Here’s ALTA’s answers to your burning pickleball questions
By Greg McAfee, Pickleball League Vice President
I REGISTERED MY TEAM BUT NOW THE FACILITY ISN’T AVAILABLE. WHAT DO WE DO?
Before registering your team with ALTA, be sure to secure courts at your desired facility. Your facility cannot be changed once mapping and schedules come out. Should you find yourself without courts for a home match, you will need to defer to the opponents to supply their home courts. If that is not an option, you will need to find courts that are not further away to the opponent than your home courts.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF A THIRD OR FIFTH SHOT DROP?
As the serving team, it is essential to have the ability to drop the ball into the kitchen effectively so that you can make your way up to the kitchen line. Whether you drop it on the third shot or you drive the ball then drop on the fifth shot, practicing this shot is vital.
HOW CAN I HAVE A MORE EFFECTIVE SERVE?
Transfer your body weight effectively to generate more power. Aim for your opponents’ baseline. Even a soft serve, served deep, is better than a short medium-paced serve, as it keeps the receiver behind the baseline. They will be transitioning in the court when you are hitting your third shot, which can give you an opportunity to come forward.
I ALWAYS LOSE TRACK OF THE SCORE AND NOW MY PARTNER WANTS TO STACK. HOW CAN WE KEEP TRACK OF WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE?
The side of the court you start on is where you should be anytime your team’s score is even. When stacking while receiving, be mindful of who is supposed to be returning the ball based on your score. Stacking takes practice, and even seasoned players still mess up.
