Pickleball: What is the difference between playing indoors or outdoors?

Mary Barsaleau
·4 min read
Players are seen on the practice courts during the Pro Pickleball Association Masters tournament at the La Quinta Resort and Club, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in La Quinta, Calif.
Players are seen on the practice courts during the Pro Pickleball Association Masters tournament at the La Quinta Resort and Club, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in La Quinta, Calif.

I just ran my third indoor round-robin this past Sunday, and I had the chance to talk to some of the players about the difference between indoor and outdoor play.

Here are some thoughts:

  • Kevin Howell of Indio, a 4.0 player: “I cannot see the ball indoors, and my reaction time is too slow.  I get really frustrated.”

  • Jane Chalmers, of Cathedral City, a social player: “The ball comes too fast, and skips.  There is glare off the walls and ceilings.”

  • Kristin Anderson of La Quinta, a 3.0-3.5 player: “I prefer indoor play, because it is more predictable and controlled. I would love to have a sport court surface rather than a gym floor with multiple lines.”

Be sure to check out the links below to read some in-depth descriptions of the differences between indoor and outdoor play.

I am currently teaching indoors, because of the heat, and here are some of the pros and cons of playing inside:

Cons:

  • Multiple lines on the gym floor can be a bit confusing.

  • Glare off the walls and ceiling.

  • It is loud! With balls flying and players calling the score, etc., it is hard to hear indoors.  It is tough for my students to hear me, so I use a whistle to get their attention.

  • The ball skips and comes very fast.  Protective eyewear is recommended.

  • I need different shoes to play indoors compared to outdoors.

Pros:

  • No wind or sun issues.  No sunscreen or hats needed.

  • It is cool!  In the summer in the Coachella Valley, we need a place to play indoors!  It is too hot to play after 9 a.m. outside.

  • Very controlled, walls and netting, you don’t have to chase balls. For classes, it is easier to pick up balls indoors.

  • There are bleachers to sit on to wait your turn, and a good system of rotation, with paddle saddles placed on each court.  The courts are labeled beginners, intermediates and advanced.

Pickleball players compete in a round robin tournament in Palm Desert on June 5, 2022.
Pickleball players compete in a round robin tournament in Palm Desert on June 5, 2022.

When I asked my higher-level players what they thought, they noted that indoor play is faster, and they must react more quickly. It is good training for outdoors. Indoors is so fast that outdoor will seem easy and slower, so playing indoors is excellent training.

I really appreciate the opportunity to offer indoor tournaments during the summer months.  Thank you to the Desert Sports Center for allowing us to have tournaments at their venue.  Next event: Saturday, Aug. 13.  Email Mary Barsaleau to enter:  mgbarsaleau@gmail.com

Some useful links:

Breaking down indoor vs. outdoor pickleball: bit.ly/3JwC2Ib

What you need to know about indoor vs. outdoor pickleball: bit.ly/3C18PU7

Coach Mary's tip of the week

What is a good drill or hint to help me keep my paddle out in front?

If you are one of my students, you will hear me like a broken record, reminding you to keep your paddle out in front of you. Everyone learns differently, so one person might respond to a different cue than another player.

Here are some different cues:

  • Keep your paddle in front of your nose.

  • Track your paddle in front pointing to the numbers on a grandfather clock.

  • Extend your arms out as if you are putting your elbows on the kitchen table, eating an ear of corn or a chicken leg. Terrible manners, great pickleball.

  • Extend your arms “to discomfort” — all the way out.  I borrowed that from Coach Fielding.

I do a drill called “Machine Gun” that helps with this. One player has a basket of balls.  They will work on attacking from out in front, aiming for their partners’ forehand or backhand shoulder. They will feed as fast as possible, holding two to three balls in their hand.  The partner will defend and try to react to put each ball down. They will not be able to take their paddle back if the feed is fast. The feeder does not try to rally with the partner — you are just attacking them.

Be sure to watch the links below for Sarah Ansboury’s mini-clinic on a drill to help with keeping your paddle in front. The other link is for some awesome wall drills that will help you keep your paddle ready and in front. Enjoy, then go out and do it!

https://youtu.be/Vkvogr4j6Os

https://youtu.be/sHq2oQR5hf4

Pickleball columnist Mary Barsaleau in Palm Springs, Calif., on September 29, 2021.
Pickleball columnist Mary Barsaleau in Palm Springs, Calif., on September 29, 2021.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball: What is the difference between playing indoors or outdoors?