Pickleball Hamilton. Steel Town Showdown May 12/13

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Pickleball Hamilton W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 I S S U E 2 1 T O U R N A M E N T S OSGA April 19/20 Waterloo Pickleball Hamilton Steel Town Showdown May 12/13 McMaster University London May 27/28 South

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from other clubs, information for members and so much more. Check it out. Steel Town Showdown May 12/13 Get ready for some fun!

1 Pickleball Hamilton W I N T E R I S S U E 2 1 T O U R N A M E N T S OSGA April 19/20 Waterloo Pickleball Hamilton Steel Town Showdown May 12/13 McMaster University London May 27/28 South Central OSGA Games August 22 Hamilton For further details check: Calendar of ALL winter playing times and locations. Download the Team Up app for iphone and ipad and for Android Devices. ks3c10e7bd2d14f949 Like us on Facebook at Pickleball Hamilton 603 Friends Our Facebook page contains great pictures, videos of lessons for each skill, strategy ideas from the best players, ideas from other clubs, information for members and so much more. Check it out. Steel Town Showdown May 12/13 Get ready for some fun! Pickleball Hamilton members are extremely excited to be offering an opportunity for all levels of players to take part in our third annual tournament. It will be awesome! We welcome players who are just learning the sport and players who have been playing for years to join us on Friday May 12 and Saturday May 13 for some fun and socializing. There will be great laughs and some exciting pickleball. You ll have an opportunity to meet players from other parts of the province both on the courts and at our Friday night social. We have tournament brackets for , men s doubles, women s doubles, mixed doubles and singles. We will be using 16 beautiful courts at McMaster University. We have accommodations available on-site, a 2 minute walk from the courts and our Friday night social will take place 3 minutes from the courts at the on-campus Phoenix bar. It is our hope that all Pickleball Hamilton summer and winter members, plus individuals who play during the day at Hamilton recreational centers, regardless of their skill level, support pickleball in Hamilton by registering for the tournament Friday May 12 8:00-Noon Secondary School Tournament and Middle School Clinic Noon-10 PM Regular Tournament Play 7:00 11:00 PM Social Saturday May 13 8 A.M. 10 P.M. Tournament Play and/or by volunteering to assist in some way. We ll need approximately 50 volunteers to ensure the tournament runs in an efficient and enjoyable manner. We expect over 200 players to register to play, so don t be disappointed, register early at Pickleball Hamilton continues to promote the game at the grassroots level, and we understand that the development of robust youth participation is vital for future success. With that goal in mind, the Steel Town Showdown will feature both a Middle School 'Learn to Play' Clinic and a High School Competitive Tournament on the morning of Friday May 12. The Middle School event will allow both teachers and students to receive a solid foundation of instruction, and play in a 'Team Pickleball' format that includes: Boys' and Girls' Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Singles. The High School Tournament will be a Double Elimination event that should see a high-level of play from a number of schools that have embraced this wonderful game in their HPE Programming--Dundas Valley, Delta, Waterdown, Sherwood and Glendale are the schools to watch. Pickleball Hamilton is also pleased to continue our support of Hamilton s Out of the Cold program that feeds the hungry each winter day. Please consider bringing a food donation when you register.

2 2017 Winter Membership Application Still Available We have secured gyms on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights. If you are looking for a bit of exercise and fun with friends, join us at the following locations: St. David, St. Joachim and St. Charles Mountain Schools St. David Elementary School 4 Courts Monday & Friday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm 33 Cromwell Crescent Hamilton, Ontario L8G 2E9 St. Charles Mountain - 4 Courts Tuesday 6-8pm 3.4 level; 8-10pm level East 5th Street Hamilton, Ontario L9A 2Z8 St. Joachim Elementary School 3 Courts Thursday 7 pm to 10 pm 75 Concerto Court Ancaster, Ontario L8C 2V2 Features: 4 nights of play; 3 hours each night 2 East & 2 West locations Balls, Nets, spare paddles supplied Open play for everyone, all levels Equal court time Drop In play Paddles & Clothing for sale on site Site Coordinators NEW: Challenge Court Tuesday 8-10 Type of Membership Definition Price Adult Adults - 18 and older (Non-Student) $ $ Student Student (High School or Post-Secondary with Valid Student Card) $ $ Includes T-Shirt Family Maximum 2 Adults plus $25.00 per student same household $ $ per shirt per person Associate In Support of PHA Initiatives; $ Drop in Only Adult Max 5 drop ins allowed before converting to member status $ 5.00 Not Applicable Student $ 2.00 Not Applicable Membership Form and Cheque can be mailed to the address below or bring cash or cheque in person Pickleball Hamilton 76 Frances Ave, Unit 6, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 5X2

3 Player Profile: Stephanie and Tom Kawamoto We are Tom and Stephanie, the dad and eldest sister in the famous (or infamous) Kawamoto pickleball family! Tom was born and raised in Hamilton and completed all his schooling there, including a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics at McMaster (too many years ago to remember). As he is a director for a global consulting firm, his travels (mostly to the U.S.) often take time away from playing Pickleball during the week. Although he would like to play while travelling, it seems that Pickleball still has the unfortunate stigma of a seniors sport, as many of the available timeslots are during the morning or afternoon, which conflict with Tom s meetings with clients. Tom has played many sports over the years, including tennis, baseball, volleyball, basketball and hockey. Initially, he was lukewarm to pickleball when he started last May, as he still enjoyed tennis. However, since he has spent more time playing, especially in December and January, he has grown to embrace the sport. It also helps to melt away the pounds gained from business lunches and dinners. Stephanie also was born and raised in Hamilton, and went through French Immersion in the public school system. She attended Westdale Secondary School and participated in almost every music ensemble available as a violinist/clarinetist/singer. After high school, she moved to Ottawa where she currently lives. At the University of Ottawa, she obtained a B.A. in Second Language Teaching and Music and a B.Ed. with a teachable of French as a Second Language, and is currently working on her M.A. in Bilingualism Studies while teaching French at the elementary school level. Stephanie tried many sports growing up, but only really stuck with tennis and the occasional volleyball game. When her mom Linda introduced her to pickleball, Stephanie thought the sport was alright but still liked tennis better. After coming home and playing with the family several times and starting to play in Ottawa, she really took to the sport, and now, like the rest of her family, it is the sport she loves the most. As someone who had mostly considered herself a non-athlete, it s great to play a sport that she enjoys and can see herself improve in while still having a lot of room to grow. She now plays three times a week, and will be playing her first tournament Pickleball Hamilton s Steel Town Showdown in May We are both so happy to participate in a sport that is doing so well, growing by leaps and bounds in popularity, and more importantly, to be a part of such a kind, positive, and welcoming community of terrific people. Tom and Stephanie will be playing together in the mixed doubles 3.5 in the tournament look out! First Canadian Onix Sponsorship We are very pleased to congratulate one of the finest players in Ontario and certainly the best in Hamilton, Matthew Kawamoto, with his recently announced sponsorship deal with Onix. At the recent Provincial tournament, Onix recognized Matthew as one of the great players and at 22 years of age, likely to be one of the premier players in Canada in a very short time. Pickleball Hamilton is overjoyed that Matthew and the entire Kawamoto family have their pickleball roots in Hamilton. Matthew is a great player, but more importantly he is polite, respectful and humble; he is a fine young gentleman. Onix made a great selection!! Matthew s sponsorship deal with Onix has opened a flood gate of other opportunities for Pickleball Hamilton players. Marti McCann is soon to announce a deal with Vidal Sassoon, John Boyle with Weight Watchers and although there are a few sticky details to work out, John Sullivan will soon sign with POLIGRIP.

4 Be Realistic in Your Self-Rating Player ratings are used to group players by ability levels so that players can compete in tournaments, ladders and round robins with other players of similar ability. Although it is sometimes nice to play with players of different ability levels, the vast majority of games should be played with players of equal ability because those are the most competitive equitable and fun games for all. There are nine pickleball levels from 1.0 to 5.0. Every beginner starts as a 1.0, with practice and experience individuals acquire better skills and may move up the rating scale. Most Pickleball Hamilton members fall into the levels listed below, 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0. Do you know where you are? The criteria listed for each level is very subjective and thus causes much confusion. We are human and many of us have a tendency to think we are better than we actually are in many endeavours. I, for instance, think I m a pretty good singer, however, all of my family and friends, and actually anyone within earshot, tends to disagree. One of the very common errors that people make is that they believe that the more they play the better they become. I often hear, last year I was 3.5 but I play 5 times a week and now I am 4.0. I m too nice of a guy to respond sarcastically, but sometimes I d like to say that s great, at that rate you ll be 5.0 in two years and playing professionally!! We all know that s ridiculous. Yes, you MAY improve by playing more often but it is not a given. I could sing 6 hours a day for an entire year but still likely make the cat cringe. Perhaps if I took lessons, learned some techniques from a voice coach and practiced; perhaps, and only perhaps, I might improve. But perhaps, I just don t have that musical talent and should be happy in just serenading myself in the shower. Do you really think you have mastered all of the skills at 3.5 and can consistently execute them? Perhaps you have, but just as likely, perhaps you are over-evaluating yourself. There is nothing wrong with playing at the 3.0 level for five years if it is providing you with exercise, fun and sociability. If you watch tutorials and videos, practice in your garage, find a partner to drill with on empty courts, listen to the experts and study the latest pickleball strategies you might get better. But remember, that even if you do all of those things, unless you are under 30 years of age your physical skills, agility, reaction time, vision, quickness and hand-eye co-ordination are all getting worse. It s called getting old and there is nothing wrong with that either; it s a heck of a lot better than the alternative! Be realistic with your self-evaluation. Be happy at whatever level you find yourself, enjoy the game, and have fun. Members of the Executive of Pickleball Hamilton and some other players know their own level. They have also seen most of you play. If you are still not sure of your own rating ask other experienced players or members of the Executive what level they are and what they think you might be. They will be happy to tell you. Don t rely on your friends or your spouse to be able to provide an unbiased opinion. Level 3.0 More consistent on the serve and service return and when returning medium-paced balls. Demonstrates improved skills with all the basic shot strokes and shot placement but lacks control when trying for direction, depth, or power on their shots. Beginning to attempt lobs and dinks with little success and doesn t fully understand when and why they should be used. Level 3.5 Demonstrates improved stroke dependability with directional control on most medium-paced balls and some fasterpaced balls. Demonstrates improved control Descriptions of all levels can be found at: when trying for direction, depth and power on their shots. Needs to develop variety with their shots. Exhibits some aggressive net play. Beginning to anticipate opponent s shots. Learning about the importance of strategy and teamwork in doubles. Level 4.0 Consistent and dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand shots. Reliable serves, lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys and can use spin shots with some success. Occasionally can force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Uses the dink shot and drop shots to slow down or change the pace of the game. Demonstrates 3 rd shot strategies drop shots, lobs, and fast-paced ground strokes. Aggressive net play and teamwork in doubles is evident. Fully understands the rules of the game and can play by them.

Play It Forward Have you been playing, one month or five years? Do you play tournaments or do you just want to enjoy the game and the social aspects of meeting other players?

5 Play It Forward Have you been playing, one month or five years? Do you play tournaments or do you just want to enjoy the game and the social aspects of meeting other players? Each of us is approaching the game of pickleball from various perspectives, so it is important to recognize and embrace our differences. Like every other aspect of life, it s vital to understand and appreciate that we have varying abilities. Playing with better players forces you to play at the top of your ability, pay for your mistakes, and fast-tracks you to a higher skill level, but it does almost the opposite for your opponents. Playing with you keeps them from having to play at the top of their ability or paying for their mistakes. Playing with Stronger Opponent - If you get an opportunity to play against a stronger player, remember that they are not playing at the top of their game but they do want to play, so hit to them. No one likes to be on a court watching their partner hit all the balls. They're playing with you, so hit the ball to them at least half the time. It will make you a better player, make it more interesting for them and everyone will enjoy the game more. Playing with Weaker Opponent - Remember, someone took you under their wing when you first started playing. Play it forward and play regularly with players who are weaker than you. Don't be patronizing or overly aggressive. Pick a shot you want to improve upon and focus on hitting that shot. Or, try to reduce your number of unforced errors. Focus on patience and keeping the ball in play rather than slamming every putaway shot. The 60th Annual CANUSA games, a friendly competition between the cities of Flint Michigan and Hamilton Ontario will include pickleball this year, Positive Attitude Makes a Difference Pickleball is a sport that is best played by happy people. Yes, intensity is good, but if you are feeling bad about your partner s play or even your own mistakes, you are bound to keep making errors. Take time to loosen up, to think positive, to be innovative. Go get a drink of water and take a deep breath. Put on a smile and then come back and play some more. Hamilton Athletic Trust Grants $1000 On behalf of Pickleball Hamilton, we d like to acknowledge and thank the Trustees of the Hamilton Athletic Trust for the $1000 grant that we have just received. Pickleball Hamilton is a not for profit organization run by volunteers with a mandate to promote the sport of pickleball within the Hamilton Region. Pickleball is a growing sport that can be played by all ages and skill levels. It is a sport that encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for all, including adolescents and for senior citizens. We will be using the $1000 grant money to further opportunities for the citizens of Hamilton to learn and take part in this fun game.

Professor Etiquette Says: I know the rules very well and know that on line calls if there is any doubt the point goes to my opponents. I also know that according to Rule 6.D.

The issue that sometimes arises for me is that often my opponents will be congratulating each other on their great shot before I have even made the call.

I don t wish to antagonize them so just go along with their call, when I know it s really my call and I thought it was out. What should I do next time?

6 Professor Etiquette Says: I know the rules very well and know that on line calls if there is any doubt the point goes to my opponents. I also know that according to Rule 6.D.5 no opponent should question an opponents call. The issue that sometimes arises for me is that often my opponents will be congratulating each other on their great shot before I have even made the call. Sometimes I am about to call out and my opponents are celebrating their winning shot. I don t wish to antagonize them so just go along with their call, when I know it s really my call and I thought it was out. What should I do next time? This is a difficult situation and I appreciate that you don t wish to antagonize them BUT your opponents are taking advantage of your kind nature. In fact it could even be classified as a form of intimidation. The rules of pickleball are very clear in terms of line calling, the problem is that many players come from other sports that do not have the ethics of line calling so clearly written in their rules. You may get some sour looks from your opponents but next time make the call you wish to make and stick with it. After the game, take an opportunity to explain to your opponents that their view is irrelevant UNLESS you ask them for their opinion. Dr. Rule enjoying his sabbatical in the warmth of the Southern climate. Follow us on Twitter PickleballHam Body Shots In tournament play, it is sometimes a very effective play, especially if your opponent is in the kitchen after a dink, to return a shot to his/her body. It is extremely difficult for them to get out of the way and if the ball hits them while in the kitchen you win the point. On other occasions, a shot directed to the torso is effective because it is difficult for him/her to get their paddle on it. However, it is never acceptable to aim a shot directly at an individual s head. Nor is it acceptable in a purely recreational game to direct hard shots directly at an opponent, especially if they are a weaker player. It s really all about social context and some common sense. If you know your opponents well and they are strong players, like you, shots directed at your opponent s body can be accepted and actually enjoyed; if all players are of the same frame of mind. However, in other scenarios, it may be totally unacceptable to direct any shot at your opponent. Know your opponents and what is acceptable. How To Win at Pickleball If today, yes today, if my one and only goal is to keep the ball in play until the other team makes 11 mistakes. THEN I WILL WIN Who Runs for the Lob? Before starting a game, discuss with your partner who will cover the lobs. In general, the person who has the clear and constant line-of-sight of the ball is the person who should run for the lob. Therefore, if the lob is going over your head, it s your partner who should run for the lob, while you call switch and slide over to take their place. If the lob goes over your partner s head, you call switch and run back to take the lob; you can track the ball better, so you have the best chance of being able to get back, and in position, to hit a decent return.

Pickleball Hamilton. Successful Clinic. Summer Season. Our Facebook page contains

Pickleball Hamilton. Successful Clinic. Summer Season. Our Facebook page contains Pickleball Hamilton Successful Clinic S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 I S S U E 2 5 T O U R N A M E N T S South Central OSGA Games August 22 Hamilton Provincial Championships Sept. 15-17 Markham KWPA Tournament of