Pickleball is a unique game, and I’m not just referring to its name or some of the terms that have been coined and embraced so endearingly.
Pickleball is in its own “unique” category because it is the type of sport that can really allow one's characteristics to shine alongside their athleticism; I believe this to be true because it is slightly less technical than say table tennis or tennis.
After being in the game for many years and observing a lot of different types of players, I know that one of the most enjoyable parts about pickleball is that one's own personality and creativity can be incorporated into it.
Photo credit: Primetime Pickleball
For those of you who have spent time watching pickleball matches either live or online, the image above is an example of an “Erne shot”. This is when a player stands outside or jumps over the non-volley zone (NVZ) in order to volley the ball.
When the opponent's head is down and they choose to hit the ball down the line or to the player standing directly in front of them, this shot can really catch an opponent off guard.
The reason this falls into the common examples of “creative pickleball” is because it is an effective shot that can effectively end a rally and it’s occurring more and more, even at the amateur or recreational level. It’s a fun shot that players want to learn how to execute.
The Bert is an adaptation of an Erne shot, rather than you being the person jumping over your own NVZ area to hit a volley, the Bert is when your partner moves across the court and jumps over your NVZ to volley the ball.
This shot, like the Erne, happens very fast and again, occurs when a player's head is down, looking right at the ball, or a team is seemingly unaware that their shots are predictable.
The person executing the Erne can read where the ball is going and they feel confident leaving their side of the court to essentially poach their partner’s ball.
Most players are shocked when another person Erne’s or Bert’s them for the first time, I know I was! Talk about creativity, this is it: jumping over the corner of the kitchen just to hit a volley was someone’s genius way to avoid the rules of the NVZ.
“ATP” or “around-the-post” is a shot where a player returns the ball that has bounced inside the court but the trajectory of the shot takes the ball outside the court (on one sideline); when this occurs a player can hit the ball to the other side of the court, without it crossing the height of the net.
Oftentimes, that means the ball travels back around the net post just inches off the ground.
Photo credit: Pickleball Channel
I have to say that this is one of my more favoured shots to use and to defend. Although it’s not necessarily easy to perform (although it’s made to look easy), especially off of the first few attempts, it also doesn’t score as many originality points as compared to pickleball the Erne or Bert.
How many of you out there remember Sick Trx, the small group of professional players showcasing trick shots on the pickleball court?
I’m fairly certain you can still find their videos on YouTube and when I think of “creative pickleball” is mentioned my mind goes right to them because back when I was getting into the game, the players in this “group” were the ones highlighting trick shots in competition and during practice.
Pickleball really is one of those sports where people can insert their own characteristics on the court if and when they are ready to; and I don’t just mean through the fashion as we see in basketball, hockey, or soccer (bold hairstyles and bright coloured equipment like laces and shoes) - what I am referring to is expressing one's characteristics through their style of play.
Sure, we’ve seen pickleball players insert their own style through clothing and equipment such as Jay Devilliers and his headband and Patrick Smith with the one rolled-up sleeve.
Or how about Matt Wright’s classic “C’mon” between clutch points? Players are expressing themselves in a variety of ways in pickleball.
Take player Rob Cassidy, who wears his “23” shorts almost every single tournament but more so, the way he chooses to hold his paddle gives him a very distinct defensive edge.
He slides all over the court and overall, has an unorthodox approach to the game. Callan Dawson, who also actually “chokes” up on the paddle handle, has mastered the disguised lob.
Tyler Loong and Dekel Bar have punched their tickets on the Erne train. The point being that any player has the ability to insert their own style of play while still incorporating the fundamentals of the sport.
During competition, a creative mind can get a team into trouble. Where I see this occurring is when a team ends up losing the lead.
Don’t mistake this with a team assuming they’re going to win, even the most technical team can lose due to a premature notion of winning. Playing with too much creativity during a competitive match is a dangerous game.
Why gamble away the lead because you want to go for an ace? Creative shots, going for too much, and playing the high-risk game simply won’t work against teams of a higher skill or a team that’s mentally prepared to go all the way.
Technical shots aren’t always the prettiest, or the most “fun” but they do get the job done and they are the high percentage shots for a reason.
I think it’s a slightly awkward moment for anyone who goes for a shot that’s just “too much” or “too cute” especially when it’s during a competition, and yet, there’s a fine line to sticking within fundamentals and not stepping outside the comfort zone.
Players who can find a way to play in a non-predictable sort of way, or non-complacent way, often come out on top. All in all, don’t be afraid to play your game, your style, and your way. That is what is going to guarantee your enjoyment of the sport for a long time.
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