So I fell down a rabbit hole today watching a bunch of 20 and 30 something folks doing first reactions to various movies.  I chuckled at their reactions to comedies like Airplane and Blazing Saddles but then came Casablanca.  IMHO Casablanca is one of the best all time classic movies ever made.  A few folks recognized a couple of the famous lines like "Here's looking at you kid" but this was their first time seeing the line in context.  I don't remember the first time I saw Casablanca but I feel it was like late high school or early college.  Most likely it was late at night when the networks would run some of the oldies.  Given there are 30 - 40 years of additional movies out there since that time but I wonder if many of the Gen "whatevers" are missing out because now they have so many choices to go to for entertainment; where as I had 3 channels to choose from.  Perhaps my appreciation for classic movies stems from accidental discoveries because I wasn't ready for bed.  By the way, the featured clip reaction was from the end of the movie at the airport.  If you know, you know, I don't want to give away any spoilers in case any readers have not seen the movie.  The viewers were often very much moved by the ending.  BTW - if you have never seen the movie, track it down, you will not be dissapointed.  Now let's take those letters of transit and head off to the Pickleverse.

1.    Best Wishes - Good luck to local players traveling down to Johnstown for the Dink For Pink Tournament.

2.    Somerset Tournament - Information for the early November tournament in Somerset can be found in a flyer here.

3.    Tussey Pickleball Courts - I have not heard any updates about the Tussey pickleball courts so I drove over to check them out.  There is a photo of the courts at the bottom of this page.  There are 5 courts.  They are in the area of the go-cart track and other non-ski activities.  It looks like they may have lighting for night play.  I am guessing some more fencing will be added behind the baseline and some clean up before they are ready.  It will be interesting to see what sort of pay to play model they use.  As soon as I learn more I will pass it along.

4.    Indoor Courts - My apologies.  I was intending to do a report of indoor options but I am waiting for some feedback from one locations to see if there is any changes or improvements for the coming season.  In the meantime, you can reference Chris S's webpage for indoor options:  CentrePickleball.org .

5.    Novice Play Group - I did have some players express and interest in have a novice players meet-n-greet play session on Wednesdays at The Centre from 11:00 - 1:00.  This would be a private session of folks that have just learned the game and looking to meet other players at a similar skill level.  If you are interested in doing this let me know and I can set one up for later this month.  The Centre does have an $8 facility fee but with that you have your own private court(s) after 11:00 AM.

6.    Tip Of The Week - So you have honed your skills and now you are good at getting up to the NVZ.  What I have seen players do though is that if they get pushed back to catch up to a ball that is trying to sneak by them or in defending an overhead at their feet it is like they are caught in quicksand.  After doing a good job to get the NVZ they surrender it and leave themselves open to attacks at their feet or angled dinks.  So, if you get pushed back, work at regaining your spot at the NVZ.

Below are the links for indoor play.  Have a great week and I hope to see you on the court soon.

Indoor Play At C3 Sports

Indoor Play At The Centre

Randy S. Hoffman

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