Saturday, February 24, 2024

RAW UNEDITED 5.0 Pickleball Wall Training Session (No Equipment Needed)

 

"My style of training is more "flow" and less rigid. I don't come in with a set "curriculum"-- but I do have a "library" in my brain of drills that I created to target specific patterns/skills that are important in pickleball." Ed Ju

0:00 Explanation 1:00 Warm Up Top Spin Dinks 2:00 Speed Up Reset Counter 2:47 Tomahawks 4:15 Overhead Resets 8:11 Open Stance Serves 9:05 Ground Strokes 11:05 Volleys 15:01 Volley Dinks 16:07 Shuffle Volleys 18:12 Touch Volleys 19:26 Wall Sit Paddle Rolls

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Learn The DROP SLICE Serve in 5 Minutes | CRAZY SIDE SPIN!

 

Mastering the Drop Slice Serve: A Comprehensive Guide

Elevate Your Pickleball Game with This Advanced Technique

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of Pickleball, mastering new techniques can often mean the difference between victory and defeat on the court. Recently, a drop slice serve has been making waves, gaining attention from tennis enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, Ed Ju delves into a detailed tutorial on the drop slice serve. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to add some flair to your game, this guide is for you.


The video begins with the Ed's acknowledgment of the high demand for learning the drop slice serve following a viral demonstration on Instagram. Setting the stage for a concise five-minute tutorial, the he emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the technique. As the tutorial progresses, the Ed provides step-by-step instructions, accompanied by live demonstrations, to ensure a clear understanding of the mechanics involved.


Understanding the Technique:

The drop slice serve is described as a combination of a drop shot and a slice, resulting in a deceptive spin that confounds opponents. The Ed emphasizes the importance of a loose wrist and hands while executing the serve, highlighting the forward motion and angled contact with the ball to generate the desired spin.


Practical Application:

Throughout the tutorial, the Ed showcases various angles and trajectories of the drop slice serve, allowing viewers to appreciate its effectiveness in action. Notably, the serve's ability to force opponents into awkward positions and elicit weaker returns is highlighted, providing tactical advantages for players.


Interactive Demonstration:

In an interactive segment, Ed engages with a skilled opponent, demonstrating the serve's impact in real-time gameplay. The opponent's reactions serve as a testament to the serve's effectiveness, further reinforcing its value as a strategic weapon on the court.


Strategic Considerations:

Towards the conclusion of the tutorial, Ed offers strategic insights, suggesting ways to capitalize on the serve's advantages. By manipulating opponents' positioning and setting up subsequent shots, players can maximize the serve's impact and gain a competitive edge.


Conclusion:

In wrapping up the tutorial, the Ed Ju encourages viewers to practice the drop slice serve and share their feedback. With a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and practical demonstrations, this comprehensive guide equips players with the tools needed to master this advanced tennis technique. Whether you're aiming to surprise opponents with newfound skills or elevate your gameplay to new heights, the drop slice serve promises to be a game-changer on the court.

COMPSCI 188 - 2018-08-23 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

 

Unveiling the Tapestry of Artificial Intelligence: Insights from UC Berkeley's Introduction to AI Lecture (2018)

Delving into the Complexities, History, and Future of AI Through the Lens of Academic Discourse

Introduction:

In the sprawling landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), where algorithms converge with human cognition, the quest for understanding remains a labyrinth of complexities. A glimpse into the foundational concepts of AI, as articulated in a lecture from UC Berkeley CS 188 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Fall 2018 (Playlist 25 video lectures), unveils not only the technical intricacies but also the historical tapestry and future trajectories of this burgeoning field.

Highlights:

  • Existence Proof of Intelligence: Professor Pieter Abbeel opens the discourse by drawing an intriguing parallel between AI and the human brain. While acknowledging the existence of intelligent systems, he underscores the challenge of reverse engineering the brain due to its non-modular nature. Unlike software, brains lack the compartmentalization that facilitates dissection and replication.
  • Two Components of Decision Making: The lecture delves into the essence of intelligence: decision-making. It elucidates two fundamental components—memory and simulation—that underpin rational choices. Memory, rooted in past experiences, and simulation, grounded in computational models, converge to shape human decision-making processes.
  • Course Topics: The curriculum delineates the trajectory of the AI course, encompassing the emergence of smart behavior through algorithms and the cultivation of intelligence from data and statistics. From search algorithms to machine learning, the course navigates the spectrum of AI methodologies, culminating in the synthesis of these approaches.
  • A (Short) History of AI: Through a historical lens, the lecture traces the evolution of AI from its nascent stages in the 1950s to contemporary advancements in deep learning. It narrates the oscillating narrative of optimism and skepticism, from early experiments in logical reasoning to the statistical resurgence in the '90s and the advent of deep learning in the 2010s.
  • Applications and Future Prospects: The discourse transcends theoretical abstractions to elucidate real-world applications of AI across diverse domains. From natural language processing to robotics, AI permeates industries, promising transformative impacts on society and economy.

Conclusion:

The UC Berkeley Introduction to Artificial Intelligence lecture encapsulates the multidimensional fabric of AI, weaving together historical insights, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications. As academia continues to unravel the mysteries of intelligence and innovation propels AI into uncharted territories, this discourse serves as a beacon illuminating the trajectory of human-machine symbiosis. In the interplay of algorithms and cognition lies the promise of a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

37:45 A (Short) History of AI


In the annals of technological history, the narrative of artificial intelligence (AI) unfolds as a tapestry woven with ambition, excitement, occasional disillusionment, and, perhaps, a tinge of apprehension. In 2018, Pieter Abbeel, a luminary in the contemporary AI landscape, reflected on this journey, offering a condensed yet illuminating overview of the trajectory of AI from its nascent beginnings to its current omnipresence.

Abbeel traces the roots of AI to the dawn of computing in the 1950s. As behemoth machines emerged from the fertile minds of innovators, the notion of imbuing them with cognitive abilities beyond mere calculation captured the imagination of a select few. The scene is vividly captured in a vintage video, The Thinking Machine, from the early 1960s, where luminaries of the era pondered the tantalizing prospect of machines that could think.

The journey commenced with humble aspirations, with early AI pioneers envisioning computers as more than mere number-crunchers. Games like checkers and chess became early testing grounds, showcasing the potential for machines to tackle challenges requiring human-like intelligence. Thus, the term "artificial intelligence" was born, embodying a vision of machines engaging in tasks traditionally reserved for the human intellect.

Yet, as Abbeel notes, the road to AI nirvana proved winding and fraught with setbacks. The initial euphoria gave way to a sobering reality as early attempts at imbuing machines with intelligence faltered. The promise of logical reasoning and knowledge-based approaches failed to materialize into tangible breakthroughs, ushering in a period known as the "AI winter." Funding dwindled, and progress stagnated, casting a pall over the field.

However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, AI experienced a renaissance in the 1990s with the advent of statistical approaches. By marrying novel statistical techniques with domain expertise, researchers unlocked new vistas of possibility, navigating the murky waters of uncertainty with newfound dexterity. This resurgence, heralded as an "AI spring," paved the way for the next evolutionary leap.

Enter the era of deep learning, a seismic shift that catapulted AI into the mainstream consciousness. Beginning in 2012, deep learning algorithms revolutionized industries and ignited a fervor reminiscent of the halcyon days of the 1950s. Today, AI permeates diverse domains, from healthcare to finance, heralding a new dawn of innovation and disruption.

Yet, amidst the fervent optimism, echoes of caution linger. As Abbeel astutely observes, the cyclical nature of AI's trajectory invites introspection. Will history repeat itself, plunging AI into another winter of discontent, or will the current wave of progress endure? Only time will tell.

In conclusion, Abbeel's retrospective offers a poignant reminder of AI's tumultuous journey—a saga marked by triumphs, setbacks, and unyielding resilience. As humanity hurtles towards an increasingly AI-driven future, the lessons of the past serve as guiding beacons, illuminating the path forward in this brave new world of intelligent machines.

###


COMPSCI 188 - 2018-08-23 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Time Code List

  1. 00:00 Setup [no content]
  2. 03:10 Staff Introductions
  3. 05:17 Logistics [outdated]
  4. 14:58 Class Culture [outdated]
  5. 18:28 AI in Pop Culture
  6. 27:44 What is AI?
  7. 31:55 Rationality
  8. 34:01 What About the Brain?
  9. 36:35 Course Topics
  10. 37:45 A (Short) History of AI
  11. 44:35 Break [no content]
  12. 50:44 What Can AI Do?
  13. 56:28 Unintentionally Funny Stories
  14. 1:02:20 Natural Language
  15. 1:07:37 Vision, Robotics
  16. 1:14:06 Game Playing
  17. 1:18:06 AI Applications
  18. 1:19:41 Designing Rational Agents
  19. 1:22:44 End [no content]"

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Pickleball Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Pickleball Rules & How To Play

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Learning Pickleball Mastering the Rules, Strategy, and Key Skills As A Beginner


Pickleball is a fun sport that has exploded in popularity over the recent years. Its simplicity to learn makes it accessible for players of all ages and abilities. This guide will provide new players with a comprehensive overview of pickleball to help you quickly pick up the sport. Nicole Havlicek, PrimeTime Pickleball, covers all the essential topics like the court layout, basic rules, scoring, positioning, and serving technique. With clear explanations and visual examples, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to step onto the court with confidence as a beginner.


Whether you’re playing singles or doubles recreationally or competitively, this manual outlines everything you need to know to have success and enjoyment with pickleball right from the start. Refer back to the various sections as needed when questions arise during play. With practice, you’ll soon understand why pickleball is considered one of the fastest growing sports. So let’s get started!


1. Equipment (0:28)

  • Pickleball requires minimal equipment - a paddle, ball, court shoes, and a court
  • Avoid wooden paddles as they're too heavy; use a composite paddle
  • Pickleball Central has great affordable beginner paddles ($50-100); test paddle for 30 days
  • Outdoor balls have a harder feel for outdoor courts
  • Indoor balls have a rubbery feel for hardwood floor courts
  • Optimal shoes are tennis or court shoes for lateral support (not running shoes)

2. The Court (3:15)

  • Rectangular playing area divided in half by net
  • Ball is in play if it lands inside bounds, fault if lands out of bounds
  • Lines are in bounds
  • Court divided into right and left service areas
  • Server must serve diagonally into service area

3. The Lines (3:49)

  • Boundary lines:
    • Baseline
    • Sidelines
  • Interior lines:
    • Center line - Divides service areas
    • Non-volley zone line - Creates non-volley zone on each side

4. The Nonvolley Zone (NVZ) (5:06)

  • Cannot volley a ball while standing in the non-volley zone
  • Volley: Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces
  • If volley momentum carries you into NVZ, it's a fault
  • Can enter NVZ anytime, just can't volley when inside it

5. Two Bounce Rule (6:53)

  • Ball must bounce once after serve, and once after return
  • Then can play out of the air or after one bounce
  • Except no volleys in the NVZ

6. False Faults (7:15)

  • Hitting ball into net
  • Hitting ball out of bounds
  • Letting ball bounce twice before returning

7. Scoring (7:43)

  • Standard: First to 11 points, win by 2
  • Only serving team can score points
  • Alternate scoring formats: to 15 or 21 points

8. Strategy & Positioning (8:07)

  • Objective: Get one more shot in play than opponent
  • Advance to NVZ line as quickly as possible after serve/return
  • Most advantageous position due to attacking angles

9. Non-Volley Zone Line Positioning (9:58)

  • Skilled players actively try to control NVZ line
  • Longer exchanges typically occur with both teams at NVZ line
  • Takes good shots to advance from baseline to NVZ line
  • Some players stay back at baseline as personal preference

10. Starting Positions (11:02)

  • Serving Team:
    • Both players behind baseline
    • First server at start of game/after sideout on right side
  • Receiving Team:
    • Returner behind baseline
    • Returner's partner at NVZ line

11. Serving Team Positions (11:56)

  • Only team that can score points
  • Switch sides after winning point, same server continues serving
  • Second server serves after first server loses point
  • Lose serve after second server loses point (sideout)

12. Receiving Team Positions (13:30)

  • Trying to regain serve by scoring
  • Do not switch sides after points
  • Partner at NVZ line, Returner behind baseline
  • If not returning, start at NVZ line. If returning, start at baseline

13. First Server Exception Rule (15:20)

  • Limits advantage of first serving team scoring quickly
  • Only one player on first service turn gets to serve
  • After first sideout, each player gets serve turn

14. Scoring Examples (18:18)

Serving Team

  • Right side player serves first
  • Switch sides after each point but same server
  • Second server after first server loses point

Receiving Team

  • Returner behind baseline
  • Partner at NVZ line
  • Do not switch sides; rotate positions

Calling Score

  • Server calls out: Our score, Their score, Server number
  • Starts with 0-0-2 (first server exception)

15. Serving Rules (21:07)

Volley Serve Rules

  • Hit out of the air, no bounces
  • Arm moving upward
  • Paddle below wrist height
  • Contact below waist (use navel as guide)

Drop Serve Rules

  • Let ball bounce once
  • Ball can land anywhere
  • Just release ball, no pushing


Pickleball is a paddle sport that has exploded in popularity due to its ease of play and accessibility to people of all ages and athletic abilities. This thorough guide outlines everything a beginner needs to know about pickleball including court components and layout, basic rules and scoring, serving requirements, gameplay strategies, and equipment basics.


The pickleball court is similar to a tennis court but smaller. It's divided into two halves by a net and further split into service zones and non-volley zones. The basic objective of the game is to hit the ball back and forth over the net one more time than your opponent, with points only scored when serving. You can only volley (hit the ball out of the air) when standing outside of the non-volley zone. Other key rules include the two bounce rule requiring one bounce after the serve and return and guidelines around foot faults and false faults like hitting into the net.


Games are typically played to 11 points, winning by 2, with the server calling out the score before each point. Only one player gets a turn to serve the first time a team gains the serve, but after that players rotate serving turns. Players switch sides after each point when serving. The receiving team does not switch sides. When playing doubles, the optimal positioning is for the serving team to start behind the baseline and the receiving team to have the returner start behind the baseline near the server and their partner up at the non-volley line.


The equipment needs for pickleball are basic. Composite, lightweight paddles are preferred over wooden paddles. Indoor versus outdoor balls differ slightly. Tennis shoes or court shoes provide the best traction and lateral support when pivoting and running on the court.


There are two main serve styles. The volley serve involves hitting the ball out of the hand on the fly in an upward motion without the paddle or contact point going above waist height. The alternative drop serve bounces before striking it. Servers have to begin the serve motion fully behind the baseline.


In summary, pickleball has simple equipment requirements, court specifics like service boxes, basic gameplay rules around scoring and volleying, alternating team serving turns, optimal player positioning strategies for doubles, and required mechanics all covered to provide newcomers the necessary knowledge to pick up the sport with confidence. Fun for all ages, pickleball popularity comes from its ease of learning and fast-paced play. (See Prime Pickleball Blog Post)


Time Code List
  1. 0:28 Equipment
  2. 3:15 The Court
  3. 3:49 The Lines
  4. 5:06 The Non-Volley Zone
  5. 6:53 Two Bounce Rule
  6. 7:15 False Faults
  7. 7:43 Scoring
  8. 8:07 Strategy Positioning
  9. 9:58 Non-Volley Zone Line
  10. 11:02 Starting Positions
  11. 11:56 Serving Team
  12. 13:30 Receiving Team
  13. 15:20 First Server Exceptions
  14. 18:18 Examples
  15. 21:07 Serve Rules

Learning Pickleball Quiz


1. What is the standard pickleball scoring format?

a) Best of 3 games to 15 b) Win by 2 to 11 points c) Single game to 21 points d) Alternate scoring to 200 points


2. Where should the serve land?

a) Anywhere on the opposite side of the net b) In the correct service area diagonally across the net c) Directly on the non-volley line d) Within the bounds but not inside the non-volley zone


3. What shot is prohibited in the non-volley zone?

a) Forehand groundstroke b) High volley c) Overhead smash d) Backhand slice


4. After the serve, when can you legally hit a volley?

a) On the serve return b) After the ball has bounced once on each side c) After the ball bounces twice on your side d) Only if you start the point behind the baseline


5. Which paddle type is recommended for beginners?

a) aluminum b) graphite c) lightweight composite d) wooden


6. What footwear provides optimal traction and support?

a) Running shoes b) Hiking boots c) Volleyball shoes d) Rain boots


7. What shot ends the rally?

a) Hitting into the net b) Hitting long past the baseline c) Double bouncing before returning d) All of the above


8. Who determines which team serves first?

a) Higher ranked team b) Tournament organizer seeds c) Common local court custom d) Coin toss


9. What is the purpose of calling out the score?

a) So spectators can follow the match b) To determine who should serve next c) To verify the accuracy of the score d) To announce when match point is reached


10. When does the serving team switch sides?

a) After every serve b) Only before the first serve of each game c) After winning a point d) After a loss of serve occurs


11. What is the objective of pickleball?

a) Force opponents into making errors b) Advance to the non-volley zone c) Keep the ball in play one more shot than opponent d) Prevent rallies from extending too long


12. What shot can only be made by the serving team?

a) Lob b) Third shot drop c) Overhead smash d) Serve


13. What is unique about the starting score?

a) The score starts at 4-4 b) It's the only time a "3" is used in calling score c) Called as 0-0-2 due to first server exception rule d) Called as 1-1 as a shortened starting score


14. When does the receiving team switch positions?

a) After every serve b) When their team loses the rally c) When their team wins the rally d) The receiving team never switches sides


15. What allows players time to get into position?

a) The two bounce rule b) Volley restrictions c) Server announcing score before serve d) Sideouts between serving turns


Answer Key:

  1. b
  2. b
  3. b
  4. b
  5. c
  6. c
  7. d
  8. c
  9. c
  10. c
  11. c
  12. d
  13. c
  14. d

Pickleball Beginner Blues Oh the thrill of pickleball I just can’t refuse, But had to learn the guidelines before I hit the courts to cruise. The basics seemed easy but wait just a sec, Let me tell you newcomers what to expect. That court has kitchen lines, so hear my advice: Mind that zone closely according to the non-volley device. Take time to position before you attack, Then pounce on the ball before the third bounce back. That two bounce rule is one you must follow explicitly, So wait for two hops unless you plan to play defensively. When learning any sport, gear matters too, For pickleball I suggest a composite paddle will do. The serve and return must bounce my friends, Then out of the air down the middle it descends. Calling out the starting score is surely unique, Since only one player serves in turn one of the technique. Shots into the net surely end play, Smacked out of bounds over the lines don’t stay. The rally concludes promptly if you commit these faults, So aim accurate to conquer the courts by default. I promise if you learn these tips by the letter, You’ll be fully prepped to play so much better. The guidelines help newcomers become pros, Just take time to properly learn the flows. The fever’s spreading so come catch the bug, Pickleball’s addicting like a well-crafted drug! Once you start rallying you’ll want more, more, more, So mind the basics then never get bored!

Age is Just a Number: The Joyce Jones Story | AARP Pickleball Stories |

  The Ageless Athlete: Joyce Jones' Lifelong Love for Badminton and Pickleball Introduction:   At 94 years old, Joyce Jones, a resident ...