In the world of pickleball, there’s a pleasant debate brewing around which format is most suitable for introducing new players to the game: Full Court Singles or Skinny Singles. A Reddit post by user rjpra2222 sparked this conversation, expressing concern over introducing a friend to pickleball who has no prior experience. The author is uncertain whether to go for the traditional Full Court Singles, which utilizes the entire court, or the more restricted Skinny Singles, which offers a condensed playing area. As the discussion unfolded, various users chimed in with their opinions, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm, practical advice, and some light-hearted humor.
Summary
- Many users advocate for Full Court Singles as the better option for newbies, citing its more inclusive nature and the traditional feel of the game.
- Skinny Singles is praised for its ability to help players focus on mechanics and skills without the fatigue from covering larger distances.
- Some players humorously acknowledge the physical demands of Full Court, suggesting it could deter beginners.
- The conversation illustrates a broader discussion about the preferences and teaching strategies within the pickleball community.
Full Court Singles: The Traditional Choice for Beginners
Several commenters argued that Full Court Singles is the superior choice for teaching newcomers about pickleball. One user, naoanfi, pointed out that playing on the full court allows beginners to develop a better sense of the game, as they will not yet have a great deal of control over where the ball goes. They emphasized, “You can try to place the ball so they can still get it,” indicating a more supportive approach to learning. Players like MiyagiDo002 shared this sentiment, adding that introducing a friend to Full Court could ignite their interest in singles play since that’s where most traditional games take place.
The Draw of Skinny Singles
The Skinny Singles format received ample encouragement as well, particularly for its practical applications in improving skills. Commenter Automatic_Video_1033 noted, “Skinny singles is one of the best training techniques out there… we are going to have a skinny singles tourney soon!” This echoed the sentiment expressed by others, who suggested that Skinny Singles can be particularly effective for refining strategies used in doubles games. Playing in a smaller area allows new players to hone in on their mechanics without the overwhelming challenge of covering a full court. As one user humorously recalled, “Skinny singles is better to teach someone. It’s the same mechanics as doubles,” showcasing how this variant can seamlessly transition a beginner into other formats.
Balancing Fun and Fitness
The debate took a humorous turn as some users cheekily noted the physical demands of Full Court Singles compared to Skinny Singles. Commenter timbers_be_shivered jokingly stated, “I can’t play skinny singles because I don’t meet the weight requirement,” which perfectly illustrated the light-hearted nature of the discussion while highlighting an underlying truth—that Full Court can be an intense workout! Suggesting that Full Court can exhaust players quickly, user 3pinguinosapilados noted, “How is their cardio? Full-court singles can get you exhausted pretty quickly,” further emphasizing the need to assess fitness levels when introducing beginners to pickleball. While the humorous quips regarding people’s physical limits were amusing, they also highlighted the serious consideration of ensuring a fun and accessible experience for newcomers.
Finding the Right Start for Beginners
The comments reflecting various experiences and suggestions yield interesting insights about catering to beginners in pickleball. Some players, like PugnansFidicen, suggested that a beginner learn to simply hit the ball anywhere on the Full Court to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics. This idea allows a gentle introduction without the intimidation factor, enabling newbies to develop confidence. Another inventive suggestion from T700-Forehead entailed implementing a hybrid approach where experienced players could cover the entire court while novices only play on a smaller section, which would retain the competitive spirit but still prioritize the training of new players. This adaptable mindset is essential as the pickleball community continues to grow.
In the end, whether players lean toward Full Court Singles or Skinny Singles, the conversation indicates a broader goal of inclusivity and fun in pickleball. The spirited debate not only showcased varied teaching strategies but also allowed players to cast an affectionate longing for their experiences with pickleball and its nuances. Each perspective shared carries its weight in promoting a love for the sport while supporting newcomers with effective learning methods. As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, reflecting on how to best introduce players into its exciting world can help foster both skill development and an enduring passion for the game.