Welcome to October. This is an interesting time in this area around pickleball. The snowbirds have left or are preparing to leave for the warmer weather, while others look to move their games indoors to warmer climates. Others still (like me) will stay outside until icicles start forming on their chins. Regardless of your situation, realize that this will have an impact on getting that “regular” game.
October Schedules
I am still waiting for schedule updates from the Fort. I will update the calendar as soon as I get it.
Y Pickleball dues
I also wanted to remind people that have signed up for the pickleball package at the Red Bank Y that it’s October and that if you haven’t gone inside to pay your renewal, that you need to do so on the way to the courts.
Pickleball Boot Camp
The Fort has started to offer a new program called Pickleball Boot Camp. This program is addressing one of the biggest gaps in our pickleball community. It’s designed to help advanced-beginners and intermediate players improve their games and become 3.0-3.5 players. It is a 4-week program focused on building consistency, improving strategy of key skills and emphasizing the need to practice.
The interest in this program has been overwhelming. Kim Smith and Jan Fonselius are teaching a program during the day. Registration filled in < 2 days. Kathleen and I offered to teach a second program during the evenings and that registration filled in less than 1-1/2 hours. We realize that there are many people that are interested in this program and the fort is working to provide more sessions. If you are interested in the program, call the Fort and ask to be put on the waitlist.
Fair Haven Fields – Kim Smith
An exciting event that happened last week. Fair Haven had a ribbon-cutting at Fair Haven Fields for 5 new tennis courts, with 2 of them having pickleball lines. The mayor is very excited about having pickleball as he and his wife have played before and they know how much fun it is. There will be a demo game and free clinic on Sunday, October 8 at 12:30 at Fair Haven Fields.
Tip of the week
This week’s tip is about one of the most important shots in pickleball, the drop shot. This shot is effective at keeping the other team from driving the ball at your feet and often causes them to hit the ball into the net when executed correctly.
Last Week’s Results
It’s clear that a majority of us are trying to improve. I do wonder how many expect to get better simply by playing games. Please make sure to respond to this week’s poll.
This week’s poll
This week’s poll is about practice. Do you purposefully practice?
As a reminder: All polling data is anonymous and no personal information is collected or shared.
Tournament News
No new tournament information.
If you receive information for a tournament that isn’t listed on the site, please let me know so I can post it!
Registration Deadlines
- Franklin Twp – Parks & Recreation Pickleball Tournament – 10/27/17
I’m new to the game and really love it. I used to play tennis 20 years ago but stopped due to knee issues. Now I have 2 new ones and I’m raring to go! Signed up for lessons with Kim and joined the Y.
I went yesterday, Sunday, to the open play and there were no balls, rackets or people! Bummer.
There should be a good turn out this evening, both intermediate and advanced groups.