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.
USA Pickleball Rules & HOW TO PLAY VIDEOS
Updated 2023. 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 the True Beginnings of pickleball, go here.
For the True Beginnings of pickleball, go here.
Two commonly taught myths:
1. You can’t go in the kitchen unless the ball bounces in there first. Truth: you can camp in the kitchen for the whole game. You just can’t volley (think volley ball - hitting the ball before it bounces) while any part of you is touching the kitchen including the kitchen line. See video #5 below.
2. As the serving side, rush the net as soon as the return of serves starts heading toward your partner. Truth: Get to the net, but do it WISELY. If you partner pops up the ball you’ll get smoked. If your partner is trying to drop the ball to your side of the court, you become a distraction. Move part way up (the check point) and see if it is okay to keep moving or not. See the videos in #6 below.
3. Bonus: the 1 and 2 designation are side out dependent, not game dependent. Whoever is on the right when the ball sides out to your side is #1 for that side out only. Whoever is on the left is #2. It doesn’t make any difference how many points you score during that side out. You will stay #1 or #2 for the whole side out.
Learn how to play pickleball videos:
BONUS: 6 strategies for doubles - very entertaining instruction - highly recommended
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) Getting to the kitchen wisely, and a shorter version here, and overall court location.
7) USA Pickleball 100 strategies set of videos.
8) Proper technique for effective third shot drop.
9) Improve your return of serve
10) Good video on why and how to dink.
11) Warm up to lower your changes of injury. (text only)
BONUS: 6 strategies for doubles - very entertaining instruction - highly recommended
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) Getting to the kitchen wisely, and a shorter version here, and overall court location.
7) USA Pickleball 100 strategies set of videos.
8) Proper technique for effective third shot drop.
9) Improve your return of serve
10) Good video on why and how to dink.
11) Warm up to lower your changes of injury. (text only)
CHOOSING YOUR FIRST PADDLE
Before investing in a paddle take this quiz by one of the best paddle reviewers around and get 10% off your paddle, or see this thorough guide on Pickleball Central. 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)
Note: as of 2022-2023 many well respected paddle companies with warranties as long as the major brands have started, but they are charging up to half the price for the same technology. Bison and Spartus for standard carbon fiber faced paddles; Ronbus and Bread & Butter for both standard and thermoformed paddles; and Vatic Pro, Six Zero, and Legacy Pro for strictly thermoformed paddles. Discount codes to just about all of these can be found online.
Before investing in a paddle take this quiz by one of the best paddle reviewers around and get 10% off your paddle, or see this thorough guide on Pickleball Central. 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)
Note: as of 2022-2023 many well respected paddle companies with warranties as long as the major brands have started, but they are charging up to half the price for the same technology. Bison and Spartus for standard carbon fiber faced paddles; Ronbus and Bread & Butter for both standard and thermoformed paddles; and Vatic Pro, Six Zero, and Legacy Pro for strictly thermoformed paddles. Discount codes to just about all of these can be found online.
RECYCLE YOUR WORN OUT ATHLETIC SHOES
Shoe recycle centers: Fleet Feet in 5 Points and Creed Gym in Watkinsville
Shoe recycle centers: Fleet Feet in 5 Points and Creed Gym in Watkinsville
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
DISCOUNTS
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 generally good on your full order (with rare exceptions) including used and factory second paddles. Use the code CRAAPA in the coupon code area at checkout.
|
Click image below to go to this site. Then enter your USAPA member number for a huge discount.
|
LOCAL CERTIFIED IPTPA PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTORS
Available for individual or group instruction.
Tom Senyitko, Level 2 instructor :: dropdinkpickleball@gmail.com
Ray Akridge, Level 1 instructor :: brownflyer@gmail.com
Available for individual or group instruction.
Tom Senyitko, Level 2 instructor :: dropdinkpickleball@gmail.com
Ray Akridge, Level 1 instructor :: brownflyer@gmail.com
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
|
| ||||
| pricing_policy_excerpts.docx |
