The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: Mother's Day play and guidance for new tournament players
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#076 May 7, 2026 | Read on the web Video covers the basics for first-time tournament playersI had played pickleball casually a few times, but in 2019 I competed in a little tournament at Pickle in the Park in Northville, NY, and from that moment, I was HOOKED on pickleball. Tournaments are a blast, but playing in your first one can be a little intimidating. So, YMCA Tournament Director Jennifer Kendrick, myself and pickleball ref KK Kear held a Zoom webinar to help explain what tournaments are like for first-time players. The 30-minute video explains starter bands, round robins, the pickleball "coin toss" to figure out who starts first and some general tips for tournament day. It covers all the basics. FULL STORY: https://www.pickleball518.com/pickleball-tournaments-101-webinar-for-players-curious-about-tournaments/ Unfortunately, registering for tournaments can be the trickiest part some times. The video below shows you to sign up for PickleballTournament.com for the first time. New tournament players should watch for novice-friendly tournaments like the upcoming Dink for A Cure that have age divisions and novice and intermediate categories. Give it a try!
Roadtrip? Refurbished courts celebration planned in Manchester, VermontA ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for the newly refurbished courts at Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park in Manchester, VT, about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Troy. The facility includes six dedicated pickleball courts and one tennis court with blended lines. The event will include pickleball challenge courts, cardio tennis samplings and demonstrations, and refreshments. Admission is free and open to the public. The ribbon-cutting celebration is set for Sunday, May 17, from 3–6 p.m. You can find games at the park listed on Playtime Scheduler under the Southern Vermont region. Or email pickleball organizer Whitney Kraft at twhit10s@gmail.com.
Mother’s Day events on the schedule this SundayThere are many Ladies Open Plays on the schedule this Sunday, Mother's Day, and gift cards are for sale at all local pickleball venues. At FryeGuys, all the women on the court will get a carnation. Ladies-only open play sessions at True are $5 per player and for private court reservations, women play for free if there are three other paying players on the court. Happy Mother's Day everyone! Picklers offers a series of Saturday night laddersPicklers in Menands has a lineup of partner-based ladders in May, meaning you stay with the same partner for the entire night. Teams that win move up to a court with tougher competition. It's a fun way to find good competition. True Pickleball Club announces summer kids clinicsTrue Pickleball Club will offer kids clinics throughout the summer, with standalone sessions designed around the skill level of registered participants. Players may register for individual days or multiple sessions. Sessions include June 29 from 2–4 p.m., July 13 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., and July 27 from 4–6 p.m., with additional sessions scheduled later in July and August. Register on Court Reserve. Multi-day and sibling discounts are available. Discount inquiries can be directed to Greg at manager@playtruepc.com.
Mary Pat Knepper teaches clinics at Columbia CourtsColumbia Courts has released its May lineup of clinics, offering sessions for beginners through intermediate and advanced players. All clinics are $8 per court fees + $15 for instructor, Mary Pat Knepper.
Sign up on Columbia Courts' Court Reserve.
Picklers announces spring morning leaguesPicklers has opened registration for its spring morning leagues, with play beginning the second full week of May. The Wednesday Early Bird coed league will run from 8–10 a.m. from May 13 through July 8, while the Thursday Ladies 55+ league will take place from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. from May 14 through July 9. Both leagues run for eight weeks and feature structured match play with standings and championship T-shirts awarded to top finishers. League fees remain unchanged at $90 for the Early Bird league and $125 for the Ladies 55+ league. https://www.picklerspickleball.club Phone: (518) 729-2022 Mixed doubles league forming at FryeGuysAn intermediate mixed league is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 19, and will run for six weeks. https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Events/Public/13037/2055851 FryeGuys is also planning a “School’s Out for Summer” tournament June 27–28. Intermediate men’s and women’s divisions are planned for June 27, followed by mixed intermediate and advanced play on June 28. Additional details are expected.
Quad State pickleball challenge set for May 16 in West Dover, VTTeams from New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts are scheduled to compete in the second annual Quad State Pickleball Challenge at Southern Vermont Pickleball Club. Pickleball518 is a sponsor of the New York team. Team rosters have already been selected, but spectators are welcome. The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, and will feature competitive matches along with raffles, a silent auction and food available on site. Proceeds will benefit the MEF2C Family Foundation, which supports research and families affected by a rare genetic condition impacting brain development. The Southern Vermont Pickleball Club is located at The Farm Road Annex, 155 Route 100, West Dover. If weather forces the competition indoors, it will be held at the Rally House in Hatfield, Mass. True Pickleball Club lowers prices in May pricingTrue Pickleball Club has announced updated pricing for May, with open play set at $12.50 and court reservations priced at $15 per person, per hour. The updated rates apply across programming, including open play, leagues, clinics and court reservations. Sportime announces 25% off pickleball gear saleSportime is offering 25% off all pickleball gear at its pro shop through May 31.
I am seeing a lot more people wearing eye protection. It is very encouraging! Be safe out there. I hope to see you on the court, Cathleen
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Pickleball518: Pickleball news from Upstate New York
The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
#078 June 11, 2026 | Read on the web Thank you to so many helpers... It takes a village to run a pickleball tournament, especially at a venue not designed for pickleball. I am very grateful to all the volunteers who made the Dink for A Cure possible. Last weekend's events, which included the Walk for A Cure, raised more than $75,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. You can find a list and photos of the pickleball medalists here and photos from the whole weekend here. I am deeply grateful to the...
#077 May 21, 2026 | Read on the web Pickleball Galaxy tent sale coming in June This week's newsletter has an absurd about of info in it ranging from summer deals at indoor venues, leagues & tournaments looking for players, amazing photos from the Quad State Tournament last weekend in Vermont so keep reading. Let's start with a save-the-date: Pickleball Galaxy at 606 Pierce Road in Clifton Park will hold a two-day Tent Sale on June 9-10 featuring discounts on paddles, shoes and clothing. The...
#075 April 23, 2026 | Read on the web Volunteering at the U.S. Open in Naples I spent last week in Naples, Florida, at the U.S Open (Pickleball). I didn't get into the tournament to play but I volunteered on the court operations team. I don't quite understand why, but I enjoy it. I tried to find every speck of shade! My spectacularly big hat helped. :) Photo by Peter Bojarczuk. Every game is reffed at the Open. Last year, the refs reported the scores. They would walk off the court and go to a...