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St. Patrick’s Day Event Pictures

Nothing but positive feedback. Even the very strong gusts of wind could not put a damper on the day.

People brought great food and great fun. It was really fantastic to see all the SJPA members having such a fun time playing.

Great job to Andy and Kathy Goliszek for laying all the groundwork leading up to this event. We were sorry not to see them there due to a last-minute illness and sincerely hope all is well.

A very big THANK YOU to Joe Bietz, Andrea Velez and Robyn Smith for jumping right in to save the day. They did a wonderful job of getting the day all set up and keeping things running smoothly.

We all also owe a big THANK YOU to Carolyn Gaziano, who took a lot of pictures during the event. Here is a link to all of the photos that Carolyn took:

St. Patrick’s Day event photos

Again, many thanks again to Andy, Kathy, Robyn, Andrea and Joe for a fantastic team effort putting together a great event.

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT: 2/22/23

Hello to all of our 503 St. James Pickleball Association (SJPA) members, at this early point in the year! Here we are nearing the end of February with a few fun, successful events behind us, and lots more to come.

Our Winter Dance was fabulous with lots of dancing to great music provided by The Salty Dawgs! To top it off, we raised over $3,200 for Matthew’s Ministry! Thanks to the Social Committee for a well-organized event. The beautiful raffle baskets were a huge hit! We are looking forward to many more awesome social events this year.

Mother Nature did not cooperate for our Winter Classic Pickleball event, which had to be canceled. Almost a wash-out, our Valentine’s Pickleball Social ended up being a big success! (Many thanks to the Events committee members who spent more than an hour rolling the courts!) Laughter, yummy food, and fun pickleball ensued – and the weather cooperated. Our Events and Tournaments committee is hard at work planning more excellent activities to enjoy this year.

Coming in March, Kim has a pro-night planned on the 2nd, so, mark your calendars.

The popular Progressive Dinner is on the 16th, a St. Patrick’s Day Pickleball Social on the 17th, and then something new to our repertoire, “Mixed Up Doubles” social pickleball will be on the 22nd. More details will be on our website.

Our awesome webmaster and Board member, Al Hausmann, and his side-kick Diana Kelly, keep us all “in the know,” with a jam-packed website, http://www.stjamespickleball.com. One feature we’ve recently added is a “ST. JAMES PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION – 2023 CALENDAR of EVENTS,” so you can see the activities that our committees have planned and easily update your calendar! Be sure to check out the website frequently, so you don’t miss the latest happenings on and off the courts planned for this year.

Membership is still growing! Every month, Christine Cournoyer and her army of volunteers, welcomes 20 or more folks to the “New To Pickleball” event. Then Christine runs a “Beginners Pickleball” every week, teaching the basics to those who catch the pickleball “bug.” This wonderful service provided by our volunteers helps our newbies learn the game and find other players at their level, so they can enjoy the game we all love to play!

Our Sunshine Committee, Chaired by Kathy Goliszek, has been very busy, and we hear great reviews from our members who are recipients of their cards, meals, and support when injuries, surgeries, illness, etc. arise. This committee also coordinates food collections at different events throughout the year on behalf of the Southport-Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry (SOIIFC), who is so grateful for the generous donations and support of the SJPA.

The roll out of the new, Troon Chelsea reservation system (is that a groan I hear?) has been challenging, to say the least. That being said, it seems like folks are getting the hang of the system, in spite of the frustrations as we adjust to this new product. We will be approaching our Club Management about the possibility of some improvements to the system, to make it more user friendly, and will keep you updated.

Another recent addition is the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR). We are optimistic that this system and its complex algorithm will assist with obtaining reliable ratings that will be useful for our players as they participate in SJPA events, as well as tournaments, ladders, and other events outside of SJPA. Since DUPR is new to most of us, we are anxious to get to that 60th game entry that will (hopefully) give us a realistic rating.

Your SJPA board and committees are working diligently on your behalf, to make 2023 a momentous year. As we strive to provide a well-rounded pickleball program, Board Members: President (me): Deb Chiarello – oversee the various events and activities, VP: George Johnson, Treasurer: Kathy McArthur, Secretary: Mary Heatherly, Communications: Al Hausmann, Tournaments and Events: Jeff Franken, Social: Liz Wilson.

I continue to represent the SJPA on the Troon Sports Advisory Committee, where we work with our Club management to provide an excellent pickleball experience for our Club members. We are listening to you, and continue to make recommendations for expansion, improvements, and maintenance at our facilities.

Most importantly, we are thankful for each and every one of you, and appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Please feel free to contact me, or any of our board members, if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you on the courts!

All the best!
Deb Chiarello,
SJPA President

Is There Such a Thing as Pickleball Etiquette?

A question was sent asking about court etiquette. Whether you are new to racquet sports or a seasoned player, we all know there are a few actions we should all follow to respect the other players on the court.

Pickleball is a “social” sport. This generally means that pickleball is as much about interacting and socializing with people as it is about physical activity and competition. This “social” culture around pickleball is one defining characteristic of the sport itself. In connection with this unique culture, it is important to understand some “pickleball etiquette” tips before hitting the pickleball court. These include:

Introduce Yourself to New Players – Before starting a pickleball game with new people, be sure to introduce yourself to others.
Do Not Cross a Pickleball Court During a Point – Avoid crossing over a pickleball court when a point is ongoing. This includes avoiding entering the baseline area or the sideline area.
Do Not Make Excessive Noise or Commotion on the Courts – This includes screaming or yelling at people outside of the courts or to other players more than one court away. Nobody wants to wait for you to finish yelling at other court members (especially if they are outside of the pickleball courts). When you start yelling/screaming everything on the courts usually stops due to your disruption.
Know the Rules – Do your best to know and understand the rules of pickleball. This will help avoid disputes on the pickleball court and ensure that everyone is playing by the same set of rules.
Bring Your Own Ball – Do not rely on other players to always bring the pickleball. Have your own stash! Also, when a pickleball rolls onto your court, avoid switching the pickleball with your own. Keep the pickleball that you or your court is playing with—most players are particular about their ball.
Call the Score Loudly – When you are serving, be sure to call the score loudly so that all players on the pickleball court can hear you.
Call “Ball on Court” If the Ball Is Actually on the Court – For safety reasons, if you see a stray pickleball roll on your court, stop play and call “Ball on Court.” This is a hindrance and you should replay the point. However, do not abuse this calling to help you avoid losing points (for more on this, check out Murmurs from the Losers’ Bracket: Ball on Court).
Allow the Players to Make the Calls – If you are a spectator, avoid the urge to make the call, including line calls. Allow the players on the pickleball court to make the call.
Keep the Coaching to Yourself – Only provide coaching advice when asked. Be wary of coaching other players on the pickleball court, as they may not want to hear any unsolicited advice.
Welcome New Players and Play with Weaker Players Every So Often – The culture of pickleball is welcoming, so, in recreational play, do not be afraid to welcome new player onto your court. Also, if you are a stronger player, consider playing with weaker players from time to time, as they will greatly appreciate your game and you may have an opportunity to work on a specific skill or shot. By welcoming new players and helping weaker players, the sport of pickleball will grow in number and in talent.
Don’t Play Keep Away in Recreational Play – If you are a weaker player that is able to play with a stronger player, avoid the urge to play keep away from the stronger player. Hit more shots to the stronger player for the opportunity to improve your pickleball game and to keep the stronger player willing to play with you more! Also, do not outwear your welcome with the stronger player. Play a few games and say thank you.
Sorry for Let Cords and Praise for Good Shots – This one is probably “common practice,” but not universal. If a pickleball hits the net, then, oftentimes, the striking team will win the point because the net will throw off the expected trajectory of the pickleball. In this instance, the striking team will usually say “Sorry” or give a casual wave to non-verbally signal an apology (this “tradition” seemingly comes from tennis). With that said, the striking team really is never “Sorry,” but rather excited to win the point. Similarly, you may also see hand claps or “thumbs up” for good shots by opponents in recognition of good play. These are common on-court gestures, but not universal.
Practice Good Sportsmanship – Fair play and good sportsmanship are cornerstones of pickleball. Be sure to respect and practice both. (For instance, if you know that you were in the Kitchen when you hit a volley, call a Kitchen violation on yourself. Or, if you hit someone with the pickleball—particularly, in the face, like Matt Wright did to Jessie Irvine—ask if they are okay or apologize, rather than screaming “Come on!” or “Yeah!” in excitement at your body/face attack.)
Practice the Golden Rule – As in life, treat others the way that you want to be treated. Be nice to others and have fun on the pickleball court!
“Paddle Tap” After Every Game – After every game, players meet at the pickleball net to tap pickleball paddles – either with the head or butt of the pickleball paddle. When paddle tapping, also consider giving your opponents a compliment – for instance, “great game.”

7 Tips to Help You Keep the Ball Low

Throughout your journey as a pickleball player, you may find yourself sending your shot over to your opponents’ side higher than you would like, more frequently than you would like. That’s not ideal because the higher you send the ball over to the other side, the more likely you are to be attacked. Especially if your opponents are further up in the court.

What separates a great pickleball player from the rest is their ability to keep the ball low at key moments and on demand. Keeping the ball low makes it more challenging for your opponent to make successful aggressive plays against you.

Here is a link to a YouTube video done by PrimeTime Pickleball.

7 Tips to Help You Keep the Ball Low

Member Appreciation EVENTS

November 16 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Kim & Adam invite you to challenge us.

There will be 2 opportunities for you to teach us a thing or two. We look forward to your challenge and having fun with you on the court. You have an advantage
because Adam and I have never played together! We encourage all levels of play to take advantage of this opportunity. We, as the pros, promise to play in a way that challenges your level of play, whatever that may be.

Both events: Challenge the Pros, Drop Shot Challenge will be held at the Greg Rymer Courts. The Franklin Ball will be used. Prizes will be on hand.

EVENT #1: Challenge the Pros – Wednesday 16th from 3:30 – 5:30 pm

There are many ways of winning, the first is by participating! I want this to be fun for every challenging team/player.

Kim & Adam invite you to challenge them to a 10 minute game. Challengers can be:
— Mixed team
— Women’s team
— Men’s team
It’s up to you!!

*Our schedule will have 1-2 minutes between games
*Our time will allow for up to 10 teams to challenge
*You may play on 1 team only
*As each team arrives, we ask you to use your paddles to determine order of play
*Arrive early to be one of the first challengers
*You can place your paddle in queue once both of you are present

For this to run smoothly we’d like to see at least 3 teams in queue
by 3:30, and 3-4 after that.

ONLY TEAMS THAT HAVE SIGNED UP CAN PLAY.
ONLY 10 TEAMS CAN SIGN UP.
Play will begin promptly at 3:30pm.

I have my partner’s information I want to sign up now to Challenge the Pro!

EVENT #2: DROP SHOT CHALLENGE – Thursday 17th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Kim & Adam will feed balls & provide targets which are tomato cages, for you to hit &/or sink your drop shot from various areas of the court.

How we will play the game:
–If you, the player, successfully hits or sinks a ball at or into the
cage from a particular area, then the pro is given 3 chances to do the same.
–If the pro can match the shot, then the score is even (think Corn Hole).
–Pros feed all balls and pros alternate turns to even out the score.

There are four time slots and eight people per time slot.
First start time:
–1:30pm (sign up)
–1:45pm (sign up)
–2:00pm (sign up)
–Last: 2:15pm (sign up)

Open to ONLY 8 different players every 15 minutes. Please sign up for a time
slot.

REQUIREMENTS:
–Sport or Golf Membership
–SJPA paid member

How to determine your pickleball rating

When you don’t have to think about which shot to hit, you just naturally hit it, you are a 5.0

When you don’t have to think about which shot to hit, but you can’t successfully hit it 2000 times in a row, you are a 4.5

When you have to think about which shot to hit, and when you figure it out, you can successfully hit it, you are a 4.0

When you have to think about which shot to hit, but then still hit the wrong shot, you are a 3.5

When you have to think about which shot to hit, but by the time you decide on the correct shot it’s too late to hit it so, you just go with trying to get it back over the net, you are a 3.0

When you don’t bother to think about which shot to hit, and most of the time don’t hit it in the court anyhow, you are a 2.5 and guaranteed to be having a lot of fun.

-credit to Pickleball Ontario

“GOING FIT” – Condition Muscles Prepping for Pickleball

“Going Fit’s group fitness, small group training and personal training all work to increase muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular endurance, core conditioning, agility, mobility and balance. Try any of our group exercise classes for the drop in rate and then get ready to jump into the monthly membership to get the benefits from Yoga to Cycle. If you are looking for more individualized attention and to focus more on a specific goal, meet with a trainer for your first session and fitness assessment.”

Going Fit, Inc.
Heather Wilson: Haley@GoingFitExercise.com
Tel: 484-947-7315 – Seaside Gym for classes.

TOP 14 ETIQUETTE RULES FOR PICKLEBALL

– rules that you won’t find in any official pickleball tournament handbook or rulebook.

When somebody inadvertently hits a ball onto your court from an adjacent court, retrieve it and toss them that same ball that they hit onto your court. Don’t switch balls. I repeat, don’t switch balls.
When retrieving a ball from an adjacent court, make eye contact with someone from that court and then directly toss or hit them the ball. Don’t just hit the ball back into their court without looking. That’s very annoying!
If your ball rolls on to the court next to you, shout out, “BALL, BALL ON COURT.” They could be in the heat of battle and did not see the ball, causing an extremely dangerous situation. OR, they just plainly do not see the ball because they are concentrating on THEIR game. Be courteous and let them know YOUR ball is on their court. SAFETY!
Don’t play keep away from the best player on the other team during rec play just so you can win – they want to play too!
Don’t cross the court behind a match until play has stopped. It’s not only rude, but it can be very dangerous as well.
Don’t chest-bump or be excessive in the celebration when your opponent makes an error. If, on the other hand, you or your partner made a great play…Same goes for the “spectators.” Please don’t clap or cheer when the opposing player misses an easy shot.
If you are obviously the weakest player on the court, thank the other players for playing with you after the game. However, don’t take advantage of their graciousness by staying on the court for an indefinite period of time. More than a game or two will undoubtedly wear out your welcome.
If you are asked to play with a group that is obviously of a lower skill level than you, graciously accept and play a game or two with them. They will likely appreciate your graciousness and understand that you want to get back to similarly-skilled players after the game.
If you are obviously the strongest person in your foursome, tone down the competitiveness and hit your opponent’s balls that they can return. Work on a new skill – perhaps it’s a great time for work on that third shot drop shot.
In rec play, don’t exploit someone’s physical limitations just so you can “win.” Not cool!
When somebody inadvertently hits a ball onto your court from an adjacent court, retrieve it and toss them that same ball that they hit onto your court. Don’t switch balls. I repeat, don’t switch balls.
When retrieving a ball from an adjacent court, make eye contact with someone from that court and then directly toss or hit them the ball. Don’t just hit the ball back into their court without looking. That’s very annoying!
Encourage everyone to stay hydrated.
If you and your partner can’t determine if the ball was in or out – or if you disagree with your partner on a line call – the benefit of the doubt goes to your opponent. Wait! That’s actually an “official” rule!

HAVE FUN !!!

Q: Positions during serve- When you are serving, must your partner be behind the back line? Is it a rule? Thanks :)

A: When serving, your partner should be back with you…behind the line, but not required, and it is not a rule, but it is a strategic and wise choice to be back and is a defensive move.

The reason being:
The opponents will almost always want to return the ball deep, they want to keep you deep and they do not want your team (serving team) to get to the net. The main goal is to return the serve deep to keep the serving team at the baseline; power is not as important as control. A short return brings the serving team forward, allowing them to reach the non-volley zone (kitchen) line and negating the receiving team’s advantage.

The net is where points are won. If your partner is inside the base line (server must be behind the base line). That becomes a target for your opponents. Hit the ball hard and deep to that person (your partner) because your partner will be out of position when the ball is hit at their feet, and the serving team MUST LET THE BALL BOUNCE – definitely compromising your position when accepting the return.

Additionally, you and your partner should always be in concert together. As if you were both holding on to a broomstick. You need to work together, move together forward and back, and left to right. You are forming a wall fighting your opponents.

How to Use the St James Pickleball Website

All of the pages in our website are important. They all contain something that you were looking for, needed the information for, wanted to register for, or it may even answer an argument from the pickleball courts.

On the homepage:

Note the navigation toolbar is on every page
Our main image changes frequently based on what’s happening
Next – We have three featured columns
Just under the featured content – One of the most important sections is the “Latest Posts” it contains the most current information from our community and within our website
Next to the “Latest Posts” is a list of current Events

Find out more in our short video: How to use StJamespickleball.com website

BONUS!!! Win 3 Pickleballs!

Be on the lookout for an EASTER EGG!
An Easter Egg is hidden code or images placed in the website, on a CD, or in an appliance by the developer. Typically it requires a series of keystrokes or inputting code to reveal an Easter Egg.

BUT in our circumstance, it will be a hyperlink to a claim form, or it may be a very small picture of an egg that links to a claim form. It is your job to find the link or a picture of the egg, click on either and then fill out the form to claim your 3 FREE PICKLEBALLS.

NOTE: Should someone find the Easter Egg (or link), and claim it, and then should it turn into a mass uncovering of the hidden Easter Egg, the first person find and fill out the form wins. There will be several on the website throughout the year.

Around the Post (ATP)

What an interesting ball return. You’re dinking in the non-volley zone. The ball goes wider and wider, and the next thing you know you are pulled way off the court for an unbelievable get. But instead of returning the ball in a dink fashion back across the net, you are so wide and so low off the court you look up and see an open shot to the rear, baseline section of the opponent’s court. BAM! you just hit your first ATP.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

11.K.1. A ball contacting the net, the net cable, or rope
between the net posts remains in play.
11.L. The Net.
11.L.1. The net and the wires or strings holding up the net
are positioned (mostly) on the court. Therefore, if the
ball strikes the top of the net or strikes the top net
wire or string and lands inbounds, it remains in play.
11.L.2. If the ball travels between the net and the net post, it
is a fault against the striking player.

Our Opponent Dropped Their Paddle on the Court During Play, Do They Lose the Point?

Thanks for posing this question, which is a very good question and it is always best to discuss these things outside of play.

11.H. Items on the Court. If any item a player is/was wearing or
carrying lands on their side of the court, unless the item
lands in the non-volley zone as a result of a volley, the ball
remains in play even if it hits the item.

But remember, no part of you or anything that has contact with you, including your : hat, paddle, etc., may touch the non-volley zone while in the act of volleying.

9.B. It is a fault if the volleying player or anything that has contact
with the volleying player while in the act of volleying,
touches the non-volley zone. For players using wheelchairs,
the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zone.
9.B.1. The act of volleying the ball includes the swing, the
follow-through, and the momentum from the action.
9.B.2. If the paddle touches the non-volley zone during the
volley motion, before or after contacting the ball, it is
a fault.

The #1 Move to AVOID in Pickleball

What is the #1 Move to Avoid in Pickleball? This is a great question and of course, there are many good answers, but this was an answer that Scott Hettinger provided.

Do you want to be a better player? Do you want to move from2.5 to 3.0, 3.0 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4.0 or 4.0 to 4.5? Do you want to be a successful doubles pickleball partner? HERE IS THE NUMBER ONE MOVE TO AVOID…………….

The Eye Roll

So… your partner popped it up for the 5^th time… your partner hammered the ball into the net… again… your partner hits that easy kill shot into the parking lot… etc., etc., etc. We’ve all been there. Resist the urge to give the EYE ROLL. Your partner is doing their best. They didn’t try to pop it up, slam it into the net or crack a windshield in the parking lot. Give them some encouragement. They already feel bad about it. They are doing their best at that moment.

It certainly isn’t going to improve their play by giving the condescending EYE ROLL or other disparaging moves like mumbling under your breath or dropping your head in disgust. How about we tell them “No worries you’ll get the next one. That was a tough shot, keep at it you’re doing ok! Good try on that one. You’ll get it.” Just remember… if you are the best 3.0 and move up to the 3.5 level, you aren’t the best anymore. You are probably starting out at the bottom of that next level. You might be the one popping it up, hitting the net or the back fence for a while. Do you now want to be on the receiving end of that EYE ROLL? I think not!!!

So, let’s all remember that pickleball is for fun. We aren’t making a living off of it. We are playing with all our friends and neighbors, and we enjoy their company. Don’t lose sight of that fact. Be a better partner. Be a better player. Be a better friend. Just a thought for your day………………….

Scott Hettinger

Every time My Partner Calls the Wrong Score the Opposing Team Says We Must Replay That Point.

Funny how we can’t remember who served, even after we just served. Of course, who can remember the score? But how should we handle it when the opposing team calls the wrong score?

Wrong Score Called (4.K)
The rules concerning what happens if the wrong score is called by
a player or a referee have changed. If a player thinks a wrong
score has been called, a player may stop play to ask for a
correction before the ball is served.

If it has been served, the rally is to be played out and the score correction (if any) is made before the next serve occurs.

My Partner Yelled, “OUT.” The Ball Then Landed In and My Partner Yelled, “No, it’s IN.” The Opposing Team Said You Called It Out.

Well, as confusing as it may be, this happens all the time. Let me read what the rule book states:

6.D.11. While the ball is in the air, if a player yells “out,” “no,”
“bounce it,” or any other words to communicate to
their partner that the ball may be out, it shall be
considered player communication only and not
considered a line call.
6.D.12. An “out” call made after the ball bounces is a line call.
The ball is dead and play shall stop. If, upon appeal,
the referee overrules any type of “out” call, it is a fault
against the player or team that made the “out” call.
Exception: If the match has line judges, the baseline
and sideline judges are responsible for the call. (See
Rule 13.E.2)

NOTE: we also mention this in a previous post from last year, further down in the posts.