Recreational Pickleball Players Association looks to grow for love of the game

As a USA Pickleball Ambassador, I attempt to promote our sport in any way I can. This is my second plug for the Recreational Pickleball Players Association.

There is a good deal of back and forth going on with various pickleball governing bodies these days. Rating systems, paddle approval, new changes to how to find places to play, new apps, new designs, competing tournament sponsors, etc. If you are a recreational player who wants to connect with others in various communities when you are traveling, then check out the following message about the RPPA.

At RPPA, our mission is to grow, support and connect thriving communities of recreational pickleball players who play for the love of the game. We like to think of our association site as the town square for recreational players.

Members can message each other, create groups and post events -- not just games and tournaments, but any event. We know that communities grow with engagement and many players meet off the court as well for book clubs, happy hours, charity functions, game nights and so much more.

We have two other unique features. A searchable calendar lists local and national events that hosts have made public. And the first ever vendor directory is a one-stop shop for all things pickleball from gear and apparel to restaurants and entertainment, to physician and court builders and much more.

This month we will add a resource center that will offer resources to help communities get more courts and help keep current courts from closure.

Basic membership is free. We are growing daily and are using feedback from our founding members to learn even more ways to best support our communities. Rec players have been ignored for too long. You are the heart and soul of this amazing sport and RPPA is dedicated to giving support to you. Join us at RPPA.org

Attention USA Ambassadors: We love you and want to thank you for all you do to promote our sport. We are offering you a free premium membership. To get a special coupon code, send an email to elena@rppa.org

Note to my readers: You can read my articles here in The Desert Sun, and in the Fit Pickler, which is a newsletter offered by the same promoter for the RPPA.

I am going to advertise my round robins on the RPPA website and unlike other platforms, I do not have to pay extra to create groups and promote events to the public.

I am going under the knife for total knee replacement (finally) on July 25. My next round robin indoors will be Aug. 24 at the Salvation Army Davis Center. Come play and check out my new knee.

Coach Mary's Tip of the Week

I watched some great presentations during the 2024 Pickleball Summit with new coach CJ Johnson, and I am sharing them with you.

Today's focuses on five common pitfalls to avoid and correct to improve your game. Watch this video several times to see which mistakes we need to address and correct.

** Too much backswing: I preach little to no backswing all the time. Especially with the dink, you need little backswing. With a serve or groundstroke, you may need a bit more backswing, but not much.

** Running through the shot: Your body is a source of energy. Move, hit, recover is a great hint.

** Challenge the net: Risking the net is a major problem. If you hit it in the net, your opponent does not need to make any decisions or execute any shots. Miss over the net. The point is over as soon as you hit into the net. Respect the net.

** Variables: Less extraneous movement. Less extra stepping, backswing, follow-through, split steps. The fewer variables you have, the less mistakes you make. “Less is More.”

** Not getting to the NVZ after your return of serve: Your goal is to get to the NVZ before your opponent executes the third shot.

· Return high and deep, so you can get to the NVZ early to take advantage.

· Returning hard, but short. You are enabling your opponent to come in!

· A tough, deep serve forces you to execute a short return. In this case, you need to split step in the transition zone, return deep, then come all the way in.

· The team that controls the NVZ, or the “winning line”, will win the match.

A great suggestion from Johnson is to bring your camera out to the court and set it up to watch you play.

Are you returning deep? Are you keeping it out of the net? Are you keeping your backswing short? Are you limiting your extra variable movement?