For a beginner like me, this was a good video to watch and great commentary on the play to learn from. The pros and the 5.0 players are from a different pickleball planet, as far as I am concerned. But the mistakes these guys made that you pointed out are very relatable and are good learning moments. Thanks for the video and insightful comments.
Pickleball started out to be fun and now it’s turned into this. Everything has to be perfect and the fun has been taken out of it. Players have forgotten how they were when they started. I see new people come to the game and have anxiety because of how people act when they play with them. I’ve played with people that were so worried about how I played that they would hit the net or hit it out of bounds and couldn’t play their own game because they thought they were better than me. I found the 2.5-3.0 people laugh and have the most fun.
Great video! The original intent for the Cory Pickleball channel was to be a learning tool for us. Hopefully we can follow it up with a 3.5ish at best video soon. Thanks Rory!
You're welcome. I hope you can as well. Thanks for not over-inflating your abilities. I'm doing a video right now of players at the 4.5 level. One 4.5 team in Indiana and one for 4.5 team in Florida. The difference in the level of play is very obvious. But, both games are at the 4.5 level. It will be up tomorrow morning. Check it out.
For a beginner, this is terrific content and valuable replays of good and bad court decisions that many of us make. Hitting third-drop shots and keeping your opponent deep while at the kitchen is vitally important. A sincere Thanks for the video!
I realized that I forgot to end my commentary with a big THANK YOU for creating this video and allowing us to share thoughts/ideas/opinions on your channel. Thanks again Rory!
in regards to the pricy paddle/shoes guy: In competitive cycling we had a saying: Better to be a $5000 rider on a $50 bike than a $50 rider on a $5000 bike...
Re: criticizing the guy with the expensive shoes and paddle- as an older player I can tell you that investing in really good foot wear is important and not a statement. Protects your knees, back, etc. Having a good paddle has also helped me keep more shots in and be able to work on putting spin on the ball. Didn’t make me a professional player but both items helped. Meh. I do like your channel. 😊
You're exactly correct. Some players tell me they love their $49 paddle. I tell them they would love their $189 paddle that much more. And, for players playing in running shoes, I suggest they buy court shoes. Running shoes are designed to move forward. Court shoes are designed to move side to side. It does make a huge difference concerning both of those items. Thanks for watching.
The guy in yellow looks pretty consistent in his play. I would put him a little north of 3.0. Possibly closer to a 3.5. Another thing they should be doing. Is backing up once you see the opposing raise the paddle over their heads to overhead smash.
i consciously try to do a 3rd shot drop but 80% of the time it lacks power and hits the tip of the net or our kitchen and it is annoying when its so close lol. i gotta work on that too as a self-proclaimed 3.0. Also, i love this types of 'break it down' vod reviews.
Glad you like the videos. Just try to get your third shot over the net. It doesn't matter if it's a little too high. You can stop in the middle of the transition zone, defend and try to get your fifth shot into the kitchen.
Great commentary. And a really nice backyard pickleball court! What's the address? Me and my friends want to hop the fence and play a game or two. And if the homeowner could keep the lights on for us, that would be appreciated. We will be sneaking by at nite. lol
Beginner Singles Pickleball player here. Just started seeing some of your Videos which seem to all be doubles matches. Thought it would be nice to see a Singles match sometime down the line. Thanks
Thanks for asking. Singles is like a different game. I don't play a lot of singles so I'm not really qualified to comment. Thanks so much for watching.
You are correct. I never anticipate a shallow serve. Sometimes when running forward, I do pop the ball up because I really can't get set in time. So, if a player hits more than one shallow serve to me, I'm stepping way into the court before they serve the next one. Thanks for asking and thanks for watching.
3:00 on the returner not moving up to the kitchen line. Are you *always* supposed to move up to the kitchen line on every return? It seems like, given his backfooted return, he wouldn't have time to reach the kitchen and would be caught mid court with the ball at his feet.
I think it's the right move. I do it every time. As fast as I can. My goal is to get established at the kitchen line before my opponent makes contact with the ball. Some people just take their time and don't make it in time. Thanks for watching and commenting.
IMO, following return of serve to kitchen line is an absolute commandment. You may have to take some pace off of your return, in order to give yourself time to get up there, and we all mis-hit returns, but getting to the line is always the objective. Always.
I'm 82. I play Pickleball every day. Show up, put my name on the signup sheet. Whoever is next on the list will be my partner. Play a relaxed game. When the opponents have greater skill, I up my game. People don't like to be Pickled. Partners don't like to be left out by a super aggressive better player. All of our local tournaments are run with random selection of partners. No regard to "skill level".
That's my definition of a really good player.... one that can adjust their level of play to make it fun for everyone. They can still win, of course, but it makes it a fun game. Congrats on getting out there!
Appreciate you calling out the guy who cheered like a loon when he hit an easy put away. Dude, your opponent served you up a meatball. It was a pop up...a gift. Nothing to gloat over. One of my pet peeves is hearing people say "great shot" when it wasn't. The shot before it was just a really bad one.
That is totally 100% correct! I call them lollipops. And when a player puts a lollipop away, I sometimes say, "that was so easy, an 8th grader could have done it." There was nothing great about it. I really appreciate you watching my channel and taking the time to comment.
It looks like all four of these guys are what I call “slicers”. They contact the ball back in their stance and slice across the and not through the ball to generate topspin. Oh and have almost situational awareness. Getting caught in no mans land. Get to the NVZ as quick as you can.
Glad you like it and thanks for watching. If you put a video up on youtube, just send me a link in the comment section of my most recent video. I reply to all of the comments I receive. I'll be happy to do it.
Rory, I have found a lot of heavy people who cannot move will LOB all the time, becuz I am good at net and play "true PB", they will lob so much and partner and I can't get point reset. They are keeping ball away from me at net to not allow me down the middle, or cannot get into good rallys. Very frustrating, and I know it's becuz they CAN NOT move, I can, but hard to run backwards, plus danger of falling. Any advice pls? Tu so MUCH...
Yeah lobs s*ck! when overused to compensate for lack of mobility and skill. No fun to play with people who lob every ball. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ. No thanks. Avoid.
The PB players at my city rec center use lobs a lot. It's so irritating because it's been drilled into my brain to move up to the kitchen line only to have your opponent lob the ball back court. 😕
Practice your overheads. Continental grip, not western (frying pan). Get sideways and your non paddle hand should be up in the air pointing at the ball so you get proper shoulder transfer and pronation. Punishing lobs is how you stop them. Also deep serves and deep returns make lobs more difficult.
@beverlygraves8837 Respectfully, that makes no sense. You can’t get to the “heavy” player’s lob and they are the players who cannot move??? Do not EVER run backwards. Your arms can’t break your fall and you will hit your head on a very hard surface. Last incident at my club resulted in paramedics, many stitches and a large blood stain on the court. If the lob goes over your head, your partner should turn and run as their degree of turn is less than yours at both ends of their run. The person running says “switch” so their partner moves to cover the other side of the court and gets out of the way of the return. True pickleball? At advanced levels you seldom, see lobs as an offensive shot because it’s slow and high and their opponents have plenty of time to get to it. When they do lob, they are not trying to win the rally with that shot. They are trying to slow the pace and possibly open space to set up their next shot. It is generally not effective as a pro can reset the ball from anywhere on the court. Offensive lobs are effective when all 4 players are at the NVZ during open play at your local pickleball court when your opponents have limited mobility. I, personally, don’t want to win a rally by taking advantage of my opponents lack of mobility. I will take advantage of weaknesses I see like a weak backhand, for example.
Why 3.0 pickleball is the absolute best level for most people to play from a certified 3.0 player who almost never dinks, almost never uses a backhand and who would never send a third shot drop. 1). If you have bad knees or arthritic knees the LAST thing you want to do is go squat or crouch on the kitchen line and play the short game. Because a 3.0 player does not have control of the dink, as per the definition of the rating, the painful or uncomfortable short game can be avoided altogether and as largely illustrated by these gentlemen. 2). As per the definition, 3.0 pickleball players do not have control of the backhand therefore the backhand can largely be minimized or removed from your game. I have been playing for 6 months and can completely refrain from using my backhand 90% of the time. Let's face it if you've never played a racket or paddle sport of any sorts the backhand is completely foreign and takes way too much practice to perfect therefore just plan on leaving that out of your game for the most part. 3). The third shot drop sets up the painful or uncomfortable short game dink rally, therefore why aim for a third shot drop but instead enjoy the longer drive of the forehand. Rory keeps mentioning that these gentlemen should move quickly up to the kitchen line but I for one enjoy hanging back and wailing drives back and forth. The feeling of a swinging a deep drive is invigorating and much more so than battling in a contorted chicken wing backhand position up at the kitchen line. By staying deep you get many more touches and swings at the ball whereas as soon as you come up to the kitchen likely the ball is going to be put away by either side much more quickly. I'm baffled by how many videos there are about for example how to get from 3.0 to 3.5. The truth of the matter is many many people will enjoy the game much much more if they stay at the 3.0 level. By largely removing the short game and the need for a backhand many more people will enjoy themselves playing pickleball. In other words, do not try to improve yourself too much as you do you will get sucked into games with people that have more of a desire to win rather than have fun. This is one of the finest games that I've seen on your channel because they're playing at the way a 3.0 game should be played without the need or desire to improve themselves.
Thanks for writing. If they are happy with where they are at, then that's ok. I play with players who have been playing for years and are still 3.0. I play with players who have been playing for three months and are 4.0. You say you stay back and the feeling of a deep drive is invigorating. If you do that and are winning, that tells me your opponents are not versed in how to properly play against you. Thanks for watching my channel. I appreciate it.
That is the prevailing attitude of a number of rec players, and while that is their choice, it doesn’t work well for someone like me who wants to advance. I find that playing league play helps me to “up” my game because it presents a challenge. But, that being said, there’s nothing wrong with players who just enjoy doing their thing and whose attitude is different from those who want to advance.
Why not just play with beginners who cant hit the broad side of barn? It will be quite "invigorating" to make them eat every one of your satisfying drives 🙄
The third shot drop is the most difficult shot in pickleball. I don't think that you can expect it out of 3.0 players. Most of the players I play against, who rate themselves as 3.0, are probably equal to these players. A good and consistent third-shot drop, along with a consistent ability to serve accurately and move up after the return of serve is what make a 4.0 player
Boy you have got it right on the ranking. Finding that out this Summer as I came back from learning the game in Arizona at a 500 member club with a great training program. Michigan players in my home state really think a lot of themselves. I even got asked to not play with a church group of men’s players that think they are 4.0 plus players!
Exactly. Arizona is a hotbed for pickleball. Michigan is not. If you see a 4.0 player in Michigan they are usually nowhere near the level of a 4.0 player in Arizona. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.
It sure was. Training was serious and skills were tested and observed play. Left a 2.5 after starting in February as a beginner not even knowing the rules the end of March. Michigan seems to be whatever you think you are. Most of the 4.0 plus players could not even pass the testing requirement for 2.5 play I passed. It was too funny.
See comment above how 3.0's purposely stay away from the dink or short game especially if one has mobility challenges, this makes sense as the 'dink battles' are so boring, would much rather swing harder than dink.
Feel like a harsh critique on a close miss long on the return of serve is not really warranted because a it's the right idea as you know, the farther back you return a serve the better because it makes your opponents third shot harder. Sure it's giving away a point when you miss but so is any other missed shot, it's like missing a speed up when it was the right time for a speed up. unforced error but the right play.
Pros do not serve as deep as you may think they do. That's because they do not want to give up the opportunity to score points. If they do not have the ball in hand, they cannot score.
These players showed minimal skill regarding 3rd shots and 4th shots. Many missed opportunities and unforced errors. I would say between 2.5-3.0. There were some good volleys and dinking, but no one was exceptional at either. Serves were right on par with 3.0.
I definitely am not 4.0. Unfortunately, I actually do know these guys and am embarrassed. Actually, I’m just ribbing them With my comments. Great group of guys trying to watch themselves and learn from their mistakes.
Let’s give these players some credit for moving up to the kitchen on the return of serve. So many at this level don’t move up, and stay stuck in the back.
You are exactly right. That's a huge mistake 3.0 players make. Kind of interesting that sometimes they moved up and sometimes they didn't. Not sure why they didn't move up the times they didn't. Thanks for watching.
As noted in my longer comment above, I really enjoy staying back and driving the ball back and forth as much as possible because it feels so good. I also love to lob the ball and then come up and try to attack the ball with an equal amount of force which makes for a very invigorating kill.
@@seinnamiller1218 You sound fun to play with (not!). Not sure what game you're playing but it's not pickleball. Invent your own sport and see if you can get others to play with you. Good luck.
Shoo! I have no idea what I am ranked but my partner and I got whipped by some guys today and the one guy said he was 3.5. (!) I thought..shoosh..if that's 3.5 am I even 3.0??? (My serve is nice and deep and most often in. I can return nice lofted and in almost all the time. I'm working on my drops and am getting them about 30-40% of the time.-trying to be honest here.) I know where to be and move up to the line when serving as we can. The 3.5 player said he got ranked at a 9 week program where you go and play 9 games. Seemed legit. :)
Nine games and 9 weeks? That's seems really low. If you're getting your third shot drops to land in the kitchen 30% to 40% of the time, that's much more often than 3.0 level players do, so you're closer to 3.5. Just call it 3.25. Thanks for watching.
If you are, you're playing against players who don't know how to take advantage of you being back there. It is not the correct way to play. Thanks for watching.
You mentioned that pros don't wear gloves. You did not mention they play with new paddles and new grips. I wear a glove in: golf, table tennis, pickleball and cycling. Pros wear gloves in baseball, cycling and golf. They do this to enhance their grip. Why do you recommend not wearing a glove?
Thanks for asking. I was just pointing out that I don't know of any professional pickleball player who wears a glove. I only know of one recreational player that does. I think it has to do with feel. I play golf. I wear a golf glove so the golf club does not slip in my hands. I have no worries that my pickleball paddle will slip in my hand. Then there are the Fred Couples who have never worn a golf club in their life. LOL!
@@pickleballpick-apart9787 Thanks for responding. I wear a glove on my paddle hand to prevent slipping. Same for golf. What is funny about golf is the guys removing the glove for putting. What up with that? I'll tell you. Since the pros do it, the Joes do it? I suspect that Fred couples has new grips installed every month or more. Also, he has a dude carrying a nice big dry towel for him. Some golfers wear two gloves. Same in baseball. I wear a glove on my non playing hand in pickleball, when outside. It is for sun protection. So, I'm the only person out there with two gloves! I enjoy your videos. They have helped my game.
two gloves sounds to me like a good idea, although I think it would bother me. I wear a golfer's "rain" glove on my paddle hand. My hands sweat like crazy when I play PB, and with the rain glove there is no slipping. But it does get hot, so if I have a few minutes between games I take the glove off. (same with golf, I take the glove off in between shots, and when I put. Keeping the glove off as much as possible keeps the regular golf glove usable, longer). Just my opinion.@@Leaann111
@@longtimelo I never coach in rec play. In DUPR play, what I actually say is , "do you want me to play back with you ?" Even at DUPR level 3 I often got a confused look! I finally had a woman admit to me why she was playing back, and why ( I suspect ) most of my partners were. They are scared. Simple like that. They think that by playing back most of the pepper will come off the ball. (It also lands at their feet, which results in them popping it up for another return smash) They think that by playing back they are covering the angle. They aren't. What they are doing is putting themselves out of position Mostly they play back so they can continue to play geriatric tennis, and not use their short game, ie; drop shots and dinking; because , well, they do not have a short game !
Thanks for pointing that out. I do have a microphone. I just forgot to plug it into my camera before hitting record and I didn't really want to record my intro and outro over. I probably should have. My other videos don't sound this way. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for pointing out that spending $400 on equipment does not make us a better player. I'll keep my Head Radical Elite and Under Armour running shoes and spend my money elsewhere. Maybe private lessons so that I can overcome my 2.5 rating. 😂
Lessons are a great idea. I do think, as you get better, it will do you well to get a better racket than one made by Head. The company makes incredible tennis equipment. They dabble in pickleball.
@pickleballpick-apart9787 you guys are high. These guys are easily at 3.5 to 4.0 as far as ability and skill set. They just need practice...to reduce unforced errors
I agree, if this person is constantly critiquing the play of others who are simply trying to have fun and considers watching this type of game a waste of time, this is predatory behavior and somewhat psychopathetic behavior as this person looks at this game and likely many other things in life as something he or she must dominate and control rather than just relaxing and having some fun. The person relaxing and just having some fun is the person that would be more fun to invite to your party!
Players waiting their turn to play on the next available court view that situation as a waste of time . But what it really is , is an opportunity to analyze & then learn from all the mistakes happening right in front of them in those games in progress . I make a habit, while waiting my turn , to identify/critique rallies in plain sight in order to pinpoint just exactly why a rally was won or how it was lost . Most of the time , it was not a result of the final shot , but rather , a result of one or more fundamental mistakes committed earlier in the rally . And I'm not talking about sophisticated strategy here . NOOOO ! It's a result of a lack of a basic understanding of the game . I believe a player can have 5.0 knowledge before they ever pick up a paddle for the first time . And not watching games happening right in front of you , and learning from them , will keep you @ 3.0 . The purpose of your video exemplifies the point .
Perfectly stated. When I'm waiting in the stands to get on the court I watch all the play I can. There are 70 people where I play. I know how each and every one of them play. I know what their strengths are and their weaknesses are. That's because I pay attention. And the truth is, I can beat every one of them, except a couple, who who are very very good. Thanks for commenting. One of the best responses ever.
OMG, you're definitely not from the camp of "just playing for fun." Hard to understand why some people have to always focus on getting better or winning ESPECIALLY over the age of 50. What would be best if everyone wore a badge with two things on it: their ranking and whether they are there for 'fun' or to 'win.' When you spend much for your life winning it is so easy and enjoyable to let others win especially if they gain any thing from it. I play for fun and nothing else ever.
I would bet $50.00 the guy in white a former dbls tennis player. They do not come up!! They can become good players but have to learn to come to kitchen line, play with and against. I'm former 3.5 10s player so I know. Takes a while to undo that tennis mind!!! Bet he was good 10s player!!!
Good point. I've introduced two 4.5 tennis players to pickleball. They are very good now, but, it took a month or so for them to adjust. As you mentioned, one of the biggest problems, thinking they can win from the baseline. The second problem, thinking the ball is going to bounce higher than it does and not bending their knees to go down and get it. Thanks for watching.
Good analysis. 2.5--to low 3.0 ish seems right. They have very poor understanding of strategy, lack of consistency, and bad shot selections. The game is fun because they're all equally weak players.
"poor understanding of strategy" or simply a desire to purposefully NOT incorporate any strategy that would shorten their rallies. Picking on someone's weaknesses should be reserved for picklers with higher rating as 3.0 pickleball is all about FUN. Also using the term weak seems misplaced as these gentlemen look like strong 3.0 players and hopefully they continue to remain at the 3.0 level, having arguably more fun that anyone at the higher ratings who have sacrificed or invested so many more hours into a GAME.
@seinnamiller1218 I guess you're right. I could have used better wording. I prefer leveled play, no matter if you're beginner, or pro, its going to bw more fun when everyone is around the same skill set, and equally as "strong". I disagree that using being "strategic" is reserved for upper levels of play, but you're right that in rec games, fun is what matters, and it's clear these guys are enjoying the match.
I just learned two weeks ago and am better than these guys. Wow, 3.0 is like worse than semi athleteic players who just know the rules and watch a cuople youtube videos.
$200 paddle, $150 shoes, $35k court ….and a 3.0 at best player 😂😂😂 stop it. Someone on this court (the owner) should have been 4.0 AT LEAST. Is there really any excuse to have your own court and NOT poses bare minimum, 4.0 skills? Lol
They may just play for enjoyment and exercise and only want to play at this level for health or enjoyment reasons. It does take considerable effort to Improve and not everyone can do that. A lot of people play just because it’s fun and they’re not interested in being the best
If you have the money and enjoy the game why not? 99.99% of people that have swimming pools in their back yard are not competitive swimmers. Most people that buy Porsche never take it to the race track to test the limits.
For a beginner like me, this was a good video to watch and great commentary on the play to learn from. The pros and the 5.0 players are from a different pickleball planet, as far as I am concerned. But the mistakes these guys made that you pointed out are very relatable and are good learning moments. Thanks for the video and insightful comments.
You're more than welcome! I really appreciate you watching.
These guys look like they have fun together. Most important thing as I’m sure you agree. Appreciate the commentary
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Pickleball started out to be fun and now it’s turned into this. Everything has to be perfect and the fun has been taken out of it. Players have forgotten how they were when they started. I see new people come to the game and have anxiety because of how people act when they play with them. I’ve played with people that were so worried about how I played that they would hit the net or hit it out of bounds and couldn’t play their own game because they thought they were better than me. I found the 2.5-3.0 people laugh and have the most fun.
You're right. Some people take it too seriously. Thanks for watching.
Great video! The original intent for the Cory Pickleball channel was to be a learning tool for us. Hopefully we can follow it up with a 3.5ish at best video soon. Thanks Rory!
You're welcome. I hope you can as well. Thanks for not over-inflating your abilities. I'm doing a video right now of players at the 4.5 level. One 4.5 team in Indiana and one for 4.5 team in Florida. The difference in the level of play is very obvious. But, both games are at the 4.5 level. It will be up tomorrow morning. Check it out.
For a beginner, this is terrific content and valuable replays of good and bad court decisions that many of us make. Hitting third-drop shots and keeping your opponent deep while at the kitchen is vitally important. A sincere Thanks for the video!
Loved the video with explanations of the play. Thank you.
You're more than welcome! Thanks for watching.
I appreciate the analysis of 3.0 players on RUclips. Thank you!!
You're more than welcome. There are a lot of them out there. Thanks for watching.
This video really helped me, such a different way of presenting!
Awesome! I'm really glad it helped you. Thanks for watching. Tell a friend.
very informational. As a 3.0 player or close to it, I see myself making almost all of these same mistakes. hope i can correct them :)
You can. Just keep grinding. Thanks for watching.
I realized that I forgot to end my commentary with a big THANK YOU for creating this video and allowing us to share thoughts/ideas/opinions on your channel. Thanks again Rory!
You are so welcome!
in regards to the pricy paddle/shoes guy: In competitive cycling we had a saying: Better to be a $5000 rider on a $50 bike than a $50 rider on a $5000 bike...
I've heard that before. Thanks for watching.
Re: criticizing the guy with the expensive shoes and paddle- as an older player I can tell you that investing in really good foot wear is important and not a statement. Protects your knees, back, etc. Having a good paddle has also helped me keep more shots in and be able to work on putting spin on the ball. Didn’t make me a professional player but both items helped. Meh. I do like your channel. 😊
You're exactly correct. Some players tell me they love their $49 paddle. I tell them they would love their $189 paddle that much more. And, for players playing in running shoes, I suggest they buy court shoes. Running shoes are designed to move forward. Court shoes are designed to move side to side. It does make a huge difference concerning both of those items. Thanks for watching.
This was a great learning tool! 👏👏👏
I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.
The guys seem like good friends who are just having fun
Yep. Seems that way. Thanks for watching.
Great info, well delivered and well intended, thanks!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
These guys are definitely on their way. Made simple mistakes but definitely solid players.
Thanks for watching. Yes. They have the ability to improve. At least they have a sound understanding of where they are at.
The guy in yellow looks pretty consistent in his play. I would put him a little north of 3.0. Possibly closer to a 3.5. Another thing they should be doing. Is backing up once you see the opposing raise the paddle over their heads to overhead smash.
Good point. Thanks for watching.
Your videos are very helpful for a beginner. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
I agree. Very helpful.
i consciously try to do a 3rd shot drop but 80% of the time it lacks power and hits the tip of the net or our kitchen and it is annoying when its so close lol. i gotta work on that too as a self-proclaimed 3.0. Also, i love this types of 'break it down' vod reviews.
Glad you like the videos. Just try to get your third shot over the net. It doesn't matter if it's a little too high. You can stop in the middle of the transition zone, defend and try to get your fifth shot into the kitchen.
Great commentary. And a really nice backyard pickleball court! What's the address? Me and my friends want to hop the fence and play a game or two. And if the homeowner could keep the lights on for us, that would be appreciated. We will be sneaking by at nite. lol
Haha. Yes. Really nice court.
Beginner Singles Pickleball player here. Just started seeing some of your Videos which seem to all be doubles matches. Thought it would be nice to see a Singles match sometime down the line. Thanks
Thanks for asking. Singles is like a different game. I don't play a lot of singles so I'm not really qualified to comment. Thanks so much for watching.
Search for videos called “bangers” that’s what pickleball players call tennis players, or anyone that can hit hard of both sides.
Question for you Rory. How do you hit a short serve if you don’t run up to meet the ball? You can’t always anticipate a short serve!
You are correct. I never anticipate a shallow serve. Sometimes when running forward, I do pop the ball up because I really can't get set in time. So, if a player hits more than one shallow serve to me, I'm stepping way into the court before they serve the next one. Thanks for asking and thanks for watching.
Good commentary. Go into your Windows settings and increase your mouse size.
I've done that before and viewers complained it was too big. Thanks for the suggestion.
3:00 on the returner not moving up to the kitchen line. Are you *always* supposed to move up to the kitchen line on every return? It seems like, given his backfooted return, he wouldn't have time to reach the kitchen and would be caught mid court with the ball at his feet.
I think it's the right move. I do it every time. As fast as I can. My goal is to get established at the kitchen line before my opponent makes contact with the ball. Some people just take their time and don't make it in time. Thanks for watching and commenting.
IMO, following return of serve to kitchen line is an absolute commandment. You may have to take some pace off of your return, in order to give yourself time to get up there, and we all mis-hit returns, but getting to the line is always the objective. Always.
I'm 82. I play Pickleball every day. Show up, put my name on the signup sheet. Whoever is next on the list will be my partner. Play a relaxed game. When the opponents have greater skill, I up my game. People don't like to be Pickled. Partners don't like to be left out by a super aggressive better player.
All of our local tournaments are run with random selection of partners. No regard to "skill level".
That's awesome. I hope I'm playing when I'm at age. Thanks for watching.
That's my definition of a really good player.... one that can adjust their level of play to make it fun for everyone. They can still win, of course, but it makes it a fun game.
Congrats on getting out there!
Appreciate you calling out the guy who cheered like a loon when he hit an easy put away. Dude, your opponent served you up a meatball. It was a pop up...a gift. Nothing to gloat over. One of my pet peeves is hearing people say "great shot" when it wasn't. The shot before it was just a really bad one.
That is totally 100% correct! I call them lollipops. And when a player puts a lollipop away, I sometimes say, "that was so easy, an 8th grader could have done it." There was nothing great about it. I really appreciate you watching my channel and taking the time to comment.
It looks like all four of these guys are what I call “slicers”. They contact the ball back in their stance and slice across the and not through the ball to generate topspin. Oh and have almost situational awareness. Getting caught in no mans land. Get to the NVZ as quick as you can.
Come on. When you’re a new player it is exciting when you win a point no matter how it happened. I’d say chill?
This is so interesting !!
Cool. Hope you learned something from watching it.
Where can we send you some videos to review? Love the content
Glad you like it and thanks for watching. If you put a video up on youtube, just send me a link in the comment section of my most recent video. I reply to all of the comments I receive. I'll be happy to do it.
I clicked on your channel and found your videos. I will try and do one for next week. Stay tuned. Thanks.
Sweet! Let me send you one that was a very intense close game. @@pickleballpick-apart9787
Rory, I have found a lot of heavy people who cannot move will LOB all the time, becuz I am good at net and play "true PB", they will lob so much and partner and I can't get point reset. They are keeping ball away from me at net to not allow me down the middle, or cannot get into good rallys. Very frustrating, and I know it's becuz they CAN NOT move, I can, but hard to run backwards, plus danger of falling. Any advice pls? Tu so MUCH...
My advice is, do NOT run backwards! Pivot, and run either sideways or forward to the back of the court and then wait for the ball to bounce.
Yeah lobs s*ck! when overused to compensate for lack of mobility and skill. No fun to play with people who lob every ball. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ. No thanks. Avoid.
The PB players at my city rec center use lobs a lot. It's so irritating because it's been drilled into my brain to move up to the kitchen line only to have your opponent lob the ball back court. 😕
Practice your overheads. Continental grip, not western (frying pan). Get sideways and your non paddle hand should be up in the air pointing at the ball so you get proper shoulder transfer and pronation. Punishing lobs is how you stop them. Also deep serves and deep returns make lobs more difficult.
@beverlygraves8837
Respectfully, that makes no sense.
You can’t get to the “heavy” player’s lob and they are the players who cannot move???
Do not EVER run backwards. Your arms can’t break your fall and you will hit your head on a very hard surface. Last incident at my club resulted in paramedics, many stitches and a large blood stain on the court.
If the lob goes over your head, your partner should turn and run as their degree of turn is less than yours at both ends of their run.
The person running says “switch” so their partner moves to cover the other side of the court and gets out of the way of the return.
True pickleball? At advanced levels you seldom, see lobs as an offensive shot because it’s slow and high and their opponents have plenty of time to get to it. When they do lob, they are not trying to win the rally with that shot. They are trying to slow the pace and possibly open space to set up their next shot.
It is generally not effective as a pro can reset the ball from anywhere on the court.
Offensive lobs are effective when all 4 players are at the NVZ during open play at your local pickleball court when your opponents have limited mobility.
I, personally, don’t want to win a rally by taking advantage of my opponents lack of mobility.
I will take advantage of weaknesses I see like a weak backhand, for example.
Why 3.0 pickleball is the absolute best level for most people to play from a certified 3.0 player who almost never dinks, almost never uses a backhand and who would never send a third shot drop. 1). If you have bad knees or arthritic knees the LAST thing you want to do is go squat or crouch on the kitchen line and play the short game. Because a 3.0 player does not have control of the dink, as per the definition of the rating, the painful or uncomfortable short game can be avoided altogether and as largely illustrated by these gentlemen.
2). As per the definition, 3.0 pickleball players do not have control of the backhand therefore the backhand can largely be minimized or removed from your game. I have been playing for 6 months and can completely refrain from using my backhand 90% of the time. Let's face it if you've never played a racket or paddle sport of any sorts the backhand is completely foreign and takes way too much practice to perfect therefore just plan on leaving that out of your game for the most part. 3). The third shot drop sets up the painful or uncomfortable short game dink rally, therefore why aim for a third shot drop but instead enjoy the longer drive of the forehand. Rory keeps mentioning that these gentlemen should move quickly up to the kitchen line but I for one enjoy hanging back and wailing drives back and forth. The feeling of a swinging a deep drive is invigorating and much more so than battling in a contorted chicken wing backhand position up at the kitchen line. By staying deep you get many more touches and swings at the ball whereas as soon as you come up to the kitchen likely the ball is going to be put away by either side much more quickly.
I'm baffled by how many videos there are about for example how to get from 3.0 to 3.5. The truth of the matter is many many people will enjoy the game much much more if they stay at the 3.0 level. By largely removing the short game and the need for a backhand many more people will enjoy themselves playing pickleball. In other words, do not try to improve yourself too much as you do you will get sucked into games with people that have more of a desire to win rather than have fun.
This is one of the finest games that I've seen on your channel because they're playing at the way a 3.0 game should be played without the need or desire to improve themselves.
Thanks for writing. If they are happy with where they are at, then that's ok. I play with players who have been playing for years and are still 3.0. I play with players who have been playing for three months and are 4.0. You say you stay back and the feeling of a deep drive is invigorating. If you do that and are winning, that tells me your opponents are not versed in how to properly play against you. Thanks for watching my channel. I appreciate it.
This is one of the wildest tales I’ve ever read. I’ve never actually seen someone who actively didn’t want to improve their game before.
That is the prevailing attitude of a number of rec players, and while that is their choice, it doesn’t work well for someone like me who wants to advance. I find that playing league play helps me to “up” my game because it presents a challenge. But, that being said, there’s nothing wrong with players who just enjoy doing their thing and whose attitude is different from those who want to advance.
Why not just play with beginners who cant hit the broad side of barn? It will be quite "invigorating" to make them eat every one of your satisfying drives 🙄
@@longtimelobecause part of the enjoyment is the sustained drives.
Fitville makes great pickleball shoes and they are well under $100
I've heard of them. I've never had a pair. Thanks for watching.
My guess is they were at yellow shirt's house. Maybe gray shirt's house. Regardless, good beginner play.
Sorry, I meant 3.0 play. Not trying to be condescending.
Maybe so. I need one of those in my backyard. Thanks for watching.
The third shot drop is the most difficult shot in pickleball. I don't think that you can expect it out of 3.0 players. Most of the players I play against, who rate themselves as 3.0, are probably equal to these players. A good and consistent third-shot drop, along with a consistent ability to serve accurately and move up after the return of serve is what make a 4.0 player
Thanks for watching. That is correct. You got to somehow master a third shot drop. If not, you will remain 3.0.
I think there is more to a 4.0 player than just the ability to hit a third shot drop. It is difficult because it is not practiced.
Boy you have got it right on the ranking. Finding that out this Summer as I came back from learning the game in Arizona at a 500 member club with a great training program. Michigan players in my home state really think a lot of themselves. I even got asked to not play with a church group of men’s players that think they are 4.0 plus players!
Exactly. Arizona is a hotbed for pickleball. Michigan is not. If you see a 4.0 player in Michigan they are usually nowhere near the level of a 4.0 player in Arizona. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.
It sure was. Training was serious and skills were tested and observed play. Left a 2.5 after starting in February as a beginner not even knowing the rules the end of March. Michigan seems to be whatever you think you are. Most of the 4.0 plus players could not even pass the testing requirement for 2.5 play I passed. It was too funny.
I find that anyone who can control their dinks, their backhand and create a third shot drop is NEVER a 3.0 and they are sandbagging (being deceptive)
The US Navy retired the F14 almost 20 years ago. Unless that pickleball court is in Iran that's definitely not a Tomcat.
Ok! Thanks for watching.
Agree with you. I didn't see much of a soft game. I don't think they want or know how to dink.
3.0 level, lots of players don't even attempt a dink.
True, and a coach told me that most don't progress beyond 3.5 because they develop bad habits at lower levels.@@pickleballpick-apart9787
See comment above how 3.0's purposely stay away from the dink or short game especially if one has mobility challenges, this makes sense as the 'dink battles' are so boring, would much rather swing harder than dink.
Feel like a harsh critique on a close miss long on the return of serve is not really warranted because a it's the right idea as you know, the farther back you return a serve the better because it makes your opponents third shot harder. Sure it's giving away a point when you miss but so is any other missed shot, it's like missing a speed up when it was the right time for a speed up. unforced error but the right play.
Pros do not serve as deep as you may think they do. That's because they do not want to give up the opportunity to score points. If they do not have the ball in hand, they cannot score.
@@pickleballpick-apart9787 right, serve makes sense, but the serve return/ second shot, they try to drive it deep usually right?
These players showed minimal skill regarding 3rd shots and 4th shots. Many missed opportunities and unforced errors. I would say between 2.5-3.0. There were some good volleys and dinking, but no one was exceptional at either. Serves were right on par with 3.0.
Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing your opinion.
I thought I was a 2.5. These guys suck! I would be ashamed if I knew them. Watching them makes me realize that I am probably a 4.0.
The guy in the tank top should probably try lifting more than just a fork.
Haha. Well, you're probably not 4.0. But, I'm assuming you could beat either of these teams. Thanks for watching.
I definitely am not 4.0. Unfortunately, I actually do know these guys and am embarrassed. Actually, I’m just ribbing them With my comments. Great group of guys trying to watch themselves and learn from their mistakes.
Let’s give these players some credit for moving up to the kitchen on the return of serve. So many at this level don’t move up, and stay stuck in the back.
You are exactly right. That's a huge mistake 3.0 players make. Kind of interesting that sometimes they moved up and sometimes they didn't. Not sure why they didn't move up the times they didn't. Thanks for watching.
As noted in my longer comment above, I really enjoy staying back and driving the ball back and forth as much as possible because it feels so good. I also love to lob the ball and then come up and try to attack the ball with an equal amount of force which makes for a very invigorating kill.
@@seinnamiller1218 You sound fun to play with (not!). Not sure what game you're playing but it's not pickleball. Invent your own sport and see if you can get others to play with you. Good luck.
Shoo! I have no idea what I am ranked but my partner and I got whipped by some guys today and the one guy said he was 3.5. (!) I thought..shoosh..if that's 3.5 am I even 3.0??? (My serve is nice and deep and most often in. I can return nice lofted and in almost all the time. I'm working on my drops and am getting them about 30-40% of the time.-trying to be honest here.) I know where to be and move up to the line when serving as we can. The 3.5 player said he got ranked at a 9 week program where you go and play 9 games. Seemed legit. :)
Nine games and 9 weeks? That's seems really low. If you're getting your third shot drops to land in the kitchen 30% to 40% of the time, that's much more often than 3.0 level players do, so you're closer to 3.5. Just call it 3.25. Thanks for watching.
8:36 why is the yellow guy not at the kitchen?
I don't know. He should be. Thanks for watching.
quite often I can win without even moving up the court
If you are, you're playing against players who don't know how to take advantage of you being back there. It is not the correct way to play. Thanks for watching.
You mentioned that pros don't wear gloves. You did not mention they play with new paddles and new grips. I wear a glove in: golf, table tennis, pickleball and cycling. Pros wear gloves in baseball, cycling and golf. They do this to enhance their grip. Why do you recommend not wearing a glove?
Thanks for asking. I was just pointing out that I don't know of any professional pickleball player who wears a glove. I only know of one recreational player that does. I think it has to do with feel. I play golf. I wear a golf glove so the golf club does not slip in my hands. I have no worries that my pickleball paddle will slip in my hand. Then there are the Fred Couples who have never worn a golf club in their life. LOL!
@@pickleballpick-apart9787 Thanks for responding. I wear a glove on my paddle hand to prevent slipping. Same for golf. What is funny about golf is the guys removing the glove for putting. What up with that? I'll tell you. Since the pros do it, the Joes do it? I suspect that Fred couples has new grips installed every month or more. Also, he has a dude carrying a nice big dry towel for him. Some golfers wear two gloves. Same in baseball. I wear a glove on my non playing hand in pickleball, when outside. It is for sun protection. So, I'm the only person out there with two gloves! I enjoy your videos. They have helped my game.
two gloves sounds to me like a good idea, although I think it would bother me. I wear a golfer's "rain" glove on my paddle hand. My hands sweat like crazy when I play PB, and with the rain glove there is no slipping. But it does get hot, so if I have a few minutes between games I take the glove off. (same with golf, I take the glove off in between shots, and when I put. Keeping the glove off as much as possible keeps the regular golf glove usable, longer). Just my opinion.@@Leaann111
Like I tell pretty much all my partners, get up to the line. In pickleball you play side by side, not front back
Absolutely 100% correct. Thanks for watching.
Good luck with that. I've tried that many times in rec play and get the stink eye from most people who DO NOT want to be coached, even a little bit.
@@longtimelo I never coach in rec play.
In DUPR play, what I actually say is , "do you want me to play back with you ?" Even at DUPR level 3 I often got a confused look! I finally had a woman admit to me why she was playing back, and why ( I suspect ) most of my partners were.
They are scared. Simple like that.
They think that by playing back most of the pepper will come off the ball. (It also lands at their feet, which results in them popping it up for another return smash)
They think that by playing back they are covering the angle. They aren't. What they are doing is putting themselves out of position
Mostly they play back so they can continue to play geriatric tennis, and not use their short game, ie; drop shots and dinking; because , well, they do not have a short game !
I think these guys are better than 3.0. Some mental lapses. But solid striking
Thanks for watching.
Invest in a microphone, would make your video more enjoyable to watch and listen to!
Thanks for pointing that out. I do have a microphone. I just forgot to plug it into my camera before hitting record and I didn't really want to record my intro and outro over. I probably should have. My other videos don't sound this way. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for pointing out that spending $400 on equipment does not make us a better player. I'll keep my Head Radical Elite and Under Armour running shoes and spend my money elsewhere. Maybe private lessons so that I can overcome my 2.5 rating. 😂
Lessons are a great idea. I do think, as you get better, it will do you well to get a better racket than one made by Head. The company makes incredible tennis equipment. They dabble in pickleball.
Better equipment won’t make you a better player, but worse equipment will make you a worse player.
Don't skimp on shoes! And don't wear running shoes for racket sports! Your ankles will thank you! 🙂
I'mma just go ahead and guess that these guys didn't actually think they were 3.0.
Thanks for watching. So you think they're 2.5?.
@pickleballpick-apart9787 you guys are high. These guys are easily at 3.5 to 4.0 as far as ability and skill set. They just need practice...to reduce unforced errors
@@901pics Nope. Not where I live. Someone who doesn't return and run (taught in all beginner clinics) isn't even 3.0.
Agree, they probably play low 4.0 and posted the 3.0 as a spoof.
I bet you're fun at partiesl
That's rather loony to say. But, I do appreciate you watching and commenting. It really helps my channel.
I agree, if this person is constantly critiquing the play of others who are simply trying to have fun and considers watching this type of game a waste of time, this is predatory behavior and somewhat psychopathetic behavior as this person looks at this game and likely many other things in life as something he or she must dominate and control rather than just relaxing and having some fun. The person relaxing and just having some fun is the person that would be more fun to invite to your party!
1blue 2yellow 3grey 4white
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Players waiting their turn to play on the next available court view that situation as a waste of time . But what it really is , is an opportunity to analyze & then learn from all the mistakes happening right in front of them in those games in progress . I make a habit, while waiting my turn , to identify/critique rallies in plain sight in order to pinpoint just exactly why a rally was won or how it was lost . Most of the time , it was not a result of the final shot , but rather , a result of one or more fundamental mistakes committed earlier in the rally . And I'm not talking about sophisticated strategy here . NOOOO ! It's a result of a lack of a basic understanding of the game . I believe a player can have 5.0 knowledge before they ever pick up a paddle for the first time . And not watching games happening right in front of you , and learning from them , will keep you @ 3.0 . The purpose of your video exemplifies the point .
Perfectly stated. When I'm waiting in the stands to get on the court I watch all the play I can. There are 70 people where I play. I know how each and every one of them play. I know what their strengths are and their weaknesses are. That's because I pay attention. And the truth is, I can beat every one of them, except a couple, who who are very very good. Thanks for commenting. One of the best responses ever.
OMG, you're definitely not from the camp of "just playing for fun." Hard to understand why some people have to always focus on getting better or winning ESPECIALLY over the age of 50. What would be best if everyone wore a badge with two things on it: their ranking and whether they are there for 'fun' or to 'win.' When you spend much for your life winning it is so easy and enjoyable to let others win especially if they gain any thing from it. I play for fun and nothing else ever.
I would bet $50.00 the guy in white a former dbls tennis player. They do not come up!! They can become good players but have to learn to come to kitchen line, play with and against. I'm former 3.5 10s player so I know. Takes a while to undo that tennis mind!!! Bet he was good 10s player!!!
Good point. I've introduced two 4.5 tennis players to pickleball. They are very good now, but, it took a month or so for them to adjust. As you mentioned, one of the biggest problems, thinking they can win from the baseline. The second problem, thinking the ball is going to bounce higher than it does and not bending their knees to go down and get it. Thanks for watching.
Everything high and hard. No dink game. I guess if my opponents are serving up nothing but attackable balls I may do the same thing.
I see that often at the 3.0 level. Thanks for watching.
uh oh. that's what we do 🤣
Haha! Thanks for watching.
These guys are easily 4.0…
I'm not so sure about that. Maybe where you play. Thanks for watching.
These guys are much better a money than PB ! If one of the guys pisses off the owner of this beautiful court is he invited back ???
Don't know. It is a nice court. Thanks for watching.
I piss him off daily. He still allows me over.
confusing that you call the guy in the near court "the guy in grey" he is wearing WHITE!! the guy in far court is in GREY
Oh well. I'm not perfect. Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for watching.
Good analysis. 2.5--to low 3.0 ish seems right. They have very poor understanding of strategy, lack of consistency, and bad shot selections. The game is fun because they're all equally weak players.
I think they did a great job titling the video correctly. Thanks for watching.
@pickleballpick-apart9787 I agree ..looks like they all had a blast, in the end, thats all that matters.
"poor understanding of strategy" or simply a desire to purposefully NOT incorporate any strategy that would shorten their rallies. Picking on someone's weaknesses should be reserved for picklers with higher rating as 3.0 pickleball is all about FUN. Also using the term weak seems misplaced as these gentlemen look like strong 3.0 players and hopefully they continue to remain at the 3.0 level, having arguably more fun that anyone at the higher ratings who have sacrificed or invested so many more hours into a GAME.
@seinnamiller1218 I guess you're right. I could have used better wording. I prefer leveled play, no matter if you're beginner, or pro, its going to bw more fun when everyone is around the same skill set, and equally as "strong". I disagree that using being "strategic" is reserved for upper levels of play, but you're right that in rec games, fun is what matters, and it's clear these guys are enjoying the match.
why would you take two minutes to explain that expensive equipment doesn’t make up for bad positioning
Just trying to make the point that you can't buy a good game. Thanks for watching.
You know it is possible to critique their play without being so condescending.
I try not to. I got comments from them. They didn't seem to think the comments condescending. Thanks for watching.
I just learned two weeks ago and am better than these guys. Wow, 3.0 is like worse than semi athleteic players who just know the rules and watch a cuople youtube videos.
In which city do you play pickleball? Maybe I'll take a trip and come challenge you.
@pickleballpick-apart9787 moskva
@pickleballpick-apart9787 Moskva
$200 paddle, $150 shoes, $35k court ….and a 3.0 at best player 😂😂😂 stop it. Someone on this court (the owner) should have been 4.0 AT LEAST. Is there really any excuse to have your own court and NOT poses bare minimum, 4.0 skills? Lol
Good question. Some people have money to burn.
They may just play for enjoyment and exercise and only want to play at this level for health or enjoyment reasons. It does take considerable effort to Improve and not everyone can do that. A lot of people play just because it’s fun and they’re not interested in being the best
If you have the money and enjoy the game why not? 99.99% of people that have swimming pools in their back yard are not competitive swimmers. Most people that buy Porsche never take it to the race track to test the limits.
Explaining we should not miss a serve or the return doesn't help
Yep. Pretty stupid, huh?