Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, indoors or outdoors, on a court similar to a tennis court. But what is era pickleball and how is it different from regular pickleball? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and provide you with some tips and tricks to improve your game.
What is Era Pickleball?
Paddletek, one of the leading brands in the pickleball industry, coined the term “Era pickleball” to describe its new line of paddles featuring advanced technology and design. According to Paddletek, era pickleball is “the next generation of pickleball” that offers “more power, more control, and more consistency” to players.
One of the most popular paddles in the era pickleball line is the Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle. This paddle is designed to provide a balance of power and touch, with a large sweet spot and a textured surface. It also has a vibration dampening system that reduces the impact on the arm and wrist, and a low-profile edge guard that protects the paddle from damage.
The Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle is suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to experts. It is available in different colors and weights and has a medium grip size. The paddle is USAPA-approved for tournament play.
How to Play Era Pickleball?
In the era of pickleball, players use the same rules and equipment as regular pickleball, except the paddle. To play era pickleball, you will need the following:
- A pickleball court, which is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, divided by a net that is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.
- A pickleball ball is a plastic ball with holes, similar to a whiffle ball. There are different types of balls for indoor and outdoor play, and they vary in size, weight, and bounce.
- A pickleball paddle is a solid paddle made of wood, composite, or graphite. The paddle must not exceed 17 inches in length and 8.5 inches in width, and must not have any features that affect the flight or bounce of the ball, such as holes, springs, or magnets. For era pickleball, you will need a paddle from the Paddletek New Era line, such as the Bantam EX-L.
- A partner and an opponent, or two partners and two opponents if you are playing doubles. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and the rules are the same for both formats.
The basic rules of pickleball are as follows:
Scoring and Serving Rules:
- Players aim to reach 11 points to win the game, with a required 2-point margin for victory.
- The serve, executed underhand, must traverse the court diagonally, clearing the net and landing in the opposing service court.
- The non-volley zone, often called the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. The serve must also clear this zone. The server has one fault before losing the serve, excluding the first serve of the game.
Gameplay Regulations:
- Adhering to the two-bounce rule, both the receiver and server must let the ball bounce once before returning it, ensuring a fair and measured gameplay start.
- Volleying is allowed after the initial two bounces, either in the air or following a bounce, but players must avoid entering or touching the non-volley zone while doing so.
- The ball must stay within the court boundaries, with lines considered in. Striking the net, net posts, or any object outside the court results in the ball being declared out.
- Points are scored by the serving team when the receiving team commits faults, such as hitting the ball out, into the net, volleying within the non-volley zone, or missing the ball. The serving team switches sides after scoring a point, and in doubles, the serve alternates between partners.
- The first team to achieve 11 points, maintaining a 2-point lead, wins the game. Optionally, teams may agree to extend the game to 15 or 21 points before its commencement. The receiving team does not score points but gains the serve when the serving team commits a fault.
Tips and Tricks for Era Pickleball
Paddle Selection Tips:
Choosing the right paddle is crucial for your performance in era pickleball. The Paddletek New Era line offers a range of paddles with diverse features, including weight, size, shape, core, and surface. To find the perfect fit, experiment with different paddles and consider reviews from experienced players. Your paddle selection significantly impacts your gameplay, so take the time to understand how each feature affects your style and preference.
Skill Enhancement Strategies:
Improving your era pickleball skills involves focused practice and strategic development. Here are some key areas to concentrate on:
- Serve and Return Mastery: The serve and return set the stage for every rally. Focus on powerful and accurate serving, aiming for corners or the court’s middle. Work on controlled and well-placed returns. Practice with a partner or a ball machine to enhance consistency and variation in your serves and returns.
- Mastering the Soft Game: Develop proficiency in the soft game, employing techniques like dinks, drops, and slices. This skill is crucial for keeping the ball in play and pressuring your opponent. Practice soft shots by using a paddle only, without a ball, and gently hitting the net. Engage in games where you’re restricted to hitting the ball within the non-volley zone to refine your soft game.
- Strategic Thinking: Elevate your pickleball game by honing your strategic and tactical thinking. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and your opponent’s style. Learn when to attack, defend, change the pace, and switch sides. Communication is key in doubles, so coordinate moves and signals with your partner. Analyze professional players to gain insights into effective strategies and tactics.
- Fun and Respectful Play: Remember that pickleball is not just a physical but also a mental game. Enjoy the social aspect of the sport and ensure a positive atmosphere on the court. Be respectful of opponents, partners, and the rules. Avoid negative behaviors such as arguing or trash-talking, and instead, focus on positive interactions. Follow pickleball etiquette, including score announcements, fault declarations, and post-game handshakes.
FAQs about Era Pickleball
Some frequently asked questions about era pickleball and their answers are provided here.
Era pickleball is a term used by Paddletek to describe their new line of paddles that feature advanced technology and design. Era pickleball is not a different type of pickleball, but rather a way of playing pickleball with a better paddle.
The Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle costs around $150, depending on the color and weight. You can buy it online from the official Paddletek website or other authorized dealers.
To ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your paddle, it is essential to follow a few simple maintenance practices. Regularly clean your paddle with a damp cloth and mild soap, ensuring the removal of any accumulated dirt or debris. After cleaning, dry the paddle thoroughly using a soft towel to prevent moisture-related issues. When not in use, store your paddle in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to protect it from potential warping or damage.
Engaging in pickleball during this playing era offers a multitude of benefits. It contributes to improvements in physical fitness, enhancing strength, agility, and coordination. Beyond the physical aspects, the sport also positively impacts mental health, fostering a better mood and cognitive function, while simultaneously reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
Era pickleball is the next generation of pickleball that offers more power, control, and consistency to players. By using a paddle from the Paddletek New Era line, such as the Bantam EX-L, you can improve your game and enjoy the sport more. You can also follow the tips and tricks we shared in this article, and check out the FAQs for more information. We hope you found this article helpful and informative, and we wish you all the best in your era pickleball journey. Happy playing! 🏓