SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Community – Wheelchair Rules

WHEELCHAIR RULES

The USA Pickleball Board collaborated with a committee comprised of selected individuals, both “Standing Players” and “Wheelchair Players” to develop rules specific to wheelchair pickleball. The following rules have been finalized and have been added as “Section 16 – Wheelchair Pickleball” to the IFP Pickleball Rule Book.

16.A. Basic Play

The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body and all applicable rules that apply to a player’s body will apply to the wheelchair except in non-volley zone as listed below.

All applicable rules which apply to standing players apply to those in a wheelchair except as listed below.

16.B. Two Bounce Rule

The wheelchair pickleball player is allowed two bounces of the ball on his or her side of the net. The second bounce can be anywhere inside or outside of the court boundaries.

16.C. Service

C.1. Server shall be in stationary position, and then allowed one push before striking ball.
C.2. At the time the server strikes the ball, the server shall not touch with any wheel: any baselines, sidelines, center lines or the extended center or sidelines.

16.D. Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) (two bounce rule applies)

D.1. When a wheelchair player strikes a ball in the NVZ, on a volley, it is a fault only if the larger-rear wheels contact NVZ.
D.2. Upon exiting the NVZ, after striking a bounced ball, the player’s larger-rear wheels must return to outside the NVZ boundaries (so no rear wheel contact is made in the NVZ) before hitting a volley, or it is a fault.

16.E. Wheelchair/Standing Pickleball

E.1. When a wheelchair pickleball player is playing with or against a standing person in singles or doubles, the rules of pickleball for standing players shall apply to all standing players while the wheelchair pickleball rules shall apply to all wheelchair players.

16.F. Singles Wheelchair Pickleball

F.1. Singles play with one or both players in a wheelchair shall be played on half court. The server and the receiver shall serve, receive and play the entire point from their respective service and receiving court.

SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club

Welcome to the SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball court complex. We have completed construction of 24 courts. Various courts are available to our members, residents and guests. You can reach the courts by taking Arizona Highway #77 (Oracle Road) north of Tucson and turning left onto SaddleBrooke Ranch Road West. Follow the road past the 4-way stop and continue to the end where you will find the courts on your left. The physical address is 31080 S. Amenity Drive. At times courts are reserved for Club play but there other times during the day or evening that anyone can play. The complex is one of the best venues for play in southern Arizona. Courts are directly across the street from the Fine Arts building (including wood working, technology, glass and many other artistic pursuits), Library and Dog Park.

Saddlebrooke Ranch Pickleball Association – Mission

Mission

The mission of the SBRPA is to establish SaddleBrooke Ranch as a premiere pickleball community serving all skill levels and formats of play, thereby promoting the passion and sport of the game both inside and outside our community.

Strategies (as prioritized by our membership)

• Provide a playing program for all skill levels covering beginners, novice, intermediate and

advanced players including men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles format
(time)

• Be the voice of pickleball to and with Robson management (voice)

• Promote the game of pickleball to SaddleBrooke Ranch residents and guests (recruit)

• Provide programs to enhance pickleball safety, skills and knowledge for all levels and
combinations of play (develop)

• Encourage social camaraderie off courts – as well as on courts (socialize)

• Promote play and skills development outside SBR (compete)

• Host USAPA sanctioned tournaments (host)

• Build an SBR pickleball brand internally and externally via the club logo and colors on apparel
and accessories (promote)

Why is Pickleball So Popular?

Why is pickleball so popular?

Why is pickleball so popular? Well, first of all, it’s not new as 2021 marked its 56th anniversary. The game, with its handmade equipment and simple rules, was invented in the Seattle area by three enterprising dads whose children were bored with their usual summertime activities. And the name? As the story goes, one of the founders had a dog named Pickles who would chase the ball and run off with it, so they called it.

As of 2020, Pickleball has 4.2 million players in the U.S., according to the SFIA 2021 Topline Participation Report. The known places to play totaled 8,735 at the end of 2020, and the number continues to grow.

As of 2020, Pickleball has 4.2 million players in the U.S., according to the SFIA 2021 Topline Participation Report. The known places to play totaled 8,735 at the end of 2020, and the number continues to grow. Every U.S. state now has pickleball venues, with senior residence communities, YMCA’s, local recreation centers, schools and parks the most common places that have courts.

So, to answer the question about why pickleball is so popular, in a nutshell, the game is an easy to learn paddle sport appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels. It’s easy on the joints, and combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The only equipment needed is a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Though a great sport for beginners, experienced players compete against each other in fast-paced, challenging and competitive games.

Preparing for Your First Pickleball Tournament: 7 Tips

If you’ve played pickleball long enough, chances are you’ve thought about joining a tournament. The truth is there’s just something so exhilarating about being in a competition and the potential of taking home first prize.

However, if you’re a first-timer, preparing for a pickleball tournament can be daunting. A lot can go into your preparations more than you realize. How do you make sure you’re ready for the big day? Do you need to pack a lot of things? Are there things you need to know beforehand?

Today, we’ll be walking you through seven keys to success as you get ready for your first pickleball tournament.

Success Tip #1: Pick the Right Partner

If you intend to play doubles pickleball, then you need to find the right partner. Pickleball is a very social game so you have to make sure that you’re completely in sync with the person you are playing with both skills-wise and strategy-wise. This is particularly helpful in tournaments where the competitive nature of people is heightened.

Your pickleball partner should be someone who not only has the same skill rating as you but also has the same goals and expectations going into the tournament.

Having a shared mindset makes for a better playing experience especially when you’re in competitive play. You’ll be able to communicate and perform better at the court.

Success Tip #2: Understand What You’re Getting Yourself Into and Be Mentally Prepared for It

Tournaments are a whole other playing field than casual play. More often than not, people are there to win so it’s important to know what to expect when you’re there.

Since you’ll be playing for the first time in a competitive environment, chances are you’ll meet and might even play with people who have more experience than you. The truth is the best players have to beat you first before you can become better.

Remember that your first tournament doesn’t have to be taking home the gold prize however nice that idea is.

Focus on giving your best in the competition and don’t get so riled up about winning. Set your goals with your partner to manage your thoughts and expectations. Manifest positivity so that come game day, you’ll have a fulfilling experience.

Success Tip #5: Do Your Research

It’s never a good idea to come to a match clueless and without a proper plan. That being said, it’s important to do your research weeks before the tournament actually begins so you wouldn’t find yourself dumbstruck and unable to perform on the day of the competition.

First of all, you have to familiarize yourself with the tournament format. Is it going to be a double elimination, a round-robin, or luck of the draw? Get to know the rules inside and out.

It’s also important to know the playing environment at the tournament. Will you be playing indoors or outdoors? Make sure that you have plenty of time practicing in the setting similar to what will be used during the competition so you are acclimated early on.

Lastly, get used to the ball that will be used during the tournament. Balls used in this sport come in a wider variety of types and each one performs differently than the others. Get to know the official ball that’ll be used in the tournament and have plenty of practice with it.

Success Tip #4: Enjoy Yourself

If you’re new to tournaments, it can be pretty daunting and stressful sometimes. While having an “in-it-to-win-it” attitude helps in pumping you up for matches, it’s also important to know that you’re there to have a good time too.

Don’t forget that pickleball is a fun game even in a competitive scenario. For tournament newbies, having a positive overall experience should be much more important than obliterating your opponents.

Take your first tournament as a positive learning experience. Consider it as a chance to hone your skills, to learn new things, and to meet and play with players who may have a higher skill level than you.

You may not take home a medal immediately but by enjoying yourself, you can take home great memories and a can-do attitude for the next tournament you’ll sign up for.

Success Tip #5: Prepare Your Body

Pickleball tournaments can be taxing to the body. As with any sport, it’s important to keep your body in top condition before, during, and after the tournament.

First of all, keep your body hydrated. In a tournament, you’ll most likely be running around the court and exposed to the sun. You’ll be sweating like crazy and this will deplete your water stores, cause your body to overheat, and even cause cramping.

Be sure to have plenty of water with you at all times and load up in between matches. Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee as well.

Another way to prep your body for a tournament is to eat nutritious food. Eat balanced meals every day in the weeks leading up to the competition and of course throughout the duration of the tournament. Stock up on vegetables, grains, healthy meats, nuts, and seafood.

By making sure that your body is sustained with the right food, you can maximize your energy during matches and perform at your best.

Most importantly, be sure to warm up before your matches. Hours before the game starts, have a warm-up session with your partner. Stretch your muscles and practice your dinks, serves, returns, and the like. This gets you started on a good rhythm so you are already in sync once your game starts.

Success Tip #6: Bring the Right Tools and Equipment

Packing for a tournament is a whole lot different than just preparing for casual games at your local club. Tournaments are much more intense so you need to bring the right tools and equipment so help you play your best during matches.

Since you’ll be sweating a lot as you move from one match to another, it’s helpful to bring a big towel and extra clothes. You’d want to change into dry clothes in between matches so you remain comfortable at all times.

You also need to pack extra shoes and socks. You’ll be running around all day trying to hit the ball across the court. To prevent blistered feet, be sure to bring extra socks and shoes you can change into in between matches. You may also bring a pair of sandals to give your feet a break from shoes.

It’s also a good idea to bring extra paddles and balls. You’ll never know what’ll happen to your paddle during a match or during your practice sessions. Likewise, a couple of extra balls is also helpful particularly if you want to practice before your game.

If you’re playing outdoors, be sure to bring sunscreen. Make sure it’s sweat-proof and be sure also to apply it as often as you can.

Most importantly, pack your bag the night before. You wouldn’t want to be rushing on the morning of the tournament shoving random things in your backpack. Do yourself a favor and prepare what you need the night before so you don’t have to stress about it the next day.

Success Tip #7: Participate in Pre-Tournament Clinics

Some hosts hold pre-tournament clinics for participants. Not only is it a great place to socialize and meet the players you’ll be competing with but it’s also a great venue to learn more things prior to the actual tournament.

Sometimes, professional players also come to these clinics to give out valuable instructions to tournament participants. Who would want to miss out on an opportunity to learn from the best?

Saddlebrook Ranch Pickleball Community – Mental and Physical Health Benefits

Pickleball provides a host of mental and physical benefits every time you play.

Mental Health Benefits: Regular exercise has been proven to improve our mood and keep anxiety and depression at bay, and pickleball is no exception to that rule. Physical activity releases endorphins, which makes us happy. And, as a bonus, if you play outside, sunshine makes us feel good, too!

Social Interaction: Whether you play singles or doubles, you’ll be interacting with at least one other person in order to play pickleball. Socializing with others every once in a while is key to maintaining a positive state of mental health, but even the small act of smiling at another person has been shown to release happy chemicals.

Hand-Eye Coordination: The more you play, the better your hand-eye coordination will get. This is helpful not only in the sport but in our daily lives.

Agility: The ability to move quickly and easily and to think and understand quickly (like to anticipate the next shot) is paramount to playing pickleball and is helpful in everyday life.

Endurance: Pickleball is a cardio-heavy sport. This type of exercise strengthens your heart and improves your stamina allowing you to sustain activity for longer periods of time. This helps in simple daily tasks such as walking the dog or cleaning the house.

Saddlebrooke Ranch Pickleball Community – Pickleball for Health

Pickleball is played by all ages, but is favored particularly by children and seniors for a few reasons. The speed of the ball moves much slower than the speed of a tennis ball and players find it easier on the body playing on a smaller court.

With that being said, pickleball not only has the fun factor, but it has many health benefits that go along with the sport.

Playing pickleball can boost your mood and overall mental health, you burn calories, and fewer injuries occur due to the low impact nature of the game. Pickleball specifically works on your balance and agility while it also offers the same benefits of other regular exercise. These include reducing your risk of heart attack and chronic disease, toning your muscles and increasing your energy.

Most of all, pickleball is a social sport where you will create friendship anywhere you play.

Saddlebrooke Ranch Pickleball Community – What is Pickleball?

What is Pickleball?

Come join the FUN and find out. Tuesday, December 14th at 3:00 PM at the SBR Pickleball Courts.

Please visit the website www.sbrpickleball.club to register. Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork. Space is limited to 20 people.

What you’ll need: Paddle and ball (provided by the club)

Lots of water for hydration

Tennis or court shoes

Safety eyewear (optional)

Expect to have lots of FUN at the BEST social club at Saddlebrooke Ranch!

Saddlebrooke Ranch Pickleball Association – Purpose and Expectations

The SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club is the largest sports activity here at the “Ranch”. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport for seniors in America and as such, residents enjoy the benefits of great exercise, competition, and numerous friendships developed through the sport.

By joining the SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club you are welcome to participate in coaching sessions for new players, play either non-competitive or competitive play aka “round robins” and tournaments with other Pickleball Clubs.

What you can expect by joining the SBR Pickleball Club:

A playing program for all skill levels covering beginners, novice, intermediate and advanced players including men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles format. (time)
Be the voice of pickleball to and with Robson management (voice)
Promote the game of pickleball to SaddleBrooke Ranch residents and guests (recruit)
Programs to enhance pickleball safety, skills and knowledge for all levels and
combinations of play (develop)
Encourage social camaraderie off courts – as well as on courts (socialize)
Play and skills development outside SBR (compete)
USAPA sanctioned tournaments (host)
Build an SBR pickleball brand internally and externally via the club logo and colors on apparel and accessories (promote)

Saddlebrooke Ranch Pickleball Community – How Can Pickleball Improve Health?

1. Mood & Mental Health

Playing pickleball can improve your mood and ward off depression.

As participants get their hearts pumping with this form of moderate exercise, it can improve blood pressure levels as well. Physical activity can help release feel-good endorphins and take our mind off our worries.

Participating in a group sport can also improve social interaction. Exchanging smiles with a teammate can benefit our moods and mental health.

In addition to the social benefits of playing sports, participating in a pickleball game can also make you more confident.

As you get in shape, you’ll feel better about your appearance, which can improve your mental health, too!

2. Burn Calories

While there’s no serious running, playing pickleball does provide a little aerobic exercise. As a great alternative to more strenuous physical activities, pickleball is ideal for older age groups that still want to get in a little moderate exercise.

The game combines ping-pong, tennis, and badminton and requires players to move within a small court.

This gives participants the opportunity to get on their feet, move around, and burn calories while they’re playing pickleball.

3. Improve Balance

A rousing pickleball game can also improve your balance. Regular activity, including the aerobic exercise pickleball requires, can improve our balance even as we age.

As more players perfect their pickleball game, they can build their stamina, footwork, and control as well.

4. Better Agility

Since a pickleball moves much slower than the speed of a tennis ball, a pickleball game is a lot easier on older bodies.

This gives players the opportunity to tone their muscles and improve their agility.

5. Reduce Health Risks

According to NPR, pickleball is also a great sport for participants with previous injuries. Instead of putting your health at risk, you can burn 40 percent more calories than walking without causing yourself further pain.

6. Make New Friendships

Pickleball is also a social sport. Whether you play a single or doubles game, learning how to play pickleball can put you on the court with other enthusiastic players.

That way, you’re making social connections as you play, which can improve your mental health, too.

7. It’s Fun!

Finally, pickleball is a fun leisure activity that can help you break away from your usual routine. Get out there and have a blast.

It’s not about winning, but about having fun with the other players around you.

Here are five tips to help you win your next pickleball game!