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- Rule Changes & Aggression! Pulse V!
Rule Changes & Aggression! Pulse V!
Welcome to YOUR Pickleball Journey!
Keagan Forst-Jerden & Justin Ancona
January 20, 2025
RULE #1 - Serve Execution (RULE 4.A.5):
Players are permitted to release the ball with either the hand or the paddle when serving, provided no spin is imparted during the release.
This rule is likely for the people who are missing a hand, arm, etc! Good to know regardless!
RULE #2 - ‘Not Ready’ Signals (RULE 4.C.2):
Players on the non-serving team can now use verbal indicators like “stop” or “wait” to signal they are not ready after the score has been called. Previously, such signals were to be ignored.
Beforehand, you could legally lose the point even if you signaled to stop the serve! Now, if you notice your shoe needs tied, glasses wiped, etc. you are not penalized! Don’t abuse this though, you might frustrate some people!
RULE #3 - Spectator Line Calls (6.C.4):
Spectators should not be consulted on any line calls.
This can be a good and a bad thing, this was likely enforced because no one wants their lines called by biased spectators favoring one teams calls over the other! The players on the court are now the only people allowed to decide calls!
Watch the rest of these new rules here!
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TIP #1 - Footwork!
The more you back up from the line, the less opportunities to apply pressure and dominance you have! Your goal should be to only take 1-2 steps back if you NEED to!
Take more balls out of the air, so you don’t have to step back as much!
TIP #2 - Your Bubble Zone!
Pretend when you’re at the line, that you have a bubble zone at your feet! (Approximately a paddles length going into the kitchen)
Take the balls in your bubble out of the air! If the ball is too shallow and bounces, or out of your reach, of course take the necessary footwork to get back safely in the game!
TIP #3 - Being More Aggressive!
Taking balls out of the air can provide many advantages! Such as:
You’re able to keep your stance at the kitchen line.
Giving your opponent’s less time to react.
Attacking a ball out of the air can be easier than attacking off the bounce, usually due to the level of the ball is slightly below net, at net height, or higher than net height!
If your opponents keep punishing your speed ups out of air, then try taking 1-2 steps back, waiting for the bounce, gauging your opponent’s paddle and feet positions, and find that opening or chicken wing spot to attack!
Watch the rest of Catherine Parenteau’s video here!
Subscribe to Catherine Parenteau here!
TIP #1 - Create Adequate Space!
These tips are mainly for backhands, yet these can apply to forehands as well!
When given a dink to your backhand, it is totally acceptable to pivot backwards with your outside foot to give more time, and space from the ball you’ll soon be contacting. Pivoting to provide space will increase your stability, consistency, and readiness to get back to the line safely!
TIP #2 - Have a Stable Wrist!
Having a loose wrist can cause a ton of errors with almost every shot. Especially when it comes to backhand shots.
Keeping a firm wrist on backhand shots seems to be the true gatekeeper of consistent, powerful backhands. Flimsy wrists on contact tend to spray, provide less spin, less consistency, and even less power. Don’t forget, you can sprain your wrist as well!
A firm wrist on contact provides stability even in uncomfortable positions. If your goal is consistency, keep that wrist locked, and firm!
TIP #3 - Use Your Shoulder Hinge!
Using your elbow or wrist to swing into the ball is a recipe for disaster. Keeping your wrist and elbow locked in place, allowing your shoulder to be the movement - will not only take stress off of your wrist and elbow, but the difference between a won, or lost point.
Every point counts!
Watch the rest of Briones Pickleball’s video here!
PADDLES
WHAT’S NEW
Paddle Stats Spreadsheet - HERE for discounts, and stats!
The Pulse series from Pickleball Apes is a kevlar faced, floating core structured paddle! The Pulses are an All-Court leaning power paddle, but with a plusher feel, and bigger sweet spot once “broken in”!
The Pulse V is a standard/widebody shape!
Our RPM test came out to - 1974
Our MPH test came out to - 62.6
DISCOUNTS
WAYS TO SAVE
JustPaddles + Pickleball Journey Discount
Do you want a drilling partner who doesn’t talk smack? Here’s the SpinShot with $50 off!!!
Thanks for reading. Share with your pickle people and we can grow more for big giveaways, exclusive deals, and offers! See you next time!
- The Pickleball Journey Team