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As December arrives with chilly winds and festive cheer, our pickleball community finds warmth not just in friendly rallies, but in the goodwill we share. While winter’s brisk embrace may nudge us indoors at times, we’re also fortunate that Virginia has relatively mild temperatures and there are still opportunities to meet up for outdoor play where the sunshine awaits, offsetting the cold and feeding our bodies’ need for Vitamin D.
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Keep reading for more on pickleball’s impact on health, tips on finding open play and being a good sport, plus area happenings.
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In This Issue:
- Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball
- How to Find People to Play With
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Pickleball Etiquette for Open Rec Play
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- Pickleball Programs Offered by Chesterfield County
- Highlighted Charity Tournament
- Cogbill Courts are Open
- Indoor Courts
Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball
We all already know how much fun pickleball is, but there is growing evidence that it is one of, if not THE, healthiest sport to play.
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Healthy living advocate and NYT best selling author of The Blue Zone Kitchen, Dan Beuttner, ranks pickleball as the #1 sport to promote longevity.
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And The Pickleball Clinic recently referred to it as “the Fountain of Youth.”
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According to this Mayo Clinic article, pickleball is a “cross-generational sport” that provides unique health benefits. The article also highlights some of the risks, so it’s a great read for all.
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One known benefit is improved cardiovascular health, but pickleball also promotes better balance and flexibility, two important factors for staying healthy as we age. Additionally–and this one is probably obvious to all of you–it keeps the mind sharp and enhances cognitive function.
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It’s not just the challenge of keeping score–which we can all agree is a tad more complicated than other popular sports–but it’s also the brain workout you get from repetitive quick thinking when you have to make a split second decision about how to play a ball, hopefully sending it back over the net, preferably in a strategic location.
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On top of all that, the social aspect of the sport cannot be overrated. In a world that seems to be becoming more isolating all the time, the community and camaraderie of pickleball helps forge positive social interactions.
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There’s a lot of upside and little downside, so keep hitting the courts to keep your body and your brain in shape!
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How to Find People to Play With
Newcomers, whether to pickleball or to the local area, often ask how they can connect with other players. Here are four suggestions:
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- The PCCC calender – This is updated monthly and always available on our website and posted in our Facebook group. It shows all the county courts open to the public. The time slots marked as “open play” require players to rotate on/off the courts when there are people waiting. During other times throughout the day, there may be classes, people may be drilling or practicing with a coach, or groups of friends may meet up at specific times. We would encourage you to try out a few of the courts at different times of the day to find the best fit for you. Also, don’t be shy about asking if a threesome needs a fourth – most people are friendly and welcoming!
- Pickleheads.com - The official court and game finder of USA Pickleball and the Global Pickleball Federation. This is a free, community-driven platform available online or as an app to download.
- The Chesterfield Pickleball Group on Facebook. Sometimes people will post that they are looking for players. If you’re not a member of the group, we welcome you to join. Be sure to answer all three questions and agree to the rules so that we can approve your request to join!
- Playtime Scheduler is another free app you can use to find games in the area or even schedule your own and invite others.
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Pickleball Etiquette for Open Rec Play
This month we’re offering some suggestions with the goal of keeping games respectful, free from drama, and enjoyable for all.
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To start, let’s define “open play” for our purposes. Basically, at Chesterfield County public courts, open play is the same as “drop-in” play where you can show up for unorganized or unofficial play (no league, class or tournament).
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"Open" does not describe the level of play -- you’re likely to see everyone from beginner to advanced somewhere on the courts.
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Also, it does not mean you can do anything you want, i.e., playing singles, drilling, or monopolizing a court for just your group of friends while other people are waiting.
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Most courts have a paddle rack, so if you want to play, you’ll need to place your paddle in the last open slot and you will rotate in (in order of first-come, first-served) when a foursome on the court finishes a game. Depending on how busy the courts are, you might be able to walk up to a group and join in -- they may be more casual about the rotation format, as long as everyone who wants to gets to play.
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Now for our best tension-diffusing advice: If a questionable situation arises, approach the net to talk to your opponents. This is far better than trying to make your point loudly from the endline.
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Pickleball Programs Offered by Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County offers classes, bootcamps and open play year round. All of their offerings are easy to find by using the “Activity Search” function on their website.
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Check out the New Year's Eve family fun at Beulah Rec Center!
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Got kids or grandkids? The County offers a free “Pickleball - Fun for Youth” program facilitated by Aaron Freeman at Beulah Rec Center. This co-ed pickleball program is a perfect activity for afterschool or for kids on holiday break!. It is designed for kids aged 10-17 to learn the basics of pickleball.
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- When: Mondays, 3-5:00pm
- Where: Beulah Recreactional Center (Hopkins Road, Chesterfield)
- Registration required (no fee)
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Highlighted Charity Tournament
- Benefits the Children's Hospital of Richmond Neuromuscular Clinic.
- When: January 31st
- Where: Performance Pickleball RVA, 8641 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA, 23229
- Cost $70
- Tournament Info: Matches will take place on 12 state-of-the-art dedicated indoor pickleball courts. Medals will be awarded to the Top 3 teams in each bracket. Partners can be requested if you don't have one.
Find out more about #FearlessFrankie and fundraising efforts HERE!
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Cogbill Park Courts Are Open
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Have you heard about the new Cogbill Neighborhood Park? Many of our players have been enjoying the four pickleball courts since the park's recent opening, but we wanted to spread the word to all. Since it is a "neighborhood park" there is no scheduled Open Play and it is not on the calendar. However, please observe pickleball etiquette and rotate off the court after a game to 11, or 15 minutes of practice, when others are waiting to play. The address is 6700 Cogbill Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. They have additional amenities you may want to enjoy!
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Indoor Courts
With winter upon us, you might be looking for indoor options. We've compiled a few below--if you know of other options in Chesterfield County, let us know so we can help spread the word!
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Hoopers Gymnasium - NEW! Hoopers is now offering pickleball at their 10810 Paulbrook Blvd. facility. Open play is available between 9am and 1pm Monday through Friday. $10/day unlimited.
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Bangers & Dinks - state of the art indoor facility located at 1516 Koger Center Blvd. near Chesterfield Town Center. Open play available several days a week between 8:30am - 1pm. Check their calendar. $16 for a day pass. They also offer leagues and private coaching.
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Beulah Rec Center (6901 Hopkins Road) - Mon, Wed, Fri, 10am - 1pm (see website to register and/or get on the waiting list)
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Friends, you know pickleball has made it to the big time when they make a full-length pickleball movie. No kidding! A Pickleball Christmas airs on Saturday, December 20th, at 8pm on the Lifetime Channel. Here's a link to the trailer to see if it piques your interest.
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Wishing you and yours a warm holiday season full of friends, fun, and special memories.
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