Thursday, July 25, 2019 (Court Day #285)
45th day out playing lefty. Tennis elbow.
As a site coordinator, I was invited by Karen Long to a “train the trainers” workshop where we covered Santa Cruz Pickleball Club procedures such as handling new players, injuries, and harassment. It started at 4:30 at a Derby Park. I was five minutes late as I got tied up at work. This week has gone really fast. A lot going on, between ad deadlines and a big parking lot anniversary event and sale on Saturday to prep for.
Terry Long (black cap) leading the first part of the coordinator session as wife Karen (visor) looks on.
Terry Long led the first part and included some rules questions. Being that I have read the rules numerous times and frequent the Facebook pickleball referees group, if I didn’t jump over an important part of the question, I got the answers right. I have to say, it was cool when at one point Terry confirmed a rule by checking with me. I’m sure he knew the answer, still it was nice to hear, “…isn’t that right, Andrew?”
After about an hour and a half, Terry Long gave us some instruction on using backspin on crosscourt dinks.
Karen mentioned in passing that John P. is now a board member of our newly reorganized 501(c)3 club. Well, what do you know! Part of me was thinking, “Gee, I didn’t get asked” but I have plenty on my plate to be honest. I’m already on two non-profit boards and am additionally regularly attend two to five charity meetings each month, my wife complains already.
The funnest part was playing a game against Terry and John P. with Karen as my partner. Terry, to make the game more interesting for him, hit most of the shots to Karen, the stronger player of the two of us. Once, Terry hit it to me and I returned it into the net. I laughed and announced, “Terry hit it to me! What do I do?” Karen and I won 12-10 or thereabouts. It was a close game and a lot of fun. Afterward, Karen leaned in and said, “Now you can say that you beat him playing left-handed!” I dunno, Karen took care of most of the business in that game…
At about 6:40, I headed to Scotts Valley for Thursday night play.
Scotts Valley
[Note: I lost some of my writing for this entry, so here it is again, Hopefully, I didn’t forget too much four days later! I think I did pretty well.]
During a game with Jeanne, she figured out that I was playing left-handed: “I just thought you were playing easier for some reason.” I hadn’t even thought about that, but, sure, my left doesn’t have the power of my right.
During one game, I could feel my right ankle. Fortunately, it hasn’t been bothering me much lately. I did feel my back though, it was getting fatigued and sore as the evening wore on.
A lesson to remember. I was mentally being critical of a partner during a game. “She keeps hitting the ball high.” Or “She should be hitting the ball down during that volley rally.” Then I caught myself doing the same thing. At least I’m honest enough and aware enough to recognize that.
I played a two games partnered with Carol—sho’s been playing for about six months—against Wayne and a guy I’ve never seen before. The guy has a very strong forehand drive. Carol and I lost the first game in a lopsided manner. When presented with the opportunity for one last additional game, I suggested the same teams. It was selfish, of course. To improve, one always wants the strongest players on the opposite side of the net. Carol and I lead most of the game, but stalled at 10 points and lost 12-10.
Near the end, Shawnte said, “Your left hand is awesome.” Everything is relative, of course. Awesome for playing lefty.
Tristan was there. When I asked, he said he wasn’t related to anyone there. However, Jeanne is his neighbor down by the Boardwalk. His mom picked him up. I dipped my head near the open passenger window, and told her, “Tristan is very polite…he apologized after he said the F-word four times.” Tristan smiled and made a face. I came clean and admitted, “He didn’t say the F-word.”
Tristan is continuing to improve. I’m jealous of his ability to progress so quickly. He still makes strategic errors, but that will improve with time.
By 9:23, I was in my car and heading home for dinner. Play tomorrow morning at Brommer is out of the question. Maybe next week.
Number of days on a court: 285
Number of total hours: 786
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