Tuesday, July 26, 2022 (Court Day #523)
I left work and arrived in Skypark shortly after 6:30 p.m. It was a light crowd. I set up a net with Nicole—who is a regular—and Avery who is an up-and-coming newer player. Our fourth would be a newer player named Mike whose teenage son Colin was also there tonight.
We rotated through a few games and then Mark Dettle come in, replacing Mike. Those were less challenging games with short rallies. I was looking longingly across the courts at a game with Rob A. (the firefighter) and Charles against Matt Smith and Tim. They had some great rallies. I was quite jealous.
While waiting, Ying convince me to instead join a game with her against Will—who is the tennis pro at La Madrona Athletic Club (I believe it was called La Madrona Tennis Club when I was growing up) but he also teaches some pickleball there as well. Will’s partner was to be Avery. Will and I were obviously the better players on the court. Avery and Ying were pretty balanced … Avery has a good soft game and not a ton of power (or doesn’t use it) and Ying has little-to-no soft game but has strong drives. Will and Avery were down a number of points but came back and won 12-10. I had some really good shots in that last game. My drop shots were consistent and low. I was very pleased with those, they were dynamite. Will is a good player, a strong 3.5.
By 8:22 p.m., everyone was done. Tim said that his back tightened up and that was that for challenging games.
When I left it was still light—dusk, but plenty of light to see you without any lights overhead. Matt and Paul and TK and others who typically stick around late were nowhere to be seen tonight.
I talked to Will when he was leaving and he said that he got a “quick and dirty” pickleball instructor certification. He said Karen Haselden is their main pickleball instructor. Karen H. is the person that Karen Long suggested when I her asked about a local good pickleball instructor. Will is a nice, mellow down-to-earth guy.
Tournament
There’s a mixed-doubles tournament in San Juan Bautista next month. René was there tonight and I asked if she wanted to partner for it. She said she ”totally would” but she’d already convinced her friend Rick to be her partner for what would both be their first tournament.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 (No play)
I messaged Colleen to see if wanted to play in the tournament. She replied that she’s having arm problems and wouldn’t be able to do it.
There’s a big drop off in female players after those two. In mixed-doubles, you need a strong woman player since a lot of balls will be hit to her. Maybe I’ll keep my eyes open at Brommer and see if someone presents herself.
Number of days on a court: 523
Number of total hours: 2,404.5
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