A Comprehensive Guide to Pickleball:

By Alicia Ingram

PICKLEBALL IS A FUN AND EXCITING RACQUET SPORT THAT COMBINES ELEMENTS OF TENNIS, BADMINTON AND PING PONG. IT IS EASY TO LEARN AND CAN BE ENJOYED BY PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS. IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE, WE WILL COVER THE BASICS OF PICKLEBALL, INCLUDING THE RULES AND STRATEGIES YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START PLAYING.

Basics Of Pickleball

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net and a ball that is similar to a whiffle ball. Players use paddles to hit the ball back and forth over the net. A game of pickleball is typically played to 11 points, with players switching sides every 5 points.

The rules of pickleball are similar to those of tennis, with some variations. For example, in pickleball, players must let the ball bounce once before hitting it, and they are not allowed to hit the ball out of bounds on the serve.

Basics, Rules & Strategies

Pickleball Strategy

There are several key strategies that you can use to improve your pickleball game. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Serve aggressively: A strong serve can put your opponent on the defensive and give you an advantage in the point. Aim to serve deep and to the corners of the court to make it harder for your opponent to return the ball.

• Keep the ball in play: One of the keys to winning in pickleball is to keep the ball in play for as long as possible. This means focusing on hitting the ball in the middle of the court and avoiding mistakes.

• Use your footwork: Good footwork is essential in pickleball, as it allows you to move around the court and get to the ball more quickly. Practice your footwork drills to improve your speed and agility on the court.

• Vary your shots: Mixing up your shots can keep your opponent guessing and prevent them from getting into a rhythm. Try using different types of shots, such as lobs, dinks and smashes, to keep your opponent on their toes.

• Communicate with your partner: If you are playing doubles, it is important to communicate with your partner and stay aware of their position on the court. This will help you coordinate your shots and cover the court more effectively.

With these strategies in mind, you should be well on your way to improving your pickleball game. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, pickleball is a fun and rewarding sport that offers a range of benefits for players of all ages and skill levels. So grab a paddle and get out on the court!

Ingredients

• Dough for single-crust pie

• 1 lb fresh asparagus

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp grated lemon zest

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1-1/4 cups half-and-half cream

• 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Directions

 On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to an 11-in. tart pan and press into edges. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°. Prick crust with a fork 5 or 6 times; line with a double thickness of foil. Fill with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice. Bake on a lower oven rack until edge is light golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake until bottom is light golden brown, 4-5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven setting to 375°.

 Trim tough ends from asparagus. Reserve 8 spears; cut remaining asparagus into 1/2-in. pieces.

 Add olive oil to skillet, then red onion, shallot and chopped asparagus; cook and stir until softened, 6-8 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in tomatoes, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Spoon into crust.

By Nellie Palmer