Tuesday P'ball and Annual Picnic - May 22, 2012

Beautiful Pickleball day. Another good crowd of players were on hand to romp around the courts and socialize at will. There were 20 players - more or less. This the list that the UPG Publications Conglomerate, Inc. came up with: Bob T, Bob H, Lynne, Anne, Sharon, Jan, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gary, Walt, Bill S, Sandy F, Ray, Ralph, Johnny, Claude, John, Gene and Ron. The matches were fast and furious and we kept at it for almost 3 hours with the crowd dwindling as the time went flying by. Our new players are coming along just fine and most now mingle in matches with more experienced players. They all have their own paddles. Gary A has been hounding them, with considerable success, for a contribution toward our ball fund. - Ray had to quit early today with a bum foot. Unlike some of us, he has the good sense to stop playing when his body tells him to. - Where is Joe M you ask? He kind of disappeared a few weeks ago. The UPG Player Representative liaison consulted w/ Joe. During his last p'ball session he somehow stubbed his toes and managed to fracture two of them in the process. So, he'll be out of commission for a while. - Gene is heading to the Granite State for the next few months so we'll have to find someone else to pick on in his absence. Any ideas?

Below: Jan on the move.

Below: Bob T and Johnny both going for the ball. Who got it?

Below: From Top Left clockwise: Ralph, Bill S/Sandy F, part of the City of Greenville fleet, Lynne and Gene.

Before we broke up at about Noon, the entire parking lot was occupied by virtually every heavy truck owned by the City and mostly men in orange safety vests were milling around - some watching our matches, others had a beefy, pick-up basketball game in full swing and two men started a tennis match on court 5. Apparently the workers and family members (or, office staff) were having some sort of outing.

They seemed to be having a good time and probably well deserved. Good for them. We had a good time too. So, we are even.

Spike

May 18, 2012 - Friday P'ball report

Yon editor was roaming in the NC mountains, so Gary A was kind enough to provide the names of Friday's 16 players: Diana L (a new player; welcome to the UPG), Ray, Hank, Ralph, Johnny, Carol, Claude, Peter, Gene, Sandy F, Walt, Bob T, Mike, Jan, Steve and Gary A.

High-carbon

P'ball. Brief report - Tuesday April 17, 2012

Sorry, no spicy report for this session. Just the facts this time.

Players: Mike, Gene, Gary A, Kaye A, Joe, Ray, Peter, Bob H, Ralph, Hank, Mike M
and Steve.


Briefly reported by Mr. Stevie Wonder.

Rusty Headed

Friday the 13th. April 13, 2012 - P'ball Session

As reported by Steve:

We had 15 players and 3 courts going at one time, and some players practicing on a 4th court. We had plenty of A games and a mixture of both going. It was a beautiful afternoon for playing, sunny and 70. Here's the list of names: Mike, Gary A, Gary H, Bob T, Lynne, Joanie, Ray, Gene, Joe, Johnny, Carol, Ralph, Peter, Hank and me. And believe it or not, I didn't forget any names. We kept at it for about 3 hours and there are no injuries to report. That's it for now. See you when you get back.

 

Steve

 

Welcome back Bob T.

 

Roving reporter

Manchester, CT

Spike

Tuesday P'ball. April 10, 2012

Warm with squirrely winds. That fine weather brought out 13 players - all men. A rare event for UPG sessions. Players: Gene, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gary, Ralph, John, Johnny, Joe, Ray, Hank, Peter and Ron. We kept 3 courts busy for about 2-1/2 hours. Logged more than a few exceptional matches and several very long rallies. Everyone managed to stay upright - which is one of our goals. The other is - if you manage to execute some sort of an unintentional dive while trying for a return - that you finish the shot, preferably winning the point. Then, have your wounds dressed.

Below L-R: Joe sporting his brand new paddle and Johnny.

Below: Ralph letting one fly.

Above: Pop on serve.





Experienced players: Check with Gary A. He is looking for volunteers for a Pickleball Exhibition on Monday, April 16th. Greenville Rec. Dept. Pavilion @ 6:00PM.

Short and sweet BLOG report. See you on the courts.

Spike

Friday - March 30, 2012

Above: Carol (Lash) and Sharon (Cupcake) soaking up the only shade within strolling distance.

Well, we had a beautiful SC day and a large turnout of 17 as follows: Carol, Johnny, Peter, Gene, Gary, Gary A, Mike, Steve, Anne, Anne R, Jan, Sam, Hank, Joe, Ralph, Sharon and yon editor-in-chief. Two courts were designated for the 'saltier' players and 2 for the newer recruits. Veteran players worked with the newer players on the designated courts and some are coming around nicely and have moved into more challenging matches.

Hank, who has a new paddle, played 3 matches with the Green Monster (the backboard) and ended up winning 2 of 3. Joe and Sam have also ordered new paddles - perhaps others have as well. So, things are looking up.

The challenge is - to try to keep folks playing in competitive matches.  Some newer players catch on very quickly and can readily move into matches with stiffer competition. Other folks will take longer and some my not be able to advance beyond the beginner stage. No one should play - or, try to play beyond their capabilities. We want everyone to enjoy the sessions, but want no one to get hurt in the process.

Below: From top left clockwise: Steve (Stevie Wonder); Lash and Gary; Anne (Pit Bull or Duchess); Ralph.

Below: From top left clockwise: Johnny (Hoot) and Hank (with new Champion paddle); Gary (No Nick Name) and Carol; Steve and Jan; Ralph and Mike (Spidy).

Beginning Tuesday, April 3, 2012 we will start our sessions at 9:30AM (or, 0900 hours for you military types. Players can come whenever they please; no need to be there necessarily at 9 sharp, but it's a good idea to arrive before our normal quitting time - usually 2-1/2 to 3 hours after we begin. That's if players are still alive and kicking by then.

See you on the courts.

Ron (Spike)

Tuesday - March 27, 2012

Beautiful p'ball day and mobbed courts. We had 13 veteran players: Mike, Gary A, Steve, Ralph, Bob H, Johnny, Carol, Joanie, Anne, Peter, Gene, Sharon and Ron and 9 new players: Anne R, Joe, Joan N, Richard N, Sam, Hank, Jerry and Jim and Elly (visiting from Keowee Keys). It's very likely that some players are not listed here or have been mis-identified. If so, please advise the UPG Editorial/ ePublishing Division know by emailing Spike at williriver@bellsouth.com. The BLOG and "labels" listings will be corrected accordingly.

Above: Steve (Stevie Wonder) in action. The UPG Official Vehicle can be seen in the background.

For a while we had more new players than veteran players. This situation caused some disorganization for a short while because 3 courts were occupied with a mix of players with little or no supervision while only one court was being used by experienced players. Admittedly, we UPGers were not prepared for so many new players - brought on by the recent Greenville News article. So, by mutual consent we designated 2 courts for new players and two courts for experienced players - where, eventually some of the more skilled new players were invited to play. Otherwise, many regular players, assisted the beginners on their designated courts, and in some cases individuals were given one-on-one guidance.

Overall, UPGers did an excellent job, instructing and partnering with the mostly inexperienced players, teaching them the basics, including P'ball rules, strokes, scoring and UPG protocol. Most vets were able to play in several competitive matches on the courts reserved for that purpose.

Some of the new players have ordered paddles and others are sure to do so. We recommend that, players who are not sure that they can or will continue in the sport, play for a few weeks using loaner paddles before ordering a paddle.

Once the new players are established, they will be tapped by Gary A for a $10 contribution toward another batch of balls, that are in short supply when 4 courts are in action and which wear out faster with so much more activity.

Good show UPGers and welcome to all of the new players.

High Carbon



Click and Scoop.- P-Ball - Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Today UPGers were photographed and interviewed by Greenville's version of the Paparazzi or Pavarotti or something like that. Only, on a much smaller scale. Gary A arranged for the interview by Amy Clarke, with photographs by Owen Riley Jr both of the Greenville News. Click and Scoop joined us on the courts for about an hour. Several players were interviewed and a batch of action photos were taken. We enjoyed their company and they enjoyed the games and the bright day.
                                            

 Below: Gary A being interviewed by Amy.

We had 15 players on hand and everyone was on their best behavior! Players: Ron, Sharon, Gary A, Gary H, Mike, Bob H, John, Johnny, Carol, Jan, Joanie, Gene (Pop), Ralph, Steve and Peter. Gary H was kind enough to take a rather impressive dive - not too far from the photographer. Shots were taken of the event, but we don't know if they will be made public.

Below: Peter and Steve vs Mike and John.

Below: Pop and Sharon

Below: Yummy brownies lovingly prepared by Mrs. Buckeye (Geri) and delivered fresh by Bob H (aka Buckeye).

Even with the novelty of having Amy and Owen present, we managed to keep 3 courts awfully busy and had our usual assortment of matches and mis-matches. Many hard-fought games were duly recorded. A swell time by all on a bright, breezy day.

UPGers have already been notified about the availability of the photographs. You will be notified when the story appears in the Greenville News.

Spike (Extruded stainless).

The Eyes have it. Tuesday P'ball - February 28, 2012

This candid photo of Carol was taken by Sharon. Carol was trying out her new glasses that she claims to have purchased at a 'real bargain' price. Lucky for the other players, she didn't wear them during the matches and therefore no one had to have mercy on her - including Johnny who hit her on the 'shoulder' with a mean overhand kill shot and who will be having super on his own tonight.

We had a near record crowd of 16 warm bodies. Here goes: Gene, Gary A, Mike, Jan, Anne,  Karen, Sharon, Joanie, Carol, Johnny, John,  Ralph, Steve, Bob H, Ray and Ron. 

We UPGers occupied 4 courts for a while and played many fine matches. Had very nice weather including some wind - but, we are used to that.

Enjoy the pictures. The camera that was partially submerged on Friday, February 24th (See Brain Delayed) almost still works as demonstrated by the attached photos. So, the UPG Photo Division is still in operation.

The Pickleball courts are ready and waiting for your best game. Bring it on.

Case Hardened

Pickleball Report - February, 21, 2012

Above: Joanie on the left. Anne (Pit Bull or Duchess) top right and Gene (call him Pop) below.

We had stragglers at the beginning of the session and some folks slipped away after an hour or so. But, we had 11 players for a period and a court-full stuck it out for about 2-1/2 hours. It was windy so each game was somewhat of a challenge - but, very sporting. Players in action: Mike, Steve (feeling punky with a cold, but tough, nevertheless), Gary (hit 'em into the top of the net) A, Gene ("call me Pop - that's what my kids call me."), Ron, Ray, Karen (ordering a paddle), Joanie, Anne, Ralph and Peter.

Below: Top L-R: Gary A, Peter; Bottom L-R: Pop/Spidy, Stevie Wonder.

That's it for now folks. That's all there is. There isn't any more.* See you on the courts - preferably when and if you are vertical.

Golden Spike

*Who said that after every curtain call? First correct answer gets an autographed Pickleball (your color choice - signed by the famous person's personal, unofficial, unauthorized representative.



17 on the 17th. February 17, 2012 - P'ball

That's Anne and Ralph (Check Ralph's determined expression!)

We had a real crowd today - in fact, probably a record of some sort. The UPG statisticians are currently checking the official archives. A report may or may not follow. Anyway, the day was a beauty and it brought out a mob of players. Here they are: Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Ralph, Steve, Gary, Gary A., Anne, Gene*, Peter, Mike, John, Karen, Ray, Jan, Sharon and Ron. *Welcome to Gene. Today was his first time playing P'ball. He got the basics down pretty quickly, probably because of his tennis background. We played him hard, but he was able to get to his car unassisted after playing for two hours. That's a good thing.

With 17 players, we occupied 4 courts for the first time since moving our entire operation to Gower Park. It was quit a sight to see that much action. Many fine matches ensued. Action continued for almost 3 hours. By then the crowd was whittled down to 5, then 4 for two more rounds of it's "my last game."

Above: Clockwise from bottom left: Gene, Sharon/Steve, Gene/Gary A (foreground), Anne pouching/Ralph and ball on court.

Above: Gary A returning a serve.

Stay tuned to this BLOG and check your email early and often. You will be receiving important info about upcoming P'ball events.

Extruded RR Spike

Pickleball Action - February 7, 2012

From bottom left clockwise: SpinDoctor John, Michigan Ken/Stevie Wonder and Rambo Gary A.

Fiurteen players arrived today: Ken and Susan visiting from Michigan, Joanie, Karen, Johnny and Carol (welcome back), Ray, Ralph, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Peter, John and yon editor Ron. Give me a jingle if that doesn't add up to 14. We also had one spectator and expert ball shagger - Susan's and Ken's granddaughter Vivian (?).

We promptly occupied 3 courts, moved players all over the place and had a barrel of fun with no notable injuries to report. It was slightly windy - no problems for we UPGers - but, a slight issue for S and K who only play indoors in one-or-the other of Michigan's peninsulas. But, they soldiered on.

So, nothing else to chronicle, because no one has made a fool of themselves lately.

Be thinking about this: Having an invitational p'ball event and inviting our pals from Fletcher, Lake Lure, Lake Keowee and Conestee for instance. Will take some serious planning and more than a few volunteers. Not an original idea. We've discussed it before. Now, we are coming into the season when a lot of Snowbirds  will be returning to their homes in the 'north'. Whadoya think?

Spike

 

Last day of balmy Jan. 1/31.2012

We had a very nice day. About 60 degrees, breezy and sunny. Plus: 10 players were on hand to battle it out, including Ralph who has been vacationing. The tally: Steve, Peter, Jan, Sharon, Joanie, Ron, Gary A, Ray, Ralph and Bob H.

Not much to report except that we played for about two and 1/2 hours and had a good time in the process. We even took time out to socialize, leaving 2 courts empty for more than a few minutes. To finish off the day the remaining 3 players played 3 Canadian Doubles matches. And, as most of you already know - and, we proved the point again - if you have 3 players of more or less of the same skill level and they are all on their game - the solo player has little chance of winning. That's the way it went, although Stevie Wonder held on but finally lost to Ron and Gary A - 11-7 - or, something like that.

There are some 2012 Pickleball events coming up as follows:

1. The Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic - Greenville. April (date TBT)
2. Pickleball Expo. Pavilion Recreation Center - Monday, April 16 @ 6:00PM.
3. The State Games (SC Senior  Sports Classic) Florence, SC. - May (date TBT)

UPGers may want to participate in one or all of these events. If so, it should help promote the sport and may very well get more folks interested in the UPG.

Watch your email. Info will be forwarded as soon as it is received.

See you on the courts.
Spike

P'ball report - Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 - Gower Pk

No pictures today.

A very bright day and a pretty good turnout considering some of our 'regulars' are resting up in Florida or traveling here and there.

We had a new player join us today for her first pickleball attempt. Karen, a GNHA hiker, tennis player and former racquetball player did well and we hope to see her again soon.

Otherwise, these folks showed up and they came to play: Mike, Steve, Gary H, Bob H, Jan, Lynne, Sharon, Ralph and Ron. That would amount to 10 players for those of you who keep track of such things.

As always there were many games played, including a few Canadian Doubles matches.

Fun in the sun and some excellent matches. Looking forward to the next session.

Spike

Friday Pickleball, tennis, basketball and a digger. Dec. 16, 2011.

When we arrived at the courts today they were crawling with tennis players (TPs). Three courts were occupied, but lucky for the TPs two courts we not taken so we quickly commandeered them. Ralph showed up after about a 6-week absence due to surgery. Good to see him back and in the game. That's Ralph above. Below: Jan 'leaps' over the net - demonstrating her agility and gazelle-like athleticism.

Present: Sharon, Mike, Johnny, Ron, Ralph, Lynne, Anne and Jan. We played lots of games but some players wandered off early so there was a shortage of players. Mike - who spied a lone basketball player headed that way and shot hoops for a while until there was a space for him in the next match.

Lynne, while lunging for a sideline shot took a digger and did a masterful job at it. Scuffed up her knee a bit. But, she brushed herself off and got right back in the game. All in all we had a nice day with temperature near 70 degrees, overcast and a little wind.

Happy shopping.
Spike

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

This, and the next 4 sessions were written and posted after the fact thanks to information supplied by Steve. So, just the player's names will appear and each will get credit for participating in the session. Yon Editor was roving.

Players: Mike, Gary, Jan, Ralph, Peter, Ray and Steve.

RR Spike

Pickleball Chronicle - Tue, 9/13/2011

Above: Ron and Sharon gabbing with Ralph and Peter.

This was one of our nicest days in quite a while. Nine P'ballers came out to swat the ball around and enjoy the day. Players: Lynne, Jan, Sharon, Steve, Mike, Peter, Ralph, Gary and Ron.  We occupied two courts and played mostly doubles plus we played a few partial singles matches. Lately, duos have been practicing 'dinks' and find, once you get a rhythm going, its easy to get a bunch of shots across the net. The unofficial record so far is 40 consecutive dinks by Ron and Peter. This record, like all others we UPGers lay claim to - are made to be broken. Keep that in mind!  The dink practice is good for eye-hand coordination and forces players to keep their eyes on the ball.
                                                     Below: Gary and Mike in action.

Below: Jan and Steve poised for action

Thanks to Lynne for taking the pictures.

See you on the courts. The sooner the better. Spike

Eight on Friday - 9/9/11 - Pickleball

Had to use a stock photo for today's write-up. Too busy playing P'ball on a beautiful day, but short on players. But, long on playing. Ralph reported in after a 15 day leave-of-absence while traveling in Spain. Ralph got right back into the game - just like he never left. And, he gave us a little rundown on his trip. Other players: Steve, Mike, Peter, Lynne, Jan, Sharon and Yon editor. We occupied two courts and played mostly doubles. Lots of good matches and scads of fun.

Also: Have heard from Anne. She is in Portugal hiking the El Camino, seeing some beautiful sights and enjoying herself.

And: The UPG is looking for some more players. If you know anyone with a tennis, or any paddlesport background who is physically active - let us know. We'll invite them to the courts and give them a little workout to see if they can work into the sport.

Spike

Fridayball - August 19, 2011 - Gower Park

Only 10 were on the scene today, but we scattered the balls, chairs, satchels and ourselves around so it looked like were occupying all five courts. Players: Mike, Steve, Jan, Johnny, Claude, Ralph, Gary A, Peter, Sharon and Ron. A bright day, 'warmish' with an occasional and much welcomed breeze. Steve delivered our new UPG logo T-shirts and they look very spiffy. Thanks, to Steve for doing the ordering, collecting the cash - and for driving to NC to pick up the shirts, They will be on full display at Lake Lure next week.

Peter and Claude above.

Spidy and Stevie Wonder  below.

Below: Hoot and Rambo

We played a bunch of matches - several hard fought. Some of the teams that are going to compete at Lake Lure got together and worked on their games. None of the teams are as finely tuned as a Swiss watch - maybe, more like a Timex. But, we had a lot of fun. It took just over 2-1/2 hours to fully wear ourselves out. See you next week at Gower and Lake Lure. Spike.

Ball, Pickle - Tuesday, August 16, 2011

We had a beautiful day on the courts and the fine weather brought out 14 players: Mike, Steve, Gary A, Sharon, Anne, Lynne, Ralph, Johnny, Carol, Ray, Claude, Jan, Bob T and Ron. We occupied 3 courts for a while and it worked out well. No waiting to play, but folks did rotate so there was a pretty good mix of players - and play. That's Dutchess below. Can't account for the ball location. Can you?

It was a little noisy during most of the session because workers were busy with mowers, weed-whackers and leaf blowers. Fortunately, none of this activity was taking place on the courts. A few planes buzzed us too. But, we played through the distractions and kept at it for 3 hours, although the crowd slowly dwindled as the session progressed. The last two standing were Stevie Wonder and Rambo who were in the midst of a singles match. Below: S. Wonder and Ace relax between matches,

Below: The Lady in pink.

Newsy Stuff: Stevo will be picking up our logo shirts on 8/17. They will be delivered to whoever shows up next time we play. Some of the teams for the Lake Lure Tournament have been shuffled around due to personal schedule conflicts. Gary A is taking care of the arrangements. There will be car-pool arrangements for the ride to Lake Lure. You will be advised.   Spike