Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Ontario Gather Momentum

Pickleball Canada reaches the 100 Membership Mark!


Yes, in one month The Pickle Jar has reached 100 members. That's right 100 Pickleball players have joined our very own Pickleball Association, Pickleball Canada. Thanks to those 100 players that took the initiative to join and support this great organization.

The founding committee wishes to thank all of you. A special thanks to Chuck Lefaive for all his efforts in getting the "Pickleball" rolling.

Members will be receiving their name tags and their free CD in the mail shortly.

If you have not joined yet, we hope you will consider doing so. To register go to Pickleball Canada and download the form, fill it in, write your cheque, and place it in the mail. Not only will you get your own magnetic name tag, free CD but you will be supporting Pickleball in Canada. Your membership dollars are helping develop our website, provide you with a newsletter, and will support programs for young players.

We know this is a life time sport because many of us are playing it in our retirement years. Every one knows that keeping fit is a life time commitment and Pickleball is a sport everyone can play for life. By becoming a member of Pickleball Canada, you will be helping get young adults active. One of those might be your grand child.


Exciting Happenings in Ontario

Next Saturday, June 6, 2009, the Markham Parks and Recreation Department will be featuring sports activities for all ages in the "Unionville Festival Parade" starting at 10:am. Pickleball will be one of the sports represented in that parade. We are even hoping to put on a demo of Pickleball in a parking lot for all to see. I have done this as part of the Mt Olive Pickle Fest in NC. We can do it in Unionville, Ontario next Saturday.

The following week, Bill Furse, is holding a Pickleball Open House in Collingwood, Ontario. This demonstration takes place on Wednesday, June 10, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Blue Mountain Resort, Tennis Dome, Collingwood, ON. If you are in the area drop by and see the game in action. Bill is on the founding committee of Pickleball Canada.

Lasik Pickleball Eye Surgery for Convenient Line Calls

Diller has called in his resident expert on line calls, Phyllis Diller, to provide this week's tips on line calls.

Phyllis wonders why so many pickleball players wear glasses when they can see the ball clearly "IN", from 44 feet away on the other side of the net. Is this called, "Lasik Pickleball Eye Surgery for convenient line calls."

It is even more amazing how many spectators can clearly see the ball from even further away. "Spectatorillitis - the ability to be the expert while sitting on the bench." It is amazing how well we can see and play while sitting watching.

Click on this weeks Tim Bits - Line Calls

An E-Newsletter for Canadian Pickleball Players

E-Newsletter of Canadian Pickleball Players

The first edition of the E-Newsletter for Canadian Pickleball Players has hit the Internet News Waves. Yes, there is a Canadian equivalent of the USAPA E-Newsletter for Canadian Pickleball. The intent of Pickleball Canada is to have a quarterly newsletter to cover all aspects of Pickleball in Canada.

This first edition contains coverage of Pickleball on "Salut Bonjour", the Quebec equivalent of "Good Morning America", the history of Pickleball in the Greater Toronto Area, the story of a sensational player in Namimo BC, an article by a health professional on the physical and mental benefits of Pickleball and a little Pickleball humour.

I hope you enjoy the first edition. I would like to make sure all clubs in Ontario are represented so please send me an article with a separate digital photo to rwroswell@gmail.com.

Pickleball on "Salute Bonjour"

Daniel Melancon interviews Marcel Lemieux on French Television.








Pickleball on "Salute Bonjour"

Today "Salute Bonjour", the French Canadian version of "Breakfast Television" aired a video on Pickleball.



The two players being interviewed are Louise Barrett and Marcel Lemieux from Mirabel, Quebec. Marcel is a member of the planning committee of Pickleball Canada and also an ambassador for the usapa.



I met Marcel and Louise this winter in Florida. Marcel talked to me about his idea of getting media coverage in Quebec. He had seen the "Good Morning America" program on the usapa website and wanted to do something similar in Quebec. He contacted the producers of Salut Bonjour and got a positive response.

The program was taped on May 5th, 2009 and aired today. You will see similarities to the Good Morning America program.

This video will certainly give Pickleball a presence in Quebec. I now need to work on our Ontario version.



Here is the link to Pickleball on Salute Bonjour

Unless your French is better than mine, you will probably pick up on Pickleball, tennis, and badminton. However, it is great the game is getting this kind of coverage.

This sport will spread nationally in no time. Pickleball Canada's founding committee has representatives from British Columbia, Sasketchewan, Ontario, and Quebec. It is just a matter of time before all provinces and territories are represented.


Tres bien, Louise and Marcel

The Pickleball Tim Bits of the Week

Last week, a special link was started called, Diller's Tips of the Week. This week's Tips, called Tim Bits of the week are provided by Diller's partner, Vinessa. Vinessa is really blossoming into the game and she reviews the rules and tips on serving.

Click on the link to the right or Vinessa's Tips to read this week's tips and review last weeks as well.

Vinessa reminds everyone, "Call out the score. It is Pickleball Etiquette." We can't remember what we did yesterday, how can we remember the score today?

Pickleball Trivia by Vinnie D. Joker

Here is another of Diller's Pickleball friends Vinnie D. Joker. I am sure you have all met one of these players on the courts. They never take themselves too seriously and play the game for fun.

Vinnie D. blossomed into the game much later in life as most of us have or not. He had "matured" on the vine, as they say. He is not quite headed for the brine yet.

He has also been known to get a "little pickled" at some of the Pickleball socials. Some would say he looks on the "greener" side of the net.

As you can see, he is a real target for a few "slings and arrows." This often happens when you get involved in this game called Pickleball. Players like to needle you a little about the beautiful form you had on that last missed shot. Vinnie D. jumps for joy when this happens.

Vinnie presents a Little Know Fact About Pickling and pickle juice and he is not joking around.

A Little Know Fact about Pickling and Pickle Juice

"Professional, college and high school football teams are beginning to clamor for pickle juice for their players as a way to stave off muscle cramps. Vinnie D. opines that the salt content, along with the acetic acid (vinegar), in pickle juice make it attractive to athletic trainers and players."

"Pickle juice contains salt, calcium chloride and vinegar, in addition to flavorings (dill, bread & butter, etc). The basic ingredients are similar to what you would find in isotonic drinks. Where pickle juice has acetic acid, isotonic drinks contain citric acid."

Vinnie D. also suggests that it is not bad for curing hang overs as well. He suggests Spicey Kosher Dill juice and your opponents will never get near you, literally.


So keep pickling and don't forget to drink the juice, eh! A new product for Pickleball Suppliers. Vinnie D's Pickle Juice to avoid muscle cramps on those hot days. Comes in dill, kosher dill, and spicey kosher dill flavours!

Thanks to Mt Olive Pickle Company for these little know facts.

Keep pickling and when you finish the jar, drink the juice.

Coach Diller's Pickleball Tips

I have introduced a new link to Pickleball Ontario called Coach Diller's Pickleball Tips of the Week. These will be tips designed for Pickleball players playing in Ontario, especially recreational players.


I would like to introduce Coach Diller and his playing partner Vinessa. They both reside in Pickleville, Ontario, just south of Bicksville. They play Pickleball at the Pickle Barrel Recreational Centre located at the corner of Cucumber and Vine. Pickleball is a blossoming sport in Pickleville. Players both young and old enjoy pickling.

There are plans in the works for a Pickle Festival next fall and Pickleball Players will be playing for the "Bicks Cup". The coveted trophy will be sought after by players from all over Ontario and Michigan. All ten rooms in the Pickleville Hotel have been booked for that weekend. Players from as far away as Troysville, Michigan are expected.

If you are in the area drop by for the Pickleville Pickle and Pickleball Festival. New wines from Pelee Island are being imported for the event. One is called, Vinegar, and the other, Pickle Juice. Free samples will be available just for showing your membership to Pickleball Canada.


Vinessa is sporting the new protective eyewear for Pickleball. These shades not only protect you from eye injury but provide you with the coolest in fashion statements. They are available in "pickle green" and "flaming Harley". Vinessa is also sporting the new magnetic pickle bracelets to prevent or cure tennis elbow.

Vinessa is dashing around the court in the newest in Pickleball Court shoes, "the dillers." They are designed with the latest in sport shoe technology with elasticized, cushion soles for more acceleration to the NV-line and more spin to get back for the lob. They are available in exciting colours, like the fuschia, shown here.

Vinessa will be selling these at the Pickleville Pickle and Pickleball Festival.

Make sure to mark this event on your calendar with your new picklepen, soon to be introduced in green and yellow ink, together.

Enough punning around, check out Coach Diller's Pickleball Tips by clicking on the link on the right.

Pickleball Grows Like Cucumber Vines in Ontario

C

Armadale Community Centre

by Pickleball Promoter

New centres offering Pickleball to Ontario seniors are growing like cucumber vines in the middle of summer. I have had the pleasure of visiting two new programs in the last two weeks. Last week at Heydenshore Recreation Centre in Whitby and today, the Armadale Community Centre at 2401 Denison Street, on the southwest corner of McCowan Road and Denison Street, in Markham.

As you can see from the picture above, it is a beautiful complex at the south end of Markham. A Pickleball program was offered at Armadale a few years ago but did not catch on.

This time with the help of Tony Sequeira, the ambassador for the GTA, the program has grown since day one.

Each week a new player or two joins the group. There are 8 regular players and the group is only a few weeks old.

To find out more about Pickleball contact Nancy Letman at neitman@markham.ca.

Pickleball In French Canada - Mais Oui!

Pickleball will appear on the largest watched French Morning Show, "SALUT BONJOUR". The French Canadian, version of Good Morning America. This has all been made possible by the efforts of Marcel and Louise Lemiex of Mirabel, Quebec. Here is an e-mail from Marcel.

"Today, between the hours of 14.30 and 16.00, the television morning show, SALUT BONJOUR, sent one of it's specialty (sports and physical activities) interviewer and camera man to a location I had mentionned, where Pickleball courts were set out.

His name is Daniel Melançon, about 30 years old and he had never heard of Pickleball. I also had a few other players over just to play the game and be filmed. A bunch of younger kids just wandered in and we gave them paddles to play with; the cameraman had a lot of work.

Daniel played with me in doubles against Louise and a friend. He loved it. He then asked if this game can be played in singles and I played singles with him. At the end, he interviewed Louise and I.

The final product should be seened on TV in two weeks. His chronicle lasts a total of 4 minutes, 3 minutes of which should be taped interviews and of play today. Tha camera man shot 35 minutes of tape. I was able to learn that this chronicle will be on the NET."

Marcel and Louise Lemieux.

Bien Fait!

"Tip of the Month" by Dick "Mo" Movsessian

To supplement the article below, I would invite all players relatively new to the game and some of us that need to review, to read the following TIP OF THE MONTH BY "MO' .

While at Mo's Website have a look at the videos and other material. I will use them often to help players on this blog. Register to be a member of http://www.pickleballcoach.com/ it is absolutely free. You will receive a newsletter from Mo each month with his tips of the month. It arrives in you inbox at no charge.

I have attended two of Mo's workshops in Florida. He is "Mr. Pickleball Coach!"

Pickleball Styles - North vs South

"Coaching by Pickleball Promoter"

I keep trying to encourage players in Ontario to try some things to improve their game. Please listen to my comments and do not watch me try to execute them on the court. I stick to my line, "the best coaches in professional sports were not top players".

One of the things I have mentioned before but I want to repeat. There are two styles of play that I see. One is the offensive, aggressive, get to the NV-line as soon as you can approach. The other is the stay back, lob, defensive style.

I notice from watching the video on Pickleball Canada ,that players are into a more defensive style. This is mandatory in singles play. Indoors the lob shot is easier to execute and should be used for a defensive style. Both payers have to stay back at the baseline and not in mid court or "no man's land".

There are only two places a player should be after the first two bounces in doubles play, behind the baseline or at the NV-line. Any where else and the ball will be at your feet and almost impossible to return. Both players must stay together. I like, the 10 feet of string attached to each partners' leg, concept. You should never me more than 10 feet from your partner. If your partner stays back, you stay back. If your partner goes to the NV-line, you go with them. They go to the sideline, you try to cover more of the middle. Remember, 10 feet, half the court, and you will not kill each other.

In Florida, I am used to playing the offensive, rush the net style. If you are receiving the serve, you have the other team at a disadvantage. They have to stay back because of the two bounce rule. When receiving, the non receiving player goes to the NV-line before the serve. The receiver returns the serve high and as deep as possible and gets to the NV-line. Try getting there before the ball even hits on the other side.

When you get to the NV-line make sure your paddle is up in front of your chest on the side opposite to your paddle hand, if you are right handed it should be on the left side of your chest. You are ready for a quick return. Try to remember to place your non paddle hand at the top of the paddle to remind you to keep the paddle head square or slightly tilted forward to the net. Punch the ball do not bring the paddle back, you do not have time. Pretend you are hitting a punching bag. If the ball is smashed at you, the paddle not only protects you but the ball will go back to the other side faster than it hit your paddle. Remember, "paddles up".

In review, go to the NV-line, plant your feet shoulder width apart. face the net, paddle up to use like a goalie stick in hockey, only in the air. Punch the ball. You can practise this strategy by standing against the gym wall and bringing the paddle up. You can not bring it back because the wall is there. Both partners must go. If one partner stays at the baseline, the partner at the net will never see the ball. It will always be retuned to the deep player to prevent a volley at the net.
Just as an aside here. I see too many players that want to play a total smash, hit the ball as hard as you can style, with no regards to where or at who they hit it. Is this a macho thing or what? It does not matter what brand of paddle you are holding, you can hit the ball at the opponent hard if you want to. You can hurt them if that is your intent. A good player will block the shot and punch it back at you with more speed. A weak player, you could injury because they may not be able to react quickly enough. Pickleball is about placement not smashing. Try to change the speed. Dink it over the net. Place it down the centre. At the feet. Any where but the opponent's upper body.

In a defensive style, both players must stay behind the baseline. Get the lob high and deep. Develop back spin on the lob to help it stay in and put drop and top spin on your baseline shots. Go to the NV-Line when opportunity strikes. You are relying on mistakes by opponents so be patient. Remember, there is 22 ft to the net to get a dink shot, so anticipate.

"Do as I say, not as I do."