Beginner-friendly Game Can Be Good Workout
A new recreational sport called pickleball is taking Chatham- Kent by storm.
"I'm addicted -- I love it and I can't get enough of it,'' said Mary Williston, a Chatham senior citizen.
Posted By BOB BOUGHNER, THE DAILY NEWS
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
North and South Meet In Chatham-Kent, Ontario
We have NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement and now we have NAFPA, the North America Free Pickleball Agreement. Today at the W.I.S.H Centre in Chatham, Ontario, Dick Manasseri, the Regional Ambassador for The Great Lakes Region and Pete LaBarbera travelled from southern Michigan to meet up with Wayne Roswell , The Chair of Communication for the USAPA from Port Perry, Ontario to demo pickleball and to present a workshop on the rules of the game. This was a first for Pickleball in Ontario and a precedent for the future of this great sport between the two great nations separated by the Ambassador Bridge. This was really a true North American event.
Participants are introduced to the game - Pete has his back to the camera
Christina Drew, Program Coordinator, Community Services - Recreation Programs for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, used the opportunity to widely publicize Pickleball by inviting local press to cover the event. Approximately 30 participants, from young adults to seniors showed up to learn and participate. There was great enthusiasm as Dick talked about the game. He introduced the basic strokes and then had players on the courts practicing immediately. After everyone had a chance to practice the strokes and serve, Wayne teamed up with Dick against Pete and Dennis Brock to demo an actual game. Players then rotated in and out to pl
ay their own game. A group of young adults were into fierce competition in very short order. When Dick asked if there were any final questions, one young lad piped up with “Can we play more?”
Today’s efforts were just an example of how Pickleball knows no borders and will continue to grow in North America and in other countries around the world.
Dick talks to Christina about Pickleball
Participants are introduced to the game - Pete has his back to the camera
Christina Drew, Program Coordinator, Community Services - Recreation Programs for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, used the opportunity to widely publicize Pickleball by inviting local press to cover the event. Approximately 30 participants, from young adults to seniors showed up to learn and participate. There was great enthusiasm as Dick talked about the game. He introduced the basic strokes and then had players on the courts practicing immediately. After everyone had a chance to practice the strokes and serve, Wayne teamed up with Dick against Pete and Dennis Brock to demo an actual game. Players then rotated in and out to pl
ay their own game. A group of young adults were into fierce competition in very short order. When Dick asked if there were any final questions, one young lad piped up with “Can we play more?”The Chatham-Kent Pickleball progam is a partnership between the Communities in Action Fund, the Ministry of Promotion, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the W.I.S.H Centre. Jamie Ireland of the W.I.S.H Centre saw Pickleball first hand while visiting the Chicago area during a curling bonspiel. He tried the game and knew immediately that he had to bring it back to Ontario. That opportunity happened this summer when a grant became available to the municipality from the provincial government. Christina from Community Services had the funds and Jamie from the W.I.S.H Centre had the facilities. They both had the enthusiasm to make it happen. Thanks to the efforts of these two individuals, Pickleball was started in September. With many ideas for expanding the program to families and young adults, the program is bound to grow.
Today’s efforts were just an example of how Pickleball knows no borders and will continue to grow in North America and in other countries around the world.
Dick talks to Christina about Pickleball
A special thanks to Dick and Pete for their efforts in getting up early, driving to Chatham, and introducing this great sport to Chatham-Kent.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
York Region 55+ Pickleball Event
York Region is hosting a Non Sanctioned
Invitational Pickleball Event
on Friday, November 14, 2008.
Details:
Friday, November 14, 2008
The event is open to all participants 55+
The location is the Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket, Ontario
Men's and Ladies Double's (you and your partner must submit separate registations forms)
Registration Fee is $6.00
Starts at 8:30 am
Registration Forms and Cheques Payable to York Region 55+ must be in by November 1, 2008
Registrations Forms available from members of the Magna Centre or phone Lloyd Balsdon at 905 895-4569. Registration forms can also be obtained at the Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place, 474 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON.
(I have not been unable to locate an online website for registration forms)
This is your chance to test your Pickleball skills in competition and make some new pickleball friends. Don't Delay. Enter to Day.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Welcome to The Great Lakes Regional Website
Thanks to Janet Razz and others, The Great Lakes Region has its own website. Please check out The Great Lakes Pickleball Website. This is great news for the region.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Reflections By Wayne
As I get ready to leave for my home away from home in Sebring Florida, I am reflecting on my experiences with Pickleball in Ontario the past six months.
My biggest surprise was to find that the game actually existed here at all. I thought that I would have to establish my own centre to be able to play. Thankfully, I contacted Tony Sequeira, the ambassador for the GTA, and he invited me over to the Milliken Recreation Centre. I can remember the excitement of visiting the club, seeing the number of players, and the caliber of play. It was the first time I had seen Pickleball played indoors on badminton courts. What a great idea! You lower the nets and you have an instant Pickleball court. And then I discovered the club had been in existence for over eight years.
In an effort to get an update list of places to play for the USAPA website, I have discover that clubs exist all over Ontario, from Chatham to Barrie to Pickering and now Whitby. My unofficial count, lists 18 centres that have introduced Pickleball into their programs for seniors and two centers that are offering introductory programs to all ages. This is amazing since when you mention that you play Pickleball most people reply, “what the heck is that?”
I can remember my first experience on the courts at Milliken and Malvern. The ball had a different bounce to it and I had to adjust. I was use to the glare from the sun down south but the glare from the polished hard wood floors was really different. I kept losing that white ball in the glare. Once I adapted to these conditions, I found that the hardwood floors are much easier on the “old” body and without the wind and the blazing sun I could play longer. That does not mean I played any better.
I did find some differences in the style of play. When I started playing on a regular basis at Malvern and Pickering, I noticed that players did not rush the net as much. They preferred to stay at the base line and hit ground strokes. They did this very effectively by putting top spin and slice on the ball. Almost all the player’s play at least one other racquet sport including tennis, ping pong and badminton. The ping pong or table tennis is very evident in their game because their backhands are as strong as their forehands.
I had been used to the more aggressive style in the US of getting the ball deep and moving to the NV line as soon as possible. I found I was standing at the net and my partner was back. I wasn’t sure where I should stand. I also found that very few players announced the score and with my memory, good but short, I was never sure what the score was. As the summer progressed, more players started to get more aggressive and move to the net. Two ladies in particular, Kathy and Jane, have become so adept at moving up they are a threat to all the male players. Some players are even helping me out by calling out the score. Thanks Olivia for teaching others how to call out the score.
The most pleasant experience has been the way players have accepted me into their centres. I have really appreciated that. Players work out their own rotations and they go out of their way to include everyone and balance up teams. If people are waiting, players come off the court after one game. No one sits out long. Good players readily play with the weaker or less experienced ones, although good players do get together to play at a higher level, that is accepted by everyone. It is a great system and something the conveners should be very proud of.
I have met some very nice people in my Pickleball travels this summer. It was a real thrill to meet Margaret and John Hoyt, the couple, that introduced pickleball to the GTA. Seeing the Magna Centre for the first time was amazing. I apologize to the centres I did not get to, but the summer slipped away. I do have one more stop in Chatham on route to Florida.
Thanks again to Tony for accompanying me on my visits. Tony you are true gentleman, a gifted athlete and I appreciate your friendship. Thanks to, Yolanda and Ed Lew for including me in their Malvern club, David Chu-Cho for letting me play at Pickering and giving me some free coaching. Thanks to Ivy for always having food and Michael for looking after Malvern in Ed's absence. I will miss playing with all of you but I will not miss the cold. This is a great sport and I know it will continue to grow in Ontario.
If any of you are any where near Sebring, FL this winter, you have a personal invitation to hit a few with me at the Tanglewood Pickleball Club. Just e-mail me at rwroswell@gmail.com and I will set things up.
Hope to see all of you next April. Thanks all, Wayne.
My biggest surprise was to find that the game actually existed here at all. I thought that I would have to establish my own centre to be able to play. Thankfully, I contacted Tony Sequeira, the ambassador for the GTA, and he invited me over to the Milliken Recreation Centre. I can remember the excitement of visiting the club, seeing the number of players, and the caliber of play. It was the first time I had seen Pickleball played indoors on badminton courts. What a great idea! You lower the nets and you have an instant Pickleball court. And then I discovered the club had been in existence for over eight years.
In an effort to get an update list of places to play for the USAPA website, I have discover that clubs exist all over Ontario, from Chatham to Barrie to Pickering and now Whitby. My unofficial count, lists 18 centres that have introduced Pickleball into their programs for seniors and two centers that are offering introductory programs to all ages. This is amazing since when you mention that you play Pickleball most people reply, “what the heck is that?”
I can remember my first experience on the courts at Milliken and Malvern. The ball had a different bounce to it and I had to adjust. I was use to the glare from the sun down south but the glare from the polished hard wood floors was really different. I kept losing that white ball in the glare. Once I adapted to these conditions, I found that the hardwood floors are much easier on the “old” body and without the wind and the blazing sun I could play longer. That does not mean I played any better.
I did find some differences in the style of play. When I started playing on a regular basis at Malvern and Pickering, I noticed that players did not rush the net as much. They preferred to stay at the base line and hit ground strokes. They did this very effectively by putting top spin and slice on the ball. Almost all the player’s play at least one other racquet sport including tennis, ping pong and badminton. The ping pong or table tennis is very evident in their game because their backhands are as strong as their forehands.
I had been used to the more aggressive style in the US of getting the ball deep and moving to the NV line as soon as possible. I found I was standing at the net and my partner was back. I wasn’t sure where I should stand. I also found that very few players announced the score and with my memory, good but short, I was never sure what the score was. As the summer progressed, more players started to get more aggressive and move to the net. Two ladies in particular, Kathy and Jane, have become so adept at moving up they are a threat to all the male players. Some players are even helping me out by calling out the score. Thanks Olivia for teaching others how to call out the score.
The most pleasant experience has been the way players have accepted me into their centres. I have really appreciated that. Players work out their own rotations and they go out of their way to include everyone and balance up teams. If people are waiting, players come off the court after one game. No one sits out long. Good players readily play with the weaker or less experienced ones, although good players do get together to play at a higher level, that is accepted by everyone. It is a great system and something the conveners should be very proud of.
I have met some very nice people in my Pickleball travels this summer. It was a real thrill to meet Margaret and John Hoyt, the couple, that introduced pickleball to the GTA. Seeing the Magna Centre for the first time was amazing. I apologize to the centres I did not get to, but the summer slipped away. I do have one more stop in Chatham on route to Florida.
Thanks again to Tony for accompanying me on my visits. Tony you are true gentleman, a gifted athlete and I appreciate your friendship. Thanks to, Yolanda and Ed Lew for including me in their Malvern club, David Chu-Cho for letting me play at Pickering and giving me some free coaching. Thanks to Ivy for always having food and Michael for looking after Malvern in Ed's absence. I will miss playing with all of you but I will not miss the cold. This is a great sport and I know it will continue to grow in Ontario.
If any of you are any where near Sebring, FL this winter, you have a personal invitation to hit a few with me at the Tanglewood Pickleball Club. Just e-mail me at rwroswell@gmail.com and I will set things up.
Hope to see all of you next April. Thanks all, Wayne.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Questions and Answers By George Brewer of The Villages, Florida
One of the experts on Pickleball answers some frequently asked questions
Question: Sometimes, just after hitting a ground stroke, I realize that the ball has actually landed outside of the court. If I’ve already returned the ball, is it too late to call a fault?
Answer: No, but the amount of time you have to declare the ball “out” is limited. Here’s the rule” All “out” calls must be made instantly. Instantly is defined as call “out” prior to the ball being hit by your opponent or before the ball has gone out of play.
Question: Sometimes players waiting to play on the sidelines make calls that cast doubt on what players on the courts have declared. Should their input be considered?
Answer: No – in fact, never. Players who offer unsolicited opinions while waiting from the sidelines are one of the reasons that The Villages won’t allow you to bring guns on the courts while you’re playing. Spectators may be prejudiced, unqualified, and certainly are not in position to see the call.
Question: My opponent was serving to me when my partner declared the server foot-faulted because both feet whereon/over the baseline when they served the ball. Can my partner or I call a foot fault on our opponent?
Answer: No. Only the partner of their server or the server can call foot faults that take place at the time of serve. You have every right to suggest that a fault may have occurred, but you or your partner cannot declare a fault.
Question: My opponent hit a ball that landed in my non-volley zone (NVZ). I ran into the NVZ and returned the ball after it bounced. Before I could exit the NVZ the ball came right back at me. I jumped into the air, returned the ball and both of my feet landed back in my court outside the NVZ. They say I faulted: I say I didn’t. Who is right?
Answer: They are right. You’re faulted. Volleys can be initiated only when the player has both feet positioned outside the NVZ.
Question: If I miss the ball while attempting to serve, do I get another try?
Answer: Missing the ball is a fault, so you don’t get another chance. ? There is no penalty if you let the ball drop to the ground or catch it in the air without attempting to hit the ball, but if you “whiff” the ball, you lose your serve.
Question: What options do I have if I am served the ball before I am ready?
Answer: If you’re about to receive the serve and you’re not ready, raise your hand or paddle to signal the server not to serve. If the serve is made anyhow, you must make no attempt to return the ball. Any attempt to return the ball implies that you were ready, and like it or not, the ball is in play.
George's Final Reminder
Let me remind you of something important. As soon as the ball comes over the net into your court, you become the referee. You are responsible for all officiating on your side of the net and your opponent has every right to believe you are rules-oriented and will make calls with integrity.
Question: Sometimes, just after hitting a ground stroke, I realize that the ball has actually landed outside of the court. If I’ve already returned the ball, is it too late to call a fault?
Answer: No, but the amount of time you have to declare the ball “out” is limited. Here’s the rule” All “out” calls must be made instantly. Instantly is defined as call “out” prior to the ball being hit by your opponent or before the ball has gone out of play.
Question: Sometimes players waiting to play on the sidelines make calls that cast doubt on what players on the courts have declared. Should their input be considered?
Answer: No – in fact, never. Players who offer unsolicited opinions while waiting from the sidelines are one of the reasons that The Villages won’t allow you to bring guns on the courts while you’re playing. Spectators may be prejudiced, unqualified, and certainly are not in position to see the call.
Question: My opponent was serving to me when my partner declared the server foot-faulted because both feet whereon/over the baseline when they served the ball. Can my partner or I call a foot fault on our opponent?
Answer: No. Only the partner of their server or the server can call foot faults that take place at the time of serve. You have every right to suggest that a fault may have occurred, but you or your partner cannot declare a fault.
Question: My opponent hit a ball that landed in my non-volley zone (NVZ). I ran into the NVZ and returned the ball after it bounced. Before I could exit the NVZ the ball came right back at me. I jumped into the air, returned the ball and both of my feet landed back in my court outside the NVZ. They say I faulted: I say I didn’t. Who is right?
Answer: They are right. You’re faulted. Volleys can be initiated only when the player has both feet positioned outside the NVZ.
Question: If I miss the ball while attempting to serve, do I get another try?
Answer: Missing the ball is a fault, so you don’t get another chance. ? There is no penalty if you let the ball drop to the ground or catch it in the air without attempting to hit the ball, but if you “whiff” the ball, you lose your serve.
Question: What options do I have if I am served the ball before I am ready?
Answer: If you’re about to receive the serve and you’re not ready, raise your hand or paddle to signal the server not to serve. If the serve is made anyhow, you must make no attempt to return the ball. Any attempt to return the ball implies that you were ready, and like it or not, the ball is in play.
George's Final Reminder
Let me remind you of something important. As soon as the ball comes over the net into your court, you become the referee. You are responsible for all officiating on your side of the net and your opponent has every right to believe you are rules-oriented and will make calls with integrity.
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