Congratulations to the Sun & Holiday Fun Tournament winners
We were a festive looking group of Pickleball players showing off our skills on the dance floor as we partied the night away to the sounds of Assterisko at our annual Holiday party at La Bartina 64. Thanks to Hillary Dembroff and all the other people who helped to organize a super fun evening.
Referee Practice, January 14 & 15
Thank you to the Referee Committee, made up of Linda Swanson, Linda Holder, Chris Maksymic and Mike Gartner, who have “convinced-coerced-voluntold-&begged” a number of our players & volunteers to referee games during the Sombrero Showdown international pickleball tournament in February.
This Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14 and 15, there will be a “dress rehearsal” for any of the volunteer referees who wish to hone their referee skills before the big tournament.
IF YOU ARE PLAYING ON THOSE MORNINGS, KINDLY ALLOW THE REFS TO REF YOUR MATCH. And, of course, be kind. Some are reffing for the first time and will need your support and patience.
The Ref Committee will be set up at Mirador Courts from 8:00am until 11:00am assigning courts to all participants. Referees can show up any time during that time window on either or both days to get a few practice ref games in.
Please check in with the Committee desk and they will assign you a court when one becomes available. It is highly encouraged that you take advantage of this opportunity so that you will feel completely comfortable reffing come tournament time.
It also really helps to take the referee test at USAPA.org a couple of times, and re-watch the training video, so you may want to do that, too. Thank you again to everyone who is helping to referee during the tournament. As a reminder, in the Sombrero Showdown tournament, refs will be paid 50 pesos per game.
If you are just getting into town and are interested in helping with reffing, please email Linda at: swanson222@aol.com.
Beginner Clinics, January 15 & 22
On Wednesday, January 15 & Wednesday, January 22, Theresa (T) Melius and Deb Forrester will lead a 2-part Beginner Clinic, starting at 11:30am at Mirador Courts.
There is a limit of 12 players, and it is currently FULL. However, if you would like to get on a Waiting List, please email Theresa at theresamelius23@gmail.com in case someone drops out.
The focus is on learning the game and on reviewing the fundamentals. Here’s a video showing some Basic Rules.
If you are new to the game or have played a few times and want to learn more to become comfortable during Open Play, then this clinic is for you!
Open to all Beginners — you must have a Mirador Court membership which you can purchase at Seaside Realty. If you are not sure whether you’ll like the sport, then just buy a Weekly Membership in order to take part in this clinic.
We’ll have extra paddles in case you don’t have one, and the balls are provided at the courts.
Come and find out why pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in North America — and in San Carlos too!
Court Painting to begin at Mirador Courts, January 16
Starting this Thursday, January 16, several members of Mirador Courts will entirely re-paint the two middle courts, starting with Court 5.
Once Court 5 is dry and ready to be played on, we will re-paint Court 2. This work will be led by Chris Maksymic and Mike Gartner.
Please stay off the courts while they are in the process of being painted and do not remove any barriers until they are completely dry and Chris/Mike say they are ready.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
A huge “thank you” to Russell Morales and James Lambott for fixing the cracks on these courts. They look much better now and will look even better with a new coat of paint over the entire surface.
High Intermediate/Advanced Skills & Drills, January 16 – 11:00am (NEW TIME)
Effective this Thursday, January 16 at Mirador Courts (and every Thursday thereafter before the tournament), James Main will lead the skills & drills for High Intermediate and Advanced players, starting at 11:00am (NEW TIME).
We have chosen this time so as not to interfere with Open Play, since not everyone wants to participate in the drills.
And as we are approaching the big tournament, more players are in town and want to practice playing with their partners during Open Play, so we want to make sure there are enough hours in Open Play to satisfy the majority of players.
This week, James will bring various Demo Paddles that you can try and will be available for sale.
Volunteers Needed for Sombrero Showdown & Amigos Cup
The Sombrero Showdown and Amigos Cup is now FULL.
There are currently 183 players registered for February’s international pickleball tournament in San Carlos.
Tournament Director Theresa Melius (T) is working hard to partner up players who still need a partner.
As you can imagine, it takes a lot of volunteers to put on a successful 5-day tournament, and we are currently in the process of asking people to offer a few hours of their time in order to lighten the load for everyone.
If you haven’t been asked yet and are able to spare a few hours during the tournament (starting Wednesday, February 5 with the Welcome Party through to Monday, February 10 with the Amigos Cup), kindly email Sue Fehrle at: suefehrle@gmail.com.
Whether it’s taking pictures, handing out player bags, cutting up bananas, filling water jugs, setting up chairs & tables, etc — there’s lots of ways that you can help. THANK YOU.
Pickleball Clinics with Scott Moore, February 4 & 5
After very successful clinics in 2018 & 2019, Scott Moore will be returning to San Carlos February 4 and 5 (right before the Sombrero Showdown Pickleball Tournament).
Pro pickleballer, Scott Moore, is the #1 Senior and 20 time National Champion and we’re lucky enough to have him joining us in San Carlos for a boot camp and several smaller clinics.
WHAT: Get ready for the tourney and step up your game with intensive, semi-private training in strategy, technique, skill development, positioning, effective practice, and mental toughness with IPTPA certified instructor, Scott Moore. Together with a small group of other players, you will improve your mental game, shot making, shot selection, and learn new strategies, drills, and a truly systematic approach to pickleball in order to become a more effective, better player! Choose from full-day or mini-clinic options below.
WHEN:
Full-day Camp for 3.5+ level players:
Tuesday, February 4, 2020: from 8:30am – 3:15pm (45 minute lunch break)
Cost is $150 USD per player.
Mini-Clinics:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020: from 8:15am – 10:15am for 3.0 level players
Cost is $70 USD per player.
And 10:30am – 1:30pm for 3.5+ level players
Cost is $90 USD per player.
HOW: Reserve your spot by contacting Susan at pickleballsusan@gmail.com or 719-235-8797 or by registering online at pickleballtrips.com.
Helle Spare Clinic, March 10 & 11
Yet another incredible opportunity. The one and only Helle Sparre is coming to San Carlos.
She is widely recognized for her 6 hour Dynamite Doubles training program which she will be conducting 2 sessions of in March just before the Green Valley Tournament.
Click on the flyer for more details.
There are a few spots left. Please contact James Main at: destinationpickleball@yahoo.com if you are interested in participating or if you have any questions.
The Rules have Changed
The rules have changed. Read the major changes by clicking here.
Center Court at the World Pickleball Championship
The video starts with McGrath & McGuffin vs Jardim & Johns