May Day - not mayday. Tuesday, May 1, 2012

It seemed like a 'mayday' might have been called for by the way folks were invading the courts. Twenty five players to be exact. But, for the most part pandemonium was averted and order prevailed. Some folks were on the courts for 3-1/2 hours still slamming away. These new players joined us today: Eddy S (Carol's brother), Walt J,  John and Sandy F and Don D. They have all played p'ball or other paddle sports and did well during their first session with the UPG brawlers at Gower Pickleball Stadium. Welcome to Uptate Pickleball. Notice about all photos posted in this Blog. They can be enlarged somewhat by left double-clicking on them. Also: If anyone wants any of the images yon Editor will glady email copies. And: If you are mis-identified, or are not included in the text please let the Publishing Division know via email c/o Spike.

Above: From Top L Clockwise: Sue, Mike (Spidy), Sandy, Bill S.

Below: From Top L Clockwise: Karen, Sandy/Pop, Walter, Pop/Gary A, Lynne (Ace).

Below: From Top L Clockwise: Bob T, Pop, Sharon (Cupcake), Steve E Wonder, Carol (Lash)

Today was a banner day, not just because we had one of our largest crowds of this century, but we also had 60 spankin' new, yellow balls delivered by Purchasing Agent Gary A. So, our satchels are full of balls and we are good to go for a while.
Note: With four courts in action folks may end up sitting around when they would prefer to be playing. You are encouraged to rustle up some players and start a match. Best to chose folks who are in your general skill range to assure a competitive and enjoyable match. Experienced UPGers are encouraged to work with new players and new players are encouraged to gradually work their way into the stronger matches.

http://usapa.org/officialrules/

See you at Gower.
Spike

Arbor Day P'ball - Friday, April 27, 2012

There were some big plans for this Arbor Day p'balls session POST, but the staff got sluggish, then lazy and finally ran out of time - so this blog entry will be a much shortened version of what was originally intended to to be several pages of mindless drivel.

Friday was bright and warm; perfect weather for p'ball and the large turnout of 18 players. Here goes: Jan, Bob T, Mike, Gary, Gary A, Lynne, Hank, Craig, Sue, Gene, Carol, Johnny, Steve, Ray, 2-session-veteran Julie, newbie Judy and Sharon and Ron. That should be approximately 18?

Several salty UPGers worked with the newer players on one or two courts while the other hard-hitters beat up each other (and, themselves) on two of the the other 3 courts. As usual there were many exceptional matches including the one shown below where Gary A and Steve (foreground L-R) face off against Bob T and Mike (L-R). 



Below CW from Top L: Sharon (Cupcake to her friends), Lynne (Ace) and Gene (Pop).

Hot of the press: Gary A (Collector of Revenue, Ball Buyer and general all-around handy-man) reports that we UPGers are now the proud owners of 60 brand-new, yellow P'balls which will complement our currently-in-use, scuffed and somewhat abused 40 or so balls of many colors. So, we are back in business. See you on the courts.

Spike

FriBall - April 20, 2012

We had a good turnout today including five folks who were present at the P'Ball Expo (see BLOG dated April 16, 2012). They were Amy J, Carol F, Pat C, Andrea H and Julie. They came to watch - but two, Andrea and Julie got into some instructional action on Court 1. Some of these guests will be taking a Furman University OLLI course this June - presented by Johnny and Carol. That's Carol below: she looks a little spastic - but, fear not students - she is actually trying to get a ball out of her pocket and hammed it up a little for the UPG chief photographer who happened by.

Thirteen UPGers were present: Gary A, Gary, Mike, Hank, Steve, Johnny, Carol, Craig, Sue, John, Joe, Sharon and Ron. The troops kept at it for about 2-1/2 hours and many excellent matches were racked up. The newer players (no longer newbies [lucky devils]) have all improved, some in leaps and bounds. All are pretty much armed with new paddles and UPG verve.

Below. From L-R: Top - Johnny, Sharon; Bottom - Joe, Mike/Carol,

Below. From L-R: Top - Hank/John, Steve; Bottom - Craig/Gary, Gary A

So, another UPG session is in the books. Everyone left the courts under their own power and in fairly good spirits. That's what we strive for, although it is not essential that players do both. Yuk, yuk. Having fun in the sun, whaling away at the ball, letting go with some well aimed barbs and engaging in a few games of 'guts p'ball' is what it's all about. Any questions?

Tempered

  

Grade A or Gray Day? Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - P'ball

UPG: Now on summer hours: Sessions begin at 9:30AM.

Gray or Grey? Look it up. Whatever you settle for - the day was overcast with just a slight breeze. Perfect for P'ball. Fifteen players were in action and in fine form. Though, two will be dressing their wounds before the day is out*. Players: Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gene, Johnny, Carol, Ray, Joanie, Craig, Sam, Joe, Bob H, Peter, Sharon and Ron. Sue was also on hand - but out of commission while recovering from surgery. But, she kept busy shagging balls - so we let her stay!

We tried, and mostly succeeded in maintaining two levels of play. When they weren't beating each other up, experienced players worked with our newer players on courts reserved for that purpose. Some rookies already show considerable improvement both in the mechanics of the game and the rules of play.

Mug shots

Joe and Craig both took tumbles. From the judges' reactions - it would appear that Craig got the highest score (always thoughtfully unpublished by the UPG) - but, perhaps a 9.0. The higher than usual score for the Full Frontal Digger (FFD) most likely came about due to the graceful 360 degree roll Craig executed after hitting the court. J and C both dusted themselves off and carried on for several more matches. The courts were unharmed, except for a small divot near the base line.

Above from top L clockwise: Spidy dealing, Carol/Joe, Johnny, Stevie Wonder. 

Highlight: Gary A and Ron (one of the UPG Mutt and Jeff teams or muttonjeff) broke a sorry record when playing against the dynamic duo of Stevie Wonder and Spidy (Steve and Mike). Up to today G and R have averaged .25 points per game (PPG) against the duo in the previous 4 matches. The teams faced off again today. In a losing effort, G and R pounded home 7 points against S and M - thus, (trying not to brag here, but can't help it) our PPG surged to - get ready: 1.6! Please hold your applause.

Another fun day of Upstate P'ball.

Spike





P'ball. Friday, March 13, 2012

Twelve players were in action today: Mike, Steve, Peter, Carol, Johnny, Bob H, Joanie, Sue, Craig*, Ray, Sharon and Ron.

* Craig has the dubious honor of playing the least amount of time in any UPG match in recorded history (since the dawn of time) - according to our archivist, who almost never lies. Unfortunately, Craig pulled a muscle or a tendon or something like that in the 1st few minutes of the day's opening match. So he had to sit out the entire 2-1/2 hour session. Sue, showing great concern, continued playing - as she should!

We played many excellent matches - switching players at will - trying and occasionally succeeding - in having a good mix of teams and players.

As you folks may know by now a nice article, with photographs was published in the Life Style section of the March 15th issue of the Greenville News. The very nice photo of Mike and Gene mis-identified Mike as Gary A. There is a nice shot of Sharon. The hand with two balls belongs to yon editor. The article has already drawn some interest, so we may have a few more potential players showing up - starting on Friday, 3/16. Some UPGers will have to 'step-up-to-the-plate' and work with new players. Don't wait to be asked.

See you at Gower.
Case Hardened (and dis-tempered) - Spike

Mariah Winds - Friday - March 9, 2012

                                                                                                                                                   

Nine players ventured out on this very gusty day. Mike likened the wind to the the Mariah wind (They Call The Wind Mariah) - even though those particular winds are always quite a bit west of Greenville. The Wayward Wind would fit as well. In any case, the blasts were so strong, that on 3 occasions balls hit over the net and landing in the 'kitchen' came back over the net on their own accord. Check the rules on that. In fact everyone should check the Official Pickleball Rules every once in a while.

Welcome to new players - husband and wife - Craig and Sue. Both former tennis players. Their first session at p-ball in record-breaking winds demonstrated that they have what it takes to develop their skills and become active and competitive UPGers.

All players: Sharon, Steve, Mike, Lynne, Peter, Sue, Craig, John and Ron. 

Below: Mike (Spidy) demonstrating how not to dink the ball over the net.

Below: Newbies Craig and Sue - bucking the winds.

Below: Lynne (Ace), Peter and Sharon (Cupcake).



In spite of the wind, we kept at it for 2-1/2 and managed to keep most of the balls in the courts and all of the inside the fence.

We UPGers laugh at the weather.
Pnuematically Hammered Spike