A big shout out to my GPS guru Waze!  My wife went to Drexel Hill to visit the kid.  She got an Amtrak ticket that departed at 4:30 today from Harrisburg.  On the drive down I am watching the herd migration of vehicles heading west.  A great many appeared to be football bound but there were a slew that looked as if they were headed out for a long holiday weekend last hurrah for Summer.  The train left on time and I threw my fate into Waze's hands, or whatever a Waze has.  It snaked me over and around on a route I had never used before for returning to Centre County from the Harrisburg area.  It was slow at times but continually moving so I was happy.  For this trip, I'll take the stick and guide us through the Pickleverse so buckle up and let's take off.

1. Dink For Pink (State College YMCA) - Registration for the State College YMCA Dink For Pink Event on September 21st is now open for non-members also.  You don't need a partner, you will play with various players as you rotate through the group.  Every player will get at least 5 games.  The intermediate bracket if full with a waiting list.  The beginner/novice group still has 16 of 20 spaces available.  If you have never played in a round robin event this is an outstanding opportunity to get your feet wet.  You may meet you new favorite double partner too.  In the advanced bracket there are 12 out of 20 slots available.  If you are a "high" intermediate this may be a chance to hit with some very good players.  Unless you are a drill a couple times a week player the only way you will grow is to play with more skilled players.  Think about it.  OK, I know some look at the $50 registration fee and go "hhmmmmm".  Look at it this way, a good chunk of that goes to local cancer charity, by the time you add gas and food to travel to a less expensive event you are well past spending $50.  For more information you can open the attached flier or go to the State College YMCA Pickleball web page:  State College YMCA Pickleball .

2. The Centre - The Centre is closed on Labor Day.  With schools open, their summer camp has ended so it is much quieter for drop-in now.  With the closing of the summer camp The Centre can expand to up to 7 courts now.

3. C3 Sports - C3 Sports will be closed on Labor Day.

4. Congratulations - Congratulations to Saralee and Michael F. for grabbing a bronze medal up in the northwest corner of the state.  A photo of the stylish duo is below.  Perhaps not always gold for play, but always gold for presentation.

5. Dink For Pink (Johnstown, PA) - Registration for the Johnstown Dink For Pink Tournament in October is open and you can obtain more information here.

6. Holbrook Paddle Fans - Holbrook Pickleball (which I am an ambassador for) is running a Labor Day sale AND allowing players to stack on my 15% ambassador discount code.  For example you can get the new ARMA (power paddle with touch) which retails at $259.99 for $170.00 when you combine the sale price with my discount.  All their paddles are on sale through Labor Day.  I will be playing at Bernel Road Park from about 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday if anyone wants to try one of my demo paddles.  Unsure if I am playing Sunday morning.  Here is the page for their paddles:  Holbrook Paddle Sale. If you find one you like, at checkout enter RANDYHOFFMAN for an extra 15% discount.

7. Tip Of The Week - During the week I keep an eye open for trends of play that are comment worthy.  This week I watched several players going for the sexy winner when they were in somewhat of a defensive situation.  Usually the attempt failed.  Where I saw a lot of success was from players attacking the middle of the court for both drives, dinks and speed-ups.  The middle can be a very good friend.  The net is 2 inches lower first of all.  You have a lot of territory to aim at.  Lastely unless you are playing a practiced pair that have a lot experience playing together there is often a hesitation as to which player is going after the ball.  So remember my 3 P's, patience, placement, and then power and make friends with the middle.  The one no-no is elevating the ball live in the lower zone.
   
   

The links for indoor play are below and Labor day has been blocked out.  You won't see me around the courts as much in September.  On Labor Day I start my quest to ride 500 miles to raise money for pediatric cancer research and programming.  Many thanks to all those from the Pickleverse that have donated this year and over the past 7 years.  If you are unfamiliar with my quest here is my fundraising page for the Great Cycle Challenge:  Fight Pediatric Cancer.  Any donations are gratefully appreciated.  Peace. 

C3 Sports:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-58282703-c3pickleball

The Centre:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-58282713-nvsc

Randy Hoffman

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