Highland Lakes Pickleball: Pickleball Senior Olympics starting at the end of February.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Pickleball Senior Olympics starting at the end of February.

Last night we played Pickleball in the Arena and we had four courts going. There were many players very happy to be playing indoors even for one night. We had a new couple (Dave & Judy Wenzel) wanting to learn the game. They did very well and we hope to see them again. Pauline Duschesne and
Audrey Gorski are working on sharpening their Pickleball skills with Don Gullakson as their coach.

A reminder to all Pickleball players that the dates for the Pickleball Olympics have been set. The games will be played the last week in February.
Please come to the Arena to add your name to the sign up sheet or call us (M&M at 728-6942) so that we may add your name to the sign up sheets or you may email us at mcardoza@embarqmail.com).

The schedule is as follows:
Monday night, February 22nd - Mixed Doubles starting at 6:30 pm.
Tuesday morning, February 23rd - Men's Doubles starting at 8:30 am.
Thursday morning, February 25th - Women's Doubles starting at 8:30 am.
Friday morning, February 26th - Beginners Doubles starting at 9:30 am.

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PICKLEBALL CODE OF ETHICS

Every person involved in pickleball as a participant, official, volunteer, representative of the USAPA or spectator pledges as follows:
I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or encourage others to do so. I will not engage in any behavior that would endanger the health, safety or well being of others. I will not engage in the use of profanity. I will treat others with respect. I will exhibit fairness and honesty in my dealings with others. I will not flaunt my position. I will not use USAPA records or materials for personal gain. I will observe the Golden Rule of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me. The above Code applies in all situations that relate directly or indirectly to pickleball play.

About Pickleball

Whether you have terrible hand-eye coordination or are a racquet sport pro, you will have fun playing pickleball.If you are a novice: The net is set at 34", lower than tennis, and the paddles we play with are solid (composite, graphite, or wood). It is easier to hit the ball where you want it to go in pickleball. We play with a 3" plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball.If you play any sports: You can learn pickleball in less than 5 minutes and start having great rallies, good exercise, and a lot of fun.If you are a tennis player: Pickleball is faster and more fun than tennis. The rallies are longer than in tennis. It can even help your tennis game, especially at the net. The strokes are the same as tennis.

The History of Highland Lakes Pickleball Group

It has already been written about how Pickleball was invented by a U.S. Congressman from Oregon but nothing has been written how it started here at Highland Lakes.
It was introduced by George Hastings around 1993. He posted an ad in our small newsletter asking for people to come out and see what it was all about. As I recall myself and my wife Marie Falcon and Kathy Hart showed up. At that time we only had two courts with thin black lines that you could hardly see from the other end of the court. In time we were able to get better outline courts and were able to increase the courts to four. Through "word of mouth" and advertising we had full courts with as many as eight to ten people waiting to play. We devised a plan of "musical chairs" for people to move up in line to play. In time George Hastings moved back up north and others had to take up the banner of keeping Pickleball going. Our equipment at first was not great. Small thin poles to hold up a flimsy net. Through meetings with the Board of Directors and Reps of Tennis players (since they had an inside court) we were able to get the equipment that we have today. We can write about Pickleball but until you come out and see what it's all about and play it, you won't know just how much fun it is. Come on what are you waiting for?
Joe Falcon

Highland Lakes Pickleball

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Pickleball Senior Olympics starting at the end of February.

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