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

TuesdayBall - May 15, 2012

This photo is the first attempt at a grope group picture since the last one taken on October 12, 2010. The players very kindly stopped their matches and lined up as requested. It would appear, after a close examination that - tempting as it may have been - no one put up 'rabbit ears' behind anyone's head. The photo will liven up a bit if you click to enlarge it. We had 21 players on four courts and things went smoothly. Don and Hank, our most exuberant new players, both made running/lunging attempts at out-of-reach balls, but thankfully they did not take any divots out of themselves or the courts.

Players: (All included in the group photo above): Gary A, Bob H, Mike, Jan, Karen, Lynne, Sharon,  Bill S, Don, Sandy F, Dan L, Barbara L, Bob T, Johnny, Carol, Gene, Hank, Peter, Ray, Steve and Ron.

Goodies: Bob H brought a nice batch of brownies lovingly prepared by his darling wife Geri. As always, Hoppy brought a little table for the brownies, napkins and baggies so players could bring some of the treats home. The goodies were NOT extorted from Bob for leaving a folding chair on the court last week. The chair was absolutely NOT held for ransom as some people hurtfully implied. In the past, items left behind have been held for a FINDERS FEE, but in no way would that be considered a bribe.

Pickleball: Nothing unusual here. Many fine doubles matches and a good mix of players. Near the end of the session about 6 singles matches were also held. As everyone knows, there is a lot more running around in singles matches than in doubles. Here, you have to work on ball placement and strategy. Everyone should try playing singles - you may take a beating if you are out played, but you'll improve your skills if you don't wear yourself out first.

Also: We were paid a visit by two Greenville Rec staffers. As already mentioned, we had a full house so they got to see our group in full force.

See you on the courts.

Hammered Head (Not hammerhead!)

Friday P'ball - May 11, 2012

A bright day, gusty winds and 21 P'ballers added up to an exceptional day at Gower. We occupied all five courts and kept at least one of them smoking for almost 3 hours. Players: Bob T, Claude, Steve, Mike, Karen, Johnny, Carol, John, Gene, Lynne, Anne, Sandy F, Don, Sharon, Hank, Bill S, Ray, Joanie, Barbara L, Dan L and Ron. The wind caused some wayward serves, but most players figured it out and compensated accordingly.

Below: Reflecting. Self portrait in Lynne's shades.

                                                                Below: Kibitzing.

                               Below: Returns. From Top Left Clockwise: John, Johnny, Don, Bill S.

Below: From Top Left CW: Bob T, Sharon, Karen, Barbara L

Below: Anne. aka - Pit Bull or Duchess - your choice!

Not too much to report. The pictures say it all (each picture is worth a thousand words. Remember?). We had loads of players, lots of matches, good weather. Any questions?

Hand Extruded 

Rain Date. Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The courts were wet when players started to arrive at about 9:15. So, we went to work with a push broom and quickly made two courts serviceable and started playing. Eventually we had 12 players: Gary A, Steve, Sandy F, Ray, Hank, Don, Bob H, Claude, Peter, Lynne, Gene and the Birthday boy Ron. John F was also on hand, but he had a note from his Doctor so he was allowed to sit out. After about an hour it started to sprinkle, then drizzle, then rain in all its glory. It was about that time that Peter arrived. Most people would have made a subtle u-turn in the parking lot and headed home - the rest of us wet dogs - none the wiser. But, Peter joined us when we were enduring a genuine rain. Long lost (but never forever) Claude returned from his annual Beaufort, Sc hiatus and got into the swing of things as seen below R with Steve.

Below L-R, Top - bottom, intermediate. Counterclockwise and in between: Gary A

The hard-nosed group continued playing for about 1/2 hour after the rain started in earnest. We finally called it quits when the balls quit bouncing due to the puddles that covered the courts. No softies here.

Below: Spike. Where'd everyone go?

Gower is where it's happening.

Be there or be square.

The Birthday boy. Harry Truman, too.

Quatro de Mayo - 5/4/12 - Friday P'ball

Another sparkling day at Gower. Favorable weather and wind and a big crowd of players including two new to our ranks: Sue P and Gail pictured somewhere below. We had 19 players unless you can prove otherwise. Count them: Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gene, Lynne, Anne, Sue, Bill S, Bob T, Walter, Don, Hank, Ray, Sue P, Gail, Dan L, John F, Sandy F and Ron.
Welcome to our new players Sue P and Gail. Congratulations to Bill S. for his very exciting court slide. About 10 feet - on his back. A maneuver that should not be attempted, unless you are wearing protective gear - and, never by mature adults. But, if there is a good crowd...?
Newsy stuff. Gary A has taken over the weekly notifications - a chore that Steve has been doing for about a year. Thanks from all to Steve - aka, Stevie Wonder.

Above: L. Ace and Spidy; Top R: Steve: Gary A

Below: Sue at the ready.

Below. Top R: Dan L. Bot L: Gail/Sandy. Bot R: Sue P

This report should have been posted in the May Day Blog.
On May 1, Bob H (Buckeye to his friends and enemies) started a match. What follows are his words as extracted from an email he sent to Sharon explaining why he would have forgotten a chair that was inadvertently left under a tree at Gower when the players cleared out on Tuesday: "The cause of this was due to the last game I played in which my partner and I scored an 11-0 shutout. My partner was some guy named Ron. I served all 11 points. This Ron dude never got a chance to serve. He just had to stand there and watch the show develop. In fact as the game was nearing the end I asked Ron that if he wanted to he could go sit in my chair and rest till the game was over."
Below is an excerpt from the 5/14/2010 Blog report.
...Most importantly: Carol started a match @ "zero, zero only" and never gave up the serve winning the match almost single-handedly 11 - 0. I (Yon Editor, Ron) was lucky enough to be her partner and barely had to move during the shellacking of whoever the opponents were.

See u @ P'ball.
16d

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

P'ball Expo - The Pavilion - Mon. Apri; 16, 2012

The Greenville Senior Games Pickleball Expo was held Monday, April 16, 2012, from 6:00 to 7:30PM. A brief introduction to pickleball was given by Gary A, followed by a demonstration of the rules by our players on one court. UPG members including Mike, Steve, Joanie, Lynne then played a vigorous demo game for the crowd of about 30 seniors who were mainly participants in the Senior Games and who oohed and aahed loudly at various points during the game. A less vigorous but still challenging game was held simultaneously on court 2 with Gary A, Johnny, Pete, and Gene (AKA Pop).
For the next hour, a mini-clinic was held with about 20 of the audience trying to hit balls, and in a few instances actually playing games. Joni Dilworth, the Greenville County Recreation District Director of the Senior Games, did a splendid job providing the courts, the portable nets, paddles, and balls for the event which was played on the in-line skating rink at the Pavilion in Greer. And the members of the UPG that participated showed themselves to be excellent teachers of and ambassadors for the game of pickleball. All in all, a great time was had by all.

Gary A

Upstate P'ball Editorial Division

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

March 23, 2012 - Music to our ears?

We had 16 players - 9 regulars - and 7 new players. Things soon got too hectic to allow  for many real competitive matches in a row. So, we limited most of the newer players to two courts where they practiced among themselves or where one or two of the regulars would work with them. This system allowed for some consecutive games among the experienced players. Thanks to the veteran UPGers who helped out with the training.

Players: Steve, Gary A, Gene, Sharon, Anne (welcome back), Lynne, Johnny, Carol and Ron. Newer players: Grizzly, Joe, Anne R, Henry, Sam, Joan N and Richard N.

The whole time were were playing we were serenaded by a Bobcat and leaf blowers (for a courtside project) and corporate aircraft. The noise was nerve-wracking to say the least. Apparently, no player totally lost his or her mind due to the racket although there is some doubt about Professor Pop. Testing is being done as we speak.

Below: Johnny and Hank

Below: Sam and Gary A

See you at our next session. Bring your best game.
Bessemer

Hectic Friday P-Ball March 16, 2012

Beautiful, busy day. Fourteen UPGers were on hand. Ten prospective players also joined us as a result of the March 15 Greenville News article about our group. Some of the prospects tried out the game and a few played several matches. At one point all five courts were occupied, but there were notable shortages. Paddles, balls and tie-downs. We have divided the ball into three bags - each of which contains at least two tie-downs and about 30 balls. The bags are delivered to each session by Steve, Gary A and yon editor. G and S were not present - a rarity for both to be absent. Virtually everyone was playing - each player with their pockets stuffed with balls (nine by Bob H, alone - just kidding). Balls that did stray, weren't shagged, because we were also short on shaggers. Whew. So, things were very hectic, but we made it through the session.

UPGers in action: Mike, Peter, Jan,  Joanie, Sharon, Carol, Johnny, Sue, Sharon, Lynne, Gary, Ray,  Gene and Ron. Thanks for loaning your paddles and for assisting our visitors.

I guess there were some exciting games, but it was hard to tell with all of the activity! No time for pictures except the one above.

SPECIAL NOTE: We retrieve a purple Elite paddle with a wrapped handle w/ no name attached. Will bring it to the next session. REMINDER: If you haven't done so already - put your name on your paddle.

See you next week, or on Tuesday whichever comes first.
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

Guts P-Ball; Friday March 2, 2012

Eight players, 2 courts, excellent weather, great matches. Enough said.

Players: Mike, John, Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Steve, Gary A and yon scribe.

See you at Gower
High Carbon

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

Friday P'ball - February 10, 2012

The day was a little chilly and raw, but 9 players were on hand and kept the courts smokin' for a good two hours. A little longer for the four who played on for a few more hotly contested matches. Players: Mike, Gary A, Bob H, Peter, Jan, Lynne, Sharon, Steve and Ron. That's Jan below - the star of this week's collage effort by the UPG Photography Division.

Watch for the P,ball schedule next week. Remember - the notice is only going to be posted once a week for our usual Tuesday and Friday events. Watch the weather and show yourself if you are inclined to play and the weather looks workable. Remember: We play in almost any weather, except during actual rain (as opposed to 'chances of rain'), hurricanes, blizzards and tornadoes.

See you on the quartz courts.

Rusty

Baker's Dozen - P'ball - February 3, 2012

Like silverfish, players came out of the woodwork today and we ended up with a baker's dozen. Present: Steve, Joanie, Anne, Lynne, Ron, Bob H., Mike, Peter, John*, Karen, Ray, and visitors Ken  and Susan.

Anne and John

*John returned to action after an almost 6 month hiatus after taking a fall the last time he played on August 12, 2011. The August 12 session marked John's 1st session w/ us in several months while recovering from a hip replacement. It was good to see John back in action.

Susan and Lynne 

Ken and Susan dropped in on us today shortly after arriving from Michigan to visit family in Greenville for a few weeks. They hadn't even taken up housekeeping yet and still had their dog in tow. But, they joined us in several matches and we enjoyed their visit. They've got their priorities in order! Susan was kind enough to leave a really nice windbreaker at the courts. Now, in safe hands.

So, with fine weather and a mob of players we occupied three courts and played on for almost 3 hours. As always the day ended with 4 players battling it out. Everyone was still standing at the end of the day. Thanks for that.

Spike

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

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

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

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