Pickleball: Where to watch and compete this fall in the Coachella Valley
In the dog days of summer, it can be almost hard to remember we'll soon be enjoying our glorious fall and winter weather — the time of year when we're basking in our outdoor pickleball play while the rest of the country is getting their parkas out of the attic and putting up storm windows.
But my email inbox this week included multiple announcements about pickleball events this coming season in the desert, so it's time to get out those calendars, folks!
Margaritaville 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships
Presale tickets for the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden went on sale this week. If that sounds early to you, it is — last year's championships were held in December.
The 2022 event runs Nov. 5-13, with tickets starting at $15 for the early days and final weekend seats starting at $25. Parking is $10. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3pe9DNs
If you really want to be sure to catch all the action, every day, go for the "License to Chill" VIP package, which gets you VIP on-court seating daily, access to a VIP lounge with light snacks and lunch daily including two drinks (margaritas, wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverages) and VIP parking. Those tickets look to cost $900 (use the code PRESALE22 to access), which comes out to $100 per day.
PPR Pickleball Conference
As the Margaritaville Championships wrap up, the PPR Pickleball Conference will follow on its heels Nov. 13 and 14. PPR stands for Professional Pickleball Registry, and it's the official education and certification partner of USA Pickleball. PPR certifies pickleball instructors.
The event includes a trade show with pickleball gear vendors, presentations, open play and social events, plus the PPR Awards. Learn more at https://pprpickleball.org/events/
NP Palm Desert Open $10k
Looking to compete for prize money? The NP Palm Desert Open runs Oct. 28 to 30 at Palm Desert Resort Tennis & Pickleball, 77333 Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert. It's open to players ages 8 and up and registration is $70. More info at https://bit.ly/3bMmcNb
Rancho Las Palmas Pickleball Tournament
The Rancho Las Palmas Pickleball Tournament is a non-sanctioned tournament at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Tennis/Pickleball Facility, 42000 Bob Hope Dr. in Rancho Mirage. Scheduled for Sept. 10, it's open to players 18 and up. Registration is $35. https://bit.ly/3SJZRjL
Coachella Valley Grand Prix Pickleball Fall Tournament
The Grand Prix will run Nov. 4-6 at The Springs Club, 39039 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage. It's open to players 19 and up. Registration is $70. https://bit.ly/3zPSwqd
Palm Springs Pickleball Classic
This event, which is actually in Palm Desert, is connected with the World Pickleball Tour and includes $5,000 cash purse. Scheduled for Jan. 20-22, it will be held at the Palm Desert Resort. Cash prizes will go to players at multiple skill levels, including 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. Registration opens Oct. 20. https://bit.ly/3zSCk7R
Round robins
For those looking for something more casual, Mary has one more indoor round robin this summer on Sept. 18. Her first outdoor event will be the Halloweenie on Oct. 23. Email her at mgbarsaleau@gmail.com for more info or to sign up!
Coach Mary's tip of the week: Resets – good defense helps you create offense
We have been writing this column for almost a year now, so you will sometimes see a topic or tip repeated. This is okay since there are so many new videos and great ways to learn skills as our game matures and changes. That is why we love pickleball!
What is a reset? I sometimes call it a dead drop, or a dead dink, and sometimes it is called a block. The term reset is accurate because your goal is to change the pace of the game and take away the attack from your opponent. If you play bangers or power players, you will need this skill in your tool bag.
Here are some of the hints I use to teach the reset:
Soft hands, soft grip.
Visualize “catching” the ball with your paddle.
If you played baseball or softball, think of executing a bunt.
Have you ever tried an egg toss or a water balloon toss? Same thing.
As always, our paddle is out in front of us, floating over the NVZ (non-volley zone) or kitchen. You want to absorb your opponent’s shot, and your goal is for it to land in the kitchen.
The harder they come at you, the more you need to soften your grip.
Rather than reaching for it, or attempting to hit it, you are a backboard, and you hope to “soften” the ball. Many of us are good at blocking or defending the ball back, but this allows our opponent to continue to attack. Make them come up and get into the dink game, so you can set up your own offense.
The videos below from Jordan Briones and the Pickleball Journey boys are outstanding. Please watch them to the end and maybe watch them two or three times. Note the hints and use the cues that work for you!
https://youtu.be/eYyAz3SpwEM
https://youtu.be/TfvDeHJhMnI
Have a pickleball question or comment? Email us at pickleball@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball: Where to watch and play this fall in the Coachella Valley
