Week 129 - Temecula and PickleBall - 02-01-2009

Hello from So Cal,

Just before leaving Oceanside, we had dinner with Emily and Chad, at Chipotle Mexican (recommended). On the way to Temecula we stopped in Escondido to see Emily where she teaches at Orange Glen High School. Emily is teaching algebra to freshman through seniors. Here is Ellen and Em, in her classroom.

1) Getting the Mothership into the staff parking lot was a little tight; getting out was worse! 2) Emily with fellow Point Loma Alumni, Kristi, who teaches home economics.

This is the entrance to Temecula Old Town. Established in 1859, Old Town has hundreds of little shops and many original buildings.

We came to Aguanga (17 miles east of Temecula) for two reasons: for warm weather and to play Pickleball. The Jojoba Hills Escapees park is an incredible value at only $20/night (01-2009). It has 50 amps, water, sewer, large pool, two spas, large book and movie library, fitness room, three pool tables, large clubhouse, shuffleboard and oh yes, did we mention Pickleball. Melissa joined us for two days and is shown here learning the game. We have mentioned Pickleball a few times before but every time we have spoken of it, friends have said "Pickle what?". So Ellen and Melissa are going to give you a lesson.

Pickleball was invented near Seattle, on Bainbridge Island, in 1965. The co-inventors are William Bell, Barney McCallum and then U.S. Congressman, Joel Pritchard. While most have not heard of it, the game is played throughout the USA. It is very popular with the more mature adults, i.e. old guys, like us. Here is the equipment you need.

The paddles are like large table tennis paddles. The balls are similar to whiffle balls. The court is marked like tennis but is much smaller. The net is 36" high, the same height as the middle of a tennis net. You can play on a tennis court by marking the lines in chalk. You can purchase equipment at www.ThePickleBallStore.com , www.pro-litesports.com , www.pickleballcentral.com or other websites.

Here are few of the rules. The game is played to 11 points. You only earn points when you serve. To begin, one team serves. You keep serving until you "fault", hit the ball into the net, out of bounds, miss the ball, etc. The starting team gets to have only one player serve. When the second team serves, both players serve until they fault. When it comes back to the starting team, they then get to have both players serve. Here are a few examples.

Ellen and Melissa are playing against Bill and Linda. 1) Ellen serves to Linda. Ellen must stand behind the line and serve underhand. The ball must land within Linda's receiving area. Linda must allow the ball to bounce (only one bounce). 2) Linda hits the ball back. Either Ellen or Melissa may hit it. Again, it must bounce once.

After the initial two bounces, you may let it bounce once, or "volley" the ball (hit it before it bounces). You must not volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. 1) Melissa hits the ball back towards Bill, 2) who volleys the ball quickly past Ellen. Ellen and Melissa have lost the serve.

The right side server always starts. So Linda serves the ball and unfortunately it hits on Melissa's side, so Linda's serve is lost.

The reason that you must serve the ball underhand and let it bounce twice, is to foster rallies. Unlike tennis, even beginners can participate in some very good rallies. That is one of the joys of Pickleball. After Linda loses her serve, Bill gets a turn as server number two for their team. 1) Bills serves to Melissa's court. 2) She returns it toward Linda.

1) Linda hits a soft shot which lands in the kitchen. 2) Ellen lobs the ball back into the kitchen on Bill and Linda's side.

Since the ball bounced in the kitchen, Bill is allowed to step into the kitchen. 1) Bill also lobs the ball over the net. But Melissa is standing just behind the kitchen and is allowed to volley the ball. 2) Melissa fires the ball past Bill right into the corner and causes Bill to lose his serve.

So the score is 0-0 and it is Ellen's serve once again.

That is pickleball in a nutshell. This game is great. It is easy to learn, and players of all skill levels and ages can have fun together. It is great exercise and unlike tennis, newbies hit the ball more than they flub it up. If you get a chance, play it, you will love it.

Jojoba Hills RV park in Aguanga is one of our favorites. We have stayed here longer than any other. We will stay another week and will enjoy Pickleball every morning for a couple of hours.

Until next week, love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Feb 2009