Pickleball News – 20191119 – Archived Version


Pickleball News – 20191119– Archived Version

 

Archived Version of a Previous Newsletter

This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available by clicking HERE!

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – November 19, 2019

Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:



City of Phoenix Community Centers
********** Gyms Closing for Maintenance **********

Here is the tentative schedule of the CC closings for floor maintenance as per my telephone conversations yesterday.*


Deer Valley CC
— First week in January


Beuf CC

The gymnasium floor is still undergoing repair and will most likely be out of service until mid-January


Pecos CC
— Gym closed 11/25 – 11/29


Sunnyslope CC
— Closed the week of December 30th!


Paradise Valley CC
— Gym closed 11/25 – 11/29


Washington Activities Center
— Gym closed 11/25 – 11/30

*NOTE – The Community Centers do what they can to alert our pickleball community when there will be closures. Kindly understand that “things happen” and schedules may need to be changed!

ALSO…For those who are relatively new to our pickleball community, check with the centers you attend to learn their holiday schedule. Community centers and other indoor facilities often have programs (which use the gymnasiums) for children during the winter holidays. This is a good time to play outside; weather permitting!


Washington Activities Center
********** Open for PB on Saturdays through 12/19 **********

10AM – 1PM



********** Pickleball Coaching **********


The International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) is a certification organization for advanced players who want to coach others in the finer elements of the sport. Some of the coaches do work with our Community Centers and the Phoenix Department of Parks and Recreation to provide group lessons.

Many of the coaches would welcome the opportunity to help those who are serious about improving their pickleball skills. If you want small group or individualized instruction beyond the basics, you might be able to find just the right instructor among those who are members of the IPTPA.

The link* for the Arizona IPTPA Level II Certified Pickleball Teaching Professionals listing is below. If you are interested, you can contact those listed. Use the telephone area codes as a guide for those who may be local to your area.

https://iptpa.com/certified-coaches/

*The link can be a bit “finicky” so you may have to click more than once.


 
********** Intro & other Basic Classes at the PHX Community Centers **********

I will be sending in the dates for Winter 2020 Intro to Pickleball Classes that I conduct at Paradise Valley Community Center in December. You can check all the City of PHX offerings at the link below (Look for the Community Center You Would Like to Attend). Additional classes will be added in December:

https://apm.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Activity_Search?txtActivitySearch=pickleball&applyFiltersDefaultValue=true&cat=Activities



********** Pickleball Competitions **********


NOTE – I have no affiliation with the following organizations. I am passing this information along as a courtesy to those who may be interested. Your mileage may vary!

If you are interested in the information, I recommend you subscribe to the newsletters for the Victorium and World Team Pickleball.


2020 World Team Pickleball Championships – Surprise, AZ


The following was sent to my attention over the weekend and I am copying it below for those who may interested.
SAVE THE DATE – 2020 World Team Pickleball Championships




2020 WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 7-9, 2020

Surprise City Courts in
Surprise, Arizona

PRO and AMATEUR TEAMS WELCOME!

$36,000 PRO PURSE: PRO, SENIOR PRO, & SUPER SENIOR PRO (Prize money pro-rated if minimum number of teams is not met.)

Compete with teams from the United States,
Canada, and other countries

3-Day TEAM pickleball event

Grab your friends and register today!!!
Registration Deadline – January 6, 2020

No team? No problem!
Register as “Need Team” and we will find or create a team for you!

The 2020 WTP Championship Format:

  • Friday February 7 – Men’s Team Doubles

  • Saturday February 8 – Mixed Team Doubles

  • Sunday February 9 – Women’s Team Doubles

Play one day or play both days. For example, women can choose to play Mixed on Saturday AND Women’s on Sunday or chose to play only Mixed OR only Women’s.

  • Skill Divisions: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0

  • Age Brackets: 18+, 50+, 60+, 70+ (3 teams or less in an age bracket, skill division will be used)

  • 4-Player Teams

  • Teams may have 2 additional players for substitution and rotations

  • Awards given to 1st and 2nd place teams

Registration opens Sunday December 1st.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

QUESTIONS? Email us at: WTPDirector@gmail.com or visit WorldTeamPickleball.com for more information.

 

From the Victorium

I received the message below a couple of days ago. These events have limited openings and may be closed at this time, but you can check if you are interested. As noted elsewhere, if this type of event is of interest to you, contact the Victorium and request to be placed on their email list.

December 2019 Pickleball Happenings

Hi Pickleballers,

It’s holiday season and “the weather outside is NOT frightful”… In fact, it’s perfect for pickleball! So get out there, play, meet others and HAVE FUN! We’ve been quite busy the past few months, trying to bring in a variety of instructors and Pros. We are happy to announce that Vicki Foster, a fantastic local pro and highly respected instructor, will be offering a special clinic this month. If you haven’t been able to attend the specialized clinics and bootcamps offered by our local instructors, we highly recommend them. In addition, don’t miss our VISITING PRO clinics. Not only will you gain extremely valuable pickleball skills, you will undoubtedly be left with lasting impressions and fun memories.

EXPANDING LEAGUES in 2020 – Yes! We are thrilled that our Winter Leagues will be expanding to four courts due to such high demand and popularity. More information including dates, times and a link to sign up below.

REINDEER ROUND-UP – This festive combined skill team competition will provide the perfect occasion to mix and mingle and bring in some holiday cheer. Join us for this fun event where you will be able to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate another great year of Pickleball. Details below.

THANK YOU! – Pickleball truly has been a special GIFT in our lives and we hope the same is true for you. We look forward to providing more exciting programs next year! Thanks for your continued support. Lester and Amy 😉


_____________________________________________________________________

Classes, Clinics and Lessons for December listed below. To view the monthly schedule in calendar format, click here – https://dinkallday.com/schedule/.

VISITING PRO CLINICS:

Did you see who won GOLD at Nationals in the Senior Men’s Pro Division? The one and only Dave “THE BADGER” Weinbach! Monday, Dec 9th: – We only have 2 spots left in our 8AM-10AM beginner/intermediate clinic and 2 spots left in our 10AM-12PM Advanced clinic. Cost $70

DAVE “THE BADGER” WEINBACH – SIGN UP HERE!

PADDLETEK PICKLEBALL PRO

8 Time USAPA National Champion

10 Time US Open Champion

Winner of 110 Gold Medals in Competition

Two Hour Interactive Skills Clinics

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 2019

$70 per person

Session One: Beginner/Intermediate—8AM-10AM

Session Two: Advanced — 10AM-12PM

NO REFUNDS AFTER NOVEMBER 24th

***VISITING PRO EVENTS ARE CLOSED TO NON-PARTICIPANTS***

How’s this for double the fun? – On Wednesday, January 8th, Helle Sparre and Lindsey Newman will jointly be conducting a 1 hour “Play with the Pros” followed by a 3 hour bootcamp. This bootcamp will encompass Helle’s dynamite doubles program with special focus on the first four shots – serve, return, third and fourth shots. Helle and Lindsey will also cover court positioning and shot selection within the transition zone and at the NVZ. SIGN UP HERE!


**HELLE SPARRE AND LINDSEY NEWMAN**

WEDNESDAY January 8th, 2020

Play with the PRO’s 8AM-9AM

(Each player will play with and against each PRO for the full hour and get personalized tips such as court-positioning, shot selection strategies, and analyzing your opponents for weaknesses.)

($50, limited to 6 spots)

3 Hour Dynamite Doubles (Customized) BOOTCAMP

9AM-12PM

($90, Maximum 16 Spots)

LEVELS: 3.0 and Above

NO REFUNDS

***VISITING PRO EVENTS ARE CLOSED TO NON-PARTICIPANTS***

LEAGUES: SIGN UP HERE!

Please sign up early to secure your spot, these leagues fill up quickly!

ALL Leagues:

$70 per person, 16 Players Maximum

Early Bird Discount $65, must be registered and paid by December 7th.

No refunds after December 15th.

5 Weeks (4-5 games/wk – Games to 11 or 15)

*If you are unable to play a week, a substitute can be used*

Beginner League (2.0-2.5)

WEDNESDAYS 8:15AM-10AM

Dates: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12

*If you have not done a league yet, this is the place to start.

Knowing how to score and the rules of the game are required.*

Advanced Beginner League (2.75-3.0)

MONDAYS 10:15AM-Noon

Dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10

OR

WEDNESDAYS 10:15AM-Noon

Dates: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12

3.0 League

MONDAYS 8:15AM-10AM

Dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10

3.5+ League

TUESDAYS 8:15AM-10AM

Dates: 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11

BOOTCAMPS – SIGN UP HERE

With PPR and ITPTA Certified Pickleball Instructor: Vicki Foster

Vicki Foster is a 5.0 pro pickleball player. For the past twenty years, Vicki has been a tennis professional at various facilities in her hometown of Vancouver, B.C., as well as in Chandler and Scottsdale, Arizona. Twelve years ago, her family built a pickleball court at their home and alongside tennis, Vicki started teaching and competing in pickleball. She most recently won Gold in the 2019 USAPA Southern California Western Regionals in the women’s 5.0 singles age division. She also medaled in the 5.0 singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events at the 2019 USAPA Southwest Regional Championships and was a 2019 US Open women’s 5.0 doubles finalist. She is a sponsored player with GAMMA Pickleball.

3 Hour Skills and Drills Bootcamp

9AM – 12PM, Min 4/Max 8 players, $75 pp,

Thursday, 12/19/2019. Skill Level: 3.0 and above

For 6-8 players, Lester Tang will co-teach and 2 courts will be reserved.

Elevate your pickleball skills and strategy choices with a fun mix of drills and live-point play designed to improve your consistency and point construction, slow the game down to defend against hard hitters, and take valuable moments away from your opponents to minimize their recovery and decision making time.

With PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor: Jeff Peck

3 Hour Beginner Bootcamp

9AM – 12PM, Min 4/Max 8 players, $75 pp,

Thursday, 12/12/2019. Skill Level: Beginner

For 6-8 players, Lester Tang will co-teach and 2 courts will be reserved.

This intensive bootcamp will help beginners gain consistency and confidence along with a deeper understanding of all aspects of the game. Assessments, Dinking, Dropping, Serves and Returns, along with Partner Movement will be addressed. All the concepts will be integrated through game time at the end.

CLINICS – SIGN UP HERE

With Pickleball Instructor: Cathy Turchan

2 Hour “When to Advance to the NVZ?” Clinic

8AM – 10AM, Min 4/Max 8 players, $50 pp,

Thursday, 12/05/2019.

For 6-8 players, Lester Tang will co-teach and 2 courts will be reserved.

Come in..stay back… what do I do? Are you always questioning whether to advance to the NVZ quickly or wait? Do you continually end up in the middle of the transition zone? Learn how to make decisions quickly and advance to the NVZ with confidence!

With Pickleball Instructor: Cathy Turchan

2 Hour “Please DON’T Pop up the Ball!” Clinic

10AM – Noon, Min 4/Max 8 players, $50 pp,

Thursday, 12/05/2019.

For 6-8 players, Lester Tang will co-teach and 2 courts will be reserved.

Are you continually losing points because you are popping up the ball and waiting for someone to slam it back at you or your partner? I will show you techniques on keeping the ball low so your opponents won’t have that opportunity. Or, if you get the opportunity for hitting a high ball, I’ll show you how, when and where to hit the ball for the winning shot.

REINDEER ROUND-UP – SIGN UP HERE!

What team will you end up on? Are you Team Dasher, Team Dancer, Team Prancer, or Team Vixen? Only Rudolph Knows!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17th 8AM-NOON

AND/OR

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18th 8AM-NOON

ALL LEVELS WELCOME

12 Player Minimum/24 Player Maximum each day

$20 per person/per day

Games Begin at 9AM (arrive early to warm up)

COOL PRIZES and FUN FESTIVITIES


Friday Round Robins REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR RR’s:

Registration is completed in Track-it-Hub. Invitations are sent out approximately 2 weeks in advance. To register for a RR, click on the invitation you receive in email. Once Track-it-Hub launches, you’ll see your name on the list for that specific event. You will receive an automated email confirmation that you are registered. Invitations are sent based on skill level, so it is imperative that your level is correct in Track-it-Hub (newly added TIH players default to 2.5). Please notify me if your rating needs updating so you are in the proper skill group.

Fridays 9AM-11:30AM, Please come early to warm up – The number of players is limited to 20 (with 8 on the waitlist). Players will play in 5 rounds with 1 round as a bye. The entire round robin takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. You do not need a partner. COST: $10 per player, please pay cash at event. You will get an invitation based on your skill level, so it is important that your level is correct in Track it hub (newly added TIH players are defaulted to 2.5).

12/6 3.0 Level Round Robin

12/13 3.5+ Level Round Robin

12/20 2.5 Level Round Robin

PLEASE TAKE CARE – We continue to see several players dealing with injuries. Stretch and warmup before you play. Also, please wear eye protection, those balls come fast and hard at the NVZ. We want to see everyone happy and healthy in the NEW YEAR!
You may view the group at https://www.trackithub.com/index.php?option=com_community&view=groups&task=viewgroup&groupid=768

 

********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********

 

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 USAPA – Click HERE for More Information

 

Join the USAPA

Picture Courtesy of Pickleball Magazine and the USAPA

 


********** That’s All for Now **********

 
I hope to see you on the courts!


Regards,

Jeff Ross



Pickleball News – 20191010 – Archived Version


Pickleball News – 20191010 – Archived Version


October 10, 2019

 
Hello N. Phoenix Pickleball Players:


Phoenix City Community Centers Are Open on Columbus Day
********** Monday, October 14, 2019 **********

 

********** NEW-ish Outdoor Pickleball Courts **********
at Moon Valley Country Club

PB at Moon Valley CC

  • When: Every Monday-Saturday 8:00AM – 11:00AM
  • Where: Moon Valley Country Club Tennis Courts, 151 W. Moon Valley Drive, Phoenix
  • Fee: $5.00 per day

* No Reservations Required!
* Balls will be provided. Please bring your own paddle.
* (Limited paddles available to borrow)

NOTE – It is my understanding that currently there are four courts with more to be added in the future.


—————————–

Coordinated by Bill and Nedra Marshall.
Please email billmarshall1010@yahoo.com with any questions.

 

********** Family Life Center **********
New Fee and Schedule Change

The Family Life Center has recently upgraded their pickleball nets and now all courts have prime nets to assure regulation height for the games.

The new yearly fee for pickleball will be $60. Players can elect to pay $35 for a six-month membership.

ALSO … Friday play from 1:00-3:00PM is now included as part of the pickleball membership.

Thanks to all those who contributed toward the new nets, Stefano for helping to acquire them, and Jackie Switzer who has fostered an excellent pickleball program for N. Phoenix players!

 


********** A Myth Related to the 3rd Shot Drop **********
OR Stop trying to make the third shot drop “too good!”

Many players have been led to believe that a good drop shot is the premiere shot in pickleball and indeed it is a very effective play. A following thought is often that the drop should land as close to the opponent’s side of the net as possible. Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports (coincidental name vis-à-vis this video) demonstrates how this belief is not accurate and he provides empirical proof.

Perhaps trying to make that drop shot “too good” is causing you to hit the ball into the net more often.

Watch the video to see what makes a drop shot effective.

 

 

********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********

 

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 USAPA – Click HERE for More Information

 

Join the USAPA

Picture Courtesy of Pickleball Magazine and the USAPA

 


********** That’s All for Now **********

 
I hope to see you on the courts!


Regards,

Jeff Ross



Pickleball News – 20190501 – Archived Version


Pickleball News – 20190501 – Archived Version

 
Hello Phoenix Area Players:

 
Archived Version of a Previous Newsletter

This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available by clicking HERE!

Here is the latest N. Phoenix Area Pickleball News

 

2019 Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships
********** Videos via Pickleball Channel **********

This is an exciting time in the world of pickleball. The 2019 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships are currently underway. Last year there were YouTube Videos of some of the top matches and for those players who might be interested, the Pickleball Channel has begun to place some of the 2019 videos from key matches online. You can see the video du jour HERE. [ At the web page, click on the graphic to see the video ] The video changes day-by-day and perhaps more often.

See the other scheduled matches under the graphic.

I am just passing along this information to members of our email list as a service to our PB community. I am not directly associated with the Pickleball Channel or any entity involved.

 

********** A Fun Thing! **********

In addition, the publisher of Pickleball Magazine (digital edition free with USAPA membership) has sent a “catalogue” of many current pickleball paddles, balls, bags and various other accessories. It is fun to review to see what is available similar to the legendary, but now defunct, Sears Catalog.

There are also two articles in the magazine which might be of interest. One is “Choosing the Right Paddle” (pp.11-13); a question I am asked many times.

When you think about it, a very important component of each and every pickleball game is the ball itself, however I think that most of us tend to take it for granted. You might be interested to read about “The Evolution Of the Ball and How It’s Going to Impact Your Game” (pp.49-51). I think you will find it enlightening and perhaps we will all look a little bit longer at those holes the next time we pick up a ball to serve.

Click HERE for the catalogue.

 

********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********

 

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 USAPA – Click HERE for More Information

 

Join the USAPA

Picture Courtesy of Pickleball Magazine and the USAPA

 


********** That’s All for Now **********

 
I hope to see you on the courts!


Regards,

Jeff Ross