As with all sports the #1 way to improve your game is to practice. We all love to get on the court and play and we all want to improve, but practice is key to improving your game. Why then is it so hard to put time into practice if we know it will make us a better player? Here are some thought on practice from some well known coaches: Coach Mo "If you want to play your best, you must know the importance of practice, as well as playing the game." Sarah Ansboury "The important thing to remember is you can work to improve your game, even if you don’t have a court or practice partner. You can work on your mind, your footwork and your conditioning. You can practice pickleball alone!" Gale Leach "only with practice do elements of their game become automatic, allowing players to play better all around" Practicing Alone-Most players believe that you need a partner and a court to practice. Below are links to 3 videos on how to practice alone. If you take the time to analyze your games and learn the areas that you are weak in then you can concentrate on working on those weaknesses. Here is a great article on the USAPA Atlantic Region website about practice. Click here to read the article. So, you can get on the court and play, you can play against better players, but unless you put in the time to figure out what you need to improve and take the time to practice you will not improve. Ask someone sitting out to chart your unforced errors and work on the aspects of the game you are weak on. Take a video of your games and analyze what you are doing and look critically at your game. You will learn a lot. So get out there and get it done!
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Week 1 of the summer ladder League was a smashing success! Twenty players from Eaton, Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley including 2 subs were cheered on by many spectators. Some spectators were familiar with the game and some who were enticed to the court by laughing and hoots of joy. A great time was had by all.
Volunteers showed up early to line the courts, set up nets and sweep. A brief shower delayed games for about 10 minutes which gave players a chance to chat and eat some dinner. Come watch week 2 and join the fun by signing up for August, September or October leagues. Players play as individuals and move up or down the ladder based on their results of the previous week and were subs may be placed. Subs can be of any gender or skill level. Sign up for the sub list for any month. Click here for more information about the league format. WEEK 1 RESULTS Northern Colorado Pickleball Association Member Meeting-Join pickleball friends for some social time, play some pickleball and talk about the vision, structure, goals and workings of Northern Colorado Pickleball Association. Pot Luck- Bring an appetizer or other dish to share. Bring a chair to sit and of course, your paddle ready to play, or just watch and cheer others on.
Where: City Park Tennis Courts West Oak Street, Fort Collins When: Tuesday, July 19th 5:30-8:00 PM (cancelled in case of rain/no rain date set) Please RSVP Here Good explanation of when and how to poach by Sarah Ansboury. The article breaks down the issues and explains clearly the benefits of poaching and how to pull it off. Remembering that pickleball is a team sport you need to communicate with your partner about your intention to poach. "Anticipation is more than a love song sang by Carly Simon. It is key to your success in poaching."
To help you pull it all together the great article has links to videos that demo the techniques that Sarah talks about. Ladder League is a great way to play at your level and to challenge others and be challenged. NoCo's Ladder League is also a great time for some good social interaction and supporting your fellow players. July's league is full, but don't dispare.... get on the sub list! Don't want to be on the court, come watch play and support your fellow players. Play will be at City Park Courts off of West Oak in Fort Collins. There is a lot of great shade to sit and watch. Bring a chair. See you there. Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 6-8:30PM.
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