The Master Explains Another Secret

 "Master, why did the ball go left?" asked Grasshopper.

"You were late hitting it," replied the master.  "Everything in its time.  You must respect the ebb and flow of time around the paddle, you, the court, and the game."

"Master, there is no time limit in pickleball, what is this ebb and flow?"

"Time is the silver and gold of pickleball.  You can earn it and spend it, wisely, or like the drunkard down in our village, foolishly."

"How can I control time?  I don't understand," said the student.

"It is simple and it is not.  When you hit a ball hard, you compress time, when you dink, you expand it.  When you poach, you take time from your opponents, as when you speed up during a dink.  Fast, slow, long, short, are all time elements."

"When do you want more time, young one?"

"When I'm trying to get to the kitchen line."

"When else?"

"Hmm, when they dink well and the ball is almost past me, is that right Master?"

"Yes, being out of position is a time squeeze.  It can be anywhere on the court or off it.  If you are late, you are squeezed.  If you are early, you have gained time.  Gained time is valuable, owing time is like the sore on the foot, it will stop you walking on a long journey.  With plenty of time you can setup for a hit, consider where your shot should go, evaluate the opponents' positions and greed, and execute with the seeming nonchalance that proclaims a mastery of your game."

"Thank you master, once again I am awed at your knowledge."

"Grasshopper, let us reason together...  When you are out of time, what should you do?"

"I could hit a high soft ball for a service return or when the opponents are back.  That always gains time as the ball must be allowed to bounce."

"Very good.  What else?"

"When I am trying to get to the kitchen, or am out of sorts, I could dink.  Oh, or I could lob!"

"The dink is fine, elegant and approved, but lobbing upsets the digestion.  Use it as a last resort, and never show glee if it succeeds, it is contrary to the nature of the game."

"Yes, master, I will remember that."

"Now, if we are done, perhaps you might refill an old man's rice bowl?"