Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – October 5, 2020
Archived Version of a Previous Newsletter
OLD NEWS
This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available by clicking HERE!
Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players:
Before I begin with the “news,” I want to encourage everyone to read the USA Pickleball’s Statement on the Coronavirus.
The following items are for your information only and they are not intended to negate, overide or contradict any of the information set forth in the USA Pickleball’s Statement on the Coronavirus or of that offered by our national health advisors including the CDC. In the age of Covid, everyone needs to make their own healthcare and recreation decisions. I am just presenting ideas for your consideration.
Moderating Weather Opens
********** Opportunities for Outside Play **********
Here is one opportunity being offered by one of our colleagues, Al D’Appollonio…
To all PB players who would like to return to PB in a safer manner – I would like to see if there is enough interest with players who would be willing to play PB outside and wear a face mask during play. Being outdoors is good, but I think adding the extra layer of wearing a mask would increase the overall safety of resuming play.
If you are interested in forming this group please email me at aldappt80@gmail.com, text or call me at 602-826-1448. Playing time and location to be determined based on response of players ready to play. Al D’Appollonio – Thank You.
Thanks to Al for his willingness to organize this type of experience for those who feel comfortable with the protocols.
Making Voices Heard for More
********** Outdoor Courts *********
The City of Phoenix has provided a new budget tool for citizens to make a request for the use of the city’s money. As you may know, Paradise Valley Park was scheduled to be renovated a couple of years ago with the inclusion of at least 8 pickleball courts. That project was put on hold while other similar projects were completed instead.
The pandemic has shown that we need more outdoor opportunities. You can use this link phoenix.gov/FundPhx to encourage the city to begin the construction of pickleball courts as planned for Paradise Valley Park. [ I emailed a newsletter on Mar 31, 2020 with more details. If you are interested contact me and I will forward a copy.]
Line Outdoor Tennis Courts: Contact the Department of Parks and Recreation
Another request that can be made, and that I have made a number of times, is the painting of pickleball lines on existing tennis courts. There are tennis courts that are not used as much as they would be if pickleball play was easier to set up. This has been done in numerous places throughout the United States.
Blended lines make it easy to use existing courts for both sports. Read the section Blended Pickleball Lines On A Tennis Court and click on the pictures below the subtitle to view several options.
Blended Pickleball Lines On A Tennis Court
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation
Telephone: 602-262-6011
Web Page Email Form: https://www.phoenix.gov/contactus
Maintaining Some Pickleball Skills In the Age of Covid
********** Think Differently *********
Pickleball-like Play
As stated above, I am not recommending or suggesting this, it is just an idea to consider…
You may know that there are a number of dual-use tennis courts in Phoenix. These have been underutilized (in my experience). There may be an opportunity for pickleball-like play on these courts.
Do you know a player (perhaps a spouse, good friend, etc.) with whom you have maintained close contact and with whom you feel secure being in close proximity during Covid-19? Why not develop your own pickleball-like game that can be played on a tennis court. Sure, the net won’t be at regulation height and the court will be a little larger, but you can still play “a game” that will keep some pickleball skills sharpened.
Get some masking tape and mark off the kitchen on both sides of the tennis net (7 feet from the net on each side)
If you feel really energetic, you can use masking tape to mark off the baselines to shorten the courts to pickleball length (22 feet from the net on each side). Here’s a link with all the measurements you would need – PB Court Dimensions
Make up whatever rules you want and have some fun.
NOTE: If you have a large family and you want to include more than two people, improvise. Using three people on each side of the net on a regulation tennis court (two by the net and one in back) might be an interesting experiment.
The idea is to have fun and use your pickleball skills.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ THIS FAR
Is the Third Shot Drop Shot
********** an Offensive or Defensive Tool *********
Mark Renneson, Third Shot Sports, discusses offensive and defensive shots/tactics in the video below. He then continues to examine whether the third shot drop shot is an offensive or defensive play. If you haven’t thought about this before, I think you will find this interesting.
Previous newsletters that may have pickleball hints, videos, rules changes, etc. are now archived at the following link. You can check out previous newsletters there.
Archived N. Phoenix PB Previous Newsletters
Support your Sport
********** Join the USAPA $20 for 1 Year **********
Join the USA Pickleball Association – Click HERE for More Information!
********** That’s All for Now **********
Stay Well and Play Safely!
Regards,
Jeff Ross
