Friday P'ball - windy @ first - Jan. 28, 2012

'Windy' @ first. Then, settled. Now, about the weather: 60 degrees, breezy, sunny. Ten players in action: Steve, Mike, Gary A, Ron, Sharon, Anne, Jan, Ray and Lynne. Carl, too (see below)

Got into p'ball after a short weather delay. We kept two courts very busy for over two hours. Switched players to and fro and ran up some fine matches.

A passer-by watched for a few minutes and he (Carl) was offered some court time. He played two full Canadian Doubles matches. We were kind enough to provide him with a partner, though. He has a lot of potential. A lefty, but we UPGers will be able to adapt.

See you next week.
Spike

GoodOldDays - Pickleball - Tue, Jan 24, 2012 - Gower Park

The weather finally cleared after a few glum days and we were presented with  a sunny day with the temperature reaching 60 degrees F. Just a little breeze. Lots of folks enjoying the park: John (Hercules) was giving tennis lessons; basketballers were in action, disc golfers all over the place; families enjoying the playground; walkers and gawkers; 3 teenagers occupied the Patton Tank. UPGers out in full force - eleven in all: Steve, Mike, Bob H., Peter, Anne, Jan, Sharon, Gary, Gary A, Joanie and Ron.

We, as always, played UPG-styled Pickleball and had a lot of fun doing it. Kept two courts busy and even allowed some time for gabbing and socializing. A few players were shelled, being the recipients of overhand kill shots from some of the longer players. No one needed medical attention, though. And, that's a good thing. We played for almost 3 hours. By the end of the session we were reduced to 4 players. No problem there. Two more doubles matched followed. Both beauties. The last one - a nail-biter -  was won by Mike and Gary A, over Steve and Ron - 13-11. End of a fine day.

See you at the next session. Bring your best game and wear a smile.

Spike



NewBlood - Friday Ball - January 20, 2012

Luckily NewBlood is only used here figuratively. Two new players joined us today. Their first time playing Pickleball on a court, but having played on a driveway with a temporary net. Both youngsters, by our standards, and playing with wooden paddles. But, they are also tennis players and took to the courts with much enthusiasm and vigor. For sure! Welcome to Daniel and Trevor shown below L-R.

Also present: Mike, Lynne, Pete, Steve, Gary A and Ron. After about a half hour of playing we had a rain squall - just enough to wet the courts sufficiently to add a little more excitement to the several matches that followed.

In spite of the conditions we played for about 2-1/2 hours and everyone took their chances against the  dynamic duo. 'Middle-agers' that we are - we were able to win some games from the fleet-footers.

See you Tuesday. Come on out and have some fun. Like the good old days!!!

Spike

Then there were Four. P'ball. Tue., 1/17.12

Too busy playing to snap photos for this session. Four showed, including Peter who has been soaking up the sun in Florida for the past month. Present and playing tirelessly (almost): Mike, Steve, Peter and Ron. Overcast and cool. Perfect P'ball weather. No Sun-In-The-Face or Wind-At-The-Back to contend with, or if you prefer - with which to contend. We played doubles - switching partners every game and had some excellent, long-volley matches. After about an hour Peter had the good sense to leave while he was still standing. The remainders played 3 Canadian Doubles matches and called it a day. Short on players, but long of fun.
See you ASAP, or sooner. How about on Friday, 1/20/12 for example?
Spike

Friday the 13th - 1/13/2012 - Pickleball

Granted, it was cold at the start of this session (36 degrees) and gusty. But it did warm to 41 degrees when we 3 finished our session 1-1/2 hours later. Present for this - the first Friday 13th event of 2012*: Steve, Lynne and Ron. We played Canadian Doubles switching the lone paddler every game. Except the last CD match where Steve wanted another shot at L and R. He put up a good fight.

There  were a few lingering ice patches when we arrived. Those little specks in the above photo are rock salt crystals that someone cleverly spread on the ice patches. A first for UPGers.

*There will be 2 more Friday-the-13ths this year. Hope you can make at least one of them. See you then or before.

Spike

Pickleball player paucity - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Lots of folks are out-of-town, or busy elsewhere, so the turnout for p'ball was on the low side. But, five showed: Steve, Mike, Ray, Gary A and Joanie. So, you folks get official credit for your participation. And, that's big!

We are playing on Friday, Jan 13 (Friday the 13th), but don't fret about whether it is an unlucky or a lucky day. We UPGers make our own luck.

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

Last of Twenty-Eleven: Friday, 12/30/2011

That's Hoppy above (aka: Buckeye). Recognized by the UPG editorial staff - and honored as the 12/30/11 posterboy - because he made it to Pickleball twice in a row - in the same week! How you go. Below: Gary A and Jan face off against Steve and Sharon (background).

Present for the last official session of the UPG for 2011: Sharon, Bob H, Gary A, Mike, Steve, Joanie, Jan, Lynne and Ron. It was a marginal day, weatherwise, with a chill in the air and some light drizzle. But, we stayed at it long enough for Mike to take an impressive digger (no damage to the court recorded - so, not to worry). Had fun for about 3 hours with some exciting games including what might have been two of the longest rallies ever recorded at Gower Park. Can't swear to it though.

So, we'll get started again in 2012. Hope you and your's have an excellent 2012 and that you come out for many p'ball sessions.

Spike