THE MICHIGAN PICKLEBALL NEWSLETTER
August 2022
|
|
In this edition:
NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- USA Pickleball Featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition
- How to practice pickleball alone: 7 solo pickleball drills every player needs to know
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
- Ann Arbor - Wolverine Summer Fever Tournaments - various Aug dates
- Ludington Pickleball Classic – Fri Sep 9 - Sun Sep 11
- Clinton Twp 50+ Pickleball Tournament – Fri Sep 23
LADDERS and LEAGUES and MIXERS
- Ann Arbor - Summer Ladder League Co-ed 3.5-4.0 Thursdays 7-9pm 6/2-9/1
- Ann Arbor - Create your own mixer - Friday & Saturdays nights available
- Grosse Ile - Pickleball Fall Beginner Ladder League - 7-9pm Mondays 9/12 - 12/5
- Grosse Ile - Pickleball Fall Ladder League - 7-9pm Thursdays 9/15 - 12/8
- Grosse Ile - Friday Night Pickleball Mixer - Friday 9/23 6-9pm
CLINICS and DRILLS and LESSONS
-
Clinton Twp - Beginner Instruction - 2nd Mon of month 2:30pm-4pm
- West Bloomfield - Pickleball 200 Drills and Practice
- West Bloomfield - Pickleball Adv.Beginner 250 Drills and Play
- West Bloomfield - Pickleball 300 Intermediate Skills and Strategy
- West Bloomfield - Pickleball 400 Advanced Supervised Play
PLACES TO PLAY
|
|
USA Pickleball Featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition from USA Pickleball News and Info, Junior News 6/24/2022
The sport of pickleball continues to gain traction throughout the United States, and this week was featured in prime time on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition! USA Pickleball had the opportunity to represent the sport on national television by showcasing the active yet social environment that pickleball brings to communities throughout the country. NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition is a segment on NBC that touches on top headlines, broken down for kids. The topics range from cooking, weather, travel, sports, lifestyle and more. USA Pickleball helped coordinate the video shoot, which shines a light on youth pickleball and the benefits of kids learning how to play. More than 30 kids from the Nocatee community in Ponte Vedra, Florida, jumped at the chance to learn how to play pickleball and be featured on NBC. The kids ranged from ages 4 to 23 with varying levels of experience playing the game.
In the video, pickleball is around 14:40.
|
|
How to practice pickleball alone: 7 solo pickleball drills every player needs to know by Pink Pickleball
Want to take your pickleball playing to the next level? Of course you do!
When it comes to improving your pickleball skills, there’s only one way to do: practice, practice, practice! We realise it’s not always easy – or possible – to play pickleball when you want to, though. After all, we’d be playing all the time if we could. So, should you give up on practising pickleball when nobody else is around to play? Of course not! As long as you have a pickleball paddle and a ball, there’s always a way to get your pickleball practice in.
|
|
|
|
Paddletek is an MPA sponsor and the exclusive state paddle of the Michigan Pickleball Association. Check them out at
|
|
Ann Arbor - Wolverine Summer Fever Tournaments
Wolverine Pickleball Warehouse, 119 Jackson Industrial Dr, Suite A, Ann Arbor MI 48103 (near the Zeeb Rd exit off I-94)
Round Robin tournaments. Play all other teams once. Max 9 teams per division. Games to 11 win by 2. Registration for doubles is not complete until both players are registered and paid.
Cost: $30 per player per tournament
Doubles events - Check in 1/2 hr before event start times.
Singles events - Check in 1/2 hr before event start times.
|
|
Ludington Pickleball Classic – Fri Sep 9 - Sun Sep 11
Oriole Field, Gaylord Ave. and Tinkham Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
This is a round robin by skill level and age groups outdoor tournament. Play is Women's Doubles on Fri 9/9, Mixed Doubles on Sat 9/10 and Men's Doubles on Sun 9/11. This is a non-sanctioned tournament. This year Pinnacle Pickleball Tournaments will be assisting in running this tournament.
Cost: $60
|
|
Clinton Twp 50+ Pickleball Tournament – Fri Sep 23 9am-4pm
Ray Hernandez Pickleball Courts at Clinton Twp Senior Adult Life Center, 40730 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Twp, MI (next to Clinton Twp Civic Center across from Resurrection Cemetery)
Outdoor tournament for ages 50+. All skill levels are welcome. Random drawing for partners. Prizes for top scorers. Door prizes and lunch provided. Tentative rain out date is Fri Sep 30.
Cost: $20
Registration: Registration opens for members on 8/4; general public on 8/11. Call (586) 286-9333 to register.
|
|
|
|
The Franklin X-40 is the official ball of the Michigan Pickleball Association. Check
them out at
|
|
LADDERS and LEAGUES and MIXERS |
|
Ann Arbor - Summer Ladder League Co-ed 3.5-4.0 Thursdays 7-9pm 6/2-9/1
Wolverine Pickleball Warehouse, 119 Jackson Industrial Dr, Suite A, Ann Arbor MI 48103 (near the Zeeb Rd exit off I-94)
Play 3 games to 15 with your court of players, scores will be recorded to determine the next week's court assignments. After ladder play, players may mix it up for social play.
|
|
Ann Arbor - Create your own mixer - Friday & Saturdays nights available
Wolverine Pickleball Warehouse, 119 Jackson Industrial Dr, Suite A, Ann Arbor MI 48103 (near the Zeeb Rd exit off I-94)
Rent out Wolverine Pickleball. BYOB and food. Eight (8) courts. Plenty of extra paddles if you want to invite new players. We can also transform the place into a glow party. Contact us to arrange a date. Please email hello@WolverinePickleball.com or call (734) 489-1723.
|
|
Grosse Ile - Pickleball Fall Beginner Ladder League - 7-9pm Mondays 9/12 - 12/5
Island Athletics, 9251 Groh Road, Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Beginner players can sign up for this Fall ladder league.
Cost: $140 per person. Non-members add an additional $60 or become a member. One year membership costs are $75 per person or $125 per couple.
Registration: Please call (734) 752-6802
|
|
Grosse Ile - Pickleball Fall Ladder League - 7-9pm Thursdays 9/15 - 12/8
Island Athletics, 9251 Groh Road, Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Intermediate-advanced players can sign up for this Fall ladder league.
Cost: $140 per person. Non-members add an additional $60 or become a member. One year membership costs are $75 per person or $125 per couple.
Registration: Please call (734) 752-6802
|
|
Grosse Ile - Friday Night Pickleball Mixer - Friday 9/23 6-9pm
Island Athletics, 9251 Groh Road, Grosse Ile, MI 48138
All levels welcome. Limited to the first 50 people registered. Potluck food - please sign up for a food item to bring, BYOB. All plates, napkins and flatware will be provided.
Theme: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs provided by Island Athletics. Grilled on site with buns and condiments.
Items needed: Salad, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Cole Slaw, Fruit Salad, Chili, Baked Beans, Chips, Pickles, Sliced Tomatoes, Sliced Onions, Diced Onions, Relish, Veggies With Dip, Easy Potatoes.
Desserts: Cookies, Cake, Brownies
Cost: $10 per person with dish to pass for Potluck. $15 per person if no dish to pass for Potluck.
Registration: Please call (734) 752-6802. Registration ends Wed 9/22.
|
|
CLINICS and DRILLS and LESSONS |
|
Clinton Twp - Beginner Instruction - 2nd Monday each month 2:30pm-4pm
Senior Adult Life Center, 40730 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Twp, MI (next to Clinton Twp Civic Center across from Resurrection Cemetery)
Come learn the basics of pickleball. Pre-registration required. Must be a beginner. Must be 55 or older and be a member of Clinton Twp Senior Center.
Registration: Call (586) 286-9333 to sign up or with questions.
|
|
West Bloomfield - Pickleball Beginner 200 Drills and Practice
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (btw 14 Mile and Maple Rd)
This class is for those who have taken Pickleball 100 - Introduction. Practice will help to get better control of the ball by drilling with dinks, volleys, your serve and return of serve. Practicing each shot over and over will help you control that shot and therefore, the game. Supervised play will reinforce those skills.
Instructor: Jan Walton
Ages 18+
-
4:30pm-5:30pm on Tue 8/9 (#1312-4) or Tue 8/23 (#1312-5)
Ages 50+
-
3:00pm-4:00pm on Wed 8/10 (#2222-6) or Wed 8/24 (#2222-7)
Cost: $15 resident/ $20 non-resident
Registration: To register, call (248) 451-1900.
|
|
West Bloomfield - Pickleball Adv.Beginner 250 Drills and Play
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (btw 14 Mile and Maple Rd)
This class is for those who have taken Pickleball 200 - Beginner Drills. Additional drills with sequenced play will help you continue to improve your control of the ball. Dinks, volleys, lobs, serves and return of serves will be included with supervised play providing time for practice, guidance and feedback.
Instructor: Jan Walton
Ages 18+
- 6:00pm-:00on Tue 8/23 (#1313-2)
Ages 50+
- 1:30pm-2:30pm on Wed 8/24 (#2222-2)
Cost: $15 resident/ $20 non-resident
Registration: To register, call (248) 451-1900.
|
|
West Bloomfield - Pickleball 300 Intermediate Skills and Strategy
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (btw 14 Mile and Maple Rd)
Introduce six core offensive and defensive principles. This class is oriented toward newer players already comfortable with the basic flow of the game. Learn the how, when and why of various techniques unique to the game, such as shot selection and court positioning. Build awareness of common mistakes, and review various strategies to improve the recreational playing experience. Prerequisites: Pickleball 100 and 200 strongly recommended (or equivalent playing experience).
Instructor: Rick Schmidt
Ages 18+
- 6:30pm-8pm on Tue 8/16 (#1314-5)
Ages 50+
- 4:30pm-6pm on Mon 8/8 (#2224-4)
Cost: $20 resident/ $25 non-resident
Registration: To register, call (248) 451-1900.
|
|
West Bloomfield - Pickleball 400 Advanced Supervised Play
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (btw 14 Mile and Maple Rd)
Actively apply various offensive and defensive principles into actual game scenarios. Play out rallies focused on each principle and stop frequently to evaluate the outcome. Learn strategy and reasoning for various shots and court position strategies. Begin to evaluate your opponent's movements and react accordingly. This class is oriented toward players that have a solid understanding of the game. Prerequisite: Pickleball 300 strongly recommended (or equivalent playing experience.)
Instructor: Rick Schmidt
Ages 18+
- 4:30pm-6pm on Mon 8/1 (#1316-2)
- 6:30pm-8pm on Tue 8/8 (#1316-3)
Ages 50+
- 4:30pm-6pm on Tue 8/16 (#2226-3)
Cost: $20 resident/ $25 non-resident
Registration: To register, call (248) 451-1900.
|
|
Please support those
that support the
MPA
|
|
Pros/Businesses/Groups/Clubs:
Supreme Court Jesters
|
|
 |
ANN ARBOR - Indoor Courts
Wolverine Pickleball Warehouse, 119 Jackson Industrial Dr
Suite A, Ann Arbor MI 48103
(near the Zeeb Rd exit off I-94)
> Eight (8) pickleball courts with a tennis surface, crank nets, 24' ceiling in a warehouse
> Play the competition, not the weather
> We offer skill rated play sessions, lessons and clinics, private court time and private parties, round robins, ladders and mixers along with other events
> Please sign-up for our newsletter at WolverinePickleball.com to get the latest information about membership, pricing and events
call (734) 489-1723.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BLOOMFIELD HILLS -
Indoor Courts
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church,
1101 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI (located on Lone Pine at Telegraph Rd.gymnasium is located at the back)
> Masks required for players who are not vaccinated.
> Three (3) indoor courts
> $3 per person
> Must be 18 or older
> Drop in play. All skills welcome.
|
|
|
|
Mondays
Saturdays
No play Sat Aug 27
|
|
|
|
|
CLINTON TWP - Indoor Courts
Senior Adult Life Center,
40730 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Twp, MI (next to Clinton Twp Civic Center across from Resurrection Cemetery)
> One (1) indoor court
> Must be 55 or older
> Must be a member of Clinton Twp Senior Center for indoor play. One time fee. Cost dependent on residency. Non-residents welcome.
> Beginner instruction available 2nd Monday of month 2:30-4pm. Pre-registration required at (586)286-9333. Free to members.
> Requesting that players monitor themselves to stay safe and maintain proper social distancing. Masks are optional.
Contact Dan Ulmer at (586) 723-8076 with any questions.
|
|
|
|
Thursdays
Fridays
- 01:45pm
- Competitive play available until September
|
|
|
|
|
CLINTON TWP - Outdoor Courts
Ray Hernandez Pickleball Courts at Senior Adult Life Center, 40730 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Twp, MI (next to Clinton Twp Civic Center across from Resurrection Cemetery)
> Six (6) dedicated outdoor pickleball courts
> Free to play. Membership not needed for outdoor play
> Drop in play format
> Courts are not available for drop in when sanctioned ladder leagues play.
Contact Dan Ulmer at (586) 723-8076 with any questions.
|
|
|
|
Mondays - Fridays
- 09:00 am – 04:00 pm
- Courts reserved for senior use only (55+)
Sundays - Saturdays
- 09:00am - dusk
- when not reserved for sanctioned activities
|
|
|
|
|
GROSSE ILE - Indoor Courts
Island Athletics, 9251 Groh Road, Grosse Ile, MI 48138
> Six (6) indoor courts available
> Open play on Tuesday evenings or register to reserve a court for $16/hr.
> All ages and skill levels welcome
> Membership not required for pickleball.
> Non-member fee to play pickleball is $7.50 extra for adult and $4 for youth.
> Annual pickleball membership fees: Individual $75; Couple $125; Family $175; Junior $40.
> A pickleball machine is now available for rental. Work on your volleys, returns or more.
> The facility has pickleball instructors as well as fitness center, classes, personal trainers, and kids birthday packages.
|
|
|
|
Tuesdays
- 06:00pm - 08:00pm
- Walk in open play
- No reservations needed
- Members $4/hr
- Non-members $7.50 plus $4/hr
- 24 players max
Note: Starting Sep 6 play will be 7-9pm and court rate will increase from $4 to $5/hr per person
Venue hours thru Labor day
Register to reserve a court for $16/hr.
Saturday - Sunday
and
Monday - Friday
Note: Starting September, court cost will be $20/hr.
|
|
|
|
|
CLARKSTON / INDEPENDENCE TWP - Outdoor Courts
Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, MI 48348
(located approx. 1/2 mile west of Sashabaw Rd)
> Eight (8) outdoor pickleball courts
> Drop-in play format
> Punch card system used for outdoor play, or $3 cash drop in per play
5 visits - $10 members / $15 non-members;
10 visits - $18 members / $27 non-members;
20 visits - $34 members / $51 non-members
> Punch Cards can be purchased at the Senior Community Center payable by cash, check or credit card or by calling (248)625-8231 payable by credit card.
> Please note: Punch Cards purchased for Indoor Pickleball cannot be used for Outdoor Pickleball.
Any questions, contact Ann Bouchard Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors at (248) 625-8231
|
|
|
|
Monday - Saturday
Courts are available for free use during daylight hours Sunday - Saturday when courts are not in use by organized events.
|
|
|
|
|
LIVONIA - Indoor Courts
Kirksey Recreation Center,
15001 Hubbard St, Livonia, MI 48154
> Three (3) indoor courts. Play on new Pulastic flooring installed 9/2021!
> Members are free
> Non-members Day Passes: Resident $8.50; Senior Resident $5; Non-resident $17; Senior Non-resident $10. Senior rate is for 62 or older.
> Drop in play format
(734) 466-2900 if you have questions.
|
|
|
|
Venue hours thru Fri Aug 26
All Skills
Mondays - Fridays
Fridays
Saturdays
|
|
|
|
|
LIVONIA - Outdoor Courts
> Free to play
> Courts are first come, first serve
Bicentennial Park,
36000 7 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
> Six (6) dedicated outdoor pickleball courts (new in 2020)
Compton Park,
28732 Lyndon, Livonia, MI 48154
> Six (6) dedicated outdoor pickleball courts (new in 2019)
Shelden Park,
33123 Van Court, Livonia, MI 48150
> Eight (8) outdoor tennis courts lined for pickleball
(734) 466-2900 if you have questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LUDINGTON - Outdoor Courts
Oriole Field, corner Tinkham Avenue and Gaylord Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431
> Eight (8) outdoor courts
> Drop in play format. Paddle Rotation is used 9am-noon every day.
> Paddle Rotation is also started and used any day at any time when all the courts are full and there are players waiting to play.
> Please become a member to support Ludington pickleball. Ludington Area Pickleball (LAP) cost is $25/year. Use pickeballden to join.
> Exciting improvements to the Ludington Area Pickleball courts includes a Pavilion and new tables and umbrellas to provide shade for players.
|
|
|
|
Drop in Paddle rotation occurs
Sundays - Saturdays
Courts are available for use
Sunday - Saturday 9am - 9pm
when courts are not in use by organized events.
June - Sept six courts are used for Club Ladder League play on Tuesdays 4:00pm-8:00pm, Women's Round Robin Club play on Wednesdays and Thursdays 12:30pm-2:30pm. Other future events may be scheduled during the summer season that may limit court availability for visitors.
|
|
|
|
|
TROY - Indoor Courts
Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083
> Four (4) indoor courts (*up to 8 courts on Mon & Fri)
> Drop in play format
> Must be 18 +
> All skills welcome
> Must bring your own paddles and pickleballs
> Free for fitness center members and day pass holders
> Beginner/Novice Pickleball time slots: Tuesday & Saturday 2–4 pm, and Wednesday–Friday 1–3 pm.
> Day pass $10 resident / $15 non-resident. Day pass allows access to fitness rooms, gymnasium, indoor pool, and locker rooms for one day.
> Senior (50+) day pass special on Mondays & Fridays: $6
Please visit rec.troymi.gov/tcc for the most up to date information or call (248)524-3484.
|
|
|
|
Pickleball is offered 7 days a week
|
|
|
|
|
TROY - Outdoor Courts
> Free to play. Bring your own paddles and balls
> First come, first served except during times reserved for Troy Parks & Rec
Redwood Park,
750 Redwood, Troy, MI 48083
> Four (4) dedicated outdoor pickleball courts
Boulan Park,
1898 Boulan, Troy, MI 48084
(Crooks between Wattles and Big Beaver Rd)
> Four (4) outdoor, lighted tennis courts that are permanently lined for 4 pickleball courts (west side courts)
Brinston Park,
2248 Brinston, Troy, MI 48083
(Off John R between Big Beaver and Maple Rd)
> One (1) outdoor tennis court that is permanently lined for 1 pickleball court
Any questions, contact Troy Community Center at (248)524-3484
|
|
|
|
Sundays - Saturdays
when courts are not in use by Troy organized events.
|
|
|
|
If you know someone who would like to receive the Michigan Pickleball Newsletter, click here and enter email address and name to subscribe.
subscribe at bottom of the home page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
