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PICKLEBALL PUZZLERS | Continued
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Bart is not wearing a hat , but Vic is . Do you think a hat or visor makes the dink more deceptive ?
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ANSWER
Bart says he watches the ball . Vic says he watches the paddle face . I think I watch the eyes so I find a visor more deceptive . A visor or cap is illegal in table tennis . I think it is an advantage to wear a visor because it keeps the opponent from “ reading ” you .
ANSWER
The player who is closer to the net has priority . In this case , it is Christy . Her footwork is established while Mike is still moving forward . One could argue that Mike is the more powerful player , but pickleball is more about timing , placement , and court position than about power . Christy is prepared so she has priority . Mike should back her up if he feels she might defer . It is always good to verbally communicate on every questionable situation : “ Yours ,” “ Mine ,” etc . Practicing regularly with your partner should lead to an understanding of both priority and backup . Both players should shift depending on the placement of the ball and both players ’ court positions . •
Christy is left-handed , so she and Mike each have their forehands down the middle in Mixed Doubles when Christy is on the even side . The ball is coming down the middle of the court . Who has priority ?
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Many thanks to our photogenic models : Bart Brannon , Kitty Cheak , Christy Price , Mike Strunk , Vic Vosen , and Roland Hoeger .
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .