Pickleball battles in SF boiling over

Unwritten rules you need to know. Should the better player take the right?

July 22, 2024

DJ Khaled’s catchphrase is also the mantra for any pickleballer. If their shoes are still tied and it’s not raining, they’re always willing to play “Anotha One.” 

The world-renowned hip-hop producer won the hearts of America in the 2010’s putting out hit records and documenting his jet-ski adventures on Snapchat. “LION!”

Khaled recently took the courts with his family, and although he puts out bangers, there’s no chance he’ll be mistaken for one on the courts.

In This Issue:

➡️ When should the better player give up the left
✍️ Unwritten rules of pickleball
🌁 It’s not safe to be a pickleball net in the Bay Area

Anotha one.

Does the Better Player Belong on the Right?

When players stack, you will almost always see the better player on the left. This puts their forehand in the middle and allows them to cover the majority of the court.

That logic works most of the time. There are, of course, exceptions, like when left-handed players change the equation. But try this one on for size.

At the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament last week in Grand Rapids, The New Jersey 5s (who won the tournament) challenged that logic.

Anna Leigh Waters played the right, while her partner, Mari Humberg, played the left. They doubled down on this approach in mixed, putting Zane Navratil on the right with Humberg.

  • When you know one player is going to be targeted (Humberg in this example), you should try to make them as comfortable as possible

  • Humberg can actually be offensive on the left, as she has one of the best backhand flicks in the game

In a situation like this, the court will become lopsided toward the weaker player. The opponent will aim more balls to that side of the court, and the better player will shade more in the middle.

One aspect that might be overlooked is the forehand erne. It can be easier to erne from the left side. So if the weaker player is pinching the sideline and everyone knows the ball is going there, the Erne comes into play and can change the dynamic of the point.

Catch the full PicklePod episode to learn how it has worked out.

Step Up Your Game

Hey Dink Fam, it’s Alina here! Last weekend, our team had a blast at the Aloha Pickleball Showdown in Austin, and I couldn’t help but notice a trend that’s catching on fast. Many of us, including myself, were sporting OluKai’s latest gem — the 'Anau pickleball shoes. And let me tell you, they’re a game-changer both on and off the court!

The OluKai 'Anau is no ordinary shoe, and after rocking them myself, I can see why they’re a hit. They’re specifically crafted for pickleball players, with high-traction soles that keep up with every quick step across the court. Plus, they're lightweight, so moving fast doesn’t have to feel like a workout for your feet.

But what I love most? After the match, there’s no need to change shoes. The 'Anau's style is so versatile they fit right into whatever post-game plans you have. So, if you missed them at the Showdown, don’t worry! You can get your own pair of ‘Anau pickleball shoes right here!

Chronic Pickleball Vandalism in The Bay

San Francisco is rich in a few categories, specifically scenic views, tech startups, and pickleball problems. From a lack of courts to noise issues, the Bay Area is earning a reputation for pickleball hostility.

The San Francisco Chronicle covered the recent string of vandalism. Multiple parks have been hit in the latest crime spree:

  • Two nets were ‘slashed’ at the Moscone Recreation Center

  • Six nets were stolen from Rossi Park

  • Two nets were thrown over the fence at Buena Vista Park

These incidents were used as evidence to support a proposal for new permanent courts at Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove. The park is undergoing renovations, and the tennis and pickleball communities are lobbying to claim the space for themselves.

So, if you’re lucky enough to have consistent play on available courts, be grateful.

The Unwritten Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball is not played the same everywhere you go. In fact, there’s usually a learning curve to understanding the court rotation system when you visit new courts.

If you are someone who is constantly playing with new partners or new to the game altogether, there are some unwritten rules that can help make sure you get invited back.

  • Say sorry or raise a hand when a ball trickles over the net

  • Make sure your opponent is ready to receive your serve

  • Wait until the point is done before crossing behind a neighboring court (Bonus: show a little hustle)

  • Call “Ball” or “Ball on” if your ball enters a neighboring court and puts other players at risk

  • Apologize for headshots or any ball hit near head level (If your speed up is at head level, even unintentionally, you’re in the wrong)

  • Don’t lob people with mobility issues

  • Don’t target the weaker player

A few members of the Dink Fam took to Twitter to submit their own additions.

Tell us what else was missed so everyone knows how to keep games running smoothly in their neck of the woods. Despite what Natasha Bedingfield might say, sometimes it’s nice to have them in writing.

Winning Summer Starts Here

Got plans to hit the courts this summer? Let’s make sure you’re all set with the Pickleball Box. It’s your summer survival pack for the game.

Inside, you’ll find Tifosi's SWANK sports glasses to keep those harmful rays out of your eyes and help you spot the ball better under the glaring sun. You’ll also get a Dink-branded hat and T-shirt that aren’t only stylish but also save your skin from UV rays.

And because we know how games can get intense, there’s Jelly Belly Sports Beans to keep your energy up and Jigsaw Health's Pickleball Cocktail to keep you hydrated — sip it chilled from the cool Ice Shaker we’ve thrown in. Oh, and for those scorcher days? There’s a MISSION cooling towel in there to bring the temp down a notch after a hot match.

Really, the Pickleball Box has got you covered for a perfect summer on the courts. Grab one today and keep the focus on your game, not on gathering gear.

Bad Line Calls, Zane's Rant, Paddle Testing Failures

Zane and Thomas invented a new game involving some of the biggest names in pickleball. On this week’s pod, you hear from Connor Pardoe, Tyson Apostol, Chris Olson, and more.

Zane is fresh off another MLP title, and you have to begin to wonder if he is the GOAT of MLP. We dive into the paddle testing failures, the line-call controversy, and which team had the most surprising results. Catch the new episode here.

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