EPC Round Robin Tournament Registration Opens Today
EPC’s 7th Annual Round Robin is slated for August 12 at Marshdale. This is our first tournament to be held on a Saturday so that those working during the week get a chance to compete.
Groups of 8 will compete by skill level; we could host as many as 8 groups, or up to 64 players for the 8 am start. Prizes awarded to top three finishers in each group. Healthy snacks and beverages provided.
Non-refundable $15 registration fee for EPC members only.
We also need volunteers. If you’re not playing, please volunteer to help out with the event.
Schedule Changes: Ladder at Marshdale Now 9:30-11 am Thursdays; Wulf Gym Courts Closed Monday-Thursday Next Week
EPRD has moved Thursdays’ Ladder to start at 9:30 am. Courts are open to all before 9:30 and after 11 am.
All courts at Wulf will be closed 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Thursday, July 24-27.
Keep up to date with the Schedule.
Think You Can Teach Beginners Pickleball? EPRD Wants You
This could be you. Apply today!
EPRD is looking for instructors for Beginning Pickleball classes. With Sarah German retiring from teaching after 7 years, there are no intro classes scheduled at the moment for lack of instructors.
Here’s your chance to audition for the job. EPRD will hold free beginner classes in August and September. If you’d like to lead a 1.5 hour class on a Saturday morning at Marshdale, contact Jeff Sweet, EPRD Recreation Supervisor - Athletics.
Let’s Reset on Kitchen Rules
Ok, we take the blame for causing a raft of perceived kitchen rules that just aren’t so. The Dinkeroo’s admittedly made-up rules - that every shot must bounce, for example - include stepping out of the kitchen after a return shot before hitting the next one is just that: made up. It doesn’t apply to regular pickleball.
There is no such rule that a player must step out of the kitchen before hitting the next shot. Hey, you can stand in the kitchen the whole game, if you want. (But we wouldn’t advise it as you can’t hit a ball out of the air from there. That’s why it’s called the No Volley Zone. And the definition of a “volley” is a ball hit out of the air before it bounces. Which is different from a “rally”, but that’s another story.)
Other NVZ myths:
The ball must bounce before you step into the kitchen to hit it.
Not true. You should anticipate where the ball is going to bounce and get there before the ball does.
It’s okay if my momentum carries me into the NVZ as long as it’s after I hit the volley.
No, it’s not okay. You must get control of your momentum and stop short of the kitchen line or it’s a fault.
I can put my paddle down in the kitchen to get my balance after hitting a volley as long as I’m standing behind the kitchen line.
Anything that touches the kitchen - paddle, hat, sunglasses, hand, foot - during or after hitting a volley is a fault.
If you’ve been playing awhile and have never read the official rule book, we highly recommend it. And if you have read it, always helps to keep up with changes every year.
As we say, “Good players know and play by the rules.”
As If You Didn’t Know, Pickleball is Good for You
The PPA Tour newsletter recaps the many health benefits of pickleball:
Pickleball improves cardiovascular health. The sport is physically demanding and involves a lot of movement. Players are constantly moving which can help improve cardiovascular health. The sport is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your endurance, too. Regular pickleball play can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Pickleball helps with weight loss. The sport is an excellent way to burn calories. Playing pickleball for an hour can burn anywhere from 400-600 calories, depending on your weight and intensity of play. It is an effective way to lose weight or even maintain a healthy weight.
Pickleball enhances balance and coordination. Players need to be able to move quickly, change direction and hit the ball with accuracy. This constant movement and hand-eye coordination can help improve overall balance and coordination.
Pickleball can be a full-body workout. Multiple muscle groups are required when playing pickleball. Players use their arms, legs and core muscles, hit the ball and maintain balance. Regular pickleball play can help build muscle strength and endurance.
Pickleball reduces stress and improves mental health It’s a game that can be played with friends or in groups. The social aspect of the game can be fun and help reduce stress. You know, get on the court and forget about your worries for a while.
Playing pickleball can boost self-esteem, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints. Less stressful on the knees, hips and ankles than high-impact sports like running or basketball, or even tennis. This makes pickleball more accessible for people who have joint pain or arthritis.
Pickleball improves flexibility and range of motion. Moving in different directions with arms and legs helps mobility and flexibility. This is particularly beneficial for older adults, who may experience a decrease in flexibility as they age.
