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

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

Tuesday P,ball - April 24, 2012 - Official Report

Corrections (now repaired) on the April 20th BLOG brought to the attention of the UPG Publishing Division by Cupcake herself. Spelled Craig incorrectly once and correctly once (It's CRAIG). Fixed the misspelled one. Spelled whaling wrong. Feel better now. How about you?

We had a cool, bright day with some moderate wind. Thirteen players dropped by as follows: Regulars - John, Gary A, Steve, Mike, Gene, Joe, Ray, Bob T and yon editor. Newer players - Bill S and Mike M (formerly Mikey2 - now on the injured list) . Two new players joined us for the first time. They are Barbara L and Dan L shown below being briefed by John the SpinDoctor.

For the most part the newer players occupied Court 1. They played among themselves or played with more experienced players to hone their skills, to learn the fine art of serving and other elements of the game. We have gained quite a collection of new players at various skill levels. UPGers are working with the players. It won't take long for some of the players to perk up their game. Players should know that they are not committed only to our regular scheduled sessions. There are three courts in Greenville with P'ball lines. If any folks want to form their own practice groups, or if they want to play on different days and times - you are encouraged to do so. All you need is a bag of balls and a tie down.

In the mean time Courts 2 & 3 were occupied by the more skilled players and a bunch of exceptional matches went into the record books.

We are used to aircraft flying over on their final approach to the Downtown Airport, but today was special. A military aircraft (believed to be an A-6 by the Editorial Squad) flew over. We could hear it long before we saw it. We even took time out from the match to watch as it flew directly overhead. It lined up on the runway, settled down, then lifted and sped away with another blast of noise. A touch-and-go without the touch. Exciting, yes?

See you on Friday.
Cold rolled, heat tempered, coated.

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

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





Almost Spring - Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Warmish weather for this time of year, but that didn't stop a good crowd of  'regulars'  from showing up and at least six newbies who appeared from over the horizon. This Bloggist and Gary A arrived at noon to give a little clinic to two new players. Other prospects arrived during our regular 1:00PM session and were helped mightily by Gene and Johnny with plenty of assistance from the rest of the troops.

This time around we had all three bags of balls, plenty of tie downs and extra paddles including two woodies bought and brought by Gary A.

The system worked out well with the new players limited to 2 courts - while learning the ropes; otherwise, we kept 4 courts busy with plenty of exciting action. In some cases, new players were moved right into regular games while those just getting the hang of it were content to take instruction and play with their novice cohorts and at least one seasoned UPGer.

UPGers in action: Mike, Steve, Bob H, Johnny, Peter, Jan, Sharon, Gary A, Gene (prefers to be called Pop), John, Ray, Joanie and yon editor/bloggist/bullthrower.

Newbies: Anne R, Judy K, Sam G, Henry B, Jerry and Cyd C.  It's always nice to have new blood (a figurative term, of course - right Gary?) on the courts. We welcome you new players and hope you enjoy learning the game, improving your skills and mingling with your fellow p'ballers. After this blurb, you won't be saddled with the moniker 'Newbies' so you can rest easy.

Lost but not found by owner: A purple ELITE paddle. Check your equipment. If you have not put your name on your paddle yet - it's a good time to do it.

See you @ Gower.
16d

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

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

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

ValDay P'ball - Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012

That's Steve's magic glove (Union made). He almost never loses while wearing it. But, he did today.

It being Valentine's Day we had a small gathering. The raw weather and light drizzle probably didn't help matters. Seven players: Steve, Gary A, Ray, John, Johnny, Peter and yon Editor - the only one to dress for the occasion (see certified, un-retouched photo below - a candid shot taken by Stevie Wonder). With 7 players we managed to keep 1-3/4s courts busy some of the time over a period of 2-1/2 hours.

Below: Clockwise from bottom left: John/Steve, Johnny, Peter and Gary A.

See you on the courts. The sooner the better. Bring your best game and if you can't do that - bring yummies.

Galvanized