#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...
14 days ago • 5 min read
#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....
28 days ago • 8 min read
#071 Feb. 19, 2025 | Read on the web All kinds of options to play this spring When I play in tournaments, I try to tap into my "beast mode." That's where I play my best. But last week, I scared my opponents with a new beastly feature: an infielder's mask. I wore the mask to protect the delicate skin left behind from minor skin surgery on my nose. My doctor advised not playing, but I couldn't resist. I definitely intimidated my opponents. 😊 Spring programming is beginning to take shape across...
about 1 month ago • 6 min read
#070 Feb. 5, 2026 | Read on the web Share your pickleball news There's a lot happening in upcoming weeks — leagues, clinics, drills tournaments and a few community-driven events worth highlighting. If you have a pickleball event or stories about something special in your pickleball community, feel free to send them to me at cathleen@pickleball518.com and I will publish them. Send pictures too. People love photos! Note: I generally don't run individual photos from the medal podium unless there...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
#069 Jan. 22, 2026 | Read on the web Creating space for women on the court I have admit, I had to Google Galentine's day. Now it seems obvious: Galentine’s Day is an unofficial, pop-culture holiday that celebrates female friendships. It’s typically observed on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. The term was popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation and has since become widely used for: - women-only social events - friend-focused gatherings - fun, low-pressure alternatives to...
2 months ago • 6 min read
#068 Jan. 8, 2026 | Read on the web New year, same rules Sometimes 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,...
3 months ago • 5 min read
#067 Dec. 11, 2025 | Read on the web Give the gift of pickleball this season The best gift you can give this holiday is something pickleball related! If you have a friend who is interested in learning the game, give them a gift certificate for a lesson from one of our local coaches or some court-time at a local indoor venue. Our one-and-only pickleball store, Pickleball Galaxy, is open on Saturdays for the holiday season in addition to their normal hours. You can stop in at Pickleball Galaxy...
4 months ago • 4 min read
#066 Nov.13, 2025 | Read on the web Court news from Fort Edward, Fryeguys, Sportime & New Hampshire A new multi-sport facility has opened in Washington County. The All Sports Facility has batting cages, basketball courts, a turf practice field and pickleball courts. The Fort Edward facility at 344 Broadway has three indoor pickleball courts - one is a sport-court surface and two are on astroturf, and two outdoor courts. The courts are available to rent. Visit...
5 months ago • 3 min read
#065 Oct. 23, 2025 | Read on the web Men join the Thanksgiving pickleball tradition This year’s Thanksgiving at Emma Tournament (Nov. 22–24 at The Emma Willard School in Troy) has something new — men’s doubles and mixed doubles events. After years as a women’s-only tournament, it’s exciting to finally welcome the guys to join the fun. There are already have strong sign-ups in several divisions, but we’re hoping to round out the brackets with more men’s teams. Check the list below to see how...
5 months ago • 5 min read