Category: Pickleball

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Dill Dinkers? What’s That All About?

Blog image of Dill Dinkers facility

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.

Tim and Heather Dull

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.”

Drilling board Click to check price

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.

https://amzn.to/3vJru61
Click here for price

 

Click here for price

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 Terry

 

 

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Pickleball: Redefining Retirement

Pickleball: redefining pickleball

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 shoe
    New Balance Pickleball Shoes Click on the picture
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.New Balance Pickleball Shoes

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.

Thanks for reading,
Pickleball Terry
A comic of 2 squirrels playing pickleball
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The Question I Get Asked Most Coaching Pickleball

image of blog for sarasota 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

Pickleball Terry

 

 

 

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5 Ways to Keep Your Eye on The Ball in Pickleball

IMAGE OR 5 TIPS ON KEEPING 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:

  1.  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
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

picture of pickleball Terry

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Pickleball Terry’s Favorite Things

Christmas is coming and to help you pick the perfect pickleball gifts, I have put together my favorite things.

 

Court Shoes

fila court shoes

FILA Womens Double Bounce White/Pink Glo/Metallic Silver Pickleball Shoes

 

court shoes

Skechers Women’s Viper Court-Athletic Indoor Outdoor Pickleball Shoes with Arch Fit Support Sneakers

 

asic court shoes

https://amzn.to/3PfHbaoASICS Women’s Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

 

Pickleball bag

 

Gearbox bag

Gearbox Court Backpack

 

Pickleball Bag

LOB Pickleball Bag for Men and Women Multipack – with Accessories for Your Equipment Essentials Extra Pouch – Fence Hook – Nylon Mesh Bag with Two Water Bottle Holders Pickle Ball Paddle Bag (Blue)

 

Hit Happy Necklace for pickleball

Pickleball Paddle Pendant Necklace – Pickleball Gifts For Women

 

Pickleball Trivia Game

Pickleball Trivia Game – Full First Edition (500 Cards)

 

Pickleball T Shirt

I Don’t Always Play Pickleball Oh Wait Yes I Do Tshirt

 

 

Pickleball Strategy Book

Pickleball Strategy Book: Improve Your Pickleball Game and Dominate Your Opponent by Mastering Advance Winning Strategies, Ball Control, and Stroke … Guide (Mastering the Game of Pickleball)

 

Pickleball Survival Bag

WZMPA Pickleball Girl Cosmetic Makeup Bag Pickleball Player Gift Pickleball Girl Survival Kit Makeup Zipper Pouch Bag Pickleball Training Gift (Pickleball Girl)

 

Pickleball coloring book

I Love Pickleball: Adult Coloring Book: Relaxing Activity for Players and Parties, Funny Quotes, Mandalas, Flowers and Pop Art Designs (Pickleball Gifts for Women)

 

Bend Your Knees Louise Book

Bend Your Knees, Louise! Paperback

 

Onix Pure Pickleball

Onix Pure 2 Pickleball Balls – Outdoor Pickleballs

 

Dura Fast 40

Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs | Outdoor Pickleball Balls | Neon | Pack of 6 | USAPA Approved and Sanctioned for Tournament Play

 

Gearbox Paddle

Gearbox CX14E – Orange – 8.0oz Pickleball Paddle

 

Gearbox CP7 Pickleball Paddle (7.8 OZ)

 

Anti smell laundry

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer, color, , Multi 90 Fl Oz Crisp Linen

 

Tide Odor Rescue In-Wash Laundry Booster Pacs, 27 Count per pack, 21 Ounce

 

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended, 1.7 oz Pump

 

ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++ | Sebum-free, Non-Sticky, Long Lasting Protection, 100% Mineral Based Sunscreen | Kbeauty

 

Native Deodorant | Natural Deodorant for Women and Men, Aluminum Free with Baking Soda, Probiotics, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter | Coconut & Vanilla

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What Makes Pickleball Great?

What makes pickleball the fastest growing sport in the country right now? Is it because it is simple to learn? No. (The scoring system is enough to spin a beginner’s head off.) Is it because it is easy to play? Yes and no. It was easy when I started and now…wham! The balls come at me at lightning speed.

So, what makes it the fastest growing sport in the country?  Answer:  It is because of the OPEN PLAY/DROP-IN part that makes it so popular.

Blink Outdoor Camera – Early Prime Day Deals

My friend told me she went to a hoity toity tennis club and they were playing something called POP TENNIS. “Have you ever played?” she said enthusiastically. I admitted I had never heard of it. “It’s going to be the new craze,” she told me.

I Googled it. They use 1/2 a tennis court. Same rules as tennis. Smaller racket. Foam ball. Touted as EASIER on the knees than regular tennis. Then I noticed that the YouTube video I was watching was from 6 years ago. Why hasn’t that caught on like pickleball? Because you have to belong to a club. Then you have to get 3 other people to play. Yada yada yada. That’s sort of where tennis has failed, hasn’t it?

I don’t want the pressure of having to find 3 other people to play. BORING! Troublesome!  What I want to do. and thousands of other pickleball players want to do, is go to the courts and drop into a game. If you are opening COUNTY COURTS and requiring people to reserve courts to play pickleball, you are missing the point. The beauty of pickleball is being able to go to a court and play with players who are soon to be friends. Pickleball is very social. Who wants to play with the same people over and over again. Isn’t that what caused the decline in tennis?

image of 2 lions snuggling pickleball meme

Oh yes, there is a decline in tennis. My business was by tennis courts in the 80s, and there was a line of people to play. The rules posted said something about you could only play 30mins then you had to let the next group of 4 play. By the time I left 20 years later, nobody was playing on the courts and the only thing left on the courts were a few brown leaves getting blow about by the wind.

image of woman falling backwards and the rule 1 don't go backwards

Now. municipalities are quick to realized tennis courts were being under utilized and converted them into pickleball courts. Some, not wanting to offend the few old timers who still played tennis, would combine the 2 sports on the courts by keeping the tennis nets and adding pickleball lines. More progressive Parks and Recs would convert tennis courts entirely into pickleball courts, thereby, keeping up with the ever growing demand for pickleball courts.

Some town and government officials tried to keep their heads in the sand and pretend that pickleball didn’t exist, or it was a temporary trend. You can tell which towns or cities were in the the right progressive direction by how fast they reacted to the  growing sport by erecting dedicated pickleball courts for their citizens. It didn’t matter what their budgets were. I have witness the poorest communities react quicker to the trend then the wealthier cities. All depends on who is in charge.

Stick figure as bill be like bill

I am now vacationing in Upstate New York in a relatively small town, and they have pickleball courts all around me. I have my pick of where to play. Every place I go they are accommodating and friendly. One place I play is in a beautiful park with 8 dedicated courts that are constantly being maintained. There are 2 boxes with around 6 slots that you can fit 4 paddles into each slot. So, if you want to mix it up, you can put your paddle into any slot you want. The rule is, when you are done playing your game, you must come off the court and put your paddle into a slot even if there are free courts to play in. That way, it keeps it fair. There is no…let’s stay on the court because there are only 2 people waiting. No! That doesn’t happen. These are not your personal, private courts. (To explain  how rural it is, the players on the side closest to the barn is the starting side. That cracked me up the first time I heard that.)

People are so incredibly nice and polite. I never heard a harsh word or an argument over a bad call. Nothing!

I was also invited to a social event that everyone was invited to. Around 100 people attended. There were no cliques that only invited their friends. No club you had to belong to. The way pickleball should be.

Another thing I noticed at the park in NY, is that the intermediates play from 8:00am-10:30am then they leave. I thought…hey, where is every one going? It’s summer and they all had something else to do. Then the beginners and novice people show up to play. There were always a couple of volunteers there to assist them. I was blown away by the system. People were so nice. “No, no, finish your game,” one volunteer said to us when our game went a little long and they needed the court for the beginners. Unbelievable kindness.

And, that is my point. That’s what makes pickleball so great. The wonderful fellow players, the drop-in play, the fun of starting your day off with a great sport, the ability to meet new people and to make new friends, and a fantastic way to get some exercise.

Plus, I can go anywhere and look up on Google PICKLEBALL COURTS NEAR ME and pick up a game of pickleball with strangers. What other sport can you do that? None that I can think of.

As being the self-described SARASOTA’S PICKLEBALL AMBASSADOR from Sarasotapickleball.com, my pickleball heart is always in beautiful Sarasota. I am so proud of how far we have come as far as courts to play, indoors and out. But I need to be able to send people to places such as Pompano Park and Longwood Park, etc. that has drop-in pickleball without being told that they went there and were turned away or were treated unfriendly. Please! NO! Welcome our visitors with open arms and make sure they have a good experience.

you were born with the ability to change someone's life

Did I hear that some people are staying on courts and claiming them to be “theirs,” and no one can join them? (Called COURT HOGGING) Please do not start that trend. Keep pickleball the fun and the inviting sport that makes it great.

If you have a county official that says…it should be just like tennis and you can stay on the court and not let anyone play with you, then he or she doesn’t know the first thing about pickleball  being a social sport.

If a few players want to drill or play competitively together, by all means, play in the afternoon when the courts are empty. Not in the morning where people expect to be able to use the court you are on. I hear reports and people are not talking nicely about the COURT HOGS.  Pickleball news gets around and if you want people talking about you unfavorably in our sweet Sarasota pickleball community, then all you have to do is HOG a court.

Image of a little girl crying

Another annoying thing some pickleball players do (give me a oh yeah if this has happened to you) is they are afraid to make eye contact or say “hi” if they don’t want to play with you. Yup!  What the heck?! They are so afraid that they will have to play with you if they make eye contact?! That is so immature it makes me cringe. Be polite please to all players on the courts. If you do have to play with someone you don’t want to play with, it’s only 10 mins. Geezzzzz.

man playing pickleball with mean look

Lastly, these are not your personal courts. If you want private time, play in the afternoon when the courts are empty or build your own courts. Let’s keep pickleball social and enjoyable. That’s why Pickleball is great!

Thanks for reading.

Pickleball Terry/941-400-0978 or Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

picture of pickleball Terry

 

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Acetaminophen is Dangerous

A photo of people playing pickleball

One day on the pickleball court, the person next to me casually told me they take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as a preventive way to fight pain from playing pickleball every day. I didn’t know what to say. Didn’t they know how dangerous acetaminophen was for the liver? Reading the warning label, the directions are take no more than 1000 mg every 6 hours and do not exceed 6 capsules (500mg each) in 24 hours. Also, only take for 10 days!

This brings back the memory of one of my favorite people in high school, Bobby. He was quite the practically joker and I recall one time when I arrived at a party by the lake we lived by, I got out of my car and he ran over, picked me up and ran down a dock and jumped into the water with me still in his arms. I couldn’t be angry at him as I was soaking wet for the entire party. I just laughed at another Bobby antics. He was the kind of guy everybody liked. He was always smiling, smart and did well at school, and built his own house from the foundation up. It was there that it was the beginning of Bobby’s end. He was working one night by himself in the house he was constructing, when he pulled a stack of drywall that was leaning against the wall looking for a misplaced tool. The drywall came crashing down on Bobby’s leg trapping him for 12 hours before his brother came looking for him after Bobby was missing from work. He was rushed to the hospital almost losing his leg. For years I would glance at the terrible scar on his leg. He limped and was in constant pain. Tylenol was his go-to pain management drug. After years of taking Tylenol, the toxicity built up in his liver and sadly Bobby passed away from liver cancer last year. I was shocked when I read his obituary. He was just one of those guys that made the world a better place.

Acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity if taken over the maximum dose.

The drug is metabolized mainly by the liver and broken down into glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, but a minor percentage of the drug is converted into a highly toxic byproduct called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). NAPQI is typically detoxified in the liver if used safely and sparingly under the recommended guidelines, but too much acetaminophen over an extended period of time can overload the liver and cause toxins to build up. (https://www.tmc.edu/news/2020/05/does-acetaminophen-cause-cancer/)

What about Advil? (Ibuprofen) Is it just as toxic? Instead of being toxic on the liver, ibuprofen is tough on the kidneys. Again, I’m on the pickleball court when a nurse who works in the dialysis department tells me that many of the patients are on dialysis from taking too much Ibuprofen. What??!! I was stunned.

t-shirt for pickleball

According to the National Kidney Foundation, as many as 3 percent to 5 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by the overuse of these painkillers. Once kidney disease occurs, continued use of the problem drug makes it worse.

Nonprescription pain medicines should not be used without your doctor’s permission if you know you have low kidney function. Also, even if your kidney function is good, long–term use with high doses of these pain drugs may harm the kidneys. Kidney damage happens because high doses of the drugs have a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures. These drugs can also reduce the blood flow to the kidney. If you are older, your kidneys may have a stronger reaction to these medicines and you may need a smaller dose.

Kidney disease from pain medicines is often preventable. You can change your risk by how you take medicines. To avoid kidney problems, it is important to follow the instructions on the label.  You should drink plenty of fluids and avoid becoming dehydrated when you use these medicines.

Even with normal kidney function, you should use pain medicines:

  • Exactly as prescribed or as on the label
  • At the lowest dose possible
  • For the shortest period of time.

man in pain

What are analgesics?

Analgesics are medicines that help to control pain and reduce fever, and some types also decrease inflammation. These are commonly used analgesics:

Acetaminophen. Although aspirin was most common analgesic for decades, today, the most commonly used over–the–counter pain medicine is acetaminophen. This drug is available under the brand name Tylenol® and as a generic (no brand name) with the word “acetaminophen” on the package. It is often effective for mild to moderate pain. Its safety depends on how it is used. People who take too much or take it too often risk side effects or worse. Acetaminophen is also found in combination with other ingredients in many cold, sinus, and cough medications. If you take these drugs together, the dose can add up.

Aspirin. This is one of the drugs grouped together under the name “nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs” or NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a specific group of pain relievers. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter. This includes different brands of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen.

picture of a box of Tylenol and Advil

Another warning on the Tylenol and Advil box is take no longer than 10 days! There are players on the court that take Tylenol like they are Tic Tacs. Why? Because it is an OTC drug, and people have the impression that they are harmless. Sadly, this is not true. Taken at a higher dose than recommended or using when you are also drinking cocktails at night, can be a deadly combination.

So, what can you do if you have constant pain? Well, the old story of the patient who goes to his doctor and says it hurts every time he bends his arm, and the doctor tells him to stop doing that, is true. If banging your knees on hard asphalt is causing pain, it may be time not to play as much.

Natural pain relievers like turmeric may give relief. https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/surprising-natural-pain-killers#boswellia

Talking to your doctor about pain relief is a definite conversation to have with them. Discuss your concern with long-term OTC pain relief.

The takeaway to this blog is, taking OTC pain relief is serious and can cause damage to your liver and kidneys. Definitely stop taking Advil and Tylenol as a PREVENTATIVE pain solution for more than 10 days is not advised. Read the the back of the box or Google Tylenol risks. The next time you want to take an OTC pain reliever, you’ll give it a second thought.

Stay safe on the courts.

Pickleball Terry 941-400-0978

a picture of pickleball Terry for Sarasota Pickleball a cure for depression

 

 

 

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Playing Pickleball in the Heat and How it Affects Your Heart

playing pickleball in the heat and how it affects your heart

You remember living in the cold, northern part of the country and how people, mostly men, would go out to shovel snow, and a few ended up in the emergency room, or even worse, face first into the sidewalk? That was because shoveling heavy snow caused stress to the heart, and if you’re in advanced years or have an underlying heart condition, shoveling snow is going to cause a heart attack. The same thing is going to happen if you play pickleball in extremely hot temperatures, and to add even more stress, soul-sucking humidity.

I’m not just picking on Florida about the heat, I remember torturous,  long heat spells in northern New York, when it was so hot the horses were not allowed to run at the track in Saratoga Springs. Air conditioning is very limited in northern New York, They are too stubborn to admit they need it. When I was working in New York, I had a large clubhouse with central air conditioning, and this is where people would come and just hangout to escape the heat. In the morning, I would step over sleeping bodies. But back to playing pickleball in the heat in Florida.

women suffering from heat for Sarasota pickleball

Sad to report, that two people had heart attacks on the pickleball courts just last week in the area, and one did not make it. I can’t imagine what they went through and the other players around them that were trying their best to help.

Hot temperatures combined with playing pickleball puts stress on everyone’s heart by causing it to beat faster and works harder to keep the body cool. Throw in a lack of keeping up with hydration, and if there is any kind of underlying heart condition….well, that’s a recipe for disaster. I know we are all addicted to pickleball, but I don’t think we want to sacrifice our life for it.

And please bring ice! I see players come to the courts in 90 degree temperature with high humidity, and they have one bottle of water. Nope! That’s not going to work. You perspire around 34 ounces of water while playing for just an hour. Of course, some people sweat more because of medications they are taking, being overweight, overall health, and lack of physical fitness. And some people just sweat a lot. (Hello Sweaty Dan!)

Things to do to prevent a heart attack on the court.

  • Go to your doctor for a stress test and heart health check.
  • Try to play indoors or early in the morning, late at night.
  • Don’t play as many games as you do in cooler weather.  (Three hours of continuous play in this heat! Really?!)
  • Play a game then sit out two. (I know, torture!)
  • Don’t play everyday.
  • Drink 17 to 20 ounces or water before you play.
  • Bring a cooler of ice. Make sure you ice your water to cool yourself down with between games. Strive to drink 8 to 10 ounces between games. Put a pinch of sea salt in your drinking water.
  • At the first wave of dizziness, please sit down, rest, then go home and soak in your pool or stay inside with A/C.
  • If you feel very unwell, (heat stroke or exhaustion can strike suddenly) ask another player to call 911. Better safe than sorry.
  • Good gracious! What are you doing playing in a summertime pickleball tournament?! It’s too hot!

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Cool, moist skin
  • Possibly a sudden headache
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling like you have lost peripheral vision
  • Loss of balance

Misting fan/Portable Click Here 

The more serious one…Heat Stroke!

  • Irrational behavior. (Yes, sometimes hard to recognize on the pickleball court.)
  • Weak pulse
  • Dry/hot skin to the touch
  • Seizure
  • Unconsciousness

Did you know that if you are taking certain medications, you are more likely to have heat related problems?

  • Beta Blockers
  • Ace inhibitors
  • Calcium channel blockers

Please keep it safe on the courts this summer. There are plenty of places to play indoors around Sarasota. Church of the Palms, CoreSRQs, Health Fit, RL Taylor. Venice Community Center on Mondays. Englewood Sports Complex. GT Bray has shade on their outdoor courts, and I hope that the Pickleball Club with indoor courts would please open soon.

Stay cool, Stay hydrated. Don’t overdo it.  (If you think you have a pickleball addiction problem, call 941-400-0978)

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry

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Terry Ryan or Pickleball Terry with friends
Pickleball Terry

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

Founder and owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization LLC
Sarasotapickleball.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Are You Addicted to Pickleball?

Might as well face it you’re addicted to pickleball.  That’s a twist on the song MIGHT AS WELL FACE IT YOU’RE ADDICTED TO LOVE.  Ha ha! It is real? The addiction?

Let’s look at the signs you may be addicted:

  • Lack of control, or inability to stay away from playing pickleball
  • Abandoning commitments or ignoring relationships to play pickleball
  • Ignoring risk factors as in playing on an injured knee even though your doctor told you not to
  • Physical effects, like withdrawal symptoms or needing to play more and more pickleball

Most people reading this will check off all four, and I am also in that group. Case and point: I broke my toe a while back and my doctor told me to wear an orthopedic boot for 3 weeks until my next appointment, and no pickleball. Did I listen? Nope! I shoved my foot into a court shoe every morning and played through the pain. Once I took that shoe off, my foot would blowup like a balloon, and I would soak it in ice water until I could limp around again. Ugh! I know!

The other day, I went to the courts and ran into people I haven’t seen in awhile. Veteran players who started this wonderful sport called PICKLEBALL around the same time I did, and it seemed like they all had different injuries that they were trying to work around. Plantar fasciitis. Rotator cuff tears. Meniscus injuries. Tennis elbow.  Sciatica pain. I’m thought, it looks like they have all come back from being in a war, and the war is pickleball. Oh, the limping, the moaning and the rubbing of sore parts. It was sad to see.

Take some time off

Hey, it’s okay, that’s right, OKAY to take some time off. In fact, it can help your game. Playing non-stop can be bad for your play. Doing the same mistake over and over again may just being adding insult to injury. Stepping away for a couple of weeks or a month may be just what your body ordered.  I know you may have FOMO (fear of missing out), but you’ll be fine and probably better when you come back.

What do the orthopedics at SMH call pickleball? Oh, that’s right CRIPPLEBALL! They see so many injuries from pickleball it has earned it the nickname “crippleball.” They secretly despise pickleball, but I don’t know why, it’s good $$$ for the doctors.

Pickleball Terry

Skirt with leggings

Things people have told me:

  • I can’t wait to get finished with physical therapy so I can get back to pickleball.
  • I broke up with her because nothing gets in the way of my pickleball!
  • I can play with my left hand until my shoulder heals from shoulder replacement.
  • I went back up north and I couldn’t wait to get back here to play pickleball because I felt withdrawal symptoms.
  • I’m putting off surgery because I don’t want to take time off from pickleball.

Other ways to know if you are playing too much:

  • You have no other interests or hobbies.
  • You only socialize with people who play pickleball.
  • You dream about pickleball.
  • Your non-pickleball friends and family roll their eyes because all you want to do is talk about pickleball.
  • You have an extensive court shoe collection.
  • You own more than 2 paddles.
  • Every weekend you spend competing in tournaments.
  • You play morning, afternoon and night on the same day.
  • You play more than 3 days a week.
  • You are obsessed with pickleball and feel offended when someone plans a game time and doesn’t invite you.
  • You’ll ditch your bestfriend to play with a better player.
  • You are obsessed with buying different paddles because you think what’s wrong with your game is your paddle.
  • You snap at people on the courts because, let’s say, they don’t run for the ball fast enough. (I have seen this.)
  • You fight with people on the courts.

 

When I coach a beginner for their first time, I say, “Your whole life will change,” and it does. They become addicted and I feel like the dealer.

But we also have a good time. I have the honor and pleasure of playing with many wonderful people. I just want to see them last a long time and play for many years, so I warn them about overdoing it.

Pickleball. It can take over your life. So, be wise and play with care. Have other activities and hobbies besides pickleball.

As a wise man once said, if you’re not having fun, why play?

I always say, “It’s just pickleball.” Or, “Do we have 10k on this game?”

Thanks for reading.a picture of pickleball Terry for Sarasota Pickleball a cure for depression

Pickleball Terry
Founder and CEO of Sarasota Pickleball Organization LLC
Sarasotapickleball.com
PPR Certified Instructor
Seen in Sarasota Magazine, The Scene, VisitSarasota.org.
Head Pickleball Coach at The Isles and Core SRQ Sarasota
All around nice person…

Dinlpickleball@gmail.com
941-400-0978

 

Posted on

Questions Players Ask Me About The Kitchen

Picture of Pickleball Terry

cartoon of coach for Sarasota PickleballIf I had a dollar for every time I am asked a question for clarity about the KITCHEN, A.K.A. the non-volley zone (NVZ), I’d be buying a home in Monaco. The kitchen rules are mind benders for beginners, and especially for former tennis players. I can tell by the way their eyes glaze over that THIS DOES NOT COMPUTE! My patience for repeating and reconfirming the rules again and again deserves an award for determination. Sometimes, my newbie will try to contest the rules, but I calmly repeat, “No, you cannot rush the net and slam the ball unless it bounces in the NVZ.” My newbie’s face, that a second ago had the look of VICTORY, turns into a sour frown. But, but, but….they respond.

Pickleball court for Sarasota Pickleball on kitchen rules

Along with figuring out how to keep score, keeping out of the NVZ ties with -scoring on hard to remember. That 7 feet by 20 feet area is a big hurdle to get over. No, you cannot go in the kitchen unless the ball bounces. Yes, you can hangout in the kitchen all you want but you still can’t hit the ball if it doesn’t first bounce in the kitchen. Oh, that confuses them more than the 2 bounce rule.

So, here are the most questions I answer about the kitchen as a pickleball coach.

Student: So you mean I can’t go into the kitchen?

Me: Yes you can but it’s not a good idea to hangout there because you can’t hit the ball during a volley.

Student: What’s a volley?

Me: It’s when you strike a ball in the air before it bounces.

Student: Can I go into the kitchen after the ball bounces in the kitchen?

Me: Yes, you can enter the kitchen if the ball bounces but it is a good idea to get right back out or you will be a target for the next shot.


Student: Why do you call if the non-volley zone sometimes?

Me: Because kitchen is another name for the non-volley zone or NVZ. A volley is striking the ball before it bounces.

Student: Yeah, but why “kitchen.”

Me: Because pickleball is several sports put together and KITCHEN comes from shuffle board. You are penalized for being in the kitchen in shuffleboard.

A picture of shuffleboard rules for Sarasota pickleball

Student: Can I go into the kitchen before the ball bounces?

Me: Yes you can.

Student: Do I have to go out of the kitchen and back in to hit a ball?

Me: If the ball bounces in the kitchen again you don’t have to go out and back into the kitchen.

Student: What if I hit it in the air?

Me: Then you do have to be out of the kitchen and both feet have to be on the ground to hit a volley ball right after you hit a ball that bounces in the kitchen.

Student: So, you’re saying I can’t rush the net?

Me: You can if the ball bounces in the kitchen.

Student: Can the ball go into the kitchen during a serve?

Me: No, that’s a fault.

Student: Can I return a ball into the kitchen after it is served to me?

Me: Yes.

Student: Can I go into the kitchen after I hit a volley outside of the kitchen?

Me: No, your momentum cannot take you into the kitchen.

Student: If my toe is on the NVZ line is that considered being in the kitchen?

Me: Yes.


Student: If the ball bounces outside of the kitchen in the court and I hit it then run into the kitchen is that okay.

Me: Yes.

Student: Can the ball strike the NVZ line on the serve?

Me: No. It’s a fault.

Student: If being in the kitchen is so dangerous, why are you always telling me to RUN UP TO THE KITCHEN?

Me: Because being at the kitchen line gives you the advantage of cutting your opponents reaction time and putting the ball away winning the point.

Some other things I point out.

You cannot drop anything in the kitchen during a volley like a hat, a ball that drops out of your pocket, a tissue, etc. It’s a fault.

Your partner cannot pull you out of the kitchen during a volley so you can hit the ball if he/she is standing in the kitchen. It’s a fault.

You cannot hit a dink then strike the net. That’s a fault. A dink is a light hit of the pickleball that drops it just over the net into the kitchen area.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email me at dinkpickleball.com.

Thanks for reading!

Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan
dinkpickleball@gmail.com
941-400-0978
SarasotaPickleball.com – owner/Gearbox Dealer
Pickleball Terry for Sarasota Pickleball

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