Pickleball articles at https://www.pickleballportal.com/author/david-boyle/

PICKLEBALL JOURNAL – ENTRY 4

Three courts with adequate space between them. Players rotated four at a time, match point seven. Some familiar faces along with new ones. As far as trying new techniques and doing them right was concerned I played some good games. For the most part I defended spiked balls and handled long rallies, winning some too! I was stunned—and happy—that dinking got worked into play here and there, though not for long. A few longish points were a pleasure to play, incorporating more finesse than in previous games. About three of my teammates were grumpy and unfriendly, wearing permanent frowns. I would say hi and introduce myself, the looks they gave reminding me of the pre-fight face a boxer would have staring down an opponent before the bell rings. Venomous replies often followed my attempts at conversation and common courtesy.

Again I had a teammate telling me how to play and where to stand when serving. I’ll never know where these people get the audacity to instruct someone else while their own game is ridden with imperfections. One of my teammates went after almost every ball, getting in my way most of the time, hitting the ball into the net, hitting a side-out or losing the point; then, when down in points, moaning and complaining about our deficit. Ha! To clarify, I don’t mind having a partner take shots from me or cut me off if certain of the put-away. Go ahead, I say, you have my full support, I am easygoing and never temperamental in the heat of battle. If you’ve got the confidence and skill of Anna Leigh Waters or Ben Johns or other pro players, take over the court and win it for us. I’ll watch with respect, awe, and admiration. The harsh reality is—none of them do! They just take control and then drop their heads as their plans fall apart, the scoreboard a reminder of poor choices.

Two girls I played against did no spiking at all. What fun we had! During the “good match” tapping of paddles at the end I made sure to tell the gals I appreciated their game and how thrilling it was for me to use a different style. “Thank you,” one of them replied, “a little more finesse sometimes.” A nice moment for sure, one I hope to have again. So far in recreational play I have yet to see, or perform myself, an ATP, an Erne, a tweener, a Bert, a shake and bake, a poach (I love watching Anna Leigh do it! Nobody does it better!). I look forward to the next event.