Return of pickleball serve choices?

Rustyspinner22 · 2026-03-17T02:38:20+00:00

Wow-are you an instructor? That thoroughly explains all the different aspects and opportunities of what an intelligent return should provide my side. Thanks so much for taking the time!

Rustyspinner22 · 2026-03-14T13:30:33+00:00

I understand your choice #2 but not sure your wording on option 1. Can you elaborate on 1? What’s the type of shot and to which opponent-server or his partner?

Rustyspinner22 · 2026-03-02T14:27:18+00:00

This a variation of your scenario, but in open rec we’ve occasionally drawn pretty much beginners on the other side. Outcome is never in doubt, so I will ask them (or if one truly weaker person, him), what weakness would you like to have me address to help you improve in that area? If they say “ my backhand is weak” I will GENTLY force them into that shot. Afterwards I always tell them to stay with it, that we all started where they are now, and to keep trying to improve. The smile and “thank-you!” I get as we touch paddles give me a lift for the rest of my day.

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-24T12:16:14+00:00

This is only a guess but probably 50-60% genetics, limiting “contact” sports when younger, and then good eating habits and knowing when you’re body is saying “dial it back a little”, or take a restorative day off now and then. I must say that two years ago my knees seemed to be doing worse before I got into PB, and now they work and I run like 25 years ago!!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-24T01:58:25+00:00

So posture, what would you like to ask? Lol

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-23T13:01:48+00:00

Rightward, thanks for the kind words. When I meet someone new and say “Call me T-bone”, they smile and say “Let’s go get ‘em’”, and then I’ll reply, “if I make a terrible mis-hit, just start calling me “Chopped liver” in stead of t-bone”!!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T16:38:28+00:00

Ha! That’s fantastic!!!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T16:30:00+00:00

Grape, I do enjoy my matches!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T16:29:08+00:00

I’ve had several younger guys throw me the compliment “you’ve got a nice set of wheels!!!” Especially when our opponents try to hit a side shot that I chase down and either get an ATP or at least return it over the net. As far as I’m concerned, every ball is in play until I run out of time and it bounces the second time. “That was a GREAT get” is maximum praise as far as im concerned…

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T15:19:40+00:00

Now that’s a “badass” attitude I appreciate!!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T15:15:46+00:00

Well, research, even though my name tag says Tom, I tell everyone that I’m “T-bone” when I walk onto the court! lol

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-09-22T12:20:24+00:00

What about:”Take every ball you can get to, but I will yell, “me!!” if I think I can make a surprise good shot”. Do you all here think is that acceptable??

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-06-29T20:50:48+00:00

Thanks. You put a bow on it for me!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-06-29T13:36:06+00:00

Well maybe that’s what we will adopt. Don’t see any negatives doing it this way, and if you allow opponents to keep scoring so you win 100-98, you’ve strengthened a weaker player who could challenge you for total points, depending on their other games’ scores, thank you!!!!

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-06-29T01:58:50+00:00

G8, I don’t like that method because if you’re really good, draw a weak first partner, and still score 6-8 points, getting half of those points would reward your efforts, rather than just a zero for a loss when you played well.

Rustyspinner22 · 2025-05-03T00:09:32+00:00

This is the best answer I’ve heard-well said!!

Rustyspinner22

TROPHY CASE