Here you’ll find usefull links on everything from picking your first paddle (including how to get a discount on it), to rules of the game, ranking yourself, video (both local and how to play), and park usage rules for lessons.
OFFICIAL 2021 RULE CHANGES
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Watch local pickleball play on both Tim R's, Pickle Chick's , and Craig Gum's (Drake at the PPA in Atlanta) channels. Look for the pickleball play lists.
RATE YOURSELF
By Tom Senyitko: Many players ask how to rate themselves. As you could guess, I follow the IPTPA guidelines and get right to the big question which involves the hardest shot to master.
The “drop shot” from the baseline under duress (during a game) both forehand and backhand.
3.0 level players ..... 2 out of 10
3.5 level players.......4 out of 10
4.0 level players.......6 out of 10
4.5 level players.......8 out of 10
Your opponents are most interested in challenging your backhand skills. So assume the numbers above will be performed accordingly.
Need to know more? See the full list of skills needed for each rating level at IPTPA
By Tom Senyitko: Many players ask how to rate themselves. As you could guess, I follow the IPTPA guidelines and get right to the big question which involves the hardest shot to master.
The “drop shot” from the baseline under duress (during a game) both forehand and backhand.
3.0 level players ..... 2 out of 10
3.5 level players.......4 out of 10
4.0 level players.......6 out of 10
4.5 level players.......8 out of 10
Your opponents are most interested in challenging your backhand skills. So assume the numbers above will be performed accordingly.
Need to know more? See the full list of skills needed for each rating level at IPTPA

CHOOSING YOUR FIRST PADDLE.
Before investing in a paddle see this thorough guide on Pickleball Cental. But do know that not all paddles with the same specs will feel the same. Even two of the identical paddle at different weights will feel different so we suggest coming out to play and try as many member's paddles as possible before investing in your own. Also know that Pickleball Central and many paddle manufacturers will allow you to try a paddle for up to a month and return it for a refund or exchange toward another paddle. You just pay the shipping. When you know what you want to try use our code below at Pickleball Central for 5% off or go directly to the manufacturer's website. Also note there are good quality used paddles on the paddle exchange page. It is your chance to upgrade to a quality paddle at a reduced priced. Most are paddles used by our players for a short while before moving on to something else. (Photo by Dr. J)
Before investing in a paddle see this thorough guide on Pickleball Cental. But do know that not all paddles with the same specs will feel the same. Even two of the identical paddle at different weights will feel different so we suggest coming out to play and try as many member's paddles as possible before investing in your own. Also know that Pickleball Central and many paddle manufacturers will allow you to try a paddle for up to a month and return it for a refund or exchange toward another paddle. You just pay the shipping. When you know what you want to try use our code below at Pickleball Central for 5% off or go directly to the manufacturer's website. Also note there are good quality used paddles on the paddle exchange page. It is your chance to upgrade to a quality paddle at a reduced priced. Most are paddles used by our players for a short while before moving on to something else. (Photo by Dr. J)
DISCOUNTS
![]() AAPA Members: Receive 5% off everything you purchase (including used paddles) from PickleballCentral.com. When checking out, simply type in your club’s unique discount code in the coupon code box, hit the “apply” button and you’ll see 5% of the bill disappear! Every time you use your club’s discount code, 5% of your purchase goes into the club’s Reward Account. Pickleball Central discount code is good on your full order including used and factory second paddles. Contact AAPA leadership if you do not have the code.
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Click image below to go to this site. Then enter your USAPA member number for a huge discount.
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USA Pickleball Rules & HOW TO PLAY VIDEOS

Updated 2020. Keep up to date on the rules of the game. Click on the logo to the left which will take you to a downloadable pdf.
For an overview of the Jan 2020 rule changes click here.
For an overview of the Jan 2020 rule changes click here.
Learn how to play pickleball videos:
1) Professionally made Quick overview 1 and Quick overview 2.
2) Top 10 mistakes beginner’s make.
3) Professionally made simple and quick series.
4) Non-professionally made longer/deeper video here and here.
5) Professionally made video of Non-Volley Zone/Kitchen rules here.
6) The serve: is it legal and where you can/can’t stand and slow motion looks
7) Proper technique for effective third shot drop.
8) Good video on why and how to dink.
9) Stress vs performance
1) Professionally made Quick overview 1 and Quick overview 2.
2) Top 10 mistakes beginner’s make.
3) Professionally made simple and quick series.
4) Non-professionally made longer/deeper video here and here.
5) Professionally made video of Non-Volley Zone/Kitchen rules here.
6) The serve: is it legal and where you can/can’t stand and slow motion looks
7) Proper technique for effective third shot drop.
8) Good video on why and how to dink.
9) Stress vs performance
Pickled Peach Valentine Classic Title Sponsor
PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE ATHENS: A NEW LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY
An exceptional community is one that transcends boundaries, bringing innovation and excellence together with cherished traditions to create something exciting and new.
Seamlessly combining a flair for contemporary living with our deep Southern roots, Presbyterian Village Athens offers a lifestyle unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Since 1949, our name has been synonymous with excellence in senior living. As you plan for retirement living, consider Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. A Christian ministry providing exceptional services, we offer gracious retirement living in five outstanding communities for those 62 and older.
Offices are located at 1520 B Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677
PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE ATHENS: A NEW LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY
An exceptional community is one that transcends boundaries, bringing innovation and excellence together with cherished traditions to create something exciting and new.
Seamlessly combining a flair for contemporary living with our deep Southern roots, Presbyterian Village Athens offers a lifestyle unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Since 1949, our name has been synonymous with excellence in senior living. As you plan for retirement living, consider Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. A Christian ministry providing exceptional services, we offer gracious retirement living in five outstanding communities for those 62 and older.
Offices are located at 1520 B Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677
If you plan on using any of the parks for paid teaching or pickleball events other than open play, please read below and download the three ACC documents.
“As far as private lessons goes, we do not allow non-ACC employees or contractors to teach lessons on our property and charge fees. We only offer private lessons or group lessons with our own staff or contractors. If you have someone interested in becoming an instructional contractor for pickleball with us, please send them my way or they cannot charge on our property for lessons. We have several tennis instructors who contract with us, ranging from $10-$25 per hour depending upon their qualifications and certifications.
For an outside of Leisure Services league, the courts/gym would have to be rented at full cost. Our Revenue & Pricing Policy is currently under review, so I have taken the sections that apply to rentals out from the current one for you; it is attached. League rentals are also required to provide proof of insurance to Leisure Services.”
Myla Neal, CPRP
Recreation Division Administrator, Athens-Clarke County
“As far as private lessons goes, we do not allow non-ACC employees or contractors to teach lessons on our property and charge fees. We only offer private lessons or group lessons with our own staff or contractors. If you have someone interested in becoming an instructional contractor for pickleball with us, please send them my way or they cannot charge on our property for lessons. We have several tennis instructors who contract with us, ranging from $10-$25 per hour depending upon their qualifications and certifications.
For an outside of Leisure Services league, the courts/gym would have to be rented at full cost. Our Revenue & Pricing Policy is currently under review, so I have taken the sections that apply to rentals out from the current one for you; it is attached. League rentals are also required to provide proof of insurance to Leisure Services.”
Myla Neal, CPRP
Recreation Division Administrator, Athens-Clarke County
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pricing_policy_excerpts.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |