2nd Annual Sarasota Sailors Slam
Join the Sarasota Sailors Slam Pickleball Tournament for a Great Cause!
We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of the **Sarasota Sailors Slam Pickleball Tournament**! This exciting event is not only a chance for you to enjoy some friendly competition on the court, but also an opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way.
📅 Date: 11/16/2024, Saturday
📍 Where: Pompano Park, 501 S Pompano Ave. Sarasota
🎟 **Entry Fee: $50.00
Here’s why you should register:
1. **Play for a Cause**: 100% of all proceeds from the tournament will be donated to two incredible organizations—the **All Faiths Food Bank** and **Sarasota High School Athletes**. Your participation will help provide meals to those in need and support local athletes in their journey to success.
2. **Fun for All Levels**: Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball pro or just starting out, the tournament offers divisions for all skill levels. Come out, play your best, and enjoy the camaraderie!
3. **Prizes & Bragging Rights**: Besides knowing you’ve contributed to a great cause, winners will walk away with beautifully designed medals and T-Shirts and, of course, the ultimate bragging rights in the Sarasota pickleball community.
4. **Community Impact**: The **All Faiths Food Bank** works tirelessly to combat hunger in our area, and by participating, you are directly helping families in need. Plus, your support helps ensure Sarasota High School athletes can continue to thrive in sports programs that build leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
Register today to secure your spot in the tournament and make a difference in our community. Let’s rally for a cause, have some fun, and support our neighbors!
We can’t wait to see you on the courts!
Best regards, Pickleball Terry
941-400-0978
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
2nd Annual Sarasota Slam Tournament
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
Only 6 teams per division. Spots are filling quickly. Signup before they are closed. There will be a waiting list. Email dinkpickleball@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.
We are using Swish Tournament software which means you will be able to find your opponents and court assignments on your Swish apps. You will also be able to see everyone’s score in realtime.
You do not need to have a DUPR score but you will need to signup with DUPR. When you register at Swish by clicking the link above, they will instruct you on how to validate your DUPR account. This is a sanctioned DUPR tournament. All scores will be recorded on the DUPR site.
We will have giveaways, 50/50, T-Shirts, Medals, Cash prizes, Free water and snacks, Free Kona Ice Slushies for participants, and so much more!!!
Booth rental space is $50.00 for vendors who want to sell pickleball related items.
We want to thank Archwell Health for supplying the Kona Truck.
Thank you,
Jenn Stutler and Terry Ryan
Understanding Pickleball Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Deal with It by Pickleball Terry
Understanding Pickleball Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Deal with It by Pickleball Terry
It’s real and it’s happening. Pickleball burnout! Whether it’s because you’re tired of rec play that’s getting more irritating than fun, or your knees are feeling so much pain with every move, you’re just not as motivated to get on the courts as you used to be.
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity due to its accessibility and fun gameplay. However, as with any sport, enthusiasts can sometimes experience burnout. Pickleball burnout can impact both casual players and competitive athletes. Understanding the signs and symptoms, and knowing how to address them, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable relationship with the game.
Signs of Pickleball Burnout
- Decreased Motivation: If you find yourself dragging your feet to the court or lacking the enthusiasm you once had for the game, it could be a sign of burnout.
- Mental Fatigue: Feeling mentally exhausted or overwhelmed by the sport, even when you’re not playing, can indicate that you need a break.
- Physical Exhaustion: Persistent tiredness or muscle soreness that doesn’t seem to improve with rest might signal that you’re pushing your body too hard.
- Reduced Performance: A noticeable decline in your game performance, despite practice, could be a sign that you’re overdoing it or not giving yourself adequate recovery time.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If you no longer find joy in playing or feel that the game has become a chore rather than a pleasure, burnout may be the cause.
Symptoms of Pickleball Burnout
- Irritability or Frustration: Becoming easily frustrated or irritable, both on and off the court, can be a symptom of burnout.
- Sleep Issues: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be a result of excessive stress and anxiety related to the sport.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social events or activities related to pickleball, including games and tournaments, might be a sign of burnout.
- Physical Complaints: Chronic aches, pains, or injuries that don’t heal properly can indicate that you’re not allowing your body enough recovery time.
WILSON womens Rush Pro Ace Pickler
How to Deal with Pickleball Burnout
- Take a Break: Sometimes the best remedy is to step away from the court for a while. A short hiatus can help you recharge and regain your enthusiasm for the game.
- Reevaluate Your Goals: Reflect on why you started playing pickleball in the first place. Adjusting your goals to be more aligned with your current interests and abilities can renew your passion.
- Set Realistic Expectations: It’s important to set achievable goals and avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself. Celebrate small victories and progress rather than focusing solely on major accomplishments.
- Mix Up Your Routine: Incorporate other physical activities or hobbies into your routine. This can prevent you from feeling monotony and can help you stay physically and mentally fresh.
- Focus on Recovery: Ensure you are allowing adequate time for rest and recovery. Incorporate stretching, proper nutrition, and hydration into your routine to keep your body in good condition.
- Seek Support: Talk to other players or a coach about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your experiences and hearing others’ can provide new perspectives and solutions.
- Enjoy the Game for Fun: Remind yourself why you love pickleball. Shift your focus from competition to enjoyment, and try to play just for fun rather than stressing over performance.
By recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout and taking proactive steps to address it, you can maintain a balanced and enjoyable pickleball experience. Remember, sports should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not stress. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being ensures that you can continue to enjoy the game you love.
Thanks for reading!
Pickleball Terry
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com
Dill Dinkers? What’s That All About?
There is a new indoor facility coming to North Sarasota in late 2024. “The more the merrier,” I say. Heather and Tim Dull, the developers, and I met for a second time to talk about what their pickleball facility is going to be about.
First, without giving me the exact location, it is going to be west of 75 and somewhere north of the airport. It is already an existing building and will focus exclusively on pickleball. No frills, no restaurant, no bocce ball; just good old pickleball. Built for the pickleball enthusiast.
I like Heather’s and Tim’s laid-back attitude. Their down-to-earth personalities are totally relatable and welcoming. I would imagine their facility will have the same atmosphere. Come on in and play pickleball. Everyone is welcome!
This location will have 11 courts, a kitchen area for catering and private parties, and restrooms. “Maybe a ping pong table,” said Tim. “But nothing more. We are focusing on pickleball.”
Their brochure did mention a pro shop. You got to have a pro shop.
Heather and Tim are pickleball lovers. They play whenever they can. They just helped sponsor a pickleball tournament at Pompano and plan to do more.
They hail from Maryland where they were avid tennis players, but COVID shut down all the courts. Before COVID they did see the start of their tennis friends migrating over to pickleball, so Tim had the great idea to order a net and paddles on Amazon, and turn his driveway into a makeshift pickleball court. And that’s what started his and Heather’s pickleball fever.
The Dulls were already investors in other companies and businesses, so when the owner’s of Dill Dinkers approached when a pickleball investment opportunity arose, they were all IN.
Soon they thought about their winter location in Sarasota and the need for more indoor pickleball, and that adding Dill Dinkers in the sunshine state just made sense.
There’s a growing need for indoor clubs as the population of players continues to grow, and that is how Heather and Tim are spreading the Joy of Pickleball.
I said, “Everybody is going to want to know how much?” No initiation fee and $49.95 per month plus discounted court fees. Court rentals will be through Court Reserve, and members will be able to reserve seven days in advance. In addition to court fees, non-members may make reservations up to two days in advance.
Also offered will be lessons, clinics, open play, and tournaments. Members will be able to bring their own food and beverages, and have private parties. The club will hold special events like Pizza and Pickle. It sounds like a great time.
As the Dulls open other locations around Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice, membership at one will work at all the other locations. I should mention that there is a discount if you pay for a 12 month membership upfront.
I inquired about the ability of a pickleball coach (Pickleball Terry) to rent out courts for clinics and about volunteering. They replied positively to both questions. I plan to do both once it opens.
If you would like more information, you can go to the Dill Dinkers website.
To sign up for more information and to be on the waiting list, scan the code.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
PPR Certified Coach
Dealer for Gearbox, Diadem, Veloz
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Pickleball: Redefining Retirement
By Pickleball Terry
Recently, a chiropractor I was speaking with made the following statement: “Pickleball is redefining retirement.” Wow, that is really true, I thought. Now that pickleball is so available to retirees, retirement is different. Could you picture your parents playing pickleball? What if your mother apologized for having to miss watching the kids because she needed to play pickleball? Heck, no!
Grandparents today appear and feel younger than ever. Additionally, they are active. Pickleball is ideal for senior citizens since it combines exercise with a strong sense of community and a vibrant social life. I believe that in their retirement years, prior generations were lacking something. We are so fortunate to have pickleball.
I noticed a big difference between seniors who play pickleball and those who don’t. People who play look younger, act younger and feel younger. Have you gone to a high school reunion lately and compare yourself to the other people in your class that don’t play a sport regularly? Yikes!
Let’s look at why pickleball is so popular with retirees.
- Physical Activity: Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is easy for retirees to pick up. It provides an excellent way to stay physically active and maintain overall health without putting too much strain on joints. Many retirees are embracing this sport as a way to stay fit and healthy.
- Social Engagement: Pickleball is a social sport that allows retirees to connect with others in their age group. It fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, which is important for mental and emotional well-being during retirement.
- Inclusivity: Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to people of various skill levels. This inclusivity means that retirees with varying athletic abilities can participate and enjoy the sport.
New Balance Pickleball Shoes Click on the picture - Competition and Challenges: Retirement doesn’t mean the end of competitiveness. Many retirees enjoy the challenge of pickleball, whether they play for fun or in more competitive settings. This keeps their minds sharp and provides a sense of purpose.
- Recreation and Enjoyment: Retirement should be a time to enjoy life, and pickleball offers a recreational activity that retirees find fun and engaging. It’s an excellent way to spend leisure time and enjoy retirement to the fullest.
- Community Building: Many retirement communities and active adult communities have embraced pickleball as a core activity. This has led to the construction of dedicated pickleball courts and facilities, further fostering a sense of community and purpose.
Pickleball is redefining retirement by promoting an active, social, and enjoyable lifestyle for retirees. It encourages physical activity, social engagement, and a sense of community, helping retirees lead fulfilling and healthy lives during their retirement years.
To summarize, pickleball could be the “fountain of youth.” So keep playing pickleball!Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
The Question I Get Asked Most Coaching Pickleball
As a pickleball instructor and having taught over 1k students so far, the question I get asked most by novice to intermediate players is, WHY DO WE PRACTICE DINKING IF WE NEVER DINK DURING A GAME?
What is dinking? A dink shot in pickleball is a type of shot that is used to control the pace of the game and to gain an advantage over the opponent. The shot is executed close to the net, usually with a soft touch and with the aim of landing the ball just over the net.
Good question and so true. Warmup in my bootcamps/clinics/private lessons starts with dinking. Usually 100 times back and forth. followed by cross-court dinking, I can image that it is boring to some or even futile as when they play on the public courts, all they do and their opponents do is BANG! Slam! Hit as hard as the can.
Make sure you signup for the tournament at Pompano Park in Sarasota.
I explain, hitting the ball as hard as you can works well during lower level play, but not in advanced intermediate to advanced. If you are not seeing dinking in your games, you are playing in a lower level. Period.
In advanced games, dinking is an essential strategy. Keeping the ball low is mandatory, and one pop-up is what your opponents were waiting for, and it’s no second chances.
EASY BLUEPRINT What should you do?
1.Serve deep
2 Return deep
3. 3rd Shot Drop
4.Dinking with patience
5.Waiting for your opponents to make the unforced errors
To win in a dinking battle a player must practice dinking in a non-game setting like in one of my clinics. We drill, drill, drill.
If you would like to join one of my BOOTCAMPS, send me your email address and I’ll add you to the list. We practice keeping the ball low, speedups and resets, target practice, put-a-ways, doubles strategies, and 3rd Shot Drops.
Thanks for reading and keep playing pickleball.
Pickleball Terry
941-400-0978
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
5 Ways to Keep Your Eye on The Ball in Pickleball
I was on the court today and my opponent popped a ball way up. Already picturing my graceful and accurate put-a-way, I raised my paddle and watched the ball descend, but at the last moment I looked down and completely missed. Victory was not mine, not to mention, it’s embarrassing.
What happened? I was so sure I had it that I got over confident. Rookie move! I and many players have done it. GOT IT! Oops!
Sometimes you can’t help but look away when someone lobs the ball directly into the sun. Below is a video of opponents who used the sun as part of their strategy much to the annoyance of Leigh Waters.
Other times, it’s just sloppy playing. Don’t be sloppy.
Here are five ways to keep your eye on the pickleball while playing:
- Focus! Don’t get distracted by spectators, your opponents, or even your partner. Laser focus. Concentrate on tracking the ball’s trajectory, speed, and spin. A good drill is to write different numbers on the balls and play. The players have to spot the number
- Track the ball with your paddle. Here’s a good tip from Sarah Ansboury, pro player, who said to follow the flight of the ball with your paddle. I use this with beginners and novices and it works!
- Ball! Another tip, say BALL as you are watching the flight to your paddle. It’s hard to think of anything else if you are saying BALL.
- Positioning. Position your body in a way that allows you to see the ball clearly. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and body balanced. Stay on the balls of your feet with eyes on the ball. Try to stay ahead of the ball in thought and action.
- And my last tip is, it isn’t fair to your partner to NOT keep your eye on the ball. Yes, sometimes good old guilt works the best, but truthfully, you are not being a good partner or player for that matter, if you aren’t keeping your eye on the ball.
Remember, consistent practice and concentration are key to keeping your eye on the ball. By honing your visual skills and staying focused, you’ll be able to react quickly and effectively during the game, and we all want to play a good game.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan, Founder of Sarasota Pickleball Organization, LLC
PPR Certified Coach (over a thousand students so far)
Dinkpickleball@Gmail.com
You can AirBNB your pickleball Court
Caught in a pickle? The ‘Airbnb of pickleball’ can help L.A. players find a court
(Source: https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2023-06-28/swimply-airbnb-pickleball-courts)
The biggest challenge for pickleball fans in Los Angeles is often step No. 1: finding a court to play on.
Since the pandemic, when the paddle sport exploded in popularity, city officials have been grappling with ways to meet the demand for more spaces. But change has been slow — factors ranging from neighborhood drama to a lack of funding to pushback from tennis players worried about their own turf have hampered efforts to expand the number of courts across Southern California.
But things are finally starting to take a turn — or a backspin, as a pickler might say. One inventive solution comes from L.A.-based Swimply, the Airbnb-like platform for homeowners to rent out their pools by the hour. The company recently added pickleball courts to its roster. Players now can scroll through the website or app and find about 20 private pickleball courts available to rent in L.A. County and 300 nationwide, with those numbers increasing rapidly, according to a Swimply rep.
Swimply founder and Chief Executive Bunim Laskin said the company’s mission is to take spaces that are typically exclusive to the wealthiest and help make them accessible to everyone. Adding courts was “a no-brainer,” he added.
“With pools, we are taking a luxury that is owned by few, desired by many, and essentially democratizing that,” he said. “It was the perfect step for us to apply our Swimply magic to pickleball as well.”
The company also rents tennis courts and is exploring expansion into arenas such as private music studios and backyards for events.
The explosion of pickleball, which combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong, has been seen across the U.S. According to a 2023 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Assn., pickleball participation nearly doubled in 2022 and has increased by 158.6% since 2021. Laskin notes that you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy yourself. Less physically strenuous than tennis, the sport has been a godsend for some older players.
“Pickleball is more about the moments you create rather than the sport itself,” he said.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
Nancy Mancini, a pickleball coach and the director of pickleball at Swimply, uses the platform to book courts for her clients — some of whom are celebrities and feel more comfortable using private home courts rather than public ones. She said she has seen pickleball’s power to unite people, especially after the pandemic.
Plantar Fasciitis Can Ruin Your Pickleball Game
“What’s wrong, John?” I said after I saw a player grimace between shots on the pickleball court. “My foot is killing me,” he said through clenched teeth.
Turns out he has plantar fasciitis. An extremely painful foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia provides support to the arch of your foot and helps absorb shock during walking and playing pickleball.
Luckily and fingers crossed, I have never experienced that kind of pain, but so many pickleball players have and it is debilitating usually causing them to suspend playing pickleball. Yikes! Having plantar fasciitis can ruin your pickleball game!
When the plantar fascia is excessively strained, it can develop small tears and become irritated, leading to plantar fasciitis. This condition is often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, such as playing pickleball too much. It can also be associated with certain risk factors, including flat feet, high arches, obesity, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper or unsupportive footwear.
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of the heel, which may be sharp or dull. The pain is usually worse in the morning when taking the first steps after waking up or after prolonged periods of rest. It may also worsen with activity and improve with rest. In some cases, the pain can extend along the arch of the foot.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen the pain and giving the foot adequate rest.
- Applying ice packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Performing specific exercises to stretch the calf muscles and plantar fascia and strengthen the foot muscles.
- Orthotic devices: Wearing supportive shoes or using orthotic inserts to provide better arch support and cushioning.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Make an appointment with a podiatrist or a physical therapist. They may provide additional treatment modalities like ultrasound therapy, massage, or taping techniques.
- Night splints: These devices keep the foot in a stretched position while sleeping to alleviate morning pain and stiffness.
- In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
9. Surgery is rarely necessary and is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatments after several months. I have met a couple of people who have had surgery though, with great results.
(Another good article to read. The Amazing Benefits of Rolling Out Your Feet)
How to avoid plantar fasciitis.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Choose supportive footwear or use inserts specially made for plantar fasciitis.
- Gradually increase activity levels: When starting a new exercise routine or increasing your physical activity, do so gradually. Sudden, intense activities can strain the plantar fascia. Allow your body time to adjust and strengthen gradually.
- Warm up and stretch: Before engaging in any physical activity, warm up your muscles and perform stretching exercises for your feet and calves. This helps prepare your muscles and reduces the risk of injury.
- Avoid prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces: If your job or daily activities involve long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces, try to take breaks, wear supportive shoes, or use cushioned mats to reduce the impact on your feet.
- Maintain a healthy foot posture: Practice good foot posture by avoiding excessive rolling inwards (pronation) or outwards (supination) of the feet. If you have any foot abnormalities or imbalances, consider using orthotic inserts or arch supports prescribed by a podiatrist.
- Strengthen your foot and leg muscles: Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs, as strong muscles provide better support to the plantar fascia. Calf stretches, toe curls, and toe towel scrunches are some examples of exercises that can help.
- Take regular breaks from repetitive activities: If you have a job or hobby that involves repetitive foot movements (such as running or standing for long periods), try to take regular breaks and vary your activities to avoid overstraining the plantar fascia.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to any foot pain or discomfort. If you experience persistent heel pain or other symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis, seek early treatment and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain or suspect plantar fasciitis, it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treat it before plantar fasciitis places you on the bench.
Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry, Founder and owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization
941-400-0978 or dinkpickleball@gmail.com