#051 Feb. 7, 2025 | Read on the web​

So much pickleball news...

Hello everyone. I hope you are staying warm. This latest edition is packed with info about clinics, leagues, tournaments and news. Make sure you read to the end for info about a pickleball job opportunity.

You can still register for the Glens Falls YMCA Cabin Fever tournament that starts TOMORROW (Feb. 8) with gender doubles. Mixed doubles are Sunday. The tournament supports programs at the Glens Falls YMCA.

Email Tournament Director Mary Hilliard ASAP at maryhilliard@hotmail.com if you want to play. There are spots available. Mary will accept signups until midnight tonight, but sooner is better. :)

This is a little outside the 518 but ... registration is open for the Connecticut Senior games. It is a great tournament that takes place at The Tennis and Fitness Center of Rocky Hill from May 16-18.

Typically, the tournament draws more than 400 players over age 50.

This year I am co-tournament director with veteran pickleball director Janice Pauley. Janice will be remote and I will be on-site. Janice is my role model and mentor. She has run the biggest tournaments in the Northeast for decades and as many of you know, she creates an excellent player experience. Her tournaments are well organized and run smoothly.

The tournament is just outside of Hartford. If you are age 50 or older, I hope you sign up. There are doubles and singles events for all skills: https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2025-connecticut-masters-games-pickleball-tournament​

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day at True

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Enjoy light fare, a beverage, and two hours of pickleball on Friday, Feb. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Limited spaces available.https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1079124?orgLayout=true​

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Winter Trivia Night Mixer hosted by ADK Pickleball Club

The ADK Pickleball Club is having a "Winter Trivia Night" mixer at Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls on Wednesday, March 12. All are welcome. The beer hall is located at 62 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 6:30 p.m. Common Roots also has its own pickleball courts, though this event does not include pickleball. https://commonrootsbrewing.com/events-calendar/pickleball/​

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Round-Robin to support the Capital Region Veterans Memorial

The Capital Region Legacy Project is a local non-profit that aims to honor the region’s fallen heroes while fostering a supportive environment for veterans and their families. The group is holding a pickleball round robin to raise money to build war memorials to honor local veterans.

Mary Brandt, of the Capital Region Legacy Project, is heading up the effort. If you are interested in being a sponsor of the event, contact her at 518-495-2524 or thecrvm@gmail.com.

The event will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Legacy Pickleball Club in Ballston Spa. The cost is $40 per person. Register here:https://app.courtreserve.com//Online/Events/Details/10141/PU9HF7J10141815?resId=30912696​

To learn more about the Legacy Project, visit their website at: https://capitalregionveteransmemorial.org/​

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Kids programs at True Pickleball in Latham

True has some upcoming programs for kids led by coaches Brian and Mary Rose...

Youth Pickleball series

Saturdays in February | 9–10 a.m.​
This clinic will cover rules, court positioning, strategies, and proper techniques for key shots, including serves and returns. Sessions will include instruction, guided play, drills, and games. Led by Coaches Brian and Mary Rose.https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1095770?orgLayout=true​

Child/Guardian Beginner Clinic (Ages 8–15)

Sundays in February | 2–3 p.m.​
Beginner-friendly instruction on the fundamentals of pickleball, including rules, serves, returns, drills, and structured play. https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1117972?orgLayout=true​

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Pickleball for kids during February school break

SPORTIME Schenectady runs fun school break camps. (My daughter has attended them.) Of course, campers get to play pickleball on Sportime's dedicated courts. For info about camp, text 518-535-9180 .

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APL inaugural season extended

The APL has created a buzz at local pickleball venues. I am hearing that is competitive pickleball at a great price.

The Amateur Pickleball League (APL) has extended its first season. The season will now run through March 15, with playoffs scheduled for March 22–23.

APL has also launched the Partners Mixed League, open to teams of all skill levels.

Read more here: https://www.pickleball518.com/registration-is-open-for-amateur-pickleball-leagues/​

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Pro clinic at Southern Saratoga YMCA

March 28–31​
Senior Pro Joey Brandes is traveling from Florida to lead eight four-hour sessions covering skills and strategy. Limited spaces remain, mostly in the evening sessions. https://cdymca.org/program-search?step=results&selectedLocations=B339&searchKeywords=pickleball​
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Clinic at True Pickleball

Low Intermediate/Intermediate Instructor-Led Play

Thursday, Feb. 20 | 5–6 p.m.​
Players will drill essential shots and participate in structured games. Coaches will provide guidance on strategy, shot selection, and positioning. Led by Coaches Brian and Mary Rose.https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1123350?orgLayout=true​

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Clinics offered at the Guilderland YMCA

Instructor David Greene will be leading several of the upcoming pickleball clinics at the Guilderland YMCA. All of the clinics below begin the last week of February.

Novice Pickleball – Guided Play

This session is for players who know the basics and are ready for match play. Instruction includes serving, scoring, driving the ball, receiving stances, and guided play.
​https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=99694&sid=3175202​

Lower Intermediate Ladder League (3.0–3.5)

Focus on serving variety, soft and power shots, dinking, lobbing, backhands, and match strategy. Includes guided play.
​https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=99694&sid=3175207​

High Intermediate Ladder League (3.5–4.0)

Covers third-shot drops, strategic shot placement, slice and topspin techniques, teamwork, and anticipating opponents' shots. Includes guided play.
​https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=99694&sid=3175209​

Beginner Pickleball Instruction

Introductory session covering the fundamentals of pickleball, including rules, scoring, and basic techniques.
​https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=11080&sid=3175198​
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Upcoming tournaments

(Registration closes Feb. 14!) Feb 16: Love Dinks! Mixed Doubles​
Mixed doubles 50/50… one player needs to be over 50 one player under 50!!
​https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/love-dinks-50-over-50-under-split-age​

March 1-2: APA Tournament in Latham Divisions are based on age brackets and skill level. ​https://apatournaments.com/product/the-albany-amateur-open/​​

March 15: A one-day MLP tournament at SPORTIME SCHENECTADY
Sponsored by Diadem. Text 518-535-9180 to sign up.

March 21-23: 2nd Annual Paddles in Bloom at the Schenectady YMCA​
This charity tournament is sponsored by the Mohawk Pickleball Club and will raise money for the Schenectady YMCA. Registration info to come.

April 25 – May 3: US Open, Naples, Fla.

May 16-18 Registration is open: Connecticut Masters (Senior Games) Rocky Hill, Conn.
​https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2025-connecticut-masters-games-pickleball-tournament​

June 5-8: 3rd Annual Dink for a Cure Pickleball Tournament, Wellness Expo and Walk for A Cure​
Siena College, to support the Arthritis Foundation. A Pickleball518 tournament. Registration to come.

June 14 & 15, 2025: Flutters of Hope (rain-date June 21 & 22)
McGregor Links in Wilton, Saratoga County to benefit Flutters of Hope.
​https://www.fluttersofhopeinc.org​

June 27-29: Nutmeg Games (divisions for youth and adults)​
Rocky Hill, Conn.

July 26-27: 5th Annual Chuck Allen Memorial Tournament at Jenkinsville
​https://www.adkpickleball.com/​

Save the date: Oct. 4: Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament (Rain-date Oct. 5)​
Save the date!
​https://www.bethlehemseniorproject.org/bethlehem-pickleball-tournament-fundraiser​

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Diego Lebron to lead pickleball programs at Impact

Impact Athletic Center in Halfmoon has hired the wonderful Diego Lebron as their pickleball coordinator. He will be holding lessons there and will be creating pickleball programs for kids and adults. More info to come!

Bousquet Sports in is looking to hire a new instructor

The Pittsfield, Mass., pickleball club is searching for a full-time pickleball instructor to join their staff. The job pays $30,000 to $35,000. A level 2 IPTPA certified instructor is preferred. For more info, visit: https://bousquetsport.com/jobs/​

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Are you ready to be a pickleball broadcaster?

Friend and colleague Mark Vinciguerra is looking for someone to be the on-air voice for an upcoming pickleball tournament. Mark owns several community newspapers and has been broadcasting local sports on Youtube. Mark's crew will be broadcasting from Jenn Kendrick's next YMCA tournament. He is looking for someone to be the on-air personality for the broadcast. If you are interested, drop him a line at mark.vinciguerra@nyvtmedia.com.

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Video is available on Sportimes championship court

Save My Play is ready to use on court 5 at SPORTIME Schenectady. The video records your game, live streams it and saves the recording with all the dead time cut out. You can also hit a button on your phone to save a great point to a hightlight reel.

The cost is an additional $10 on top of the court reservation (valid anywhere between 30-120 minutes of court time rental). It's very easy to use all you have to do is scan the QR code at the front desk.

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I hope you found a warm spot to play pickleball and I hope to see you on the court,

Cathleen
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• ​List of indoor pickleball clubs in Capital Region​
• ​Map of pickleball courts in Greater Capital Region​
• ​List of upcoming tournaments in Greater Capital Region​
• ​List of pickleball instructors in Greater Capital Region​

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