Where the Words “Journalist" and “Idiot” Meet Cute
Say Hello to BBC Pickleball Reporter Chaz Jones
In this issue of the Bite Size Pickleball newsletter:
BBC “Journalist” Chaz Jones Interviews Danger Zoner Kenny Loggins (“Logans”)
3rd Shot Option of the Week
“Hey! That’s my forehand!”
ChatGPT Pickleball Patience Poem of the Week
BBC’S 47 PART SERIES OF PICKLEBALL IN AMERICA
Don’t worry, there’s way more Chaz coming at you. Tell your friends, and stay tuned.
3RD SHOT OPTION NUMBER THREE
On my 3rd shot, my general rule of thumb is to drop everything hit to me deep, and drive anything hit to me short, and attackable. That means, a ball hovering over net height. The reason I don’t drive from deep is that I want to save my strength. Most good players will be able to counter a 3rd shot drive from the baseline, and I prefer to rely on my athleticism once I am at the NVZ. For some perspective, the pros drive over half the time on their 3rd shots, up from 29% just a year ago. If their drive doesn’t work to set up a point, they will typically drop it on their 5th shot, and get themselves, and their partner, up to the NVZ where, of course, the game of pickleball is won.
But here’s something else I like to do on occasion. I like to pop a 3rd shot lob over my opponent’s head when they least expect it. I really like doing this if my team has a game point, because the opponents are going to be tense, and then you’ll have whomever returns serve rushing up to the net, and they’ll be super wound-up. And that’s when you loft it right over that player’s head. Unless they’re a cartoon character, it’s really difficult to stop on a dime, retrace their steps, and retrieve said lob. If you’re lobbing it from the right side of the court to the left, try throwing in some topspin so the ball tails off the court once it lands in. This is a killer shot, a backbreaker, and it will suck the air right out of your opponents.
And, as I will always recommend, try adding some subterfuge to this shot. Pretend like you are going to drive it, or drop it, and then pop it, right over their friggin’ heads.
“That’s My Forehand!”
This is a public service announcement from Bite Size Pickleball to say there is ALWAYS an exception to a PERCEIVED rule. Do you think, for once, that a pro player turns to their partner, and exclaims, “That was my forehand!” Nope, doesn’t happen, because they know pickleball isn’t necessarily won when you divide the court up equally among partners. Plus, it’s super annoying when you say that after a point lost. Here’s an example of an exception straight from Gotham City Pickleball.
So, using myself as an example, again. I have a really long reach, and a consistent backhand put-away at the net. I don’t need anyone stepping in front of me with their forehand to try and finish the point. I got this.
But, but…Yes, a forehand is typically going to rule, and be stronger, when it comes to driving it from near the baseline. But, but…I played with a college kid today who is like 110 lbs. and hits the hardest two-handed backhand you have ever seen. I was more than happy to step aside, forgo my forehand, and let him do his thang. Intangibles, kids, intangibles, gotta think about those instead of “that was my forehand.” OK, can I stop printing that phrase now? It’s really beginning to annoy me.
TAKE A BITE OUR OF OUR WEEKLY PODCAST
I’m guessing you have heard the Bite Size Pickleball podcast available every Sunday. If not, search for it on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or get it directly from the Bite Size Pickleball website. This week features a chapter read from my book How to Play Better Pickleball.
CHATGPT PICKLEBALL POEM OF THE WEEK
In the realm of pickleball, where courts gleam bright,
Patience reigns supreme, in day or night.
For in the dance of rallies, swift and keen,
It's patience that unveils the winning scene.
With paddle poised, and eyes fixed on the ball,
We step upon the court, prepared to brawl.
Yet, rushing forth, a folly oft we find,
As unforced errors leave our hopes behind.
In eager haste, we swing with all our might,
But victory eludes, slipping out of sight.
For pickleball demands a tempered pace,
A calm demeanor in this heated chase.
Not only in the shots we choose to play,
But in the moments where we go astray.
For patience must extend beyond the game,
To our own selves, where doubts may rise and claim.
When serves fall short or smashes go awry,
It's patience that reminds us how to fly.
To learn from errors, not to dwell in sorrow,
But rise again, with hope for a better tomorrow.
So heed the wisdom of the pickleball court,
Where patience proves the most enduring fort.
With steady hand and heart that's true and kind,
Success awaits for those who patience find.