Pickle Ball

[daca55]

Where can someone learn how to play pickle ball? Is there lessons given anywhere? Appreciate all replies.

[CFrance]

Go to one of the rec centers and ask for the pickleball lesson schedule. Sign up for pickleball 101. That's for newbies. It's fun!

[kfierle]

Today I signed up for pickleball 101 at Sterling Heights on Wednesday. Here is the information:
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/Pickleball%20Fall%202013%20Schedule%20Oct%20to%20D ec.pdf%27&ql=standard)

[CFrance]

They limit to four people per court, and each court has its own instructor. It's a good way to learn how to play.

[John_W]

Go to this link Villager Pickleball (http://www.pickleballcommunity.com/pickleballcommunity/Welcome.html) and click on "Beginner" and then "Beginner Schedule" and look for the facility and date of 101 that suits you. Then call or go to that facility and reserve your spot.

[Carl in Tampa]

Since arriving in TV about a year and a half ago I have had occasion to go to Urgent Care facilities on several occasions due to spine injuries and other issues.

On at least 80 percent of the times that I have gone to urgent care there has been someone in the waiting room who has sustained an injury to an ankle or knee while playing pickleball.

Virtually all of the injured have been women.

None of this proves anything; it is simply an observation I've made.

----------------

I've enjoyed bocci ball and shuffleboard. There's also horseshoes out there; and of course golf.


:ho:

[AriaGrandparents2013]

Since arriving here in September I have learned to play Pickleball and thoroughly enjoy the game. Yes there are injuries and most are avoidable if you follow these very simple rules:

1. Never backup quickly to return a ball especially a lob.....just concede the point.
2. Make sure you are wearing court sneakers, they have a smooth sole. Never use running sneakers as the little "nipples/grabs" on the sole will cause you to stumble and ultimately fall.
3. Drink lots of water after each game as you will perspire profusely and need to stay hydrated.
4. Lastly and most important....you are playing for enjoyment and exercise.......So leave your competitive personality home.......you will not be receiving any trophy for winning the match.

Enjoy and play safe.

[John_W]

I just started myself a couple of weeks ago, so I'll let you know what I've learned so far. As AriaGrandparents2013 just said, get court shoes. In 101 class they'll checkout the shoes you're wearing and they'll let you know. Mainly you want shoes that are somewhat smooth on the bottom. I wore New Balance walking shoes and they constantly grapped the court and I rolled my ankle twice while just playing a demo game.

The best place I found to get them was at Bealls on 441/27. Kohl's and Belks didn't have court shoes, Dick's in Ocala should have them but I didn't want to go that far. At Bealls they had K Swiss and Nike. At the Glenview Tennis Club they also sold the same K Swiss but were more expensive. At Bealls they were $50 and the Nike court shoes were $57, plus I went on Bealls website beforehand and they had a $13 coupon, so the Nike shoes only cost $45 with Tax. The K Swiss were a little taller shoe when I had one of each brand on different feet. The Nike seemed to be a lower profile, they were both comfortable.

At the various courts around TV there is times set aside for only beginners. I went last Wednesday to Colony from noon to 1:50 and played with other beginners, got into about 5 or 6 games. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, I don't need it, but I would think it would be a good way to lose weight. Did a lot of sweating on a day that wasn't that hot. The places and times of beginners slots will be on a handout they'll give you at 101.

We bought our own paddles. My instructor at 101 let me use his Onix paddle and I liked it, so I bought one like this at the LSL market night vendor for $64.
http://store.pickleballcentral.com/v/vspfiles/photos/STS01-4.jpg

I picked up a sling bag similar to this from 'Softballs R Game' at the shopping center on 466 next to Crispers and Beef O'Bradys for $21. It will hold 2 paddles and has zippers for your wallet, keys, etc.

http://store.pickleballcentral.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PBC028-1.jpg