How do I get topspin

Dear Avery,

I see better players hit the ball with lots of topspin and it makes the ball dip down a lot and seems like a good skill to have. Any tips on how to get more topspin?

Rebecca J, Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Rebecca,

Yes, topspin is a very handy skill to have in your repertoire.  It not only will keep otherwise out balls in due to the downward arc of the ball, but often dips below the net to force the other team to hit up, setting your team up for a put-away.   The aerodynamic properties of the spin are such that increasing velocity also steepens the downward arc, which is critical for those that like to hit it hard.

In your case, developing topspin where you live will give you an advantage when you play at lower elevations because the thin air at altitude reduces the downward arc.  So stay with it, don’t quit before the miracle. The ball gets topspin from your paddles moving from below the contact point to above the contact point during the swing.  It is as simple as that.  A quick warning for new pickleballers that come from a tennis background:  Since you have no strings, the lifting motion of the low-to-high stroke is virtually non-existent with a pickleball paddle, thus necessitating a higher target than what you might be used to.

When practicing, you can force topspin by angling your paddle face down slightly from the perpendicular position relative to the ground.  This will force your stroke from low to high otherwise your balls will bounce before they hit the net!  Just be careful not to clock yourself in the head with your paddle as your low to high angle becomes more extreme.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Dear Avery,

I am having trouble with fielding drives.  Some people hit the ball so hard that the ball comes faster than my reflexes can handle.  Everyone tells me to stand as close to the kitchen as possible, but it seems I have a better shot at those drives if I am staying back.  

Any advice on this one?

Beefcake, Felton, CA

Dear BC,

While there are many strategies in pickleball that are considered gospel, very rarely in life are truisms true in all circumstances.  Your issue is an example of this. While being up at the kitchen generally gives your team an advantage over those that don’t,  there are cases where it does not.  Someone hitting through your reflexes is a good example of such an exception. In reality, even the best players know that sometimes retreating yields the best chance of winning a point, such as when an overhead is about to come your way.  So don’t worry about retreating when the situation calls for it.  In your case balls that are slowly hit and shallow might benefit from a hasty couple of steps backward to give an extra few milliseconds to respond.  Note that drives that originate from both below and close to the net are often out,  so successfully ducking is a good strategy in those cases!

If the game feels more manageable when you are not near the kitchen, go ahead and stay back, just don’t stay all the way back as you will be prone to drop shots.  Also there are reflex drills that you can practice that will sharpen your reflexes and give you more confidence.  One such drill is volleying with a partner from within the kitchen.  Start slowly then try for every ball to be a bit faster than the previous one.  This is one of the best drills for improving your reflexes.  Also wearing some eye protection will make you feel safer which will also help your reflexes.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

You cannot be serious

Dear Avery,

One of the guys on my pickleball league team is a good player but he does something that drives me crazy and hurts our team and I am hoping that you can give me some advice on how to confront him with it:  He will occasionally call his (and my) shots out.  The rule states that it is the opponents responsibility to call the lines on their side of the net, right? He claims he only does this when he has the best angle, on the sideline that he is closest to.  One big problem is that he only does this when he sees the ball out, he never argues when he sees an out ball called in.  This seems totally unfair to me. What should I do?

Teed Todd, Palm Desert, CA

Dear Teed,

I recommend you endeavor to play with this guy more often.  Hopefully you might learn about the spirit of true competition where beating an opponent feels hollow when you know you were given free points.  

While the rule indeed does state that the responsibility for a line call falls on the opponents, your partner is not making the line call, he is simply informing the other team what he saw knowing he had the best vantage point.  There is a word for this which might have escaped you, it is called integrity.  Good sportsmanship enhances the quality of the competition.  Only calling the balls that are unequivocally known to be out means close balls are played which means more balls are being hit which means more time playing the sport you love. Lastly, in the long run, you are likely coming out ahead.  Why?  Because when someone is known to call their own shots out and play all the close calls, the other team, unless they are dicks, will follow suit and play your close balls out and volunteer when their own shots are out. It’s not too late to take yourself out of the dick camp and hang out with your partner in the good character camp.  Your life will improve on and off the pickleball court once you make this cathartic transformation. Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Dear Avery,

Every now and again I play pickleball doubles with a partner that is always saying to me that they are sorry after they miss.  I never know what to say in response other than ‘no worries’ or something like that, but maybe I should ignore it?  Should I apologize back when I miss?   If not, are there instances in pickleball where I should apologize? 

Helen P, Kalamazoo MI

Dear Helen,

Bless those that are quick to feel contrition.  They don’t want their actions to adversely affect another person.  Those are the same people that hustle through a crosswalk to minimize wait times for motorists.  Generally folks with good character are often apologizers.  But partnering with a chronic apologizer is often awkward and a bit emotionally draining.   As far as how to respond, you can either ignore them or acknowledge their contrition.    Basically two bad choices piled on top of a newly lost point.  

It was astute to consider that if the person feels compelled to apologize (as if their missing slighted you) (which it did) then perhaps they might feel slighted if you don’t express contrition to them when you miss.  

The best way to manage this situation is to drop some serious present moment awareness on them.  Give them plenty of space to express their regret.  Then look them in the eyes and gently explain that everyone misses from time to time.  Everyone slumps from time to time.  And tell them that you hate it as well when your errors cost not just you but your doubles partner.  You can go all deep by suggesting that without misses, makes would be meaningless.  Yes, this is a long conversation to be having with someone during a game.  That is the point. (pun fully intended) 

By stepping out of the perfunctory ‘I’m sorry’, “it’s ok” pattern, you can have a genuine human bonding experience.  It wouldn’t take many further Eckart Tolle bombs before they stop apologizing if for no other reason than to shut you up.

There is a surefire way to never have this happen to you again.  Stick with singles.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

She is just not that into you

Dear Avery,

Do you think it is a bad idea to get romantically involved with someone who is in our pickleball group?  This lady who I am crushing on thinks mixing pickleball with romance is a bad idea.  I am considering quitting pickleball.  What are your thoughts? William R, Pensacola, FL

Dear William,

Quitting pickleball is a bad idea, which in almost all cases can be regarded as a truism.  But in your case, this is especially true. You are already dealing with an unrequited attraction, which can’t feel great.  To stop doing an activity that you truly enjoy with the hope that it will change the romance dynamic seems like a fool’s errand.  And here is why:  She is just not into you.  But like most civilized people, she doesn’t want to hurt your feelings by telling you the truth, which is that she would rather have a root canal than be with you in the biblical sense.

As far as meeting and dating those with whom you play pickleball, I am for it.  A pickleball court, while old school, has some advantages over Tinder.  And here is a quick primer:  In lieu of swiping right, ask them out for coffee or another daytime activity.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Over the line!

Dear Avery

What is the rule about stepping into the kitchen while volleying or just after?  One person said that once the other team makes contact with the ball you can then step into the kitchen, just can’t volley from in there.  Another said it has nothing to do with the other team making contact with the ball.  Could you tell me the rules about this? Phil W, Philadelphia, PA

Hi Phil, The rules state that the momentum from volleying cannot carry you into the kitchen irrespective of time.  This is trying to solve for the inherent advantage of being able to volley close to the net.  

While this is a worthy issue for which to solve, one can’t help but to vent that any rule that has to be subjectively determined generally when there aren’t officials around.  

For example, a team can claim they went into the kitchen not by momentum but in a strategy to bait the opponent into hitting at them.  Thus the determination of whether a rule was broken can be argued as a matter of intent (or lack thereof).  Contrast that with a ball bouncing twice; that can be objectively determined.  So yeah, a poorly crafted rule, look for a petition then sign it. A good doubles partner (who needs to be quick thinking) is allowed to grab their opponent to keep them from falling into the kitchen.  Thus wearing loose fitting shirts is advisable as they are easier to grab from behind.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Blood issues

Dear Avery,

I have an older cousin that's back from college and crazy about PB.  Since she is so fun to hang out with, funny AND cute, I took lessons to try to get better so I can hang out with her more. 

The challenge is that when she swings at the ball, she has a wide arc on her forehand follow-thru and I fear getting smacked in the head. 

Part of me would rather get smacked in the head and bleed a bit rather than say anything that might bother her.  Any tips on this one?

Dave B, Baton Rouge, CA

Dear Dave,

OK.  Lots to unpack here.

First I am going to assume it is a second cousin and you are a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis.  This way I can focus the guidance toward pickleball rather than give you legal advice.

A wide arc to the ball on a groundstroke is a personal preference that doesn’t impact performance.  However a wide arc on the follow thru just bad technique, and this is where you could get clocked.    The short court punishes a long swing the ball will come back before a ready position can be established.  

Any counsel you offer your cousin would likely be considered ‘man-splaining’ which is off-putting to college women.  Also, even when correct, tips from newbies fall flat.

So it comes down to your primary interest.  If not getting a concussion is more important than your apparent love interests, you should let her know that she might try to abbreviate the follow thru to avoid causing her future doubles partner to bleed.  

Don’t offer the tip in the context of being a better technique as this will touch on the mansplaining nerve.  If you elect to not confront this in the service any … other objectives … just think of it as a life saving footwork drill for you. When she swings, get out of the way but then jump back into position as soon as the danger passes.  

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Duck!

Dear Avery,

I am having trouble with a ball I see pretty often.  When me or my partner puts up too easy of a ball, the other team spikes it at me and I just never seem to be able to get those back. They usually hit at or around my legs.  Any tips for handling a spike?

Spike, Needles, CA

Dear Spike,

Yes, that is a common occurrence in Pickleball.  Two things will help:  1.  Practice that specific shot.  Trade volleys with a practice partner then intentionally give them an easy one to slam through you.  You will be surprised how just a little of this kind of practice will go such a long way.  Pay no attention to the bruises.

2.  Ready position is the paddle at hip level, unlike tennis which is at or above shoulder level at the net.  This gives you a fighting chance on those low ones.

3. Step back and get down!

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

AARP resistant

Dear Avery,

Pickleball looks fun but I heard that only old people play it.  Is that true?  I am 25 and don’t want to be out of place.

Kourosh S, San Mateo, CA

Dear Kourosh,

It is true that Pickleball skews to an older demographic compared to other racket sports.  However, the median edge is trending lower, quite rapidly as a matter of fact, the average age is 38, and the 18-34 set is the second largest age group.  Expect this trend to continue.  So help move that number in the right direction and get out there and play!

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Dorkus maximus

Dear Avery,

My dad and I go to a big pickleball mixer a couple of nights a week.  Some of my friends from high school also come to play, some of them girls I want to date.  The problem is dad embarrasses me all the time.  He doesn’t mean to, he is just sort of a dork.  

My friends like him but I think they feel sorry for me because he is such a dweeb.  I have tried to just play with my friends but he always wants to join me.  I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I want to play with my friends without him.  Should I just level with him and tell him that I don’t like to play with geeks?

Hudson W.  Aptos, CA

Dear Hudson,

I think it is important to understand that all parents are dweebs.  The reason is, not being a dweeb is monumentally important when under 21.  But then you grow out of it, and yes, you will be a dork too, and your kids will write to me with the same complaint about you. 

The reality is that your parents likely are not geeks, or at least not too much anyway.  That said, letting him know that you will play with him if he wants when your friends are not around would likely elicit fewer unintended consequences than telling him you are too cool to be playing with nerds.

Do I suck?

Dear Avery,

How does the pickleball rating system work?  I have been playing for about a year and someone asked me to join a league, but said I had to be at least a 3.5?  What does that even mean?

Don’t judge me, Boise, ID

Dear Judge,

Pickleball ratings are used to group competitors together based on skill level.  According to ThePickler.com a 3.5 player:

Give yourself a pickleball self-rating of 3.5 if (i) you can hit drives, serves, and returns with pace (including developing backhand shots), as well as dinks and drop shots, and are developing some consistency and control (including consistently hitting serves and returns in play); and (ii) you understand the basic strategy and rules of pickleball, you are starting to vary your shots between the hard and soft game, and you are moving quickly to the Non-Volley Zone line when you have the opportunity.

The rest of the ratings can be found at https://thepickler.com/blogs/pickleball-blog/pickleball-ratings-skill-levels-rankings

Note that these descriptions are for self rating.  Those playing in most leagues or tournaments will have their level published based on match results rather than self rating, and this system is called DUPR: Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating is the most accurate and only global rating system in Pickleball. All players, regardless of their age, gender, location, or skill, are rated on the same scale between 2.00-8.00 based on their match results.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Protein bars for dinner again?

Dear Avery,

My mom started playing this game called pickleball over the summer and now every Tuesday and Thursday night, she doesn't cook for me anymore! Instead, she leaves me with some boring protein bars and trail mix. My older brother likes it because he gets to play video games instead of doing homework, but I'm not a fan of it. I miss my mom's cooking.

But, I don't know what to do because I also noticed that she seems happier since she started playing pickleball. Should I tell her that I miss her cooking or should I let her keep playing pickleball if it makes her happy?

Jake S. New Orleans, LA

Hi Jake,

This one is really easy.  Let your mom play.  Even ask her how it went when she gets home, it will really freak her out.  Be totally supportive of this new thing that she is into.  

At some point you will want something from her, like an early allowance, an extra scoop of ice scream, something like that.  At that point, remind her what a great cook she is and now you really appreciate it now when she is gone.  Then tell her it is worth it since it makes her happy.  Then ask for the extra scoop of ice cream. Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Are you sure?

Dear Avery, As a single woman who loves to play pickleball, I've noticed a discrepancy in the way line calls are made compared to tennis. In tennis, the ball must be clearly out to be called as such, but in pickleball, people often make judgments based on probability, saying things like "I think it was out" or "I'm pretty sure it was out."

This leaves me feeling like I am playing the close calls while others hook me blind. Is there a more consistent way to make line calls in pickleball that everyone can agree on? Tamara W. Miami, FL  

Dear Tamara,

Yes, the standard is the same in Pickleball as it is in tennis:  Ball has to be clearly out to be called out.  In the absence of complete clarity, the ball is in.  The benefit of any doubt must go to the opponent. Of course even if folks know that this is the standard, as humans we are constrained by our biology.  People literally see what they want to see in the face of ambiguity.  When they want a ball to be out so badly and the ball is close, they see it out.  They aren’t intentionally cheating, this is just how human perception works.  The brain perceives in discrete snapshots of the ball in flight and then weaves these frames together to create our perception of a ball in continuous flight.  The brain literally fills in the gaps, and gaps make up over 99 percent of the information received by our eyes.  That is a lot of room to inject biases!

I mention all this because often people think they are being cheated, but the ‘offenders’ are calling it how they are literally seeing it, as opposed to seeing a ball in and deciding to cheat and call it out.

Lastly, calling lines in Pickleball (as well as tennis) is a learned skill.  Just as It takes a beginner a bit of time to learn how to make pickleball shots, calling lines is also a skill that grows over time.  This is another situation that benefits from some patience as well as the presumption of benevolent motives. Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Uh... no

Dear Avery

Sometimes during informal pickleball mixers, I find myself in the uncomfortable position of being asked to play with certain individuals that I'd rather not play with. Perhaps their negative attitudes or lack of skill bring down the quality of play, or maybe they are just too intense and don't project the fun and joy that I seek.

I'm wondering if there is a tactful way to decline an invitation to play in a group setting without offending anyone or coming across as rude?

Karen, Irvine, CA

Dear Karen, Yes, this one is easy.  Typically at the end of a game, the players take a quick break for water, bathroom, or even visiting with others that are waiting to play.  If you don’t want to play, let them know you need to take a break, and most of the time, they will fill your spot.

Another one is the likely truth that there is someone you do want to play with, so mention that you told this other person you would avail yourself to play with them when they were ready.  Then go hang next to the court on which this desired partner is playing.

Both of these responses are just authentic enough to not feel like you are lying, yet both are the most charitable way of saying, ‘nah, playing with you just sucks.’

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

The score is 420

Dear Avery

I have a hard time remembering the score.  Especially after long points.  Any tips for how to deal with this chronic situation?

Rastaman, Santa Cruz, CA

Dear Rasta,

I guess the obvious solution is to try to lay off the weed before playing pickleball.  Because I find this difficult and sometimes untenable, I just ask my doubles partner to help me track the score.  Most folks that don’t have similar cognitive deficits have no trouble helping in this way. Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Blown away

Dear Avery,

Do you have any suggestions for how to accommodate a windy day on the pickleball court?

Jim C, Waterbury Ct

Hi Jim,

Yes.  Wind requires more attention to footwork.  Performance in wind comes from being lighter on the feet, never letting the heels touch the ground during a point and not planting the feet too firmly so you can make micro adjustments to position yourself optimally to execute the shot.  The challenge in wind is that the ideal position changes while the ball is in flight and thus needs accommodation.  The good news is anyone can do this with just a little extra energy and focus. If you are a competitive player, in addition to the technique mentioned above, note that wind affects everyone equally.  The players that tend to perform best in the wind are those that don’t mind it.  So train your brain to believe that you love the wind for the challenge.  Tell yourself that you LOVE playing in the wind.  You have parts of your brain that will actually believe it, that is just science.  This will give you an edge as most players hate the wind and the contempt they feel exacerbates the difficulty of playing in windy conditions.

Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]

Lamaze for pickleball

Dear Avery,

I'm a beginner pickleball player and I'm deathly afraid of getting hit by the ball. I know I'm supposed to move up to the kitchen, but it just feels too close for comfort. I've been hit by the ball once before, and it hurt so much that I even compared it to childbirth.

Is there anything I can do to get over my fear and feel more comfortable on the court?

Sleepless in Salinas

Dear Sleepless,

Your fears are quite common, and even intermediate players have these … hesitations about getting near the kitchen. But there is an easy remedy.  Practice your reflex volleys.  Go out with as good a player as you can cajole to hit with you, stand just behind the kitchen and hit volleys to one another gradually increasing the pace of the shots.  This will sharpen your reflexes and give you more confidence. Also consider wearing clothes that are capable of taking the sting out of getting hit, and note that it doesn’t need to be a flap jacket, just an extra layer, and perhaps think about wearing goggles.

Lastly, try to avoid playing at night under poor lighting conditions as even advanced players lose some reaction time in these conditions. Send your questions to a very sage coach at [email protected]