Explore the World - Become a Happy Traveler!: January 2025

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

New to Playing Pickleball?

Enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Join the fastest-growing sport, and have fun playing pickleball. Pickleball may eventually become an Olympic sport. You don’t need to have played tennis or any racquet sports to excel at pickleball. Tennis pros of all ages and abilities are moving to pickleball. See this video “Pickleball Basics”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vk-c8TdC28&t=7s

Easy Pickleball Rules

Singles or doubles: Pickleball is played on a 20' x 44' court with a net. Paddles are made up of composite materials, which may include polymers, fiberglass, aluminum, and graphite. They are smaller than tennis racquets and larger than ping-pong paddles. The game is played with a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffleball.

Games are played to 11 points, and many of the rules are the opposite of those in tennis. These include only getting points when you (or your doubles partner) are serving, no second serve and the service return must bounce before being hit. Here is a video on how to avoid the Top 10 beginner pickleball mistakes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpDfcoJG-pQ

Pickleball Lingo:

Flapjack: For each serve and return of serve, players must allow the opponent's ball to bounce before they hit it. Those bouncing starters are called flapjacks, for some unknowable reason.

Dillball: An incoming ball that has bounced once, and is thus available for you to thwack.

The kitchen: A 7-foot zone on either side of the net, where you’re forbidden to hit the ball unless it has bounced first. This rule prevents smashes from the kitchen, which are dangerous at close quarters.

Dink shot: An annoying shot in which the ball is plinked from your kitchen into your opponent’s, with little hope of return.

Opa! After two bounce-hit sequences, players may shout “opa!” to signify that from now on it’s OK to hit a ball out of the air (unless you’re standing in the kitchen, in which case you need to review your pickleball rules).

Pickled: If you fail to score any points in a game, you have been pickled. But that will remind you: It’s time for cocktail hour with your new pickleball besties. Order a dirty martini, with pickle juice. See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTvPYdKZqO0

Winter Weather in Your Area? Go South to Play!

Many players from northern states, Canada, and Europe travel to Mexico, such as La Ventana, Baja California, Mexico.

The new pickleball courts are just 2 hours from Cabo airport (or 45 minutes from the La Paz airport). If you stay in La Ventana it is a quick drive or walk from the Tango Azul vacation apartments. The courts overlook the Sea of Cortez and are open to members and the public from October to April. Members only on Tuesday & Friday. Public drop-in Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat, and Sun. Drop-in Fee - 200 Pesos, cash only!

For more information go to:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Tango-Azul-Pickleball-Resort-100082970300231/

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https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/pickleball-tournaments-and-festivals-in.html

https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/pickleball-sport-equipment.html

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Pickleball Sports Equipment

10 Things You Need to Bring to the Pickleball Court:

Tennies, skorts, balls, and paddles are just some of the things that will set you up for success in pickleball. See them all here:

https://parade.com/shopping/pickleball-equipment

Tips From DUPR.com, a Pickleball Rating Company:

Choosing the right paddle is essential to success on the court as it can greatly influence your game and confidence. DUPR.com recommends these paddles for beginners:

The Rally The Rally paddle by Rally Republic is ideal for new players looking for control and consistency on the court. Its lightweight design at 8.0 oz allows beginners to play longer with reduced fatigue, making it great for improving accuracy.

GAMMA Fusion Power Known for its widest-hitting surfaces, the GAMMA Fusion Power provides a generous sweet spot for better precision. Its mid-weight design supports beginners by offering a blend of versatility and power.

ACE Heart Paddle The ACE Heart paddle is crafted with new players in mind. It provides more power and precision with each shot. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it helps build confidence.

‍Intermediate players often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both defensive and offensive shots.

JOOLA Ben Johns 3S Featuring a carbon fiber surface, the JOOLA Ben Johns 3S enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for players looking to add precision and more aggressive shots to their game. Its mid-weight design (about 7.8 oz) provides a blend of power and finesse, perfect for advancing players.
HEAD Boom Team EX Paddle The HEAD Boom Team EX paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking a balance of control and power. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while the graphite face ensures durability and a responsive feel. The paddle features a forgiving sweet spot, which helps improve consistency on off-center hits, making it ideal for players still refining their technique.
HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle The HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle is designed to provide excellent spin and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it ideal for players seeking to enhance their game with power, precision, and reliability on the court. This high-performance paddle is perfect for those looking to elevate their play to the next level.

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Before diving into the best paddle for each skill level, let’s review the main features to consider:

Grip Size: A proper grip size provides better control and reduces the risk of strain. Smaller grips offer more wrist flexibility for spin, while larger grips add stability.
Paddle Weight: Lighter paddles are ideal for precision and control, while heavier paddles provide power.
Paddle Shape: Some paddles offer wider sweet spots for forgiving shots, while others are designed to focus power, making them best for advanced players.

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Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle Based on Skill Level

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For those just starting, pickleball can feel challenging enough without worrying about advanced paddle specifications. Beginner players benefit from paddles that prioritize control and forgiveness, helping them make consistent contact and learn the basics.

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Recommended Paddles for Beginners:

The Rally The Rally paddle by Rally Republic is ideal for new players looking for control and consistency on the court. Its lightweight design at 8.0 oz allows beginners to play longer with reduced fatigue, making it great for improving accuracy.
GAMMA Fusion Power Known for its widest-hitting surfaces, the GAMMA Fusion Power provides a generous sweet spot for better precision. Its mid-weight design supports beginners by offering a blend of versatility and power.
ACE Heart Paddle The ACE Heart paddle is crafted with new players in mind. It provides more power and precision with each shot. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it helps build confidence.

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Recommended Paddles for Intermediate Players:

Intermediate players usually have a feel for their game style, allowing them to start experimenting with power and spin. They often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both, defensive and offensive shots.

JOOLA Ben Johns 3S Featuring a carbon fiber surface, the JOOLA Ben Johns 3S enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for players looking to add precision and more aggressive shots to their game. Its mid-weight design (about 7.8 oz) provides a blend of power and finesse, perfect for advancing players.
HEAD Boom Team EX Paddle The HEAD Boom Team EX paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking a balance of control and power. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and maneuver, while the graphite face ensures durability and a responsive feel. The paddle features a forgiving sweet spot, which helps improve consistency on off-center hits, making it ideal for players still refining their technique.
HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle The HEAD Boom Tour EX paddle is designed to provide excellent spin and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfort, making it ideal for players seeking to enhance their game with power, precision, and reliability on the court. This high-performance paddle is perfect for those looking to elevate their play to the next level.
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Recommended Paddles for Advanced Players:

JOOLA Vision CGS 16 For players who prioritize power, the JOOLA Vision CGS 16 delivers explosive shots. Its lightweight design with an elongated shape enhances reach, perfect for players who have mastered control and are ready to dominate on offense.
GAMMA Airbender 16 The GAMMA Airbender 16 offers unmatched customizability with its adjustable end cap weighting system and Zorbicon Shockbuster gel insert to reduce vibrations. Its design enhances maneuverability, maximizes spin and control, and provides the perfect balance of power, comfort, and precision.‍
ACE Club The ACE Club Paddle offers a perfect balance of power, control, and comfort. Its 8.1 oz weight design delivers maximum power without the added weight, while the comfortable grip reduces fatigue, ensuring reliable performance during extended play.

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Winter Weather in Your Area? Go South to Play!

Many players from northern states, Canada, and Europe travel to Mexico, such as La Ventana, Baja California, Mexico.

For more information go to:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Tango-Azul-Pickleball-Resort-100082970300231/

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https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/pickleball-tournaments-and-festivals-in.html

https://a-happy-traveler.blogspot.com/2025/01/new-to-playing-pickleball.html

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Photo Story Tango Azul Pickleball Courts

Construction of the new Tango Azul Pickleball Courts in the La Ventana - El Sargento area - just 7 km off Highway 286 that leads to La Paz.

After years of planning, drawing, preparing the grounds, building, and finalizing 10 brand-new pickleball courts. The official grand opening for phase 2 took place in December 2024.

Barely anyone can imagine how much work this involved. Even a costly environmental study (Spanish, English, and with photos) was required. The Ministry of the Environment wanted every tree, bush, and cactus that grew on the place where the courts are now to be listed. A government inspector checked that no plant had been destroyed and instead moved to another part of the property.

But this was almost fun - compared to the struggles with some construction companies …

Now, it is one of the most beautiful Pickleball Courts available, that's for sure!

The location is amazing:

On a hill, with views over the Sea of Cortez and Cerralvo Island. Pickleball players - both members and non-members - praise the new Tango Azul Pickleball Courts.

Here are some Google reviews:

“Beautiful courts with a beautiful view and amazing people”
“Courts are very nice can't beat the Ocean view”
“Wonderful new pickleball courts with ample parking.
200 pesos gets you a day pass which allows you to play as long as your body can take it for the day.”
“Great courts, location, and people”
“Lovely place to play for the coming years! Amazing courts, service, and amenities”
“Awesome new courts!
Gorgeous setting and both recreational and competitive play”