veteran of WW II and the war in the Pacific (submarines).  BTW, if you have not read the book Unbroken, put it on your list. A great story about WW II, bomber crews, and, survival.

Our age range as of today:  youngest player is 16 and our oldest (now) is 87.  Bob moved around pretty well on the court.

Summer Pickleball On The Central Coast

Our Paso Robles Pickleball Club has been in existence a little over nine months and with the start of summer we have seen a renewed interest in the game.  Attendance has consistently been 15-18 players. We have five courts at Centennial Park in Paso Robles.  We play MWFSat 8-11 a.m.  Check our website for a more updated schedule: www.pickleballpasorobles.shutterfly.com  We have loaner equipment, so all you need to do is show up and play.