Skinny Singles

            Playing Skinny Singles is an option for Pickleballers. Many of us are quite happy with playing doubles. But sometimes we just can’t get a foursome together, so playing skinny singles might be an option. 

            The most fun I have had playing skinny singles is to do the odd/ even version. Both players start on the right side and the serve is cross court. All play needs to be within the lines on the side of the court you are in. Each side serves until the point is lost or a fault and then the serve is relinquished to the other player. 

            How this works- the score starts at 0-0. You don’t need to say the server number, since you only have one server. All the normal rules apply for the serve. The server’s feet need to stay within the edge lines for the service area sidelines of the court and no crossing the baseline. No score change, no movement. When a point is scored, the player scoring the point moves to the opposite half of the court and the other players stays put. If the score became 1-0, the player serving moves from the right court to the left and now serves straight. I know serving straight is a little weird, but it gives the best practices.

            As the score changes over a game to 11, each player will move from side to side allowing for straight and cross court play. For me, this kind of play and practice helps my doubles game. I am required to work on ball placement on every shot. If the player doesn’t move up quickly, hit the ball deep to their feet and keep them back. If they are trying to keep you back, hit your third shot drop. Most of all have fun with it and make you best effort to follow the social distancing guide lines.

Thanks,
Robert