Frequently Asked Questions
When we created Sandy Pickle, we wanted it to be just like pickleball, only with no bounces. While we kept this in mind throughout the process of game development and testing, we decided to simplify some of the more confusing elements of pickleball, i.e. the two-player serving and scorekeeping (7-4-2). Comparisons of the rules for both games will be covered in this FAQ section, along with questions we’ve actually been asked, plus some nobody has asked but we thought you might want to know!
FAQ
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Question: Can I use my pickleball paddle for Sandy Pickle?
Glad you asked! Yes, in fact most of our more serious players do. The paddles that ship with our tournament edition game are inexpensive wood paddles meant for recreational play. We do have our own brand of higher end paddles, but any standard pickleball paddle may be used for Sandy Pickle.
What type of ball is used?
Again, in an attempt to maintain the feel of pickleball, Sandy Pickle is played with a standard outdoor pickleball. Outdoor balls are slightly smaller than indoor, have more holes, and are heavier (all characteristics intended to minimize the effects of wind on the ball).
How many players can play Sandy Pickle?
The standard game is played as either doubles or singles, but you can play two on one by adjusting the boundaries on just the singles side of the court, and to get more players involved, try “triples”, with three on each side (rules adaptation coming soon).
What are games played to?
Just like in pickleball, Sandy Pickle games are typically played to 11 and you must win by 2. However, it’s your game. Play to 21, 47, 103 or any other number if you’d like!
What surfaces can Sandy Pickle be played on?
We think the very best surface is sand, because that probably means we’re at the beach! But really, grass is just as fun, and WAY more people live by grass than by a beach :). You can also set your game up on hard surfaces like a gym floor and use weights to anchor your guy-lines – we think this is the third best option, but hey, when it’s cold outside, we still want to play too!
Why don’t you do the two-person serving & scoring like in pickleball?
Honestly? We aren’t the sharpest guys, and when we play pickleball (which we love to do), we still get confused and forget who’s serve it is, which side of the court to serve to next, and what the score is. Do you?
What’s the difference between the pickleball kitchen and Sandy Pickle no-spike zone?
- The kitchen line is 7 feet from the net; the no-spike zone line is 5 feet from the net
- In pickleball, you can’t enter the kitchen to hit a ball until/unless it bounces first; Sandy Pickle is an all-volley game, so you never wait for a bounce. You can enter the no-spike zone anytime after the serve, but the rule inside the line is that your paddle and ball can’t make contact above the net, preventing easy poaching & spiking.
- Crushing a spike is one of the best feelings in any game, so hopefully you’ll do it often in Sandy Pickle. Keep in mind though, the no-spike zone boundary extends upward from the line as an imaginary line. Spiking must be done from behind the line, including the contact point of the paddle and ball (after contact, crossing the line during follow-through is fine).
What are Sandy Pickle serving rules?
- Unlike pickleball and tennis where you switch from left to right with each new serve, Sandy Pickle serves are always from on the right side of the baseline in doubles play. In singles, serves may be from anywhere behind the baseline.
- In pickleball, your serve must be from below your waist level with the paddle moving in an upward motion, and the paddle head must be below the wrist (what? Why???). In Sandy Pickle, you may serve overhead, underhand, backhand, sidearm, or even behind the back. As long as you don’t cross the baseline until after you hit the ball, you’re good. Get creative. P.S. Ask us about the “moon ball” technique.
- In both games, your serve must make it to the kitchen/no-spike zone line; but in pickleball a serve hitting the kitchen line is OUT and on other boundary lines is IN, in Sandy Pickle, a ball hitting any line is IN. Also, if a ball hits the net but clears these lines, it is playable. There are no “lets”…just play it.
Of the 3 founders, who’s the best Sandy Pickle partner?
That depends on what you mean by “best”. Steve is probably the nicest, and would never yell at you for losing a point. If you end up having to fight somebody, you’d want Greg as a partner, no question. But…if you want to win? Go with Brady…he always goes BALZ OUT!
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