Pickleball 5.0: A Journey from 2.0 to 5.0 (black and white edition)

Pickleball 5.0 by Phil Dunmeyer In my experience with other sports (at the amateur level), coaches rarely have a comprehensive and nuanced view of the sport that examines mechanics and strategies from different points of view. The best coaches are cognizant of alternate strategies and are willing to discuss the pros, cons and situations for each. So, if the Pickleball instruction in your area seems one-sided or is starting to repeat itself, then this is the book for you. The notes style format makes it easy reading to prepare for practice. The fact that it is a full length text lends to a lot more detail, which does a good job of gradually building on itself, compared to what you would get from a DVD or clinic. To give you an idea, it frequently presents the basic "paradigm" for what to normally do in a situation, but then goes on to talk about the times when different tactics are appropriate. For instance, it goes over the third shot drop in length for beginners, but later provides the three instances in which a hard drive would be more appropriate for your third shot. I was someone who used to argue with tennis players that the third shot must be soft. I'm actually reluctant to point this out to potential competitors out there, because this one idea immediately made a several points difference in most of my games.I don't agree with every statement in this book, but I consider it a good bible for playing the game seriously. I started reading this as a young 3.5 player after having had a bit of coaching and watching a lot of YouTube videos. It might take some time for a beginner to work through but it has some great drills to learn from. One issue I did have in the beginning of the book is that the author says we all use the eastern grip in the fast sport of Pickleball. What he is referring to is the versatile continental or chopper grip, used so that we don't have to drastically change grips for different shots. Technically, the continental grip is in between the eastern forehand and eastern backhand grips. The commonly used term "shakehand grip" technically refers to the eastern forehand grip, which places the index finger base knuckle on bevel #3 to stabilize the wrist in forehand strokes. Continental places it on bevel #2 (my Selkirk paddle does have an an octagon handle). This may all seem academic, but it helped me in making microadjustments to my grip so that my wrist is stable on the forehand and backhand. Other comments.. the text and pictures on "forehand ready position" seem outdated.. everyone now seems to recommend a ready position somewhere in between 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock. This text also uses the term underspin to mean a small amount of topspin, while some instructors will actually mean backspin when they say underspin. All in all, if you were to only buy two resources, I'd get Pickleball 5.0 and Coach Mo's first DVD. Mo's  Pickleball Clinics DVD with Bonus Lessons DVD  is more about proper technique (check that one out first), while this text has a lot of strategy and mental aspects of the game. It also has an 80-page section devoted to common errors in Pickleball, which is pretty unique. Also for any organizers in the community, definitely read the chapter on Etiquette/Ethics. I played for about a year before realizing that it doesn't help anyone to just hit to the weaker opponent in open play. Also I loved the suggestion to ask for permission before giving a player advice.

This book was such an easy and comprehensive read. It's a bit difficult to learn techniques through word rather than by instruction but this book was able to do just that. With every chapter, I was more and more excited to get to the court to give my newfound knowledge a go! Money well spent! Highly recommend

This is a great, comprehensive book beneficial for all levels of play. If you are playing pickleball or want to learn the game, buy it!

It has been submitted, and is under review:Learning to play pickleball has never been easier—or more fun—than with Pickleball 5.0 by respected coach and mentor Phil Dunmeyer. Weekend warriors, recreational and advanced athletes will enjoy using this resource because they will learn by spending time on the court doing, in addition to reading Dunmeyer's easy to follow text. With explicit yet succinct instructions and accompanying photographs, this book makes it easy for students to get right into the game.Pickleball 5.0 covers the essential skills of the game with chapters on choosing a paddle, grips, forehands, backhands, volleys, lobs, overhead smashes, drop shots, the serve, and return of serve. It also covers tactical approaches to the game, positioning, defense and offense strategies, equipment, rating issues and etiquette. It's the complete guide to being able to participate on the pickleball court from the first step you take on the court.The book is divided into sections, with each chapter leading the student through a simple to follow path through the game:-Getting Started, teaching students the fundamentals necessary to develop a well rounded game-Defense In Pickleball, providing insights to players that will help them respond best to anything an opponent might throw at them-Offense In Pickleball, strategies to help diffuse an opponents weapons through thinking two steps ahead-Common Errors In Pickleball, learn what to avoid doing so that you gain an immediate edge over those you playThe remaining sections cover everything from basic guidelines to reffing, rounding out what is a most comprehensive manual for the game.Writer Phil Dunmeyer teaches beginning through advanced pickleball classes at the well regarded Tustin Pickleball Complex in Southern California. In this book he combines his instructional and coaching abilities to get players up to speed and into the game quickly. Enjoy the read, savor the journey!

I have had the great privilege of actually playing both tennis and pickleball with author Phil Dunmeyer, and he is everything and more than what he has written in his books on the game of pickleball. Phil is a very giving, very patient, and very gracious in giving free instruction to anyone who wants to know more about the art of the game. Anyone who is wanting to improve their understanding and abilities in both singles and doubles will find Phil's books full of helpful advice in making the game fun, exciting, and a great way to meet new friends. (Bob Birtwell)

It's a good book in terms of learning to play pickleball or to teach pickleball. For example different ways to do a 3rd shot drop and drills were given. However it's not a good book in terms of how to advance from 2.0 to 5.0; I want to see the 'journey' of moving up the ladder but in the end I am disappointed. The book title is attractive but the author failed to deliver what it says, i.e. "a journey from 2.0 to 5.0."

Excellent book on strategy. The explanation of angles and low/high percentage shots was excellent. There is enough info. for any level of PB player to benefit.

I bought this book and referred to it constantly during my first 6 weeks of Pickleball. Suspect I’ll be rereading this book constantly as I continue to play and aim for that elusive 5.0 rating😁