In the realm of pickleball, skinny singles is a popular drill for honing one’s game, and Ghost Doubles offers yet another exciting variation. In previous posts, I’ve explored several ways to play skinny singles, each designed to target different aspects of your game. Below, I’ll recap those variations and introduce you to Ghost Doubles—a twist that adds an extra layer of strategy and realism.
Option 1 – Straight Skinny Singles
The most straightforward version of skinny singles. Two players position themselves on the same side of the court, focusing entirely on groundstrokes. The entire game is played down a common sideline, with no switching between the left and right sides.
Option 2 – Cross-Court Skinny Singles
This variation is similar to straight skinny singles, but with one key difference: players play cross-court, serving based on their score (odd or even). As with straight on skinny singles, players must hit the ball to the side of the court where their opponent is standing. This cross-court approach demands precision and adds an extra challenge to each shot.
Option 3 – Strategic Skinny Singles
Take your skinny singles game up a notch by incorporating a more strategic approach. Here’s how it works:
- When both players have either odd or even scores, the game is played crosscourt.
- When one player has an odd score and the other an even score, the return of serve is down the line.
This modification mirrors realistic serving scenarios and challenges players to think strategically about serve placement. It offers a nuanced gameplay experience, especially for those practicing doubles techniques. For instance, if the score is 2-1 and you’re serving, you would serve crosscourt, but the return would be straight ahead, shifting the dynamic and keeping you on your toes. If you are someone who likes to stack, this is a great game for you to use as a practice game.
Option 4 – Ghost Doubles
Ghost Doubles builds on Option 3 with a slight variation that makes the game even more dynamic. The term “ghost doubles” was coined by Seymour Rifkin, president of the World Pickleball Federation, and head of training for the IPTPA. In this version:
- The serve is always returned to the court on the server’s side.
- All subsequent shots must land in these specific courts.
For example, if your score is odd, you play from the odd side; if even, from the even side. This setup creates a unique drill that’s highly effective for practicing both serves and groundstrokes while maintaining the precision required in doubles play. The following images show how the game would proceed.
Which Option Is Best?
Both Option 3 and Option 4 stand out for their strategic depth. Option 3 is particularly useful if you’re looking to practice stacking strategies, while Option 4 is excellent for refining both serves and groundstrokes. Regardless of the variation you choose, playing skinny singles is an invaluable way to sharpen your pickleball skills.
For more detailed information about options 1-3, follow this link: https://theadventurousboomer.blog/different-ways-to-play-skinny-singles/
