Highland Lakes Pickleball: 01/01/2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday afternoon Pickleball clinic.

This afternoon we had a Pickleball clinic which was given by Brenda & Dave Littlefield from Citrus Hill. There were a total of 32 Pickleball players who took advantage of this clinic. Thanks guys for a great tournout. Visiting us was John Eric from CT. Hope to see you tomorrow night at Monday Night Pickleball. John Eric is Don Gullakson's grandson.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Mondeay night Pickleball at Highland Lakes

Monday night at 6:30 pm is when we teach new Pickleball players at Highland Lakes. We had several players on Monday night who want to learn our exciting game. Al and Maria Grieze were back practicing on our courts. They have been here several times and Al Grieze has moved on to play with the regular group of players. Maria will be practicing some more until she feels comfortable to move on. Jim Wise is brand new to the game and was doing really well towards the end of the night. Visiting was Barbie who is Dick Mell's daughter come to join us on the courts for some teaching time. Now that it's winter our courts are in full swing. We have four courts going continuously. We always have several people waiting to play and the rotation seems to be going pretty well.

There are two rules that are to be followed.
1) When a player leaves the Arena for any reason he brings his paddle with him/her and upon return goes to the end of the line.
2) When it is your turn to play and you don't want to go in at that particular time, "for whatever reason" you go to the end of the line. These two rules will be enforced in order to make the game enjoyable for everyone.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Pickleball

Friday, January 14, 2011

Geezer Meister Tournament on 1/14/2011

We "the Pickleball players from Highland Lakes" are proud of our three Pickleball players from Highland Lakes and one Pickleball player from Legacy who entered the Geezer Meister Tournament at Spruce Creek. Lynn Corbett & Susan Clark were partners in this event that took place at 8:30 this morning. They were very brave to play outdoors this morning in this cold weather. Bill Guenst & Dave Wenzel were partners in the 1:00 event. Even though they did not win any prizes it was a good experience for all of them and we give them credit for trying something different

Way to go, guys!

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