Ranch Activities: Pickleball

Pickleball! If you haven’t heard, it’s the fastest growing sport in America. There are

fourteen pickleball courts on Black Butte Ranch (and even discussion of building an indoor

court), so typically there’s no problem getting some play in. If it’s a particularly busy summer

weekend, you can always book/reserve a court the day before by calling the Glaze Meadow

Sports Shop (541-595-5877). We keep a set of paddles and balls at the house for guests to use

if you don’t already have your own. Generally, you play with 4 people, but can be 2 or 3 as well.

Rules Summary - USA Pickleball

Pro tips:

Get to the kitchen: The section closest to the net is called the “kitchen” and if you are in it, you

can’t hit a ball unless it’s already bounced. Thus, you want to stand just outside the kitchen

area where you can hit balls out of the air if the opportunity should arise. If your partner is

receiving the initial serve, you can start up with your toes just outside of the kitchen. If you are

any of the other players, then as soon as you can, make your way to that spot when the

opportunity allows for it.

Keep opponents out of the kitchen: When serving OR the first return, since the opponent

has to let it bounce, try to hit the ball deep on their side. That way you aren’t as exposed to

them smashing a winning shot from closer range.

Learn to dink: Dinking is where you just barely get the ball over the net and prevents

opponents who are just outside the kitchen from smashing a return back to you. If done well, it

forces the opponent to either have to dink back to you… or risk hitting the ball up high enough

that you can hit a winning shot from out of the air without having to step into the kitchen.

Hit to your opponents feet: Aiming at your opponents feet is a good offensive shot since it

limits their return options.

Hit between your opponents: Another good option (particularly if neither of your opponents

have a forehand in the middle) is to hit between your opponents. It makes them have to choose

who is going to hit it, which can cause a moment of pause… and sometimes cause them to not

react fast enough. (Not to mention that it can cause animosity between those two players… is

that too dark?).

And if nothing else… at the end of your match, you are right next to Glaze Meadow Pool Snack

Shop that has swirl soft serve ice cream cones… everyone’s a winner with that! Enjoy!