​Is this newer sport that everyone is raving about merely "ping pong on steroids" or a "tennis wannabe"? Let's explore why this sport is definitely not like one sport but a combination of many, is definitely on steroids, and why it turns out that it is very "STICKY" - so it will be around for a while!

Blog updated March 31st referencing Washington State bill which made Pickleball the official sport of the State. No suggestion of a fad here!!

​Let's start with the question - which sport is Pickleball most like? Joel, William and Barney first invented this family game on vacation in 1965 for their bored children and Golden Retriever (my attribution) Pickles. They adopted whatever they could find for invention purposes (does "MVP" ring a bell for those in high tech?) and combined multiple sports including but not limited to: ping pong paddles; higher badminton net lowered for the kids (34" at the middle); Pickle's ball which was a wiffleball; makeshift badminton court (20'x44'); and, rules made up to make it difficult to smash the ball for easy winners such as the "no-fly-zone" of the kitchen (7' no volley zone at the net), one bounce rules and underhand serves. So the answer is it's not like one sport it's a "mashup" of many!

First up... Tennis is a very popular sport that has been in some ways buoyed by its TV friendliness. It's fun to watch on TV and in stadiums, and multiple angles show off the game's intricacies and the players' skill. Viewing audiences and attendant sponsorships help to raise players' purses (in more ways than one) and in turn, participation. It's fun to play and something like 20M players in North America agree according to the Tennis Industry Association's latest surveys. Pickleball shares many racquet and net sport similarities but it has smaller courts (2 to 1 approx), lower net, lighter and smaller racquets and a slower more responsive ball. These factors and more could help to explain its general popularity and take-up including 5M+ players in North America especially among the young, retirees, and boomers - in spite of the fact that the average casual Pickleball player's age in North America is approx. 34 years old (ref: USA Pickleball Association). 

​Squash and Racquetball were never TV-popular as it unfortunately made very difficult shots and returns look easy somehow. Attempts at showing different angles in glass court pro events and different viewer-friendly coloured balls never quite worked. Great work out (1,000+ calories/game at the competitive level) but requiring fairly good athleticism, fitness and hand/eye coordination. Squash courts and lines vary depending on European or North American games, and singles vs doubles games vary significantly regarding court sizes, lines, balls and sometimes racquets. Pickleball on the other hand is a very similar game whether it's singles or doubles (save for some obvious differences), increasing the take-up vs sports that require different venues and equipment based on number of players and dependant on the variation of the game they adopt. Also two different viewing angles in Pickleball nicely show off the game's two most common situations: dinking and close quarter banging at the kitchen; and base line play.

Ping pong is lots of fun to play, but almost too fast at the competitive level to follow, and for those of us who play on our home table with family and friends to mimic or fully appreciate. Badminton has its fine nuances that also doesn't seem to translate as well on video. Chess is a terrific mind game but matches are too long and strategy too complex to hold interest for the casual player, and TV and You Tube viewers.

But Pickleball as a "mashup" of all these sports seems to have all the right ingredients by luck and/or design: slower and well placed back and forth dinks in and around the kitchen which are unique to this sport; chess-like moves like an ATP (around the post, not over the net), purposeful misdirections and set-ups; well timed lobs that have opponents scrambling; then crazy back and forth smashes like doubles tennis at the net.

These factors and more keep the estimated 5.3M players (approx. 40% growth over 2 years) in about 9500 North American venues fully engaged, add to viewership and TV coverage, and therefore purses and popularity. CNN is talking about Pickleball "sweeping America" and states that it is now played in 70+ countries. ESPN and the Tennis Channel/PPA are showing pro matches, and You Tube is replete with introductory and advanced training videos and matches. Facebook has a plethora of interest groups dedicated to Pickleball like the Canadian Pickleball Forum, Pickleball Forum, USA Pickleball Seniors and others. 

Triple "AAA" Sport - for All, Anywhere and Always. The fact that Pickleball can be played by anyone is primarily because it was designed from the beginning to accomplish just that. Portable courts (Amazon and others have everything that you need) can be set up in back yards, driveways or on tennis courts - but if you  commandeer a tennis court, don't ask anyone before the game, ask for forgiveness later 😇. It's fun and very social - just approach any group of Pickleball players and I can guarantee that you will be invited to join! Anyone can pick up the game and its rules in one session, and equipment is not expensive. In addition, take-up may have been given a boost during the pandemic when most gyms were closed and given the attraction of getting some exercise (similar to squash in that my smart watch says up to 1,000 active calories in a 2 hour match), and playing a game outside that is easy to set up and play, as opposed to an enclosed court in close proximity to your opponent.  

Finally, the smaller navigable court and mechanics of the game allow players (singles, doubles or 3 players) of varying ages, skill sets and mobility to enjoy a game. Rain or shine, hot or cold, night or day you'll find Pickleball enthusiasts indoor and outdoor enjoying a match and good company. Different strokes, whiffleball spins, lobs, smashes, pace and strategic positioning make the game as competitive and fun as you can possibly handle. Switching partners (rec games) every so often levels the playing field (court) adding to the fun. A pint or glass of your favourite beverage after is a large part of the game and social benefit. Just "dink" responsibly!

​State of Washington Official Sport and Conclusions. You may agree that even given the somewhat limited arguments presented in this Pickleball Passion™ Myth Buster #8 of 10, there are many reasons why Pickleball is enjoying its exponential growth in popularity as the fastest growing sport in the world. No indication here that it is just a passing fad - in fact, Washington just became the 16th State to have an official sport and you guessed it - it's Pickleball!! Governor Jay Inslee actually signed the bill at the location on Bainbridge Island where the sport as discussed above was founded. How cool is that!!! Won't replace hockey as Canada's unofficial sport, but will come in a close second in my view.

Go out and give it a try if you haven't already, and you'll discover the many ways in which Pickleball enjoys a majority of the favourite elements of the sports we have grown up with. Who knew that a backyard combination of multiple sports would end up taking the world by storm? Just ask anyone who has experienced that eureka moment - or if you're very lucky "moments" - of an idea in business or sport that was just at the right time, market and place!!

When I first starting playing Pickleball, I was told that lobs (and "bashing") were not a big part of the sport vs "kitchen" play which was 80%+ of the game. Lobs were just for beginners! In Pickleball Passion™ Myth Buster #7 of 10 let's explore whether this is still true in 2022, and why or why not!

First of all and although this seems self evident, ​let's describe what a lob is. The three types of lobs are basically a high serve, an offensive (not in a mean way!) or a defensive return that is in a long high arc aimed over, at or behind you to your baseline. Why should this be part of the game today and have game strategies changed recently? Are the professionals on tour with APP or PPA doing this? If they are, this would be a good indication as to whether this is a sound 2022 strategy for us to consider.

In competitive squash I was taught that a properly executed shot against the front wall from the very front of the court which arcs over your opponent (who may be standing too far forward expecting a drop ball) and lands softly in the back corner, can be a killer shot. Hard to do but very effective. Does this idea similarly resonate in Pickleball for the same reasons?

Let's look at the cons for lobbing first as the answers lay in the many truths wrapped in that old proverb passed down thru the ages - "it depends"! The biggest issue in my mind is just that - if you're playing against tall or "I love bashing" opponents and your lob is not high or long enough, you will be looking directly at a punishing overhead smash coming your way. Also judgement is key because you do want to get the ball as close to the opposite baseline as possible but not "out" and there's little margin for error.

And speaking of "out", if you are playing outdoors the wind may be as challenging as your opponents, especially if you are hitting with the wind - and you only have 22 feet over there to work with! The sun may be your friend with a high lob, but the wind is most often not. Also, some players like "Lobber Larry" over-use the lob making it an expected shot which results in easy returns and predictively negative outcomes. Surprise is the missing strategic element here.

So although perfecting lobs and when to use them is as hard as learning to dink effectively, don't give up on trying just yet!

More professionals are using lobs for multiple reasons to good effect so having covered some cons, these are the "pros". The lob can be a particularly effective shot in your offensive and defensive repertoire given the right combination of situations which we'll explore briefly here.

Of the three types of lobs covered in this blog, the lob serve is the easiest to describe. It is essentially when you decide based on game dynamics to mix up your serve. As highlighted in Myth Buster #5 "Just Get The Serve In?" i believe that offensive serves are best. The one exception to this is when you decide to mix it up and keep your opponents guessing. It's also important to somehow let your partner know when you are changing it up as a heavier return is most probable in this circumstance!

The most often used offensive lob situation is when all players are at their respective non-volley (kitchen) lines. Your opponents are fixated by the back and forth dinking going on, and perhaps leaning in as a result. Then you get a "dead" dink (one that is flat, no spin and easy to lift) and this is the time to "lift" a well-disguised arcing lob just over your opponent's backhand to their baseline. In general, offensive lobs should be avoided when you are at your own baseline as the probability of success is low. Lobs may be especially effective in rec play when one of your opponents is less mobile, but you'll find out that it's not a particularly popular move when you get to the bar or home later - trust me on this!

A defensive lob is executed in a similar manner but with a higher arc and in different situations. The goal here is not necessarily to win a point as is the case with an offensive lob. You may want to buy you and your partner more time to get back into a rally. You may be scrambling forward, your opponents are at or near the kitchen, and you are not sure if you can dink the ball with any accuracy. You may be returning their lob and a drop shot is not practical. And finally, a defensive lob may be the only rational return of a well-hit hard shot at your feet from an opponent closer to the kitchen, again as you are scrambling forward. Been there, done that and you know the rest!

A final proof point for responsible lobbing can be found in an AllPickleball posting of recent wins by pros (including World #1 Ben Johns) using the lob. In addition if you are still not convinced, have a look at the most recent pro event finals on You Tube and you'll be surprised at how often the lob is used now as opposed to even last year, to positive effect. These are Mens' and Women's Gold Medal match wins courtesy of lobs, so I rest my case - Get Your Lob On!! 

Is Pickleball "poaching" poor etiquette, an example of a "ball hog", or a good strategy? Let's explore some of the pros and cons in this Myth Buster #6 of 10 Blog from Pickleball Passion™... some content from Pickleball Kitchen and The Pickleball Pirates.
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Wikipedia says Poaching was once performed by impoverished peasants for subsistence purposes and to supplement meagre diets. With respect to Pickleball, it's a term used when your partner "intercepts" or "steals" a ball coming to you for your hitting pleasure. Maybe there's a corollary here? 😏
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There are basically two types of poaching: planned and unplanned. An example would be that you are eagerly waiting to return the ball with a perfect overhead smash, dink or a perfect line drive awarding your team with a point courtesy of yours truly - and your partner steps in front of you and takes away your glory. Many Pickleball enthusiasts "hate" this situation, but don't "jump" to any conclusions as crossing the "divorce line" (mixed doubles expression) as depicted in the pic above, may be the right thing to do under certain conditions!

There are indeed some reasons why you or your partner may "poach" to strategic advantage

1. Surprise: You may think that, or perhaps your partner has agreed [Editor's note: not mine!], that you are the better player. By taking the ball aimed at your partner earlier than your opponents may anticipate (especially on their return of serve or when your partner has gone back to retrieve a lob), you may catch them by surprise. This may not allow them to achieve better positioning (especially if they are in motion), prevent a stronger return, and possibly avoid a potential mistake by your partner
 
2. Better Shot: Also if the ball that you decide to poach returns high and is a relatively easy attack, you can execute a better return than your partner would who in this example, is behind you in the court at the baseline or attempting to advance. This is especially true with a forehand poach. Your partner would probably have a lower return shot that is easier for your opponents to retrieve, or your partner may attempt a more difficult drop from the back of the court with a lower percentage probability of success (mostly for us intermediate players!).

3. It's Fun: And finally, you just love to "smash" that ball at the feet of your opponents as they scramble up to the kitchen line! Given that all the variables are lined up in your favour as above, and you are also good at driving that ball or dinking with a high probability of winning the point, go for it!!

​So Is Poaching a Faux-Pas? In the alternative, most poaching happens when one partner is forward and the other is back. Otherwise if you are both properly ready at the kitchen line, I would suggest that it's "pure poaching" and not necessarily the best strategic return as it opens up the opposite court [Editor: this blog ignores forehand vs backhand priority on the center line - a future blog will discuss this additional consideration]. To poach, your partner has to cross the mid court line to your side to intercept/steal "your ball" before it gets to you, abandoning his/her side of the court temporarily. The downside is just that - they have to get back and cover that open space, or you "switch" sides and you cover perhaps leading to a situation where you are now in a difficult defensive rather than offensive stance! This is especially true if your partner's return is an easily returned half volley defensive shot to the side he/she is supposed to be protecting.

There are also players who make a habit of chasing cross-court returns of serve into the server’s side of centre (sometimes even forcing their partners to scramble to avoid them, therefore leaving both out of position) reaching to half-volley the 3rd shot on a ball bouncing nearer to their partner, and leaving their side of court attackable. Again, this blog does not address left vs right-handed or partner strength considerations - stay tuned.

Finally, everyone loves to be engaged in a rally and if your partner poaches too often, and in the worse case scenario misses the shots, then you may need to have an on-court Tête-à-tête or perhaps it will be gruel for dinner, or nothing!! Plus a weaker player will never improve if their partner always poaches.

Whatever the situation, it's really a matter of context. The main strategic agreement that you and your partner should have either before the match or decided during battle, is when and if, and by whom poaching should occur - additional communication shown by signals below. Your open hand poach signal at the kitchen would mean that your partner at the base line should stay back on their return encouraging a shot back to them, and you could then poach at the front for a winner.

There is no "ego" involved here especially at the recreational level as we all want to have equal fun, and you don't want your poaching to become a fun stealer not just a shot stealer! If a poach has a better chance of winning the point on behalf of the team, then it's fair game as far as I'm concerned and a "congratulations" to your partner is in order.

​It's really all about the team and we should all encourage strategies that provide the best outcomes - to have fun and win sometimes❣

Following my Pickleball Passion™ Valentine's Day blog highlighting 4 of the 10 Pickleball Myth Busters, I am now sending number 5 your way. Additional background on serving strategies can be found at PrimeTime Pickleball.

Myth # 5: Just Get The Serve In?

Another of my favourites. Having been "schooled" on the squash court originally by Sharif Khan of the Khan squash dynasty (widely considered one of the all-time great squash players), I remember everyone except Sharif saying "the serve's purpose is just to get the point started". In the alternative, he set us on the right track by teaching that the serve should be an offensive (not meaning naughty) shot putting pressure on your opponent from the get go. Fast forward, I have carried that advice to the Pickleball court with some positive results as suggested below.

Introduction: Some say that in general, serving is the most under-valued part of the game given the alternative generic guidance that "if you don't get the serve in play you can't win the point". I would argue just as Canada's best Pickleball pro Steve Deakin does, that a conservative serve is as bad as a missed one! An opponent's unbalanced return is to the server's team benefit, and a better set up for the serving team's "most" important third shot.

Don't be afraid of missing a few aggressive serves. The corollary is that the pressure put on you from the opponent's team superior return of a conservative serve will cause more harm (points lost overall in a match) than a few missed serves. Also perhaps you can get in a few ego deflating "aces" (my favourite is a spinning-outwards serve just past the kitchen line inside the top corner of the service box) as you do in tennis, or at the very least effect a return "pop up" or slow ball, putting your opponents out of position and providing the possibility of an easier put away on your side. Finally if you want a bit more power and additionally maintain better balance, take a step into the serve and don't hit it while you are standing still and directly facing your opponents. This step serve is more difficult to do of course if you drop serve.

Don't Serve and "Drift". The most prevalent mistake made by beginners and plenty of intermediate players, is to wander a few steps forward from the baseline after your serve. The problem? Your opponents mission is to drive the ball back to you as close to the baseline as possible to keep you back while they travel to the kitchen. If you are a few steps into the court, the ball is now at your feet with a predictable outcome - one that is not good for you even if you manage to get your paddle on the ball for a weak return as you retreat! Also, how do you hit a third shot drop if you are out of position? Stay behind the baseline and watch for a short return just in case.

Also, placement is key. Shot placement is an important consideration in winning serve strategies: deep serves to keep your opponent well behind the baseline; spins that make the ball's trajectory flatten on impact and change direction; serves that take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses (like a relatively weaker backhand or trouble with faster pace); serves that are low to the court (especially with those pesky tall players); and, a set of landing targets that you feel comfortable with and can mix up as required.  

Finally, unpredictability as a winning strategy. If your opponents know that your serve is relatively the same every time, they will be ready and will be able to execute an easy return. Mix it up between short, long, left and right, lob - and keep them guessing. Always look up to see where they are positioned before serving. They may be cheating expecting you to hit a certain serve. Pick your target and you can take advantage. Examples to look for include but are not limited to: an opponent standing well in front of the baseline anticipating a short serve - strike the serve at their feet with authority or lob it so they have to retreat to let it bounce; standing with a bias to one side or the other - strike the ball as far to the opposite side as you can with an outside or inside spin depending on the court side: and, given observed weaknesses (such as weaker backhand) in that match (not always the same depending on the day), take advantage by capitalizing on that weakness! After all, even though goal #1 is to have fun, it's also good to win once in a while :) 

If you are also interested in reviewing Pickleball's serving rules, the video below is quite helpful.

​Hope that you enjoyed Myth Buster # 5 "Just Get The Serve In". The next Pickleball Passion Blog will cover # 6 of the 10 Pickleball Myth Busters!