Pickleball Skinny Singles: How To Play, Rules, & Scoring

Summary

In this video, the hosts introduce the game of Skinny Singles, a popular pickleball drill ideal for two players. They explain its two variations: Crosscourt Skinny and Straight Ahead Skinny, demonstrating how the game simulates doubles play by focusing on different areas of the court. Key concepts such as scoring and serve positions based on even and odd scores are covered. The video also emphasizes the variety of shots that can be practiced, from dinks to drives. At the end, viewers are encouraged to enter a giveaway for a chance to win $200 worth of store credit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skinny Singles is a great drill for improving pickleball skills with just two players.
• 😀 It simulates doubles gameplay, allowing players to practice shots they'll use in a real match.
• 😀 There are two variations of Skinny Singles: the Crosscourt Skinny and the Straight Ahead Skinny.
• 😀 In the Crosscourt Skinny, only the crosscourt diagonal boxes are in play.
• 😀 In the Straight Ahead Skinny, the court is divided in half, and anything that crosses the midcourt line is out.
• 😀 The score determines the serving position: even scores (0, 2, 4, 6, etc.) mean serving from the right side, odd scores (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) mean serving from the left side.
• 😀 The game starts with both players on the right side of the court when the score is 0-0, playing the crosscourt skinny.
• 😀 Players continue serving and switching sides based on whether the score is odd or even.
• 😀 Skinny Singles is played until one player reaches 11 points, just like standard pickleball.
• 😀 The game involves a variety of shots: dinks, drives, drops, lobs, and speed-ups, simulating real doubles play.

Q & A

What is Skinny Singles in pickleball, and why is it popular?

Skinny Singles is a variation of pickleball played with only two people. It is popular because it simulates shots that players will encounter in doubles games, making it an excellent way to practice when you have limited players available.

How do you play Skinny Singles in pickleball?

In Skinny Singles, there are two main variations: the Crosscourt Skinny and the Straight Ahead Skinny. In Crosscourt Skinny, players only play within the diagonal boxes, while in Straight Ahead Skinny, the court is halved, and anything beyond the midcourt line is out.

What are the rules for scoring in Skinny Singles?

Scoring in Skinny Singles follows similar rules to regular pickleball. When serving, if your score is an even number (0, 2, 4, etc.), you serve from the right side. For odd scores (1, 3, 5, etc.), you serve from the left side. The opponent's score determines their receiving side as well.

What is the significance of the score when determining service positions?

The score determines which side of the court a player serves from. If the server's score is even (e.g., 0, 2, 4), they serve from the right side. If their score is odd (e.g., 1, 3, 5), they serve from the left side. Similarly, the opponent serves from the opposite side depending on their score.

Can you describe how the Crosscourt Skinny variation works?

In the Crosscourt Skinny variation, players only play within the diagonal boxes of the court. This means the ball is always hit crosscourt, and the goal is to keep the play confined to this narrower section of the court.

What does the Straight Ahead Skinny variation entail?

In the Straight Ahead Skinny variation, the court is split in half along the midline. Players can only hit the ball within their half of the court, and any shots that cross the midcourt line are considered out.

How does Skinny Singles help improve your pickleball skills?

Skinny Singles helps improve a player's pickleball skills by simulating doubles game scenarios with fewer players. It requires players to practice a variety of shots, including drives, drops, dinks, speed-ups, and lobs, in a more focused and intense environment.

What types of shots can you practice in Skinny Singles?

In Skinny Singles, you can practice all types of shots used in regular pickleball, including drives, dinks, drops, speed-ups, lobs, and volleys. The variation allows for a more dynamic and diverse range of shot-making.

Is Skinny Singles a good practice method for doubles players?

Yes, Skinny Singles is an excellent practice method for doubles players. It mimics the kinds of shots and movement players will experience in doubles matches, making it a great tool for improving overall court coverage and shot variety.

What is the giveaway mentioned in the video?

The giveaway mentioned in the video offers $200 worth of store credit to five lucky winners. Viewers can participate by following the instructions in the video description.