My new pickleball adventure


#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 I am an avid student of the planning and organization behind pickleball events. I hope to create a forum for other organizers to learn best practices and share tips.

PickleVisor is not quite launched yet, but it is rolling toward the launch pad. I need your help to get this project off the ground. Over the next few weeks, I will ask for a few favors:

  1. You can help by subscribing to PickleVisor so I can start "warming up" the email system. I have to send test emails to make sure the email system works properly.
  2. When I'm ready to launch the newsletter, I would love your help spreading the word about the newsletter to all your pickleball friends.
  3. The newsletter will be supported by sponsorships. If you know of companies interested in reaching pickleball organizers across the nation, please let me know or tell them to contact me at cathleen@picklevisor.com.

More info to come.

I will continue to publish Pickleball518. The 518 is my home and where you'll find me on the court.


The old YMCA in Duanesburg has pickleball again

4everBods Fitness Club moved into the old YMCA at 221 Victoria Drive in Delanson and offers open pickleball on four courts in the basketball gym (wood floor).

  • Designated Pickleball Times: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Day Pass: $20
  • Guest Pass: $10
  • Team Reach Code: 4everBods
  • Contact: (518) 902-4232
  • More Info & Court Schedule: 4everbodsfitnessclub.com/court-schedule


Bousquet Sport Spring Fling Pickleball Tournament

Bousquet Sport in Pittsfield Mass. has another tournament on the calendar:

  • Dates: March 27–30
  • Entry Fee: $70 for the first event, $30 for each additional event
  • Format: Round-robin followed by playoffs (large groups may be divided into pools)
  • Skill Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5+
  • Divisions: Singles, Skinny Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles
  • Start Times: Listed in the registration link
  • Prizes: Medals and gift cards/cash prizes
  • Extras: Swag bag for all participants, plus complimentary light refreshments and snacks

Register here: https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/bousquet-sport-spring-fling

For a full list of tournaments in the 518 area, visit...

https://www.pickleball518.com/pickleball-tournaments-coming-to-ny-capital-region/


Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraiser

True Pickleball Club will host a fundraiser this Friday (Feb. 28) in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, coordinated by a Student Visionary of the Year. All proceeds benefit LLS.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAfIl8ZoyLUSSiugV3_tKWbQx96EcjFBJF_6LJ7Nmat2QDZw/viewform

Paddles in Bloom – Seniors Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser for Schenectady YMCA

The March 21-23 tournament to support the Schenectady YMCA has been postponed to a one-day tournament on March 29, due to staffing and gym availability. If you are interested in playing, contact Richard W. Unger ungerrw@gmail.com.

  • Date: Saturday, March 29
  • Time: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Format: Round-robin with six teams per bracket
  • Divisions: Men's & Women's Doubles
  • Age: Open to players 55+
  • Skill Levels:
    • Intermediate (3.25+)
    • Advanced Novice/Intermediate (below 3.25)

Capital Region Veterans Memorial Round Robin

Join the Capital Region Veterans Memorial Round Robin at Legacy Pickleball Club to honor those who have served. The event will follow a round robin format and include food, drinks, raffle baskets, and prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Legacy Project.

  • Date: Saturday, March 15
  • Time: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Legacy Pickleball Club
  • More Info & Registration: legacypbclub.com

YFC Pickleball Classic

The YFC (Youth for Christ) Pickleball Classic offers a weekend of competitive play while supporting a meaningful cause. Brackets are available for gender and mixed doubles at both beginner (below 3.5) and advanced (3.5 and above) levels. All proceeds will benefit the Youth Event Scholarship Fund, which helps Capital District students attend life-changing events and retreats.

  • Dates: Friday, April 4–Sunday, April 6
  • Location: YFC Campus Life Center, 1544 Route 9, Clifton Park
  • More Info & Registration: cdyfc.org/events

SPORTIME Schenectady

Diadem MLP Tournament (3.5+) – Friday, March 15, starts at 11 a.m.


(You can find contact info for all venues here.)

March Pickleball Leagues, Drills & Ball Machine Classes at the YMCA in Clifton Park

March is packed with opportunities to play, train, and improve your game at the Southern Saratoga YMCA.

65+ & 70+ Leagues – Kicking Off in March

These leagues are perfect for players looking for fun, competitive matches within their age group. 65+ League 70+ League

Daytime Drill Sessions – Train Smarter

Fine-tune footwork, dinks, and strategy with structured drills designed to level up your game. Sign up here

Ball Machine Classes – Reps, Reps, Reps

Want more consistency? More power? More precision? Get extra reps and targeted training using the ball machine. Sign up here or here.

Stay Tuned for Cardio Pickleball!

This high-energy class combines nonstop pickleball play with fast-paced drills and movement-based exercises to keep the heart rate up while improving overall game performance.

New Clinic Format at True

True Pickleball Club has introduced a new clinic format featuring a two-hour session: one hour of instruction followed by one hour of practice. The first session, Serve and Return Plus Play, is now open for registration.https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1173793?orgLayout=true

Youth Clinic at True

Youth clinics at True focus on rules, court positioning, and strategy through instruction and guided play.https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Public/EmbedCode/9234/25723/1174456?orgLayout=true

Clinics at SPORTIME Schenectady

  • Beginner Pickleball Clinic – Saturdays, 8:30–10 a.m. (4-week program)
  • Learn to Play Pickleball – Sunday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Junior Pickleball Academy – Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 5–6 p.m. (starting next week)

Picklers announces its spring league schedule

All Picklers leagues have 30 spots available, 10 games per session (play 8, sit out 2). It is an 8-week season with an end of the season tournament. https://www.picklerspickleball.club/

Tuesdays:

  • Ladies Ladder League (All Levels Open Except Beginners)
    6 PM – 8 PM
    $149
    Dates: 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20

Wednesdays:

  • High Novice/Low Intermediate Ladder (2.5 – 3.24)
    This is not a beginner league; you must know the rules and be able to serve & volley.
    6 PM – 8 PM
    $149
    Dates: 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
  • Advanced 3.75+ Ladder League
    8 PM – 10 PM
    $125
    Dates: 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21

Thursdays:

  • Middle to High Intermediate Ladder (3.25 – 3.75)
    6 PM – 8 PM

    $149
    Dates: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22

Saturdays:

  • Ladies Ladder League (All Player Levels Except Beginner)
    6 PM – 8 PM
    $149
    Dates: 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Note: For all Picklers leagues, there will be a free, one-day bonus end-of-season tournament to determine tournament champions for each league - Gold, Silver & Bronze medalists.

Discounts:

  • 10% Discount on additional league fees for signing up for two or more leagues.
  • Gold Members receive a 20% discount off all league fees.


Greg Dedrick hired as GM at True Pickleball

Greg Dedrick has joined True Pickleball Club as general manager. Greg is a friendly and familiar face on the Capital Region pickleball scene. A DUPR-rated 4.8 player, Greg enjoys playing with all skill levels and fostering a love for the sport. Stop by and say hello.

Swish Integration at True

Swish is now fully integrated into True Pickleball Club’s ladder leagues. Players have linked their DUPR accounts to Swish, enhancing competition and overall player experience, according to True.



I hope to see you on the court, but I must admit, I didn't play pickleball once this week. My PickleVisor venture is hurting my game!

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.

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