Pickleball: Plan your visit to Margaritaville national championships at Indian Wells
Hard to believe it, but the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships kick off Saturday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The action will continue through next Sunday, Nov. 13. Here's what you need to know:
All tickets are digital
You need to download the AXS Mobile App to access, transfer, or sell your digital tickets.
COVID vaccine (or negative test) required
All attendees are required to show valid proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR COVID test result. The requirements also apply to kids (above 6 months of age) and there are no exceptions.
To expedite entry, vaccinated visitors can sign up for a CLEAR account and obtain a CLEAR Digital Vaccine Card. Do this no less than 24 hours before arriving at the tennis garden. You can use another valid method, such as a physical card and government-issued ID, but expect delays at entry.
U.S. residents 17 years of age and under, and international residents, will need to provide alternative digital proof of full vaccination using government-issued documentation and/or a digital CDC vaccination card.
Bring your stuff in a clear bag
Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or EVA no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
Leave your cash at home
All purchases at Indian Wells Tennis Garden are cashless. Bring your credit cards.
How much are tickets?
From $15 to $120 depending on what package you choose.
What about parking?
General parking in the lot off of Miles Avenue is $10 for cars and $20 for RVs. You may re-enter anytime throughout the day with no additional charge. Parking must be purchased before arriving. Parking passes are available online at usapickleballnationalchampionships.com/tickets/
Can I watch on TV or online?
Yes, there will be coverage on ESPN+, For The Fans, Roku, Selkirk TV and YouTube, with over 80 total hours of live action from three courts. Check for details on the official event website, usapickleballnationalchampionships.com/live/
What's the schedule?
Sunday, Nov. 6
Men’s Senior Pro Doubles 50+
Women’s Senior Pro Singles 50+
Mixed Age/Skill Doubles 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+
Monday, Nov. 7
Mixed Senior Pro Doubles 50+
Women’s Age/Skill Doubles 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+
Men’s Age/Skill Singles 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Mixed Pro Split/Age (1 Pro 50+ and 1 Pro under 50)
Mixed Skill/Age Doubles 50+, 55+, 60+ (3.0 and 3.5)
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Men’s Pro Split/Age
Women’s Pro Split Age (1 Pro 50+ and 1 Pro under 50)
Mixed Skill/Age Doubles 50+, 55+. 60+ (4.0)
Women’s Skill/Age Singles 19+, 35+
Thursday, Nov. 10
Men’s Singles Pro (Played Through Bronze)
Women’s Singles Pro (Played Through Bronze)
Mixed Skill/Age Doubles 50+, 55+, 60+ (4.5 and 5.0)
Men’s Skill/Age Singles 19+, 35+
Friday, Nov. 11
Mixed Doubles Pro (Played Through Bronze)
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 19+, 35+
Women’s Skill/Age Singles 50+, 55+, 60+
Men’s Skill/Age Single’s 50+, 55+, 60+
Saturday, Nov. 12
Women’s Doubles Pro (Played Through Bronze)
Men’s Doubles Pro (Played Through Bronze)
Junior Mixed Doubles
Junior Boys Doubles,
Men’s Skill/Age Doubles 19+, 35+
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 50+, 55+, 60+
Sunday, Nov. 13
Men’s Skill/Age Doubles 50+, 55+, 60+
Mixed Skill/Age Doubles 19+, 35+
Junior Boy’s Doubles
Women’s Pro Singles Gold
Men’s Pro Singles Gold
Women’s Pro Doubles Gold
Men’s Pro Doubles Gold
Mixed Pro Doubles Gold
Coach Mary’s tip of the week: Hips, shoulders and follow-through
Gee, that sounds familiar, you must have taken one of Coach Mary’s classes!
We are circling back to some of the strokes that are changing as more tennis players enter pickleball. The two-handed backhand is one such stroke.
A two-hander can help prevent shoulder and elbow injuries. My beginning players are finding more success with the two-handers, so keep your mind open to it!
For a great video on the two-handed backhand, I recommend a YouTube video by the "Pickleball Journey" guys, Elijah and Justin. You can see it at youtu.be/BdxZGaBoa38
Four key tips:
1. Body positioning. To prepare for the shot, turn your shoulders perpendicular to the baseline. You are preparing to transfer your body weight into the court. You will start low, finish high, and you are stepping into the shot with your front foot.
2. Think about the lag progression of your body parts. In what order should you be moving? Start with your hips, then shoulders, arms and wrists. Your wrist should be back so the paddle butt is facing forward.
3. Consider the swing path or plane of motion. Consider both the horizontal plane and vertical plane, and think of your paddle moving up a slight incline. A low-to-high motion creates topspin!
Here's a hint: If you are hitting into the net, your plane is too horizontal. Start your paddle lower to clear the net.
4. Watch your paddle face. The video illustrates well how the paddle face can be vertical, open or closed.
Start with small corrections to your paddle angle. If your shots are going out, close your angle. If they are going in the net, open your angle.
Be sure to watch the video several times and note the cues. This applies not only to two-handed backhands but also to forehands.
If you can, have someone video your skills so you can watch them. I am doing this more and more in my classes. This is a great tool for correction and immediate feedback.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball: Margaritaville championships start at Indian Wells
