video

Pickleball News – 20200609– – Archived Version

Jeff


Pickleball News – 20200609 – Archived Version

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This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter.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!

Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – June 9, 2020

Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:

I can’t send out a newsletter without mentioning the Coronavirus in Phoenix and it’s impact on our sport. My main concern is the health and well-being of all pickleball players and especially my colleague-players who share the game with me on a regular basis at Paradise Valley Community Center, Beuf Community Center and the FLC. Any information contained in this newsletter is not meant to scare or steer anyone in a certain direction regarding the continuation or resumption of play. I simply want to raise awareness so when the crisis has subsided, ALL of us can once again share the joy of our sport with each other.


********** THE CORONAVIRUS IN THE PHOENIX AREA **********

I am sure most of you are following the COVID-19 situation as it pertains to Maricopa County and especially Phoenix. In case you didn’t hear or understand all the recent facts…

This is what the news has reported as of 6/8/2020

1 – State Hospitals have been told to “fully activate” emergency plans

2 – Banner Health said it had reached capacity for its nine ECMO machines (machines that take over the breathing function for those who can’t breath even with a respirator)

3 – Maricopa County has the 26th highest number of confirmed cases of any county in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University.

Source: AZ CENTRAL

**********

I am not a health expert and none of what I am about to say is definitive regarding COVID-19 safety and pickleball so use your own best judgment. These are just a few things I have considered regarding pickleball play in our current environment.

    According to most medical experts, masks do not protect you. They protect those around you from you! [I don’t know if people are wearing masks during play, but certainly after play while waiting that might be a solid choice.]

    If you bring a towel to the playing field/court, be sure to use only one side to wipe your face and do not touch that side with your hands.

    Make sure only you touch your water bottle and other belongings.

    If possible wash your hands frequently or use sanitizer especially after a game. Once your hands are sanitized, don’t pick up the paddle until you get your next turn to play.

    Socially distance while sitting and waiting for the next game.

    Try not to touch your face and/or eyes.

    The kitchen line (NVZ) is seven feet from the net. If all players stay behind the kitchen line at the end of the game, they are a minimum of 14 feet apart. This exceeds the space suggested by many health officials. You can stand there and have a virtual paddle tap and say “good game!”


AND NOW FOR SOME LIGHTER NEWS
AND INFORMATION


DON’T BE NONCHALANT WHEN SERVING OR
********** RETURNING THE SERVE *********

Sarah Ansboury points to the best practices for serving and returning the serve. As she suggests: “It is one of the times during a match when you have 100% control of the outcome. Take time to think about what you want to do. Being focused at the beginning of the point is a great start to being purposeful throughout the point.”

Read the rest of the post HERE


GETTING OUT OF TROUBLE
********** BY RESETTING THE POINT *********

Mark Renneson of Third Shot Sports explains the importance of getting out of “trouble” by resetting the point.

If you are more or less sheltering in place and you don’t get the Third Shot Sports Newsletter with much information, videos, podcasts about pickleball, perhaps you should subscribe or take a look at the Third Shot Sports website!



******************** THE FLC ********************

In a recent communication, the Family Life Center (FLC) shared plans for resuming the summer pickleball schedule. As far as I understand it, these are the most current plans.**

“You will have to reserve court time in two hour increments. This is the only way we can keep you from coming to the FLC only to find out that we are at max occupancy and you are not able to play. We will have a sign up system on line. We will give you instructions on how to sing up to play soon. We will reopen Pickleball with a max occupancy of 32 people in a two hour time slot. This will make it so you rarely have to wait to play and we have a safe amount of people in one place. If the next time slot is not full when you finish you can sign up at the desk and keep playing. You will still sign on the white board to play games during your two hour time frame. There will be a sanitation procedures in place. As always we will be looking to you to lead in keeping everyone safe so we can allow the Pickleball program to run. This will include spreading out in the bleachers when you are not playing, wearing a mask when you are not playing, and following the basic Covid prevention procedures.”

** Please understand that because of the specific situation in our area, plans may change with very short notice.


DID YOU SEE THE NYT ARTICLE
***** ABOUT PICKLEBALL? *****

Is Pickleball the Perfect Pandemic Pastime?

“Ellen DeGeneres recently declared herself among the intergenerational sport’s ardent enthusiasts.”

NOTE – The NYT allows a limited number of “free” views a month and then users need to subscribe to see more. If your allotment has been used, you will not be able to read the entire article, although ou will get to see the picture and headline briefly before the nag screen shows!



USA PICKLEBALL STATEMENT ON THE CORONAVIRUS
**********

It is my understanding that this information will be updated as new pertinent information for the Pickleball community becomes available.


********** 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 **********

 

Stay Well and Play Safely!


Regards,

Jeff Ross



Dogs that Are Scaredy Cats

Jeff

Almost everyone knows the phrase – “The bigger they come, the harder they fall.” Watching this video you can witness this platitude in action.

Cats and dogs are filmed in confrontations where size doesn’t always dictate which way the encounter goes. I think you will get a few laughs from watching these animal antics and if you watch to the end, you may see a few surprises!

 



 

See more humor posts on JBRish HERE


**********

All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Video: Harmonica Music – Be Careful of Your Assumptions

Jeff

I am sure there are many who will read the title of this blog and skip right over it, but they would be missing something really special. This video proves that the harmonica is a real musical instrument.

Buddy Greene plays a harmonica medley of classical proportions at Carnegie Hall

 

Can’t get enough? Buddy explains the versatility of the harmonica and the history of harmonica music in this video:

Want to learn how to play the Harmonica? Check this Pinterest page!

 

More Vide – Ohs

To See additional Interesting Videos Click HERE


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged #please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Video: Visa’s Monkey Business Commerical

Jeff

This is one of the most clever commercials I have seen in a long time. It isn’t like some of those inane commercials by a few companies who shall rename nameless. Someone working for Visa actually thought long and hard about this one and executed it well.

I think you will really like it!

 

More Vide – Ohs

To See additional Interesting Videos #click HERE


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged #please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Video: Line Riders – Beethoven’s 5th

Jeff

I think everyone will enjoy this ultra creative cartoon-based version of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Most people may be familiar with the music because it has been used hundreds of times in movies, advertising, etc.

What sets this apart from other creative endeavors is the painstaking timing of the cartoon “line riders.” They are amazing and mesmerizing. Do yourself a favor and watch this.

From the YouTube Web Page

I spent over 3 months synchronizing a line rider track to Beethoven’s 5th drawing everything by hand.

Any time a character leaves the screen they are being directed by unseen lines to the next location.

This is not the full length of the piece. I spliced together parts to make it possible for me to finish the project in a practical amount of time. I don’t think my sanity could handle 3 more months of this song.

YouTube post processing seems to create a few millisecond audio delay if you are watching on the mobile YouTube app. If you notice this, watching the video in any web browser won’t have this problem.

 

More Vide – Ohs

To See additional Interesting Videos #click HERE


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged #please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball News – 20200305 – Archived Version

Jeff


Pickleball News – 20200305 – 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 – March 5, 2020

 
Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:

Here is some timely N. Phoenix news and other items related to pickleball.



******************** School Recess Community Center ********************
Schedule Changes

UPDATE – All City of Phoenix Community Centers are closed to Group Activities including Pickleball UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

Deer Valley Community Center – – 602-495-3735 – – Pickleball is cancelled from 3/16-3/20

Paradise Valley Community Center – – 602-495-3777 – – Pickleball is cancelled for two weeks, 3/9 – 3/20 (Pickleball will resume on 3/23/2020)

Washington Activity Center – – 602-262-6971 – – Pickleball is cancelled from 3/16-3/20

**It is my understanding that all other City of Phoenix Community Centers will be maintaining their regular pickleball schedules.

 


******************** Getting A Grip ********************


To paraphrase Cyndi Lauper, it has been my experience that most recreational pickleball players just want to have fun. Having said that, however, I know from my conversations that there is a core of those players who long to improve their game. Most of us have not had formal training and we have just “picked up” how to play. In my opinion, pickleball is addictive because it is simple in concept, but challenging in execution.

Let’s talk about one aspect of the sport that is sometimes taken for granted… Every time we step on to the court, we grip the paddle in a way that we were taught or one with which, over time, we have become comfortable. I am willing to conjecture that most of us don’t often think about how we are gripping the paddle. The grip is the grip and we have used it for a long time and we just continue to “do it that way!”

How often do you check your grip? Most advanced players check it quite often and perhaps between every point. Has your hand slipped a bit? Has your Continental Grip now become something else? Are you gripping your paddle as though it is a life preserver and you are holding it tight so it doesn’t slip away? Maybe it is time to reexamine the way in which we are holding our paddles.

Truth be told, I am working on revising my grip because I find that I am not “relaxed” enough at the NVZ and my grip is more tense than it needs to be. Sometimes this results in a shot going too long; “Out!”!

Professional pickleballer and coach Sarah Ansboury has two interesting articles about the pickleball grip. If you haven’t thought about how your are holding your paddle in a while, perhaps these will be helpful

Get a Pickleball Grip

Get a Grip: My Three Keys

 


******************** High Visibility Red Pickleballs ********************

The life of a pickleball is a difficult one. After all, how would you like to be whacked on a serve, pounded with an overhead and dinked over and over again before being smashed? In an effort to find other USAPA approved pickleball options for use on our indoor pickleball courts, I contacted Head/Penn and they sent sample pickleballs to try at a couple of our venues.

Just above the white underline are the words USAPA Approved. They are lightly embossed, but not printed as they are on pickleballs from other manufacturers. The picture doesn’t exactly match the color red of the actual ball which tends a bit more to the vibrant, pinkish side.

After using these balls for two days, I can say that they provide a very good, consistent bounce and play very well. If you have ever “lost” a ball because it blended in with the surroundings or the lighting was poor or the ball was somewhat hidden when crossing close to the top of the net, don’t worry when using these. You won’t easily lose sight of them. After all, the are highly visible.

The Penn/Head balls are not as hard as some of the Onix balls we have purchased and seem to play as well as or better than those. My concern with the orange Onix balls is that they seem to crack quite readily. We generally start with five balls at PVCC and almost every day, at least one needs to be replaced.

The “trial” balls mentioned above are what I would call “high visiblility” red. The balls are easily seen on the darker floors at the FLC and the lighter floors at PVCC. I plan on putting them out for players to try at PVCC when pickleball resumes there in two weeks. I will also carry a couple with me so if you see me at the FLC and you would like to try one, let me know. I would appreciate your feedback if you do try the new balls! [ Did you like the color? Were they easy to see? Did you like the way they played? ]

 


Video
******************** For Those Who Have Read This Far ********************


There are some shots in pickleball that are just a little more important than others. The serve, for example, may stand supreme in its importance because if you don’t get it “in,” you can’t score a point.

The return of serve is noteworthy because you want to keep the other team far back in the court for the longest period of time.

The third shot is very important because a good one can enable the serving team to get to the NVZ.

What happens after that? Well, I’m glad you asked because Prime Time Pickleball gives us their take on another important shot in the video below.


#1 Most Overlooked Pickleball Shot That Is Killing Your Pickleball Game

 

NOTES:

Notice how Jordan Briones hits the ball when he is at the net. It is somewhat subtle, but he flicks his paddle in an upward motion giving topspin to the ball. This helps keep the ball low and in the court.

Another point to keep in mind is, that if you are approaching the net and the opposing player is getting ready to hit the ball, stop and prepare to return a shot if it comes your way. After your team returns the ball, continue to the net. It is very difficult to hit a good shot on the move.

Don’t worry about “no man’s land” at this juncture. If you are moving with the intent to get to the net, this is really just a transition zone

 

********** 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



********** 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 am sending my best wishes to all my pickleball friends and acquaintances for a Happy, Healthy and Fulfilling Holiday Season!

I hope to see you on the courts!


Regards,

Jeff Ross



********** 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



Video: Over the River and Through the Woods

Jeff

We never know what happens under the cover of secrecy and darkness. A stream in Pennsylvania was bridged by a fallen tree and animals used it as a super highway to carry on their tasks of daily life.

It is interesting for us because someone had the foresight to record a year in the life of this bridge.

 
NOTE – For those who are interested, as seen above, the temperature, date and time appear on the bottom of the frame for each “episode.”

From the YouTube Page:

The video, taken year-round, shows bears, deer, bobcats, grouse, beavers and many other wildlife crossing the bridge, or swimming underneath in their natural habitats. Credit: Robert Bush.

More Vide – Ohs

To See additional Interesting Videos, click HERE


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball News – 20191223 – Archived Version

Jeff


Pickleball News – 20191223– Archived Version

 

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

December 23, 2019

Hello N. Phoenix Area Pickleball Players:

We are nearing the heart of the winter holiday season and I hope you have plans to share time with family and friends and perhaps some pickleball!



Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
********** 2020 Winter/Spring Pickleball Schedule **********

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has published the winter/spring pickleball schedule for the Community Center and Parks.

To download a color PDF copy of the Winter/Spring 2020, Phoenix Community Center Pickleball Schedule, click HERE!

NOTE – The gymnasium floor at the Goelet A. C. Beuf Community Center is still being repaired and thus it is not open for pickleball at this time. The target completion date is sometime in January and at that time, a revised schedule will probably be issued.

 


********** USAPA 2020 Rulebook & Revisions **********

USPA Pickleball Rulebook Revisions – Thanks to Mark Renneson and Third Shot Sports, a digital copy of the 2020 USAPA Pickleball 2020 Official Rulebook can be downloaded.

Perhaps more valuable to many players, Third Shot Sports has also published a list of revisions to the old rules. You can download a copy HERE -> Major USAPA Pickleball rule Changes for 2020.

 


********** Pickleball Ornaments **********

Yes, you can make Christmas Ornaments with pickleballs and related materials.

picture Via

 


********** Holiday Pickleball Closings **********

Check previous newsletter HERE for information about indoor PB venues holiday hours and closings!

 



Weather have you down?
********** Watch a Pickleball Video **********

If you can’t get out and play, but want some entertaining pickleball, you can check out this match on Pickleball Central!

PRO Men’s Doubles Play-In Match from the 2019 Franklin Pickleball Masters!

From the video website:

Today we are bringing you one of those matches. On one side is the team of Jeff Warnick and Riley Newman, and across the net, their opponents Dave Weinbach and Steve Deakin. Both teams want their shot at the Gold, but only one can walk away the winner. Who will it be? Watch the match to find out.

http://www.pickleballchannel.com/2019/12/2019-fpm-mens-playin/

 



Start the New Year
********** as a USAPA Member **********
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



Video: Puppies on a Sunday Stroll

Jeff

These puppies appear to be walking on a moving sidewalk and grooving to the hit song, Stayn’ Alive by the Bee Gees (see below for more information after enjoying the video).

Perhaps one of the most iconic songs in Rock N’ Roll/Disco history is Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees which played a staring role n the motion picture, Saturday Night Fever. According to Wikipedia:

“Stayin’ Alive climbed the charts to hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of 4 February 1978, remaining there for four weeks.”

 

More Vide – Ohs

To See additional Interesting Videos, click HERE


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com



Pickleball News – 20191206 – Archived Version

Jeff


Pickleball News – 20191206– 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 – December 6, 2019

Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:



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

As I stated in my previous post, December is an “awkward” month for indoor pickleball in the Valley because of holiday events, maintenance schedules and other location-based activities.

The Community Centers often have staff events, meetings, etc. during this time of the year. In addition special events are often provided for students that have a winter recess from their schools.

Paradise Valley Community Center

  • Monday, December 9th – THERE WILL BE PICKLEBALL as usual. The center has a special event in the evening; sorry for any confusion.

    •  
    Closed for Pickleball as Follows:

  • Wednesday, December 11th – NE Division Holiday Party
  • December 23, 2019 through January 3, 2020

NOTE: We can probably surmise that this will be similar for all City of Phoenix Community Centers, however…

My best advice is to check with your preferred indoor venue during the upcoming weeks to avoid disappointment. This may be an opportunity for outside play for those of use who generally play at our indoor courts!

You can check “More Places to Play” for some aoutdoor courts in and around North Phoenix!

 



Family Life Center 2019-2020 Holiday Hours
********** Gym Closing for December **********

Family Life Center 2019-2020 Holiday Hours

NOTE – I was told that there WILL BE PICKLEBALL on Tuesday, December 24th, but the hours will be shortened to accommodate the schedule above.

 



G.R. Herberger Park
********** Open for Pickleball **********

Pickleball Courts at G.R. Herberger Park
5802 E. Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85018

G.R. Herberger Park
Picture Courtesy of Mary Travis – The court on the right-hand side is a tennis court.

From the USAPA Paces to Play Website:

“The City of Phoenix opened 4 permanent outdoor pickleball courts at this location on 11/27/19. The park is open 5:30am – 10pm, 365 days a year and is free to the public. Two tennis courts were converted to 4 fully painted pickleball courts with permanent nets and lights. There are restrooms in the park as well as 2 remaining lighted tennis courts, lighted sand volleyball, and a play field. The park is located on the north side of Indian School Rd. next to the canal and multi-use bicycle path. The viewpoint for The Arizona Falls is accessed from the west end of the parking lot.”

 


For Those Who Have Read This Far

PRO Mixed Doubles GOLD Medal Match
********** 2019 Franklin Pickleball Masters **********

If the weather and holidays are keeping you from pickleball, why not try the next best thing? Watch pickleball tournament videos!

The match below is between the team of Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova and Ben Johns and Simone Jardim. These are four of the perennial finalists in professional pickleball and are among the “stars” in today’s pickleball world. I think you will find the match entertaining and a wonderful showcase for our sport.

BTW – The name of the facility hosting this match is called Chicken ‘N Pickle in Wichita, KS. Pickleball is becoming so popular that even restaurants are now hosting courts. You can check out their website – Chicken ‘N Pickle – Wichita, KS

********** 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



Archived versions of North Phoenix Pickleball news and information about a variety of topics related to pickleball, tipes, local schedule changes, etc.