Melissa Muha, USAPA Pickleball Ambassador Portage MI
On the Air with Lori Moore of WKZO
Kalamazoo, MI 04/30/2010
April 30, 2010
April 28, 2010
Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament! USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4!
“Come join us in Kalamazoo for the May 20-21, 2010 Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament brought to you by the Courthouse. We kick things off Thursday evening with 7 Skills Drills and some Crazy Mixed-Up Doubles. On Friday there is competition in three age brackets: 19+, 50+ & 65+. We play Women's Doubles, Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The Tournament features great food & drink, a T-shirt, medals and a few surprises! We have another great lineup of sponsors! And we play on 7 courts!”Entry Deadline: Saturday, May 1 2010
More Info: http://www.where2pickle.org/
Registration Flyer: http://www.where2pickle.com/assets/t022010/flyer.pdf
April 26, 2010
Almost Ready To Move Outdoors
April 24, 2010
USAPA Membership - Belong!
USAPA Membership - Join the Largest Pickleball Community in the World!
“We are fortunate here in Michigan to have more places to play Pickleball than just about any other state. Many of these programs are supported via the volunteer efforts of USAPA Members, USAPA training grants for new equipment, and the USAPA website that powers our ladders and tournaments. Please consider joining the USAPA to help spread the good news about Pickleball to your friends and families.” Dick Manasseri, USAPA Director
Support Your Sport!
“We are fortunate here in Michigan to have more places to play Pickleball than just about any other state. Many of these programs are supported via the volunteer efforts of USAPA Members, USAPA training grants for new equipment, and the USAPA website that powers our ladders and tournaments. Please consider joining the USAPA to help spread the good news about Pickleball to your friends and families.” Dick Manasseri, USAPA Director
Support Your Sport!
- CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE USA PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION!
“Just for the FUN of it!”
April 23, 2010
Spring Cleaning - Tune Up Your Pickleball Game by Pam Mackowski
Spring Cleaning – Tune Up Your Pickleball Game by Pam Mackowski
Michigan Pickleball Newsletter 04/23/2010
Spring means house cleaning of closets and windows and straightening up the garage, but let’s also tighten up our Pickleball game. Even if you don’t want to enter tournaments, proper play is important.
Double check yourself whenever you play. Ask your partner to tell you if s/he notices any violations.
If you have any doubts about the above tune up tips, here are the USAPA Official Rules.
Rule 4.A. states “Serve Motion: The serve must be an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below the waist level. Underhand Defined: The arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball.”
Rule 4.B. states “Server Position. At the beginning of the serve, both feet must be behind the baseline. At the time the ball is struck, at least one foot must be on the court surface or ground behind the baseline and the server's feet may not touch the court surface in an area outside the confines of the serving area. The serving area is defined as the area behind the baseline and on or between the imaginary lines extended from the court centerline and each sideline.”
Rule 4.C states “The Serve. The ball must be struck before it hits the playing area. The ball must land in the opponent’s crosscourt (diagonally opposite court) service court. 4.C.1. Placement. The serve must clear the net and the non-volley line and land in the opponent’s service court. The serve may land on any service court line except the non-volley line.”
Rule 4.D states “Service Foot Fault. During the serve, when the ball is struck, the server’s feet shall not: 4.D.1. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline. 4.D.2. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the centerline. 4.D.3. Touch the court, including the baseline.”
Rule 6.D.2 indicates one basic element of line calling is “The opponent gets the benefit of the doubt on line calls made.”
Michigan Pickleball Newsletter 04/23/2010
Spring means house cleaning of closets and windows and straightening up the garage, but let’s also tighten up our Pickleball game. Even if you don’t want to enter tournaments, proper play is important.
Double check yourself whenever you play. Ask your partner to tell you if s/he notices any violations.
How is your serve?
>Do you ensure you use an underhand motion to have the ball contact the paddle below your waist? If not, you have made a service fault. (Rule 4.A)
>And another item to tighten up is server feet. When striking the ball for a serve, do you have no feet outside the service area and at least one foot touching the ground? The service area is the surface behind the baseline and yet between an imaginary extension of the centerline and the sideline. If not, you have committed a foot fault. (Rule 4.B and 4.D)
>And remember that the ball must land in the diagonally opposite court, beyond the non-volley line. Too short and it is a fault. (Rule 4.C)
> And lastly, when receiving serve, make sure you are completely aware of the serve. If a serve lands on the back or side lines, it is in. (Rule 4.C) The Pickleball Code of Ethics says the opponent gets the benefit of the doubt on line calls made. (Rule 6.D.2)
If you have any doubts about the above tune up tips, here are the USAPA Official Rules.
Rule 4.A. states “Serve Motion: The serve must be an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below the waist level. Underhand Defined: The arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball.”
Rule 4.B. states “Server Position. At the beginning of the serve, both feet must be behind the baseline. At the time the ball is struck, at least one foot must be on the court surface or ground behind the baseline and the server's feet may not touch the court surface in an area outside the confines of the serving area. The serving area is defined as the area behind the baseline and on or between the imaginary lines extended from the court centerline and each sideline.”
Rule 4.C states “The Serve. The ball must be struck before it hits the playing area. The ball must land in the opponent’s crosscourt (diagonally opposite court) service court. 4.C.1. Placement. The serve must clear the net and the non-volley line and land in the opponent’s service court. The serve may land on any service court line except the non-volley line.”
Rule 4.D states “Service Foot Fault. During the serve, when the ball is struck, the server’s feet shall not: 4.D.1. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline. 4.D.2. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the centerline. 4.D.3. Touch the court, including the baseline.”
Rule 6.D.2 indicates one basic element of line calling is “The opponent gets the benefit of the doubt on line calls made.”
April 18, 2010
Pickleball Instructional Skills Clinic Videos: "Soft Game Workshop"
Pickleball Instructional Skills Clinic Videos
"Soft Game Workshop"
4-17-2010 Kalamazoo MI
April 15, 2010
Fishing for nets on Pine Island, Florida -- Pickleball nets that is...
USAPA Ambassadors are sharing in an ongoing conversation about taping pickleball lines. Michigan's St. Ignace Ambassador Cheryl Schlehuber caught our attention with her enthusiasm and determination in this delightful aside -- Fishing for Nets!
Fishing for Nets..."just for the FUN of it!"
By USAPA Ambassador Cheryl Schlehuber, St. Ignace, MI
Fishing for Nets..."just for the FUN of it!"
By USAPA Ambassador Cheryl Schlehuber, St. Ignace, MI
This isn't about indoor taping but it may be of interest for taping on painted surfaces.
As a new ambassador for Northern Michigan, I decided to try to play Pickleball on Pine Island, Florida while on vacation for a month. No courts within any reasonable distance of us so we taped off the driveway of the rental home, borrowed some fishing nets from the local commercial fishing shop and fishing pole standards from the garage. I had packed 4 paddles and balls in my tennis bag so had part of the equipment. Let the games begin!
Part of the court went into the street so we had to stop play every time a car went by but we were determined. So many people came over to see "what the heck we were doing", but they knew by the time we left.
Later in the week, after a tennis rain out I got the attention of some morning tennis players and convinced them that Pickleball is something they should try. They agreed to play, (right there in the morning misty rain).at the island center and after 2 solid hours, I have an avid group of new players looking for places to play Pickleball near or in their hometowns.
When we checked out of our rental home at month end, we pulled up the blue tape as well as part of the painted driveway. After repainting the driveway, and getting some good laughs from the neighbors, we left the island but not without peaking the interest of many future players.
Duties accomplished, at least for Pine Island. Now, it's Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Bring it on!
It was a real "hoot". If you could have seen the look on the commercial fisherman at the dock when my girlfriend and I showed up begging for nets for Pickleball, (which of course no one knew what we were talking about).
Cheers from the North!
Cheryl
April 14, 2010
Kazoo TV Pickleball Coverage 4.14.10
News from USAPA Ambassador Melissa Muha, Portage
"Hi everyone. Thanks to all who participated in the 6:30am live pickleball coverage by Fox 17 at the Portage YMCA. Present were Jim & Yvonne Hackenberg, Joan Cavanaugh, Mike Keenan and Ambassadors Bob Northrop & Melissa Muha."Here's the link to the footage. There are 3 segments at this site for the Fox 17 coverage of Pickleball from the Portage MI YMCA courts. After you click the link, scroll down to select Pickleball 1, 2 or 3.
Troy Summer Outdoor Pickleball Schedule
Troy Community Center
2010 Summer
Outdoor Pickleball Schedule
Troy's Award Winning Pickleball in the News!
Published by The Troy Times - April 8, 2010
Troy Senior Center was recently recognized with a “Prescription for Better Health Award” from the National Council on Aging and CVS/pharmacy.
The Troy pickleball program is one of five programs nationwide to receive the Prescription for Better Health Award from the National Council on Aging and CSV Pharmacy. This award recognizes programs that provide seniors access to activities and education that promote healthy lifestyles.
“We are pleased to be recognized by the NCOA and CVS/pharmacy,” Carla Vaughan, Senior Program Director said. “The award acknowledges the important work of senior centers like ours that strive to promote healthy lifestyles for older adults.”
Pickleball is a racquet sport that can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton sized court with the net at the height of a tennis net. For information about Troy pickleball programs for ages 50+, call 248.524.3484.
The Troy Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois.
for creating a very successful pickleball program worthy of national recognition!
Troy Senior Center was recently recognized with a “Prescription for Better Health Award” from the National Council on Aging and CVS/pharmacy.
The Troy pickleball program is one of five programs nationwide to receive the Prescription for Better Health Award from the National Council on Aging and CSV Pharmacy. This award recognizes programs that provide seniors access to activities and education that promote healthy lifestyles.
“We are pleased to be recognized by the NCOA and CVS/pharmacy,” Carla Vaughan, Senior Program Director said. “The award acknowledges the important work of senior centers like ours that strive to promote healthy lifestyles for older adults.”
Pickleball is a racquet sport that can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton sized court with the net at the height of a tennis net. For information about Troy pickleball programs for ages 50+, call 248.524.3484.
The Troy Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois.
Congratulations to Carla Vaughan and Elaine Torvinen
April 13, 2010
Pickleball Outside - FOX News Coverage - Clinic News - Venue News
Pickleball: America's fastest growing sport!
The Soft Game Workshop at the Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo sold out! Sorry if you missed this opportunity to expand your game! The gym will be closed during clinic hours - during this time only registered participants allowed in the gym!
Take it outside! This Thursday morning April 15th from 10am until noon we are playing outside at Lexington Green Park! It should be sunny and 60's!
Wednesday April 14th FOX News will be with us live at the Portage YMCA doing spots about pickleball at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:15 am (maybe more). Set your alarm or your DVR!
Also on Wednesday the 14th from 1-4pm there will be a free introductory pickleball clinic at the Courthouse in Portage. The Courthouse is the latest venue to offer pickleball. Plans are to offer drop-in play Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. They will be using punch cards. For the latest details visit http://www.where2pickle.org/
For more information abut clinics, tournaments and where to play in the greater Kalamazoo area visit http://www.where2pickle.org/
Registrations for the May 20-21 Kalamazoo Doubles Tournament are rolling in! Come join us!
See you courtside!
Bob Northrop :: Ambassador Kalamazoo
Melissa Muha :: Ambassador Portage
picklemaster@where2pickle.org
http://www.where2pickle.org/
The Soft Game Workshop at the Maple Street YMCA in Kalamazoo sold out! Sorry if you missed this opportunity to expand your game! The gym will be closed during clinic hours - during this time only registered participants allowed in the gym!
Take it outside! This Thursday morning April 15th from 10am until noon we are playing outside at Lexington Green Park! It should be sunny and 60's!
Wednesday April 14th FOX News will be with us live at the Portage YMCA doing spots about pickleball at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:15 am (maybe more). Set your alarm or your DVR!
Also on Wednesday the 14th from 1-4pm there will be a free introductory pickleball clinic at the Courthouse in Portage. The Courthouse is the latest venue to offer pickleball. Plans are to offer drop-in play Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. They will be using punch cards. For the latest details visit http://www.where2pickle.org/
For more information abut clinics, tournaments and where to play in the greater Kalamazoo area visit http://www.where2pickle.org/
Registrations for the May 20-21 Kalamazoo Doubles Tournament are rolling in! Come join us!
See you courtside!
Bob Northrop :: Ambassador Kalamazoo
Melissa Muha :: Ambassador Portage
picklemaster@where2pickle.org
http://www.where2pickle.org/
Pickleball-4-All! A Case Study by Dick Manasseri
Boulan Park Middle School in Troy, Michigan is an interesting case study.
Retired PE teacher and USAPA Member, Nancy Thoenes, volunteered to assist fellow PE teacher, Liz Jones, with her students to teach them Pickleball.
Nancy and I helped Liz introduce Pickeball to three of her PE classes using the portable nets that I had acquired from a USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) Training Fund. We returned a week later to see how the students had progressed and we explained to Liz the USAPA Training Fund program and the associated vendor paddle program. Liz continued on to teach a 3 week program which she then repeated the next semester with three more classes, this time utilizing the equipment acquired by the school via the USAPA Training Fund reimbursement.
The buzz about Pickleball fun pervaded the school, and Liz and the principal invited the parents of the students to attend a Special Parents' Pickleball Night. The goal was for the children to show their parents what they had learned and to teach their parents how to play the game.
Nancy and I attended Parents' Night along with 30 parents, the principal and assistant principal, and a reporter from the county newspaper. Nancy and I discussed the upcoming opportunities for families to play in mixed generation events in two summer tournaments, and then the fun really began.
The kids were so excited to show their parents this fun new game. Nancy and I added a little coaching, and Liz monitored Speed Pickleball where each family team played a new family every 10 minutes. The evening ended with cookies and smiles, and families that played on and didn't want to stop. Pickleball for families - sound familiar!
-Dick Manasseri
USAPA Director Ambassador Program
Retired PE teacher and USAPA Member, Nancy Thoenes, volunteered to assist fellow PE teacher, Liz Jones, with her students to teach them Pickleball.
Nancy and I helped Liz introduce Pickeball to three of her PE classes using the portable nets that I had acquired from a USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) Training Fund. We returned a week later to see how the students had progressed and we explained to Liz the USAPA Training Fund program and the associated vendor paddle program. Liz continued on to teach a 3 week program which she then repeated the next semester with three more classes, this time utilizing the equipment acquired by the school via the USAPA Training Fund reimbursement.
The buzz about Pickleball fun pervaded the school, and Liz and the principal invited the parents of the students to attend a Special Parents' Pickleball Night. The goal was for the children to show their parents what they had learned and to teach their parents how to play the game.
Nancy and I attended Parents' Night along with 30 parents, the principal and assistant principal, and a reporter from the county newspaper. Nancy and I discussed the upcoming opportunities for families to play in mixed generation events in two summer tournaments, and then the fun really began.
The kids were so excited to show their parents this fun new game. Nancy and I added a little coaching, and Liz monitored Speed Pickleball where each family team played a new family every 10 minutes. The evening ended with cookies and smiles, and families that played on and didn't want to stop. Pickleball for families - sound familiar!
-Dick Manasseri
USAPA Director Ambassador Program
- Family Pickleball Night @ Boulan Park Middle School Photos: CLICK HERE
International Pickleball Week June 1-7, 2010
PRWeb - Seattle, WA
International Pickleball Week - June 1-7, 2010
Fast Growing Sport Celebrates Worldwide with Week of Activities
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) is pleased to support International Pickleball Week, June 1-7, 2010. A court game of angles and strategies, of position and speed, pickleball is enjoying huge increases in popularity with seniors, school kids and families. During the week starting June 1st the USAPA will be holding events throughout the United States to celebrate the sport and introduce it to new players.
Pickleball is a fun court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball and wood or composite paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors, is easy for beginners to learn – but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition to being fun, the game has developed a reputation for its friendly and social nature.
Pickleball is played by all ages. It is a popular sport in schools and senior centers. The smaller court size and inter-generational appeal makes it perfect for backyard courts. It has great health and fitness benefits for all. It is also becoming popular with persons with disabilities.
To celebrate pickleball at the local level, the USAPA, through over 300 regional and local Ambassadors, will be:
The USAPA provides assistance through programs such as:
David Johnson
Media Relations Chair
USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)
(253) 854-0163
media@USAPA.org
International Pickleball Week - June 1-7, 2010
Fast Growing Sport Celebrates Worldwide with Week of Activities
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) is pleased to support International Pickleball Week, June 1-7, 2010. A court game of angles and strategies, of position and speed, pickleball is enjoying huge increases in popularity with seniors, school kids and families. During the week starting June 1st the USAPA will be holding events throughout the United States to celebrate the sport and introduce it to new players.
Pickleball is a fun court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball and wood or composite paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors, is easy for beginners to learn – but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition to being fun, the game has developed a reputation for its friendly and social nature.
Pickleball is played by all ages. It is a popular sport in schools and senior centers. The smaller court size and inter-generational appeal makes it perfect for backyard courts. It has great health and fitness benefits for all. It is also becoming popular with persons with disabilities.
To celebrate pickleball at the local level, the USAPA, through over 300 regional and local Ambassadors, will be:
- Holding introduction clinics
- Staging tournaments
- Holding celebrity pickleball matches
"We are extremely excited about the first International Pickleball Week," said Bill Booth, President of the USA Pickleball Association. "The sport of pickleball is really catching on across the world and is particularly popular with seniors. We intend to celebrate the growth of the sport with our fellow players throughout the world, including locations in Canada, Mexico and India."The USAPA was created in 2005 to promote the sport. It maintains the official rules, sanctions tournaments, provides player rankings and produces the annual National Pickleball Tournament. It is run by a volunteer board of directors and supported by thousands of dues paying members.
The USAPA provides assistance through programs such as:
- Ambassadors – over 300 regional and local ambassadors promote the sport at a local level, providing information and training.
- Training Grants - The 2010 USAPA Grant program will provide funds to subsidize training programs for school students, local residents, organizations or individuals who are novices to Pickleball and do not belong to a Pickleball club or other organized group.
- Pickleball 4 All – This program pairs USAPA volunteers with PE teachers, juniors and adults to mainstream pickleball as a lifetime sport.
- Industry Education – The USAPA provides speakers to introduce and demonstrate the sport to industry associations and other interested groups on a local, regional and national basis.
David Johnson
Media Relations Chair
USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)
(253) 854-0163
media@USAPA.org
April 12, 2010
MI Pickleball to VA Pickleball
Richmond, VANickname: The River CityMotto: Sic Itur Ad Astra - Thus do we reach the starsUSA Pickleball Association Ambassador: Lee Sun - sharing good news, good exercise and good cheer from MI Pickleball courts to VA Pickleball courts
!!! Go Lee !!!
"...you shine like stars in the universe..."
Michigan USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4 Tournaments
OPEN REGISTRATION
!!!! Michigan USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4 Tournaments !!!!
&
April 11, 2010
Free Pickleball Clinic - St. Clair Shores
Beaumont Hospitals
Pickleball Clinic
Pickleball Clinic
People over the age of fifty are quickly becoming addicted to Pickleball. It's a fun game played on a badmitton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. If you played tennis or racketball, you'll love Pickleball. No equipment necessary. Wear gym shoes and workout clothes, and don't forget your water bottle!
- Location: St. Clair Shores - Bon Brae Center
- Day/Time: May 13 - 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fee: No Charge
- Contact: To register please call 800-633-7377
April 10, 2010
Special Thanks to Pickleball Central
Special Thanks to
for generously donating
equipment for Jan Doke's children's programs
1 NEW Pro-Lite Magnum Graphite Paddle1 NEW Pickle-ball Pro II Wooden Paddle6 NEW Pickleballs
Read More: Calling ALL Gently Used Paddles
Shop: Pickleball Central
April 6, 2010
Kalamazoo Doubles Tournament - USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4
"Come join us in Kalamazoo for the May 20-21, 2010 Kalamazoo Doubles Pickleball Tournament brought to you by the Courthouse. We kick things off Thursday evening with 7 Skills Drills and some Crazy Mixed-Up Doubles. On Friday there is competition in three age brackets: 19+, 50+ & 65+. We play Women's Doubles, Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The Tournament features great food & drink, a T-shirt, medals and a few surprises! We have another great lineup of sponsors! And we play on 7 courts! We welcome all volunteers! If you can volunteer and/or referee, please send Melissa an email picklemaster@where2pickle.com "
$20* per person one entry (includes Thursday)
$25* per person two entries (includes Thursday)
* $5 discount for USAPA members
Schedule of Events:
Thursday May 20th
See you here in Kazoo May 20 and 21 !!!
- Registration flyer: http://www.where2pickle.com/assets/t022010/flyer.pdf
- Entry Deadline May 1 2010
$20* per person one entry (includes Thursday)
$25* per person two entries (includes Thursday)
* $5 discount for USAPA members
Schedule of Events:
Thursday May 20th
- 5:00 pm - Registration Opens @ Portage YMCA
- 5:45 pm - Assemble on Court/Welcome
- 6:00 pm - Skills Drills on all 7 courts (rotate every 7 minutes)
- 7:00 pm - Refreshment Break
- 7:15 pm - Assemble on court for instructions/court assignments
- 7:30 pm - Crazy Mixed-Up Doubles
- 9:00 pm - Snacks - Sky-box Lobby
- 9:30 pm - Awards
- 10:00 pm - YMCA Closes
- 7:00 am - YMCA Opens (Biggby Coffee, Big Apple Bagels, Fresh Fruit courtesy of Meijer
- 7:30 am - Player meeting for Mixed Doubles & Referees
- 8:00 am - Mixed Doubles
- 12:00 n - Lunch break - Papa John's Pizza
- 1:00 pm - Player Meeting for Men's & Women's Doubles
- 1:05 pm - Women's and Men's Doubles
- 5:00 pm - Awards
- 10:00 pm - YMCA Closes
- Lee's Adventure Sports will have paddles and balls available for purchase
- Discover Kalamazoo will have local tourist information and maps
- Dr Pepper Snapple Group will be providing Snapple beverages and energy drinks
- Raffle/Silent Auction
- Gordon Water is providing filtered water
- Recognition Inc is providing medals for the winners
- YMCA is providing facilities and court time for this event
See you here in Kazoo May 20 and 21 !!!
Best regards,
Melissa Muha - Tournament Director
Kalamazoo Spring Doubles Pickleball Tournament
- More info http://www.where2pickle.org/
- Registration flyer: http://www.where2pickle.com/assets/t022010/flyer.pdf
April 1, 2010
Auburn Hills Summer Smash II - USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4
The Auburn Hills Pickleball Tournament
"Summer Smash II"
Competitive Divisions USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4
Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14
Men's and Women's Singles
Recreational Mixed Generation
Men's Doubles and Women's Doubles
Summer Smash II Registration Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/Auburn_Hills_Pickleball_Tournament_Summer_Smash_II_June_2010.pdf
USA Pickleball Association Membership Information:
http://usapa.org/memberships/index.php
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