pickleball newsletter december 2019 final pdf copy
TRANSCRIPT
As we enter the full swing of our Florida season, we continue to enjoy the magnificence that surrounds us all. Sun, beaches, Super Bowl, and of course, the great sport of pickleball beckon to us all. We welcome all our winter friends and neighbors who have returned to soak up the sun. We continue to grow our Pickleball Community from current residents exploring the game for the first time to new neighbors selecting IslandWalk because of our Pickleball Community. I continue to hear comments of friendliness, welcoming, and helpfulness when referencing all of our pickleball members. Our courts have provided a respite for those heavy hearts and thoughts of loved ones that are missing chapters in each of our stories. The sound of the paddles and the hands that hold them bring joy, smiles and laughter which is welcomed by all (oops – forgot the occasional frustration…). The start of the year has been exciting with Ladders, Drop-Ins, reserved courts, co-ed leagues and inter-community action. We are hopeful the balance of our scheduled events for this season will provide additional opportunities for exciting pickleball play. The members of PAG want to thank all our residents for doing your part in keeping our community safe. Our facilities are unquestionably fantastic, but it is YOU, our players, that form the essence of IslandWalk Pickleball. We can all be proud to be a small part of this wonderful membership. Keep playing - Dan
Get in the Pickleball loop!
Want to be on the IslandWalk Pickleball email list? Email Angie O’Bey at [email protected]
Or Dan Vincent at [email protected] with your name, IW address, and phone number.
Visit our website -https://iwpickleball.com
Visit our website!
Join IslandWalk
Picklers
.
*Jan-May 2019 2020 schedule TBD
*Jan-May 2019 2020 Schedule TBD
*NEW* 2 courts reserved
ADVANCED+ (3.5-4.0 rated players only)
*NEW* BEGINNER /
INTERMEDIATE
News from the Pickleball Activities Group (PAG)
INTER-COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Inaugural Invitational Two Person Ladder is underway with 18 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams participating. Men’s teams from Plantation, Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk tipped off the event Thursday, January 28th at our new IW pickleball courts. Teams will compete for six weeks playing six games per week in hopes of claiming one of the top three positions for Gold, Silver & Bronze medals.
After the first week of play, the teams of Tom Vautier/Eric Dunnigan, Dan Vincent/Souren Gokberk & Bill O’Brien/David Novotnak hold the top three spots respectively. The second week of play will be on Thursday, February 4th at 2pm.
The women’s ladder kicked off on Monday, February 1st at 2pm at the Resort Courts. Twelve teams from Sarasota National, Plantation, Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk will compete for the top three prizes of Gold, Silver & Bronze medals. This will also be a six- week event totaling 36 games. After a blustery game day, the teams of Marianne Vautier/Nancy Caplan (IW), Karen Kent/Ann Cutillo (Plantation), & Julie Nelson/Debbie NeCamp (GP) hold the top three.
Best of luck to all our IslandWalk teams!!
For more information regarding Inter-Community Play, contact Bill O’Brien at [email protected]
Or Angie O’Bey at [email protected]
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
During the month of January, a new Water Remover was added to Court #5 which replaced the existing one, and the walkways at the Resort Center were pressure cleaned. We have 325 registered users on RMC. With heavy usage at times, the system may react slower than normal. If you are having difficulty either reserving a court or registering, please notify us. RMC Helpful Tips:
• The system auto-defaults to a 15-minute time increment. Please make sure to set your reservation time frame accordingly.
• For regular single/double reservations, the “Event Type” should be kept at the default setting - “No Event Type”. The event type selections are meant solely for our organized community events.
For Maintenance or Issues Reserving A Court, contact:
Coach’s Corner with Coach Sarah Saari IslandWalk resident, IPTPA Certified Instructor and 5.0 USAPA rated player
Offering lessons covering the fundamentals of Pickleball, game strategies and drilling
formats allowing a chance to improve key pickleball shots. Clinics are also available as
well as skills/drills sessions, conditioning, and paddle selection.
Book a lesson with Sarah by calling 702-503-0118
Coach’s Tip:
“Try to set measurable goals for yourself each time you go out on the court. Try not to worry about your
win/loss record for the day, but rather focus more on your personal growth. Whether it’s hitting 75% of
your serves deep or dinking more than 3x with your opponent, a measurable goal will hold you
accountable in becoming a more effective Pickleball player.” Self-Rating Guidelines: Review the following guidelines to rate your own skills. As you self-identify, think about how you hit balls
to opponents and how you handle shots hit to you. Also think about how you…1.React – May get balls back in play. May not return difficult shots. Unpredictable returns. 2. Engage – Return challenging to difficult balls with some accuracy. Needs more control when returning fast or tricky shots. 3. Control – Returns most shots strategically and accurately. Returns difficult shots well and can move from defense to offense as needed.
Social/Beginners Novice/Intermediate Intermediate/ Advanced Advanced +
These players are able to keep quite a few balls going with their forehands, make most, easier volleys and are beginning to make more backhands, but need to work on developing their strokes.
They are thinking more about coming up to the non-volley zone to hit volleys
They are making an effort to be more aggressive.
They are attempting more use of dinks and lobs.
Aware of the “soft game.”
Knowledge of the rules has improved.
Court coverage is limited but improving.
These players are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack control when trying for direction, depth, or power on their shots. They are using dinks and lobs on a regular basis and are beginning to understand the benefits of these important parts of the game.
More consistent on the serve and can chose where to hit at their opponent.
Service return is consistent when returning medium-paced balls.
Demonstrates improved skills with all the basic strokes and shot placement but lacks control when trying for direction, depth, or power on some shots.
Beginning to look for weakness in opponent’s skills, and playing to those weaknesses’.
Complete knowledge of the rules and scoring of pickleball.
Court coverage is becoming an asset.
These players have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on medium paced balls and some harder hit balls. They still need to develop more depth and variety in their shots. These players are exhibiting more strategic and aggressive net play. Demonstrating greater variety with their shots.
Exhibits strategic net play, by creating opportunities consistently.
Beginning to anticipate opponent’s shots.
Learning the importance of strategy and teamwork in doubles
Beginning to use Third Shot drops, dinks, and a mixture of strategic pace
Using angles and lobs in their games successfully
Movement and coverage on the court, is an asset. Can get to almost all balls hit near them.
Can exploit weaknesses in other players.
These players have very strong, dependable strokes, including directional control and depth. They are strong with both forehand and backhand strokes. They use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with success. They may occasionally, force errors when serving. Points may be lost due to impatience.
Uses the dink shot and drop shots intentionally, to slow down or change the pace of the game.
Shows clear understanding of “soft game” strategies and benefits.
Change of pace, angles and lobs are a regular part of their games.
Aggressive net play is demonstrated.
Teamwork in doubles is evident.
Learning to anticipate opponent’s shots and strategies.
Movement is good to exceptional.
They have begun playing in advanced level tournaments.
Adapted from Pickleball Academy, in Eden Prairie, MN
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES/APPAREL
Another apparel sale will occur within the next two months with anticipated delivery prior to Easter. Details are in the works so stay tuned.
For more information regarding these topics,
contact Mary Novotnak at [email protected]
Or Bonnie Foreman at [email protected]
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
There’s a lot of court activity right now! Men’s & Ladies Ladders began their first session the week of January 25th. The second ladder session will begin in March so watch for more details regarding sign up in Email Blasts. Drop-In play is getting larger now that our seasonal residents have returned and the Co-ed league is in its 3rd week.
New beginner orientation has a backlog of happy potential picklers as well. There are openings beginning Wednesday, February 10th. If you would like to volunteer to help out with Beginner Orientation lessons, please contact Tom or Tina.
For more information, contact Tom Youngholm or Tina
Forsythe at [email protected]
TOURNAMENTS
For a complete listing of IslandWalk, local & national tournaments, visit our website at https://iwpickleball.com Click on Activities & Events
For more information, contact
Cheryl Livingston or Tom Youngholm at:
[email protected] [email protected]
WELLNESS
Thank you for continuing to stay safe on the courts!! So glad to see so many groups reserving time to play. Please continue to respect all players as we don’t know individual circumstances or pre-existing conditions. We all have different comfort levels. We so appreciate the respect and support for all pickleball players.
A reminder that there are first aid kits in the bins at both courts. I check them at least once a week to make sure there are plenty of cold packs. Also, in the bin at the Clubhouse (new) courts are Emergency/ID Tags for your pickleball bag. They are inside a shoe box. Please feel free to take one, complete the information and keep it in your bag. This information may be lifesaving.
For more information, contact Tina Forsythe or Cheryl
Livingston at [email protected]
OTHER NEWS YOU CAN USE!!
VIKING PICKLEBALL – SARAH SAARI Tournaments – Sign up to play in a local tournament at Englewood Sports Complex run by our resident pro, Sarah Saari. Deadline for the Winter Classic tournament held February 27th is February 13th. For more details or to sign up, visit – https://vikingpickleball.com Deadline to sign up for the April 3rd Cottontail Classic is March 20th. Leagues – Viking Pickleball will be offering new leagues starting March and running into April. Be on the lookout for new league signups. To get the most current information, check out https://vikingpickleball.com Wall of Fame - Sarah and Ryan Miscik took Gold in Mixed Doubles 5.0 at APP Tournament in Punta Gorda on January 9th. Sarah and Julie Manuel took Gold in Women’s Doubles 5.0 at the Southern Tropics Tournament in Naples on January 31st. Check out those smiling faces!
Our resident pickleball Pro, Sarah Saari, along with her staff are ready to help achieve any pickleball goals you may have. Log on to www.vikingpickleball.com to sign up for Lessons, Clinics or Camps.
Self-Rating Guidelines: Review the following guidelines to rate your own skills. As you self-identify, think about how you hit balls to
opponents and how you handle shots hit to you. Think primarily about how you: React – Get balls back in play and return difficult shots. Hit unpredictable returns. Engage – Return challenging balls with accuracy. Hit with control when returning fast or tricky shots. Control – Return shots strategically and accurately. Move from defense to offense as needed.
Social/Beginners Novice/Intermediate Intermediate/ Advanced Advanced +
These players are able to consistently hit forehands and play easier volley shots, but are not as comfortable hitting backhands. They generally need work to further develop their strokes.
Start to work their way up to the non-volley zone to hit volleys
Make an effort to be more aggressive
Attempt to add dinks and lobs to their game
Are aware of the “soft game”
Have basic knowledge of rules
Have limited but improving court coverage
These players are relatively consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but they are not comfortable with all strokes. They may lack control when trying for direction, depth, or power. They use dinks and lobs on a regular basis and are beginning to understand the benefits of these important parts of the game.
Consistently get serves in with some control of direction
Consistently return medium-paced serves and shots
Demonstrate improved skills with basic strokes and shot placement but may lack consistent control
Begin to recognize – and play to – opponent weaknesses
Have complete knowledge of pickleball rules and scoring
Are able to cover most of the court
These players have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on medium paced balls and some more difficult shots. They need to hit with more depth and demonstrate greater variety in their shots.
Exhibit strategic net play by creating opportunities for kill shots Begin to anticipate opponent’s shots Understand the importance of strategy and teamwork in doubles Begin to use third shot drops and dinks, and strategically mix the pace of shots Successfully use angles and lobs Can get to almost all balls hit near them – movement and coverage on the court are an asset. Can exploit weaknesses in other players
These players have very strong, dependable strokes, including directional control and depth. They are strong with both forehand and backhand strokes. They use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with success. They may occasionally, force errors when serving. Use dink and drop shots intentionally to slow down or change the pace of the game Show clear understanding of “soft game” strategies and benefits Effectively use drop shots, angles and lobs as a regular part of their game Demonstrate aggressive net play Teamwork in doubles is evident Anticipate opponent’s shots and strategies Display good to exceptional movement
Coach’s Corner with Coach Sarah Saari IslandWalk resident, IPTPA Certified Instructor and 5.0 USAPA rated player
Offering lessons covering the fundamentals of Pickleball, game strategies and
drilling formats allowing a chance to improve key pickleball shots. Clinics are
also available as well as skills/drills sessions, conditioning, and paddle
selection.
Book a lesson with Sarah by calling 702-503-0118 or go to
https://vikingpickleball.com
Coach’s Tip Stop caring so much bout the score! When you’re so fixated on winning, you lose sight on how you actually get there. Your focus should be to make the “right shot” rather than to stress out about the score. Take pride in improving your own game versus the “win” on paper … unless you are in a tournament, of course!
Sunday, January 10,2021 Co-Ed League begins Time – 6pm Monday, January 25 A&B Mens’ Ladder Begins – first six week session Time – 1pm Friday, January 29th A&B Ladies’ Ladder Begins – first six week session Time – 1pm Thursday, January 28 Inaugural Invitational Inter-Community Ladder for Men Time – 2pm Clubhouse Courts Monday, February 1 Inaugural Invitational Inter-Community Ladder for Ladies Time - 2:00 pm Resort Courts Sunday, March 7 Men’s Doubles Tournament – Sign Up Coming Soon! Sunday, March 28 Women’s Doubles Tournament – Sign Up Coming Soon! Sunday, April 11 Mixed Doubles Classic Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social activities have been put on hold, but stay tuned. We are working on some great special events!
2021 CALENDER
OF EVENTS
Current Pickleball Drop-In Schedule:
Beginner/Social : M & W, 8 AM–Noon; Th, 6-9 PM Intermediate Level: Tu & F, 8 AM–Noon; W & Th, 6-9 PM
Advanced Level: Th & Sat, 8 AM-Noon; Tu, 6-9 PM Advanced Plus (Level 4.0 +): Sun 8 AM–Noon (3 courts)
O
Please check the bins at the courts for various items left behind. Thank you!
Here’s some action on the courts during the past few weeks:
Men’s Inter-Community 2-man Ladder:
Eric Dunnigan Serving Bruce Seitz/Tom Youngholm by fence David Novotnak/Bill O’Brien
Ladies’ Inter-Community 2-man Ladder:
Laura Davis/Karen Lux Eileen Trubia/Kathleen Landrein Marianne Vautier/Nancy Caplan
Islandwalk Co-Ed Evening League
The Chiefs -Tami &Bill Wall Average Joe’s -Rich&Ann Perez Diamonds in the Rough -Roland Kolitsch
Andrea&Jason Duwa,Jane& Joe Cormier, Karen Soule Nancy Taylor, Wes Stasko,Ushi Kolitsch
Mitch Vandenberge
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS