PICKLEBALL POINTS

PICKLEBALL POINTS

October 18, 2026

🏓 Exciting Update: Demuth Park New Courts Opening!

We recently met with our Pickleball Ambassadors, who will be on-site to help everyone get familiar with the new rotation and paddle saddle systems once the courts open.

Grand Opening Date: Wednesday, October 21st at 4:00 PM

Opening Day Festivities: Groundbreaking ceremony, court rules & signage unveiling, live demos, giveaways, refreshments, and more!

New Court Highlights & Features:

Enclosed Courts: Every court has dedicated fencing and a gate—no more foot traffic passing through your game!

Spectator Viewing: A raised grass berm in front of the courts provides a great high-perch viewing area.

Practice Backboards: Two backboards available (one on the teaching courts and one outside the court area) so you can drill while waiting for a game.

Amenities: 4 water stations, ample shade structures, benches, bike racks, bleachers, and a dedicated Challenge Court (designed for wheelchair games as well!).

Skill-Designated Courts: Dedicated areas for Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced, and Challenge Court. Each skill tier includes paddle saddles for organized rotation.

Online Court Reservations:

Available from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for $13.00/hour per court (open to residents and non-residents alike).

Limited reservations are also available after 3:00 PM. Check availability and reserve online!

💡 Coach Mary’s Tip of the Week

We are excited to introduce Coach Roscoe Bellamy, who is sharing his expertise on mastering the service return!

📺 Video Guide: Search for "Service Return Master Class" on YouTube or check out the Desert Sun website:

🔗 Watch the Service Return Master Class on YouTube

Key Takeaways: Positioning, Technique & Strategy

1. Positioning

Start Back: Position yourself behind the baseline to give yourself extra time to make contact in front of your body.

Forward Momentum: Lean into the return rather than trying to run through the shot.

Footwork: Split step, load your outside leg to set up for a forehand or backhand, and move cleanly through the shot.

2. Technique

Unit Turn: Turn your upper body toward the ball rather than relying on an arm swing or big backswing.

Compact Stroke: Avoid a looping topspin backswing. Use a short, linear backswing to rebound your opponent's serve while keeping your head level.

Leg Power: Power comes from your lower body, not a long take-back.

Flat Return: Since your opponent supplies the serve's power, focus on solid, flat contact using proper form.

3. Strategy

Target Selection:

Aim toward the player with the weaker 3rd-shot drive or drop.

Target the stronger Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) player to keep them pinned at the baseline longer.

Down the Middle: Drive returns down the center to force opponent communication and reduce their angles.

Depth & Angles: Focus on deep returns. Cross-court deep returns give you a lower net clearance and a wider margin for error.

"We don't practice serve returns enough unless we're playing singles. Add this to your drilling routine—the serve return is easily one of the most vital skills in your toolbox!"