So here’s the thing. Even the most experienced pickleballers forget the score. I think we’ve all experienced a fun game turn contentious:
“No no, you’re on the 2".
“We got one. It’s 6-4, not 6-3”
It happens to all of us, so here are a couple of tips to prevent you from seeming like a newbie on the court:
First server. When starting a game, keep track of the first server. Even at the pro level, the first server wears an indicator wristband to help the refs track the score.
The first server will always be on the right when the score is even.
It's the easiest way to remember if you have 8 instead of 9…or 3 (we all know that person who screws up the score royally).
It's also the best way to get your bearings after that last crazy rally when Debbie dove for a ball, Jerry backed into the fence, and Janet dropped her paddle midpoint.
Side-out score. Make a mental note of the score when a side-out occurs. Treat these like video game checkpoints where you can retrace your steps to the correct score.
Example: You get the ball back at 4-7-1. A few rallies later, the score is tied 7-7. You lose a wild point like the one above. The other team calls for the ball, claiming it's a side-out.
Your head is in the clouds after that rally and can't remember if you were server one or two. But you do remember the score at the side-out (4-7-1).
You can explain to them: “I was the first server of the match, we had 4 when we got the ball back, so I am server number one in the side out. The correct score is 7-7-2.”
These tricks will help you track the score and keep the peace on your community courts. Use them wisely.
Use this code for a 10% discount on a custom paddle
First Time Buyers Only
Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Nomex. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com
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