I feel like there is a difference between deception and distraction. Dance a jig or do a pushup before you hit a shot if you want, but if your opponent is hitting a shot you shouldn't be waving your arms of mooning them to mess them up. Also, Rachel and Anna played against each other in college, not with.
The more I think about it, I see your point. So as long as I’m the one hitting the ball, Shenanigans are ok, but if my opponent is hitting the ball the shenanigans are to distract them. I wonder if this will be a 2025 rule proposal, or if there is any current rule on the matter?
Also, Rachel has been playing and coaching pickleball since 2018 or 2019. It isn't like she is new to the sport. Just wasn't really doing pro til last yr. Kinda like how Sock has been playing for years
1:30 Local Tournaments (10) 23:24 Jack Sock vs Ben Johns (8) 24:36 Ben Johns/Collin Johns vs Zane Navratil/ Christian Alshon (7) 28:00 Men's Singles Ranking (6) 29:29 Judit Castillo vs Kaitlyn Christian (5) 30:33 The Unthinkable Upset: Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher Dethrone the Invincible Duo (4) 37:18 Bright, Daescu stun Waters, Johns for mixed doubles crown (3) 39:51 BRIGHT WINS TWO GOLDS EACH AND END RUNS BY JOHNS AND WATERS (2) 41:04 DAESCU WINS TWO GOLDS EACH AND END RUNS BY JOHNS AND WATERS (1)
The PPA website has a ranking page that shows the 52 week total (used for seeding) and the race which is current year to date. Ben Johns still has a slight lead in the 52 week which is why he keeps getting the 1 seed but Fed is way ahead in the race. The PPA definitely doesn't do a good job of explaining it and highlighting standings during the broadcasts.
Excellent info! I didn’t realize that the seeding comes from a rolling 12 months. My hope is that the PPA will start putting this info more forward to the public, as to create more Drama tournament to tournament.
Would love to have a ref weigh in on this! I spoke to a fellow pickler this morning who said all “unnatural” movements should be called/not allowed (which this example is unnatural), and all “natural” movements should be allowed, and should not be called (for example, throwback to James Ignatowich’s split step from MLP). Thank you for weighing in! Loving the convos on this!
I think we all agree it’s a distraction - Brian is adding that it’s not JUST a distraction, but a strategic one. I think you’re pointing out the biggest question - is it poor sportsmanship/bad pickle etiquette? Votes rolling in agree with you. Thank you for weighing in! Loving the thoughts and conversation around this! -Christie
