Pickleball

all seasons pickleball

Pickleball has been a lifesaver for our members throughout COVID-19

The conversion of Court 8 to 2 courts exclusively for pickleball has enabled many of you to play outdoors where it's deemed safe to play. There are also courts available for pickleball in the North Gymnasium. This is a great option for the less hardy who prefer to play indoors when snow is falling.

Paddles & Balls

Mantra Extreme Point 5 (Lite) Onix Indoor Balls Penn Outdoor Balls Pickleball players are most certainly part of an all seasons group. Since opening they have played in the coldest of the cold days with toques and jackets, and the wettest of the rainy days. Pickleball is a sport for all ages. There have been children as young as five years old on the courts, as well as adults well into their eighties. We encourage you to give Pickleball a try. Check out the "Helpful Tips" if you plan on getting on the courts to play. For a set of rules visit: pickleballcanada.org/rules.php As always, many thanks to the hours of volunteer work that Terry Buckley the Pickleball Chair does week after week. Her commitment to this sport has helped to make it one of the most popular activities at the Club.

If you would like further information with regards to Pickleball, please feel free to contact Serena Ly at pickleball@arbutusclub.com

HELPFUL HINTS

Pickleball

USE COURT OR TENNIS SHOES If you’re not wearing the proper shoe then you’re at risk of rolling your ankle, or worse. Don’t risk it! Wear the right type of shoe to protect yourself. There are also benefits that you’ll receive on the court in terms of traction and footwork.

MAKE SURE YOU STRETCH Stretching is very important before doing any kind of athletic activity. It will help to prevent injury but will also help you on the court.

ALWAYS BE READY What do infield baseball players look like when the pitch is being thrown? Are they standing straight up with their hands at their sides? No, they’re crouching slightly with their glove and hands ready. You should do the same in pickleball. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, but getting in to your stance is important.

DON’T SCOOT UP WHEN YOU SERVE OR BEFORE YOU RETURN SERVE Whenever you scoot up after you serve or even before you return serve, you’re opening yourself up for disaster.

STAY AT THE KITCHEN LINE Beginners and intermediate players have a tendency to back off the kitchen line slowly as the point goes on. Backing off the line means that you’re more likely to get a ball to your feet. These shots are almost impossible to return. Instead, stay steadfast and stalwart at the kitchen line. It’s your line! Don’t back off!

SERVE DEEP Out of all the things to be focused on with your serve, this is one of the most important concepts. Serving deep does two things: it keeps your opponent away from the kitchen (which is a good thing) and it makes their return serve shot harder since it’s further away. Try not to worry about power, just focus on getting it as deep as you can.

HOW TO RETURN A POWER SHOT Understandably, it can catch people by surprise. But the key to stopping a power shot is not to swing at it. Swinging at a power shot can end in failure if you’re not ready for it because the speed of the shot is too fast for the swing. Instead, stick your paddle out and just let it collide.

IF THE BALL GOES OUT, SAY IT QUICKLY This is not only common courtesy, but it’s a rule as well. When you’re judging whether a ball is in or out, you have to make your judgment nearly instant. You can’t sit there and meditate on it. It must be quick! Also, make sure you say it loudly so people can hear you.

DON’T FORGET TO LAUGH For a lot of consistent pickleball enthusiasts, the sport has become a serious passion. There’s nothing wrong with taking the sport seriously, but it’s important not to let it get in the way of what’s important. Pickleball can bring people together for community-building and old-fashioned fun.