SwiftNet Portable Pickleball Net

Anybody have duct tape...

Is that a familiar refrain at your courts? The typical portable net system has lots of benefits but it is far from perfect. The center post wearing a hole through the top of the net is just the one problem I picked to open this post. But there are always folks looking to build a better mousetrap or, in this case, a better net. 

Pickleball, Inc. has developed a new net system they call the Swiftnet. It is lighter, faster to assemble, and more closely plays like a permanent. Sounds great. But be aware that improvements don't come cheap. This net will retail for $350, about 2-3 times more than traditional nets. Judge the net for yourself.

The first video is titled SwiftNet Portable Pickleball Net: Seven Cutting-Edge Features.

Prospects of Equipment Sales

The growth of the game continues...

I really wanted to end the theme of pickleball equipment with Saturday's post. Then the USAPA sent an interesting article discussing the future prospects for equipment sales. The article shows the boom continues. The article is titled Prospects of Pickleball Equipment Market Continue to be Optimistic, Growth Remains Consolidated in North America & Europe and was based on a study done by Fact.MR.

A new Fact.MR study foresees the pickleball equipment market to record an impressive 8.9% value CAGR between the forecast period 2018 and 2028.

Rockville, MD, June 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prospects of the pickleball equipment market will continue to be optimistic, as the sport witnessed continued rise in popularity among the aging demographic, slates a recent Fact.MR report. The report envisages an august 8.9% value CAGR for the pickleball equipment market over the period of forecast, 2018 to 2028. In light of pickleball sport’s uptake of popularity, several parks and recreational departments have been integrating the sport into their programs, which in turn is influencing participation and associated-equipment sales.

Facile and uncomplicated rules of pickleball have attracted more enthusiasts toward the sport. Pickleball participants range from beginners to seasoned players, all craving the thrill for competitive play. Compact size of pickleball’s court has made the gameplay to involve meaningful conversations, as participants are required to play in close proximity. This has driven the pickleball’s popularity as a great social activity, which in turn has been furthering participation in the sport.

Ball Wars: Why Choose the Dura

A wiffleball by any other name...

Let's keep the equipment theme going for one more day, but switch the topic away from paddles and to balls. There is a never-ending debate among players about different balls' pluses and minuses and which ball is best. I will not go through those arguments here. Instead, I want to show one person's view of why the Dura Fast 40 ball is the best ball for outdoor play. Glen Peterson is a top player and offers his thoughts in the video below.

Before viewing the video, here is a quick review of Glen's reasons for his choice:

• Lower bounce
• Allows more creativity 
• Harder ball
• Makes your skill level improve
• Longer rallies in the kitchen
• Spins like it should 
• It’s the ball pros use 
• It’s used in all major tournaments
• The drilled holes

Quiet Paddles

The right tool for the job...

Let's further continue this week's paddle discussion with another element that has entered the market. Some venues, especially those in residential communities, have noise ordinances. As we players are well aware, the game can be loud. Some of that is the laughter and banter from players but that appears to be less irritating to some than the constant "pop, pop, pop" from the paddle whacking the ball. Paddle manufacturers have looked to that as a niche market and started to make "quiet" paddles. Pickleball Portal did a good write-up on the topic. I will include an excerpt below, but the entire article is worth reading since it also includes a list of subject paddles. The article was titled Quiet Pickleball Paddles | Green Zone Approved Paddle List.

Quiet Pickleball Paddle: How To Choose?

Some people have asked me...."What's the best quiet pickleball paddle that is on the approved list"? ​ But I think that's just such a hard question to answer!  First of all there are a LOT of paddles on the list (over 100 the last time I counted!). 

Secondly the list includes paddles from every price range, material (wood paddles, composite and  graphite paddles), edgeless paddles and those with edge guards.  Virtually every paddle shape (wide-body, elongated, etc.) grip size and core material (polymer core, aluminum core, Nomex) are represented on the list. 

Because of this, it's really too hard to declare any one paddle  or short list as "The Best Quiet Pickleball Paddle"​.  I think the principal to finding a good paddle has not changed and noise, although definitely a priority if you live in a "Green Zone" community,  should NOT be the number one deciding factor. 

Paddle Try-Out

The right tool for the job...

This week, DJ adds to the theme about paddles.

DJ's weekly tip:

Try out several paddles before making a final decision about what to purchase. 
(Unless, of course, you have money to burn and are willing to purchase many paddles. You know who you are and it's ok- go ahead and do your thing.)

It's ok to get suggestions from a friend, a high level player you admire, a local coach, or even a nationally known coach, HOWEVER, please make sure they have your best interest in mind.

There are lots of great paddles and great paddle companies out there and you would be unwise to select the very first paddle the "expert" recommends you try because it is, after all, the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Many top players and coaches are sponsored by paddle companies and it stands to reason they will market and promote that brand. Therefore, it can be difficult sometimes to sort out fact from fiction when someone endorses or promotes a particular paddle. Is this paddle REALLY the greatest new product on the market?

Lead Tape

The right tool for the job...

Let's continue Monday's paddle discussion with a new trend that allows a player to adjust the feel of the paddle - lead tape. Sarah Ansboury wrote an article for the RV Picklers' blog titled Should You Add Lead Tape to Your Pickleball Paddle? in which she discussed the topic. Excerpts from Sarah's article are below. She includes some other important points in the full article.

Pickleball Paddles: A Weighty Issue

So now that we know we can, let’s ask the question “why”. Just as in tennis, yes some tennis players add lead tape to their tennis rackets, lead tape alters the weight and balance of the paddle. A four-inch strip of the 1/2 inch tape weighs two grams. The Head Extreme Pro paddle I use is 7.6 ounces. If I add 4″ of tape to the edge of the paddle, my 7.6-ounce paddle becomes 7.74-ounces. That may not seem like a big difference to you…but paddles are pretty light so a few ounces can mean a lot.

More importantly, it alters the balance of the paddle….by this I mean the relative weight of the handle versus the face of the paddle. Many times a player will pick up two paddles thinking one weighs more than the other. However, if you placed the two paddles on a scale they weigh exactly the same. The player perceives the one paddle as heavier because more of the weight is distributed outside of the handle. I can feel the two grams referenced above.

Picking a Paddle

The right tool for the job...

The growth of of pickleball means new players are always joining. Inevitably, a new player will ask about buying a new paddle and what they should look for.  I have found that a paddle is very personal choice. Some friend play well with - and love - paddles that either feel like bricks or sponges to me. One good thing about the growth of pickleball is that the selection of paddles has also grown. Despite the number of paddle styles, there are some basics that a player can consider and Mark Renneson has a new video to explain these titled How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

This is not Mark's aid to buying paddles. Nor is it the first time I have discussed the topic here. Check out Chapter 14 on the left for more articles about picking a paddle. While Mark hits the basics including paddle shape, face material, and weight, there are other aspects such as grip length and circumference that are discussed in those articles.

Sarah's Ideal Grip

Control means letting go...

I gave a lesson to near beginner last week. As I always do, I check the grip first and explain the advantages of the continental grip. But there is more to the grip than the paddle handle's relative position in the hand. Sarah Ansboury talks about some of the important parts of the grip in her RVPickler article The Ideal Pickleball Grip, an excerpt of which is below.

Ideal Pickleball Grip

The ideal pickleball grip requires you to hold the paddle with your fingers.  There should be space between the palm of your hand and the handle of the paddle. Rather than your thumb running up the handle, it should go around the handle. This will minimize the risk of hyper-extending your elbow or over-utilizing your wrist.

More on Balls

See the ball, hit the ball, the brand doesn't matter...

I wrote an article last week about playing with 4 different outdoor balls - Playing with Four Different Balls. Sarah Ansboury had a recent article on her blog that discusses balls from the perspective of a tennis player. Whether that applies to you or not, she makes some great points.


Tennis Balls vs Pickleballs…There are Differences

During our stay in Florida this month I realized there is something former tennis players need to realize about pickleballs. You see tennis balls and pickleballs are not the same.

Playing with Four Different Balls

See the ball, hit the ball, the brand doesn't matter...

I recently returned home from a trip through Florida. Along the way I played some pickleball. The interesting part is that I got to play with 4 different balls. The Villages supplies only Dura Fast 40 balls to its courts but I also played with Onix Pure 2 balls in a private game with friends. At the USAPA Ambassador Retreat, Franklin graciously supplied its X-40 balls for all play. But Onix was also a vendor sponsor and provided a few sample Fuse balls for test play. This post is my comparison of the 4 balls.

Onix Pure 2

Everyone knows the pluses and minuses of this ball. It is the preferred ball for clubs because it rarely breaks. It is the devil incarnate to top-level players because it bounces too high and cannot be put away. I've always liked the way it came off the paddle. It was soft and easy to control. But I have also always hated that good shots aren't rewarded. But it is going away so these comments are relevant only to serve as a basis for comparison with other balls.

Pickleball Paddle Materials

The right tool for the right job...

One of the most frequent questions asked about pickleball is "What paddle should I buy?". It is also one that is impossible to answer due to personal preferences and style of play. A good starting point, though, is an understanding of how a paddle is constructed and what the relative differences are between the types of materials. For example, a player needing more "feel" and less power may choose a graphite surface instead of a fiberglass surface. Pro-Lite has a very good article on pickleball paddle materials and what they mean to your game.

PICKLEBALL PADDLE MATERIALS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Today’s pickleball paddles; what are they made of and why does it matter you?

Product Review: Play Pickleball Today - P2 Paddle

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance... 

I have only recently started to give product reviews with a recent review of a paddle and a ball picker-upper. I have also been asked to test another new paddle and write a review. This review will also appear on Amazon. It is for a Pickleball Today paddle - the P2 Contrast.

Review

Let me first discuss the "feel" of the paddle. The paddle is made to standard dimensions with a weight of 8.6 ounces. It felt well-balanced and played that way. Its weight is a full 1.3 ounces heavier than my usual paddle, but its balance makes the difference feel smaller. I love the feel of the grip. It has raised ribs that allow the paddle to be comfortably gripped. The ribs align with a right-handed players fingers but may be less comfortable for a lefty. The paddle face was smoother than mine but the graphite was solid. Overall, the paddle felt well-constructed and I believe it could take a good amount of hard play. 

The first thing I noticed about playing with the paddle is that it is LOUD. I can safely say that it was by far the loudest paddle among the 20 players in my group. It is probably not a paddle for players whose clubs are near homes or are otherwise noise restricted. The second thing I noticed was the additional power I got from the paddle. I expected some increased power due to its weight and its being new, but the differential was more than I anticipated. My opponents (who are accustomed to my normal play) even commented on the different speed the ball had when it reached them.

Product Review: Pickleball Pic

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance... 

I won a great door prize at the recent Ambassador Retreat at Beech Mountain - the Pickleball Pic 35. It is a pickleball "picker-upper" that allows me to gather up 35-40 balls without stooping a single time. 

Review

The Pickleball Pic 35 is a huge improvement over the PVC tube system I previously used. The tube was awkward at 5 feet long. It was also heavy since I could only find the thicker version of the pipe. Additionally, the tube held only 16 balls.

Product Review: Amazin' Aces Bainbridge Paddle

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance... 

I have not given product reviews in the past. This is mostly because I did not feel qualified nor did I play with enough equipment to differentiate the quality. But I have recently been asked to test a new paddle and write a review. This was a review I wrote on Amazon for Amazin' Aces 'BAINBRIDGE' Pickleball Paddle (Pro Series) | Edgeless Composite Paddle. The paddle details are shown below the review.

Review

The Bainbridge was a trial purchase for me and I found some pluses and minuses. First, I need to say that I am an advanced player and have used several paddles over my 3 years of play. My current paddle is the Selkirk Omni Glen Peterson model which has a longer paddle face and a short handle. Some of comments are influenced by the differences between the Bainbridge and the Omni.

Pickleball Bounce Test

The way the ball bounces...

About a year ago, I posted an article titled A Pickleball Controversy? in which I used a Keith Bing article to show the problem with the then new Onix Pure 2 ball. Since then, the USAPA has announced that the ball will be banned from USAPA tournament use beginning in 2018. Also since then, Franklin has marketed a new ball - the X40 - that many players now prefer. Keith has done a new bounce test for 4 balls that show why the Onix ball remains the least-preferred ball among top players. 

Pickleball Bounce 2017 from Keith Bing on Vimeo.

Temporary Nets

Everything is temporary - especially these darned nets...

Everyone loves dedicated courts. All you have to do is walk onto the court and start to play. Unfortunately, too many of us have to play with temporary nets that must be assembled before play and dissembled after play. Its a real pain. Just imagine how beginners must feel. They not only have to learn the game, especially the crazy scoring, but they have to learn the net procedures. Luckily for us, our friends in Atlanta have prepared a video showing a quick and easy process.

Re-gripping a Paddle

When getting a grip is literal...

I needed to get a grip. I mean I literally needed to get a new grip because mine was worn out. I had re-gripped tennis racquets a long time ago and put over-wraps on pickleball paddles. I am comfortable with doing a re-grip successfully. But conversations with fellow players taught me that others are not as comfortable. Therefore, I decided to show my method here.

First, let's look at the necessary materials.

Yep, that's it. You need your paddle and the new grip. Everything you need to install the new grip is in the package.

There is one exception that I didn't include in the photograph. My handle is shorter than normal so I needed to cut off some of the grip at the top. I used a pair of scissors so have a pair at the ready just in case.

Foot Pain - Shoes and Other Help

If your feet are happy, you are happy...

I recently posted on Pickleball Shoes in which I mentioned how proper shoes helped alleviate leg pain. This week we will go a bit lower and talk about foot pain. Barbara Wintroub has started contributing to the RV Pickler website and her first article is a beauty.

Oh My Aching Pickleball Feet…Avoiding Foot Pain

I am often asked two questions related to painful pickleball feet. The first is, what sneakers should I wear? And the second is, how can I avoid foot pain so I can play longer? Avoiding foot pain when you are playing pickleball is critical. So today, let me offer you a bit of advice and some exercises you can do to avoid those aching pickleball feet.

What are the Best Sneakers for my Pickleball Feet?

I think there are three critical issues when it comes to finding the best shoe for you:

1. Get Professional Assistance: Take the time to go to a good sports shoe store with qualified staff. Have them measure your foot. As we get older our feet have a tendency to spread. You may have been a size 7B when you were 21…but your sports shoe size as a 50-year-old could be 8D. Some stores employ orthotists. These are people who can analyze your foot and your gait. They may suggest you look for a shoe that is designed for an “overpronator” or that you “supinate”. You may be able to do some analysis yourself. See this article for more information on analyzing the wear patterns of your current court shoes. Though you may purchase your shoes on-line, take the time to be properly fitted and learn about what brands and models are best for you.
2. Purchase High-Quality Court Shoes: Running shoes were not designed for pickleball! They are meant to gofeet forward…not side to side. You need to purchase good court shoes (sometimes called tennis shoes). If you play primarily indoors, consider badminton shoes.
3. Remember, Court Shoes Wear Out: Don’t expect to have a pair of shoes last 12 months if you are playing 10+ hours a week. If the shoe wobbles from side to side when you tap it, replace it. If you can easily bend the shoe in half lengthwise…throw it away. I like to buy two or three pairs of the same court shoe when I find a brand/model that works well for me.

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Pickleball Shoes

Good shoes take you to good places...

The equipment requirements for pickleball play are minimal for an individual, consisting mainly of a paddle. But an often ignored piece of equipment just may be the single most important item to have – proper shoes. I was reminded of that recently when I began shopping for new shoes. Unfortunately, my old shoes were discontinued.

I started to play pickleball with cross-training shoes. After every day of play, my calf muscles were in pain. Orthotic inserts helped but were never 100% effective. Then I switched to tennis shoes and the pain disappeared. The USAPA recommends a court shoe to fit the stresses of pickleball play. Our game requires the body to move forward, backward, and side-to-side. Players need a shoe that provides stability on the inside and outside of the foot to support lateral movement. Court shoes made for tennis or even volleyball fit the bill.

Sarah Ansboury wrote an article explaining her recommendations.

Court Shoes…Your Feet will Thank You

Perhaps because I grew up playing tennis, I have always considered good court shoes as important as a good racket. And the same is true in pickleball. If you aren’t wearing court shoes already, please make the switch…your game and your feet will thank you.

Why You Need Court Shoes

Ball Hopper and Catcher

Yesterday, I showed a solution for a player to pick up bunches of balls after practicing with a ball machine. Today's video shows a different solution for a similar - but not quite identical - situation. It also comes from Pickleball Channel and is called Gear Talk: Pickleball Hopper & Catcher with Beverly Youngren.