OK, who forgot to pay the heating bill?  At least is looks like a few days of relief from frigid.  It may have been cold outside but the pickleball was hot today (Friday) at The Centre.  All 7 courts were in use with 7 players waiting to rotate in and that last through all most the entire drop-in session.  To understand me a bit you need to know that I am that guy that finds it hard to trust a job to anyone else.  I have become better at chilling and trusting others to make things work.  I was not planning to play in drop-in today but when I saw that The Centre would have its biggest turnout of the season I rolled out to help guide things and make sure the event ran smoothly.  As it turns out thanks to players like Kelly, Tina, Tracey, and others my concerns are unfounded.  They have a great group of players and their ability to take charge and to show grace to work towards everyone having a great time is so great to see.  It's like seeing your kids spreading their wings and seeing them fly.  Maybe next time I will just roll over and grab some more sleep.  Let's explore the Pickleverse.

1. The Centre - IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Centre will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for repairs and upgrades. The one silver lining for players at The Centre, one of the improvements is that they are placing netting over the gap between the false wall and building wall so that should stop balls from disappearing in that black hole.  They cleaned the area out a few days ago and recovered 16 pickleballs and 14 other assorted sport balls.  While not expected, if the company making the repairs/upgrades and clears out by Tuesday, The Centre may try to run something on Wednesday but that is considered a long shot.  If it does happen, I will blast a notice ASAP.  I will block out the sessions in the SignUpGenius but Thursday and Friday will be open for drop-in.

2. Eye Protection - I make no apology in belaboring the point and while I have seen more and more players are wearing some sort of eye protection I just want to once again suggest getting some if you don't have any.  I took two shots to the head in 2 days.  One from an opponent to the left cheek, and today one to the left ear/temple and that was friendly fire.

3. The Picklr - I got a guy who has a guy that has indicated that the street address for a proposed The Picklr indoor pickleball facility is faulty and the potential site is actually the old Jo-Ann Fabrics next to Quaker Steak, which does make more sense.  While others are picking up positive nuggets of information there is still some questions about the "wrong" address and the bad Facebook link.  It does seems to have some steam since allegedly a lease was signed and a franchise fee was paid.  Time will tell. 

4. Dinking In The New Year 2026 - Registrations took a little bit a jug over the past week with a number of local players throwing their hats into the ring.  If you need more information or wish to register follow this link:   Dinking In The New Year 2026. You can also check out the flyer on the Tournaments page.

5. The Case For Grace - Line Calls - We are often looking to optimize our time at the courts, especially when playing indoors and you have a time limit.  One of the hidden time burners in Rec Play is when an inordinate amount of effort goes into making a line call.  First of all we all want to make the right call, and I don't believe there are any players I have played with in Rec Play that intentionally make wrong calls. It has happened and will happen again that players on the receiving side will make mistakes.  There are some shots that especially when hit at certain angles are difficult for the receiving player(s) to make a good judgement on.  If a call goes against you, take a breath, and move on.  Low muttering allowed for just a second and then accept with grace and prepare your mind for the next point.  If you and your partner can't make a call with 2 seconds say, than it play the ball as in.  Use appeals sparingly.  At the end of the session your money is still in your purse or wallet and you have not had to surrender your first born child based on a line call.  Breathe.  Namaste.

6. Holbrook - Court Bag - Holbrook has released their holiday specials.  You can check them out at:  Holbrook Holiday Specials. I never was a fan of bundle sales but you may find something you like in the paddle and gear pairings.  The best deal IMHO is the 20% off gear and clothing.  I had some store credit so I got their new court bag.  Unlike their big gray one this smaller black one is gear for day to day use for the rec player that doesn't have 3 paddles, spare clothing or grip tape, etc.  With my discount the bag would cost $64.00.  I am using it and if you want to check it out let me know.  I put a couple of photos at the bottom of the flyer.  My discount code is:  RANDYHOFFMANHOLIDAY. This sale runs up until 11:59 PM on the 24th of December.
   
   

OK if you play at The Centre and you can't find another place to play, you can be like me and paint some rooms, wrap some gifts, you know stuff that don't get done because you have been playing pickleball.  Have a great week and hope to see you on the court someday soon.

C3 Sports:  C3 Reserved Courts

The Centre:  The Centre Drop-In

Randy S. Hoffman

Pickleball: The art of keeping your eye on the ball…mostly.