PADDLE TALK PART TWO ~ PRETTY ~ TEXTURE ~ RESTRICTIONS ~ ALL WOOD PADDLES

         PADDLE TALK PART TWO

                    by Coach Joe Palmere Jr.

PADDLE SELECTION ~ THE PRETTYEST PADDLE WINS

I frequently conduct paddle selection clinics at retail racquet sport stores, such as HOLABIRD SPORTS on 9220 Pulaski Highway. The owner, David Hirschfeld and Son, Brian, have an indoor racquet sport demo court for customers to try out pickleball paddles, tennis and racquet ball racquets, while trying on a new pair of shoes, .

The retail stores provides a variety of demo pickleball paddles for customers to try. I purposely add a few "colorful graphic, slick surface duds" in the mix, along with the paddles that I know to perform well for new or nearly new players.

After an explanation on paddle nomenclature, construction, comfort and tit, and performance, the customers can hit some practice shots with a variety different paddles, to see which ones feel most comfortable and perform most consistently in their hands.

Inadvertently some customers will choose a paddle that is most eye appealing to them, even after it performs poorly in their hands. In good conscience, I try to steer them towards a paddle that I know will help their game. But they still choose to buy the pretty paddle.

TEXTURED PADDLES WITH GRAPHICS A MESSAGE TO THE PADDLE MAKERS

Some of the brand name textured surface paddles with graphics,  for which I have written "independent product performance reviews," have produced inconsistent ball control, spin and ball placement. This I believe, is due to the graphics on the paddle,  how they are applied to the surface, and if they created dead spots on the surface.

Again, I claim no expertise, certification or creditability for testing paddle performance. I based my findings on my personal use and testing of the paddle in my hands. I can play right and left hand and have better than average ball placement skills, that factors into my findings. I use the same brand of indoor and outdoor balls for each test.

I also conduct the test on the same indoor and outdoor court surfaces. The balls are fed to me by my Simon 2 Pickleball Throwing Machine.  I follow the same pickleball shot sequences, hitting the same number of balls for each test.

During the performance testing of  each paddle, I record my findings on my  “Paddle Test Performance Sheet.,” I use the same form with the same performance criteria for each paddle.

The next step is to do a close visual inspection of the paddle surface to determine if the graphics are impregnated into the surface material and follow the ridges and valleys of the textured surface.

I also lightly spray clean water over the flat surface of a paddle, to see if collects in the texture valleys or lays on top of the graphics. Assuredly this is not a scientifically controlled testing protocol. It is subject to human error and product variables.

The purpose of this part of my unscientific testing process is to determine if the graphics on the paddle are interfering with the textured surface from doing what it was intended to do.

If I visually confirm that the graphics on a poor performing paddle are smoothing over the textured parts of the surface that are covered by the graphics,

I would like to see manufactures of textured surface paddles, produce a textured with no graphics other than that which is required by the USAPA for approval.

THE USAPA RESTRTICTIONS ON PADDLES SURFACE TEXTURING ~ TIME TO LOSSEN UP

The USAPA could be more relaxed with their restrictions on texturing paddle surfaces. I for one would like to see the USAPA redefine its restrictions on texturing of paddle surface to be more beneficial for many players, including myself. If players can improve their game with better textured paddles than not help them do so.

The USAPA could be more relaxed with their restrictions on texturing paddle surfaces. I for one would like to see the USAPA redefine its restrictions on texturing of paddle surface to be more beneficial for many players, including myself. If players can improve their game with better textured paddles than why not allow them do so.

The current texturing restrictions infringe upon many players' ability's improve their ball control skills and adding a variety of spin to the ball, to help level the playing field with the more biomechanically fit and skilled players coming from a tennis background.

Many new pickleball players are experiencing racquet style sports for the first time in their lives. Or they have mobility issues or physical impairments that limit their range of motion, speed and agility, that could be helped by using a paddle with more texture than that which is currently allowed.

The current texturing restrictions are archaic and somewhat discriminating against players who's game would benefit by paddles with more surface texturing because of their lack of physical ability due to mobility issues, injuries' or age. It's not as if only certain players would be able to purchase better textured paddle. Any player would have this option.

What is it about Texture on a paddle surface that makes it such a bad thing ? Just maybe a less restive texturing rule, would encourage more players to participate in organized play, compete in tournaments, and enjoy the game even more. Isn't this what Pickleball is all about ?

ALL WOOD PADDLES IMPEDE THE LEARNING PROCESS & CONTRUTE TO JOINT PROBLEMS

Another concern that I have are the heavy all wood paddles often  provided for instructing beginners how to play pickleball. To date, I have logged several hundred hours of volunteer instruction of 212 new players. I have also logged many hours coaching small groups of improving players,

I am not a fan of instructing or coaching players who use all wood heavy starter paddles, especially beginners. The add 3 or 4 ounces of weight at a time when someone is just learning the basic strokes of the game and how to swing the paddle.

They offer no ball control, and place far too much power in the hands of a new players. Their grip circumference is excessive, causing the user to grab hold of the paddle handle tightly to keep it from flying out into space. This excessive gripping cause a lot of unnecessary unforced errors.

Plus the heavy weight of these paddles wear quickly tire new players trying to learn the game. Aside from making the learning process harder,  the all wood paddle make the instruction process more time consuming.

The additional weight of the all wood paddles also causes injuries to the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, especially in older players. A new player will learn faster having their own composite that is lighter and more comfortable to handle. Additionally it will lessen the possibility for wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries especially in older and weaker players.

I now strongly recommend that new players come to class with their own compositie paddles and three pickleballs. Then they will have the equipment to practice at home what they learned in class.

When we resume playing pickleball, remember to sanitize your paddle handles before and after each game, and especially if someone accidentally grabs your paddle.