OK it is October, one of my favorite months of the year and my music of choice as I compose this week's blog is Omnia (Neofolk) Radio on Pandora.  It goes well with Halloween occurring this month.  Steve F. and Steve M. you guys should include some of Omnia's music in your sets at least for the month.  Of course you may need to add a hurdy gurdy and a didgeridoo.  Some wardrobe upgrades may also be needed.  Here is a link to one of my favorite Omnia songs:  https://youtu.be/M6dGeqqgQGs?si=lxkA1RsXCrp7t0wZ .  I guess you could say my music preference is ... eclectic?  After 9 straight days it was nice to get outside and play.  The mornings are getting a bit chilly but the sun when it comes out does warm things up nicely.  Time to kick the tires and light the fires and blast off for the Pickleverse.

1. Pickleball 101:  There are still a number of spaces open in Pickleball 101 so if you know of anyone looking to start their pickleball journey please share the link at the bottom of the page with them.  The session is October 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at The Centre. The cost is an $8 facility fee.

2. Dink For Pink:  One intermediate male spot, 3 advanced women spots, and 5 novice (men or women) spots are still open for those brackets.  LInk to register:  https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/?s=pickleball

3. Show Time:  For better or worse, a movie (comedy) is in the works called The Dink.  Here is some early information:  https://m.imdb.com/title/tt33499146/

4. Oh So Close:  It almost happened.  There was potential purchase of a local property that would have been in part converted to a dedicated pickleball facility.  I had the opportunity to see the projected floor plan.  Ten courts, it would have been amazing.  Sadly one party pulled out and the deal died.  Maybe someday.

5. The Centre:  I talked with Ray and we discussed whether there would be interest in converting the punch cards to "electronic tickets".  The price would be the same but instead of having to fish out your punch card when you stop in you just need to provide the attendant with your name and they would check you in on a tracking form.  If this sounds like something what would be helpful for you, let Ray or me know.

6. C3 Sports:  C3 is looking at some options also with using the facility.  When I get details and the OK to release I will post it.

7. Observation:  Over the past week I have played at The Centre, State College YMCA and Lock Haven.  All the games were rec play.  I found that regardless of the location there was one common theme, attack the less skilled player.  Relentlessly.  Perhaps competition brings about the visceral reaction to measure success only by wins and losses.  From personal experience and observing other games where there was a definite difference in skill levels between the partners, the less skill partner was having to respond to 80% or more of the balls, even when the opposing team was up by 5 or more points.  One of the beautiful aspects of open rec play is the chance to have fun and socialize. I know from my perspective games where the only chances I get to hit are serves and defending overhead smashes from pop-ups from my partner's mis-hits are not a lot of fun.  I can't imagine it all that much fun for my partner to have to field most of the balls. I don't believe any of the higher level players expect a 50/50 split on balls but it would be nice to see more folks challenge us. The quickest path to improvement is to drill and practice - now how many do you know that do that on a regular basis?  The next best way is to play with more experienced and more skilled players.  Engage them in points, try to find their weak spots and try attacking them. At first you may experience more losses but stay with it and eventually those losses will turn to wins.  OK, stepping down off my soapbox.

8. Tip Of The Week:  Communication is sooooooo important.  I played a game with someone that I had never played with.  We had a few balls come down the middle and we ended up looking at each other. I advised her that anything down the middle I often will take a step towards the center while I am analyzing whether I had the best angle for the ball or did she.  She thought I was making that move because I was charging to grab the shot.  Once she knew of my habit and we had agreed to use the X formula for fielding shots we didn't have any miscues after that.  So talk to your partner.  Down the middle, X format or always the forehand?  Lobs, diagonal retreats or turn sideways and shuffle.  Communication makes a difference. 

The links for Pickleball 101, The Centre and C3 Sports are located below.  Hope to see you on the court soon.

PICKLEBALL 101:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-51626267-pickleball#/

THE CENTRE:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-52059999-nvsc

C3 SPORTS:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-52059984-c3pickleball

Randy Hoffman

Holbrook PIckleball Ambassador

https://holbrookpickleball.com/

Discount Code = RANDYHOFFMAN20