The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
Same pickleball rules and upcoming tournaments and clinics
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#068 Jan. 8, 2026 | Read on the web New year, same rulesSometimes Pickleball's annual rule changes make your head spin, but this year's changes are pretty modest. Lake George-based ref Fayne Frey summarized the changes that affect recreational players in a newsletter shared by Mary Hilliard with the Adirondack Pickleball Club. In summary, Fayne said: "No Major Gameplay Changes for Rec Play... The fundamental rules you know — like serves, two-bounce rule, non-volley (kitchen) rules, faults, etc. — remain the same for recreational play. There is no overhaul of basic mechanics." A couple of rule tweaks simplified the wording in the rule book. One small change clarified that that all players must make line calls promptly. Here is a more detailed look at the rule changes. Some of them may interest tournament players, like double hits and looking to spectators for line calls: https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/7-new-usap-pickleball-rules-for-2026-you-need-to-know/ Our pickleball community lost a friend todayToday's newsletter is dedicated to the lovely Donna Dowling, who passed away today. Donna was just 63 years old. Her full obituary is here, but this is a short note from Donna's friend Bonnie D'Andrea. Today, January 8, is a very sad day for pickleball players throughout our community. Donna Dowling — one of our area’s top players for many years — passed away today after a long illness. So many have shared their sadness, along with heartfelt words about how deeply she was loved. Donna was truly one of the kindest people on this earth. She excelled at so many things, but above all else, her love for her family was what mattered most to her. Donna touched countless lives through her friendship. She was always there, ready to help in any way she could, and many of us are better for having known her. Now, Donna is with Our Lord and finally at peace. Our hearts are broken.
VAIR Cash Cup to be held at Xtreme Jan. 15-19Register for the VAIR Cash Cup in Amsterdam here: https://app.ggsports.co/tournament/dfe7da0a-fd14-46cd-95d4-b1c29ccb08dc 3rd Annual Paddles in Bloom tournament to be held March 21-22The Mohawk Pickleball Club has once again teamed with the Schenectady YMCA for the 3rd Annual Paddles in Bloom Pickleball Tournament. The tournament has been scheduled forMarch 21-22. Paddles in Bloom 2026 will feature Women’s and Men’s Doubles (sorry not enough courts or time for mixed doubles). There will be brackets for up to five skill levels: 2.99 and below, 3.00 to 3.49, 3.5-3.99, 4.00-4.49 and 4.5 + Tournament registration and additional details will soon be posted on the PickleballTournaments website: https://pickleballtournaments.com/ Search for “Paddles in Bloom,” March 2026, Schenectady. Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Schenectady YMCA. In addition to supporting local Schenectady programs for families and children, the Capital District YMCA is raising money to support the YMCA Parkinson’s Center in Colonie, the Running Start Program (school supplies/clothes), the Black & Latino Achievers Program and the Circle of Champs for families with critical illnesses.
Picklers Go Purple – Play Pickleball, Fight Alzheimer’sHead to Picklers Pickleball Club on Saturday, Jan. 24 in Menands for a full day of fun and fundraising! This event is open to all skill levels and includes advanced divisions for experienced players and a beginners clinic for those new to the game. Pre-registration recommended, but drop-ins welcome. Email Kylie Miller at KmMiller@ceritypartners.com with questions. Is Your Game Hot Enough? Singles Round Robin"Is Your Game Hot Enough? Singles Round Robin" will be held at the Southern Saratoga YMCA on 1/23 at 1:00 pm. This is a pickleball singles competition designed to provide structured, competitive play in a round-robin format. Participants compete against multiple opponents, with standings determined by match results. Divisions will be created after registration closes. Players will be grouped by skill level to ensure the fairest and most competitive playing environment while maintaining an enjoyable experience for all participants. (Note from Cathleen: I read this item 4 times and still wasn't 100 percent sure it was a dating event or a non-doubles event. Maybe the phrase 'hot enough' threw me off. I finally checked with Jen Kendrick. This is a non-doubles event.) https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=99694&sid=3275191
Learn to Play Pickleball for kidsLearn to Play Pickleball is a youth instructional program designed for players ages 7–10. The program focuses on skill development, basic rules, and game play in a structured and supportive environment.
Registration and additional information are available at: Learn to Play Pickleball: Three-Week Starter SeriesLearn to Play Pickleball is a three-week introductory series for adults. The program covers basic skills, rules, scoring, and on-court fundamentals in a structured learning environment.
Registration and additional information are available at:
Wilton Pickleball Club now in the Pickleball518 directorThe country club in Wilton has a lively pickleball community. They are now listed in the Pickleball518 directory of social clubs. Let me know if you would like your community listed there too: https://www.pickleball518.com/list-of-pickleball-organizations-in-greater-capital-region/ The Wilton Pickleball Club formed in 2025 to bring structured, high-quality play to northern Saratoga County as the sport continues to grow. With nearly 200 engaged members, the club is now a DUPR club committed to helping players elevate their game through organized, competitive formats. The club plays at McGregor Links Country Club and Gavin Park in Wilton, NY, where volunteers lead a full slate of round robin ladder leagues including coed, fixed-partner, men’s, and women’s divisions. "We have created a strong, invested community that values sportsmanship, meaningful improvement, and the shared enjoyment of competition. As we continue to grow, we are expanding into charitable events and additional programming that reflect our collective passion for the sport and for one another. Our motto says it best: Come for the pickleball, stay for the people." For questions contact wiltonpbclub@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/16CWqsnajQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Stay healthy and 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.
Hello Reader, Registration is open for the 4th Annual Dink for A Cure Pickleball Tournament benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. The tournament returns to Siena University (under newly installed lights) as part of Arthritis Community Weekend. The weekend includes the Walk to Cure Arthritis, the pickleball tournament and a wellness expo, with more than 1,000 people expected to attend the weekend's activities. The pickleball tournament will have divisions for all skill levels, and age divisions...
#073 March 19, 2026 | Read on the web Dink for a Cure returns to Siena for fourth annual tournament weekend Dink for A Cure, a charity tournament to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, will return to Siena University June 5–7. More than 200 players are expected to compete across 16 indoor courts inside the Siena field house, with a full slate of team, singles, doubles and skinny singles events. The tournament continues to grow each year, with a wide range of skill and age divisions, including...
#072 March 5, 2026 | Read on the web Team competition planned for Dink for a Cure at Siena College Registration for the Dink for a Cure Pickleball Tournament benefiting the Arthritis Foundation opens next week. This year there will be both a team event (Friday night, June 5) AND a traditional tournament on Saturday and Sunday (June 6–7). The team event will take place Friday, June 5, from 5:30–9 p.m. Teams must have at least two men and two women, with up to eight players allowed per team....