The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: 50th edition of the Pickleball518 newsletter
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#050 Jan. 16, 2025 | Read on the web Two years, 11 tournaments and 50 newslettersThis is the 50th edition of Pickleball518, which is officially 2 years old. When I first started this newsletter, I knew nearly every subscriber personally. Today it has grown to 3,000 readers and I haven't had the chance to meet all of you. So let me introduce myself. My name is Cathleen Crowley Denbeaux. I live in Guilderland with my husband and daughter. I grew up in Massachusetts with five older and extremely athletic brothers. I always wanted to play whatever they were playing from backyard wiffle ball to nighttime kick-the-can. Softball was my main sport - I played third base. My college coach thought every batter was going to bunt and constantly told me to move closer to the hitter. I saw few bunts, but I developed hand speed that has served me well as a pickleball player.
I spent 27 years as a daily newspaper reporter, including 15 years at the Albany Times Union. The last 8 years at the TU, I worked as a web developer specializing in data visualizations. When I left the newspaper in 2022, I decided to make a living writing about pickleball and running tournaments. I love what I do. The first tournament I ran was a 24-player round-robin at Sportime Schenectady. My biggest event (so far) was the 2024 Dink for a Cure to benefit the Arthritis Foundation at Siena College with 300 players. This year, I will be tournament director (with remote support from the incredible Janice Pauley) at the Connecticut Masters aka CT Senior Games. Thank you for reading and subscribing to Pickleball518. Soon, I will share some news about my next venture. If you'd like to meet me in person, I'd love to meet you. Feel free to drop me a line at cathleen@pickleball518.com and invite me to a game. I'm willing to travel.
Bousquet Sport in Pittsfield, MassI played in a tournament at Bousquet Sport's new indoor pickleball courts. I think the lighting is the best design I've experienced yet. The lights shine toward white ceiling and light bounces back on the courts. My video doesn't do justice to how bright and well-lit the courts are. You'll have to go over and see it for yourself. https://fb.watch/x8G228g_aM/ Newport Pickleball ClubI was visiting my cousin who lives in Newport, R.I., and she told me about the Newport Pickleball Club that opened a few weeks ago in an old movie theater. I signed up for an open play and met the owner. https://fb.watch/x8EY2RnMsS/
Downtown Albany tournament canceledWe have lot of tournament dates scheduled for 2025 (see list below) so go ahead and add them to your calendar. Unfortunately, the Capital Center Pickleball Classic in downtown Albany, slated for this MLK weekend, was canceled. It was the third year of the event, which is run by Scott Green of Around the Post Pickleball, based in Long Island. According to an email sent to registered players, the tournament will be rescheduled to November 2026 and Scott explained: Unfortunately for us, it was just bad timing. We are in the final stages of opening a brand-new indoor facility with 9 courts, a restaurant, a bar, cornhole, etc., this month here on Eastern Long Island, and obviously, we have not put in the time necessary to promote, garner sponsors, and put on a product that is both worthwhile for you and us. Our previous times in Albany at the Cap Center have been fabulous events. But it takes a lot of effort, and we couldn’t get it done this time.
We are very proud of the ATPP brand and would never run a half-assed program. Last year, we had 245 players, and we firmly believe we’ll reach that number again. However, without our effort, it can’t happen, and we can’t assume that people will just show up.
We want to thank the Cap Center for their understanding and willingness to make this event a success going forward. Upcoming tournamentsJan. 24-26: Wing City Open at the **new** Erie Canal Pickleball Club in Syracuse NY. Feb. 1 & 2: Winter Classic Tournament at Legacy Pickleball Club Feb. 8 & 9: 4th Annual Cabin Fever Pickleball Tournament at Glens Falls YMCA Feb 16: Love Dinks! Mixed Doubles at Southern Saratoga YMCA March 1-2: APA Tournament in Latham Divisions are based on age brackets and skill level. https://apatournaments.com/product/the-albany-amateur-open/ May 16-18: Connecticut Masters (Senior Games) June 5-8: 3rd Annual Dink for a Cure Pickleball Tournament, Wellness Expo and Walk for A Cure June 14 & 15: Flutters of Hope (rain-date June 21 & 22) June 18, 19, 20: Empire State Senior Games June 27-29: Nutmeg Games (divisions for youth and adults) July 26-27: 5th Annual Chuck Allen Memorial Tournament at Jenkinsville Sept. 27: Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament (Rain-date Sept. 28)
Sportime Schenectady offers video replaysSportime has added video replay to its pickleball offerings. The venue now has a camera on its championship court and for an additional $10, you can have access to the Save My Play video platform. You can do instant replays, record your games and watch them later, and you can live stream games. Here are the latest pickleball programs at Sportime. Junior Pickleball Academy Cardio Pickleball DUPR Up/Down Valentines events at True PickleballGalentine’s Night — Feb. 8 Valentine’s Night
If one of your New Year's resolutions was to learn pickleball, there are plenty of opportunities at local clubs. You can find contact info for all the clubs here: https://www.pickleball518.com/list-of-indoor-pickleball-clubs-in-capital-region-of-new-york/ At Sportime SchenectadyBeginner Pickleball Clinic Beginner Pickleball League Text 518-535-9180 to sign up. At True Pickleball in LathamBeginner Clinics
Advanced Beginner Clinic
Beginner to Advanced Beginner Clinic
True instructor rolls out a pickleball coaching experimentSean O'Donnell has created a new, unique coaching clinic at True Pickleball. It's called Pickleball Game Lab with Sean O’Donnell. There are four players on the court for an hour. The cost is $35 pp. Sean breaks it down: Here’s how it works: Participants play organized games while I coach them in real-time. I’ll pause between points to explain strategies, missed opportunities, and ways to adjust for better results. During the session, I use SwingVision to record the games. This technology helps capture everything from rally lengths to shot accuracy, giving us deeper insights into a player’s performance.
After the session, I dive into the footage myself and sometimes even with two other highly advanced players. Within two days, I send each player game clips along with detailed feedback on their strengths, areas to improve, and even specific drills they can practice. I also include an estimated skill rating to help players understand approximately where they stand.
Example of Swing Vision video https://swing.vision/matches/sw2-wUXzTRs
I also offer Beginner, Intermediate clinics as well a Ball Machine Bootcamp. Find these and many other classes on CourtReserve at True Pickleball Club. Contact me to schedule your sessions at 518-210-5371
Amateur Pickleball League hosts inaugural season in Capital RegionThe Amateur Pickleball League (APL) has 100 players in the Capital Region and is recruiting more. Founded by Mike Barker, owner of Xtreme Pickleball Club in Amsterdam and creator of VAIR player ratings, the league offers competitive and flexible play opportunities for all skill levels. A former semi-pro football player in the Empire Football League, Mike created a region-based league structure reminiscent of his football days. Learn more about Mike: A Former Semi-Pro Football Player Creates a National League for Pickleball. APL sessions are currently hosted at Xtreme Pickleball Club and Picklers, with plans to expand to more venues. The season runs through March 1, followed by playoffs on March 8 and 9, with $2,000 in cash prizes. Flexible Ladder Format Looking for League Ambassadors Current ambassadors include:
Register to play To register for the APL, first create an account and profile on https://www.vairified.com/. Then use one of the ambassador's links to signup and play. Stay connected with APL through TeamReach using code nypickle1.
I am always looking for tips about pickleball news, courts and people. Local players, pickleball organizers and coaches are welcome to send your news, stories and photos and I will publish them. Feel free to drop me a note if you have some news to share at cathleen@pickleball518.com, or invite me to a game. :) See you on the court, Cathleen
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Pickleball518 newsletter archive
The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
#053 April 10, 2025 | Read on the web Good pickleball, good causes and good fun Play pickleball and support a charity? That's a win for everyone. Several charities are holding pickleball events in the upcoming months. June 6-8: 3rd Annual Dink for A Cure at Siena College Siena's field house will be transformed into 16 pickleball courts in a team-style event to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Community Weekend includes an open play, wellness expo, Walk for A Cure and the...
Hello Reader, The 3rd Annual Dink for A Cure pickleball tournament is here! This year’s tournament is all about TEAMS – bringing friends, colleagues, and communities together for an unforgettable weekend of pickleball, wellness, and giving back. The pickleball tournament will be held June 6-8 at Siena College. The event is part of the Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Community Weekend, which raises vital funds to support children and adults living with arthritis. The weekend includes a Walk...
#052 Feb. 27, 2025 | Read on the web My new pickleball venture: a national newsletter I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'd have some news about a new pickleball project I am working on. Here it is: PickleVisor When I started organizing pickleball events for players a few years ago, I was desperate for advice and guidance. I muddled through and figured things out. Whenever I met an experience tournament director or league organizer, I peppered them with questions. I'm still not an expert, but...