From the Sands of Beach Volleyball to the Pickleball Court

Bailey Bars is originally from Oregon and played collegiate volleyball for Idaho State. She now plays on the AVP Beach Volleyball Tour and also enjoys pickleball. 

How did you get started playing pickleball? 

Bailey: I got started by playing at the YMCA my mom worked at, by just hopping in at the times the gym was scheduled for pickleball and playing with everyone. My middle school track coach was one of the people there a lot.  He has invested a lot of time into helping me get better at pickleball as well.  Whenever I visit Oregon, we link up and play games.  

What habits do you bring from volleyball to your pickleball game?

Bailey: The mechanics of an attack are identical to that of an overhead in pickleball. I am comfortable with the whipping motion of that shot. The whole attack mentality is similar in that you are trying to set the point up to hit a winner. Also, the defense is very similar. The low defensive stance, the strategy of blocking and resets, then looking for the offensive opportunity translate well. The strategies in using shots to open up the court are another similarity. 

What are some of the differences you have had to get used to?

Bailey: Moving with the ball is similar but in beach volleyball, you aren't closing with your partner. The one-up and one-back formation is much more prevalent in beach volleyball. I'm also not willing to dive on a hard court for the pickleball like I am for the volleyball in the sand. 

What habit from volleyball hurts your pickleball game?

Bailey: That would definitely be over swinging. The courts are basically the same size but the pickleball is so much lighter than a volleyball. I hit a lot of balls out from over swinging. 

What do you like about pickleball?

Bailey: I love the quickness of the game. It's a great cross-training activity, but most of all I like the pickleball family I have acquired. They helped me get acclimated to the area and made me feel at home.

What paddle do you use?

I use the Selkirk Vanguard Invikta mid-weight version.

What keeps you going back to the pickleball courts?

Bailey: It's a great way for me to cross-train with a whole new group of people. The smaller ball and the close proximity to my opponent helped develop my reflexes. I also love meeting new people through the fast-growing game.