Hey gang, we are bringing October to a close this week. The perfect Autumn weather was glorious. My wife and I did a drive, a hike and a bike ride over a couple days to see the color in the mountains. What I thought was going to be a color bust a few weeks ago during our rainy stretch rallied for some of the best color I have seen in years. Let's climb into our spaceship and blast off for the Pickleverse.

1. Final Numbers - Once again I want to thank everyone that contributed to my fundraising efforts in September to support research and programming to combat pediatric cancer.  The final numbers for 2024 are that 20987 riders across the world raised $7,672,747.00.  For my part I rode 403 miles and raised $3,269.00 with a 7 year total of $11,939.00.  I am humbled by everyone's generosity. Now comes the task of deciding if I want to mount up for a year 8.

2. Drone Video - A number of months ago several players participated in an advertising film project at The Centre.  This link will take you to a YouTube video of the pickleball portion.  Once it opens, change the playback speed to ¼ speed so you can see the pickleball and recognize players.  Link: https://youtu.be/pIzwKYCKTcI

3. Inside Play - With weather getting colder many players will be looking to either take the season off or play inside.  The "big" 3 for public indoor play are the State College YMCA, The Centre and C3 Sports. If you are willing to travel a bit, the Gorilla House Gym in Altoona just redid their tennis courts with 12 pickleball courts.  They even painted lines this time so there is no need to put down and take up tape every day.

4. Holbrook Paddles - As most of you know I am an ambassador for Holbrook Pickleball. As a sort of disclosure I just wanted to mention I don't receive a salary or wage; however, I do receive store credit.  What my store credit does is allow me to maintain a collection of quality paddles for Pickleball 101 students to try when they walk in with nothing or a Walmart special. Thank you to those that have tried and purchased a Holbrook paddle.

5. Dink For Pink (Novice) - Below is a photograph of the participants in the novice group for Dink For Pink.

6. More Friendly Fire - Once again I received a reminder why safety glasses are very important.  My partner set up for a short lob and I turned slightly to see what he was going to hit and then I could set up better. Little did I know he was going to tag me on the left side of my face. This one made the ear whack feel like a tickle. You are all adults and will make your own decision on safety equipment but I really, really, recommend wearing something to protect your eyes. Luckily no structural damage so I am as handsome as ever.

7. Tip Of The Week - Sometimes the genesis for the TOTW just shows itself to me during drop-in play. You guys are getting better and better. As everyone improves players are spending more time at the NVZ (kitchen) and the speed of the ball is ramping up. To handle balls that are now coming at you more quickly you need to improve your hand speed to a good strike point. I saw a number of players make a basic error that when corrected would have a dramatic impact on improving their response. What is happening is that players are at the NVZ and when they identify a ball coming their way, they throw a bit of a back swing into their striking motion.  I know we are talking fractions of a second but eliminating the backswing on a block or punch volley will set you up to be more aggressive in defending or attacking that shot.  It starts with a good ready position.  The paddle needs to be at the level of the top of the net or a bit higher. Having to lift the paddle up from a low position eats up even more time.  Bring the paddle up and get it out in front of you ASAP.  Think of how a wall behind you would limit your arm movement.  I will be working a drill into the PB 201 sessions starting next week. If it works I will see if I can get a video out to better demonstrate what I am talking about.
   
   

OK, so bundle up the next few nights. I hope to see you on the courts soon.  Below are the SignUpGenius links for the coming week at C3 Sports and The Centre.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-52739364-c3pickleball

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-52739342-nvsc

Randy Hoffman

Holbrook PIckleball Ambassador

https://holbrookpickleball.com/

Discount Code = RANDYHOFFMAN20

Addendum sent on Sunday 10/27:

Apologies gang, when I sent this out on Friday night, I forgot to bbc you folks in.  I will endeavour to do better.  But since I have your attention a couple of extra things.

1. Scheduling At The Centre:  Effective November 1, online scheduling via their website will no longer be available.  From The Centre:  Due to changes in how we are using our software, pickleball rental times will no longer be online.  If you want to rent time you will need to call, stop by the front desk, e-mail us at info@thecentrepa.com, or use the new chat feature on our website.  I apologize for any difficulty this may cause.  I never was much of a fan of the software they were using so for me this won't be any sort of deal breaker. Currently Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings have offered opportunities for play as well as Saturday and Sunday morning.   As different sports rotate into their  season, I would anticipate some changes so I will try to keep everyone updated..

2. Pickleball 101:  I will be targeting doing a PB 101 at The Centre in mid-November.  As soon as I lock in a date I will let you know.

3. Pickleball 201:  FYI, while I need the backboard wall at The Centre for PB 101, I am able to do PB 201 at C3 Sports if that is your preferred court.

4. Weather:  Oh my, even more warm weather coming. See you outside.  

5. BTW - Just got another new Holbrook paddle in. Saralee is testing it for me today.  This would be the Aero T-Metallic.