February is such a weird month.  It has a weather prognosticating rodent, a arrow shooting cherub, fewer days than any other month, AND while you probably missed it, today is National Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day (first Saturday in February) but if you want to celebrate that tomorrow, I won't tell.  In case you were interested, National Pickleball Month is April and National Pickleball Day is August 8.  Now you have time to plan.  Let's have ignition and blast off to the to Pickleverse and see what's happening.

1. Ron Needs More Women - OK, a bit of a sensational headline there.  Yesterday I sent a post to everyone about a one day ladder event Rob K. was organizing for February 12th from 11;00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Centre.  It is a 12 team mixed doubles event.  Partners will be assigned by the luck of a draw.  Ron has received a strong response from the guys but when I heard from him this afternoon, he only had 4 ladies.  To register for a spot:  Please text me (Ron Kustaborder) at 814-571-3234 for a spot (full on 2/10).

2. Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Pickleball - I'll see what the ortho doc tells me on Monday, but if you just can't enough, Eric B. asked me to share that Xfinity subscribers and find the Pickleball TV on channel 4086. 

3. Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good - If you did not play at The Centre this past Thursday you missed out on some delicious egg rolls.  Thank you Oi.

4. Holbrook Paddles - I sold off two paddles this past week and have some others that I am looking to move out of my demo bag.  Price depends on the paddle but you would be looking at 50% or better of my discount price.  By Wednesday of this week I should have demos of all 3 of the new models.  The Fuze (dual density foam core, so the impact sounds different) is my new love and what I am switching to. Let me know if you want to check any out.

5. Tip Of THe Week - I was playing a game this past week and my partner and I were getting abused by a couple of bangers and they were better bangers than us. I started to think (funny how that sometimes helps) that if playing a certain way isn't working for you, change it up. I started to some arcing returns, 3rd or 5th shot drops and did everything we could to upset their speed game.  We still lost but we went from like 1-7 to 7-9.  Everyone has a style that is their strongest but at times your game is off or you run up against a team that counter you.  Develop skills that give you a back up plan.  If you aren't going to drill, then execute them in rec play.  You may struggle and lose some games you normally would not but in the end you will come out a better and stronger player.
   
   

Here's to warming temperatures this week.  Have a great one and I hope to see you on the court soon.  Peace

The Centre:  Indoors At The Centre

C3 Sports:  Indoors At C3 Sports

Randy S. Hoffman

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