Welcome New Members!
Richard Vrieling
Nancy Vrieling
James Bremer
Bebe Bremer
Joseph Schneberger
Tamara Smith
Adriana Velazquez
Alan Lindquist
Jocelyn Lindquist
Liz Rave
Dave Rave
Thank you Dave Thomas!
Thank you, Dave Thomas, for your many years of volunteer work as Court Management/Maintenance Chair!
Since 2018, Dave, with his group of volunteers, has taken care of our members by picking up balls, filling ball tubes, measuring nets, replacing wind socks, organizing storage, and performing minor repairs. As Maintenance Chair, Dave also helped with planning, purchasing, and installing equipment for our wonderful new courts. Dave also developed the yearly budget and ordered supplies, including many thousands of balls!
Volunteer Spotlight - 2.0 Assisted Play
2.0 Assisted Play has had numerous wonderful volunteer coaches over the years. It was originally organized to let new players feel comfortable in a social setting while reinforcing learning skills in a round robin setting. We currently receive our students from 2.0 drills where the basics are taught.
Each session before our round robin play, we warm up dinking, serving, work on scoring, first server/second server, where to stand while playing, and discuss rules that may not have been covered in beginner lessons (ex. don’t catch the ball when it is going out unless it has already bounced out of bounds.).
Court etiquette is stressed (ex. wait until play on the court next to you has finished a point before exiting, immediately call “ball on court” if a ball goes into the adjoining court, say the score loud before serving to make sure it is being called right, while always having fun making new friends at the same skill level to play and practice with.
It is with great pride to see the progress made in practice by our new players. Hopefully, when they move on from 2.0 Assisted Play, we volunteer coaches will have made an impact helping them learn the game correctly and develop confidence in their skills, while always emphasizing how much fun the game of pickleball is.
Irrigation Box Tampering
The Quail Creek General Manager, Melani Caron, has expressed concerns to the Quail Creek Pickleball Club President, Dave Mungo, that member(s) are tampering with/shutting off the irrigation valve controlling the lawn at the lower court ramada.
Members/residents are not to adjust or tamper with the irrigation box.
There will eventually be cameras installed at the lower courts/ramada, but for now Patrol has been directed to increase their monitoring of the area. Patrol will be in this area more frequently and there will be more visual observations from the gatehouse.
Player Development
Due to players’ and coaches’ conflicting schedules (e.g., APPL and other activities) and an apparent lack of enthusiasm, the 4.0 Drill-N-Play has been cancelled.
If you have thoughts for other 4.0 Player Development activities, please contact Ray at ra_hayward@yahoo.com.
Look What’s Coming to Quail Creek!
We are excited to announce that teaching pro Brian Martin will bring his high-energy, enjoyable instruction to Quail Creek club members.
Brian teaches pickleball in the Pacific Northwest through his company SweetShot Pickleball: https://sweetshotpickleball.com. He travels nationwide teaching clinics for Engage Pickleball, plays on the National Pickleball League senior pro circuit for the Coachella Valley Scorpions, and snowbirds in the Phoenix area.
To kick things off QCPC will sponsor a fun Meet & Greet/Playday open to all members. Brian will introduce himself, explain his teaching philosophy, and show what to expect in his classes by asking volunteers from the audience to help in demos of his clinics and drills. This will be followed by opportunities to play with Brian in different formats including Ladder Play. Brian offers a special prize if your team can “beat the pros”.
Brian will then return for two days of clinics, skills training, and drills in late February, March, and April. Dates will be announced as soon details are finalized.
PPA Tucson Open
Pickleball Tournament
Join other club members on Sunday, February 9th
The QCPC 20% discount expired Jan 5th but Frank Baker secured a new discount of 15% until Feb 4th.
Go online to PPA Tucson Pickleball Tournament Tickets and use the discount code QUAILCREEK15
January Advanced Intermediate (3.5) and Advanced (4.0) Ladders
Two Ladder Formats, Alternating Weekly
Partner Ladders (January 8th and 22nd) - Play all games with the same partner. One registration on CourtReserve per pair; must identify partner.
Regular Ladders (January 15th and 29th) - Change partners every game. Every participant must sign up on CourtReserve.
How Does a Ladder Work? It’s Simple.
Win and you move up a court.
Lose and you move down a court.
Eligibility
Advanced Intermediate (3.5) Ladder
All Ladders: Each member registering on CourtReserve must have a 3.5 rating, 3.5 tournament experience (listed on Pickleballtournaments.com), or 3.5 APPL team experience.
For Partner Ladders Only: Registrants may play with any other member with similar skill even if not otherwise eligible.
Advanced (4.0) Ladder
All Ladders: Each member registering on CourtReserve must have a 4.0 rating, 4.0 tournament experience (listed on Pickleballtournaments.com), or 4.0 APPL team experience.
For Partner Ladders Only: Registrants may play with any other member with similar skill even if not otherwise eligible.
All You Need Is Love
And A Pickleball Social
February 8, 2024 from 10:00AM-12:00PM
Sign up for the social on CourtReserve beginning February 1st at 9:00PM.
Check in at the courts the day of the social from
9:15–9:45AM (be on time or risk losing your spot).
QCPC’s Valentine’s Mixed Round Robin Social is open to all members with or without a Cupid. Subway sandwiches, chips and cookies will be served following play. Sign-up for the social will begin at 9:00PM February 1st on Court Reserve. The lunch option can be selected at the time you make your Social reservation. The cost is $5 per person (cash only) which will be collected at the check in table the day of the event. Non-players may join us for lunch and pay $5 when they arrive. There will be additional details about this prior to sign-up. We are trying something new in Court Reserve so please be patient with the process.
If you sign up to play, you must be available to play all 6 games of the round robin. If you find you can’t play, please remove your name from Court Reserve so someone on the waitlist can move up. Do not find your own substitute as that is not fair to those on the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, please check Court Reserve daily (even on the morning of the Social) to see if you’ve been moved to player status.
The QCPC Social is open for all QCPC members to participate in at all skill levels. The goal of the Social and all QCPC events is to have a fun, safe event, so please be aware of who you are playing with and their level of experience.
In the event of inclement weather, February 15 is our back up date. You will be notified two days prior if there is a cancellation.
If you have questions/concerns please contact Roxanne Housley, Social Chair (520)444-2737.
Gary Quantz Drills and Lessons
The Quail Creek Pickleball Club employs a certified Player Development Instructor, Gary Quantz, to offer drills and lessons for players at the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 level.
Find your playing level (click here) and sign up on CourtReserve Events weekly when classes become available (classes will usually be held on Courts #13 & #14).
No prepayment available online. Class payment for Regular, Private, or Clinic classes must be made at the start of class (cash, check, or Venmo).
“Q-TIPS”
From Gary Quantz, your PPR Certified Instructor
Many of our members participate in what I call “Social Pickleball”. They come down to the courts weekly and play with the same group of friends week in and week out. Although there is NOTHING WRONG with playing with the same set of friends, if you don’t at least try playing outside your “comfort zone”, chances are you and your game won’t improve. You’ll be stuck playing at the same level and won’t be tested because you don’t play in any competitive matches. I call this “Pickleball Purgatory”.
I’m proud to see so many of my past and current students along with other club members start to venture out and participate in ladder, open, and assisted play plus those that have signed up for APPL and Winter League competitions. Taking lessons and drills are great; however, applying what you’ve worked on in actual game play situations (especially in competitive matches) is what takes you to the next level.
Although many of you will struggle at first, I’m proud that you went outside your comfort zone and experienced firsthand what’s it’s like to play in competitive matches against other communities and locations. In social play, we tend to be easy and polite to each other. In competitive matches, they are trying to BEAT YOU! You learn very quickly that you must have more than just basic skills and strategies to contend and stay competitive within the match. Those new to tournament play are also amazed at the aggressiveness and speed at which their opponents play at, regardless of age and athleticism. After your first tournament experience, you quickly find out what you need to work on. Don’t be disappointed, competitive play is a completely different “animal” than social play. ENJOY THEM BOTH!
I've been watching several APPL play matches these past two weeks. Here are my takeaways from a GQ PICKLEBALL perspective on how to improve:
#1 GET TO THE NVZ SOONER THAN LATER! In the matches I've seen, opposing teams constantly got up to the net faster than our teams. It's a proven strategy; the team that controls the NVZ first, usually wins the point. We have to speed up our pace to move up OR hit shots that have arc and height (and deep) so you can give yourself more time to get up to the net. When playing against higher level players, a hard, low, line-drive shot is often returned as a hard, low, line-drive return making your advance harder and delayed. Recognize if you are a "sprinter", "jogger", or "walker" when it comes to moving up towards the net and how you best should be hitting the ball to help you get up to the NVZ faster.
#2 BASIC GROUNDSTROKES SKILLS ARE LACKING! The opposing teams often attacked and hit their serves or return of serve shots hard and deep. Many of our players couldn't handle hard hit shots and often hit into the net, out, or right back at the opponent up at the NVZ. It starts with being comfortable with BOTH your forehand and backhand. Prepare and move into position BEFORE the ball is hit back over your side of the net. By the time the ball reaches your hitting zone, you should have your feet set, paddle back and know where you want your groundstroke return to go.
#3 KEEP YOUR SHOTS LOW! Our players often hit their shots high over the net where the opposing teams got to hit down (attack shots). Simple principle of pickleball; make your opponents hit up (paddle down), not down (paddle up)! Not enough drop shots or dinks were used to slow things down, keep the rally going, and/or make the opposition play defense. If you and your partner are back at the baseline and your opponents are both up at the NVZ, you'll find out quickly that the higher the level you play against (tournament/league play), the less likely you can "blast your way" up. You have to learn how to drop and make them play the ball defensively which then allows you to move up and take away their NVZ advantage.
#4 LITTLE OR NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEAMMATES! I know some of you don't like to talk. However, when playing in competitive play, it's vital to have a constant, ongoing dialogue before, during, and after a rally. Discuss what's happening, where your shot is going, etc., before each shot. Call out movement or help if the ball is going in or out during play. Use quick, one-word commands such as "NO", "GO", "SWITCH", "MINE", "STAY", "HELP", etc.. If you watch a pro match, they often talk after EVERY point to encourage, discuss strategy, what went right/wrong, and prepare for the next point.
#5 NERVES! You could visually see several of our players nervous and tight. That's to be expected, especially for those playing in their first tournaments/league play - that's what competition is all about. Stay in the "here and now", BREATH, and focus on the point being played. Don't despair over a bad shot played several minutes ago. Constantly pick up your partner, keep them in the game and encourage them. Remember, you win or lose TOGETHER!
2025 QCPC Member Survey
In our effort to continuously improve our club,
QCPC will be emailing a survey by the end of the month.
Please respond and help us make our club even better.
QCPC Hosts GGV CERT
Hands-Only CPR/AED Training
The Quail Creek Pickleball Club organized a Hands-Only CPR/AED training for its members on January 16th. The training was provided by the Greater Green Valley CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). The sessions were led by Jack Cruikshank, Roberta Sue Scott, Hayes Galitski, and John McGee. Club members watched demonstration videos, then practiced hands-only CPR and applying AED sensors on manikins. Trainees followed video instructions while CERT trainers assisted and answered questions. Each session lasted one hour, and the club was able to organize two sessions for that day. QCPC will schedule more sessions for members in the future.
If you would like more information about Greater Green Valley CERT and their community training visit https://ggvcert.com.
In Case of Emergency
Add the Pickleball Court Ramada address to your phone contact list: 1461 E Quail Crossing Blvd. If you have to call 911 then you have it for the emergency dispatcher.
Also, consider carrying an emergency information card for yourself.
First Aid Kit and AED
In the women's restroom at both Ramadas.
Click here to watch a demonstration video for the AED: https://youtu.be/PaxwHxEuiN8
Members of the QCPC are proud of our Facility, Sportsmanship and Court Etiquette.
Please be conscientious and considerate of our courts and fellow members.
Some reminders:
Non-marking court shoes are always required.
When music is played, communicate with adjoining courts for acceptable volume.
On completion of play, return all balls to the ball holders and close the gates. Also dispose of your trash.
If your time has expired and players are waiting for the court you are on, quit the game in process and do not try to squeeze in the last few points.
New Ball Machine Ready for Use
The club purchased a new Lobster Pickle Two ball machine for member use. This is the same model as the old machine. All the controls are the same. The only difference is that it does not need to be plugged in when stored in the shed. As before, use the extension cord to plug it in on the court.
If you have been already received pickleball machine training, you can sign up to use it on CourtReserve. If you would like to be trained to use the machine, please text Naomi Giles at 858-945-7337.
Thank you, Phil Brule, for helping us get the machine set up for use!
Court Cleaning February
Thursday - Feb 6, 11AM - 1:30PM, Courts 1-4 & 17-20
Tuesday - Feb 11, 7AM - 12PM, Courts 1-16 Landscape and Cleaning
Thursday - Feb 13, 11AM - 1:30PM, Courts 5-8 & 21-24
Thursday - Feb 20, 11AM - 1:30PM, Courts 9-12 & 25-28
Thursday - Feb 27, 11AM - 1:30PM, Courts 13-16 & 29-32
Pro pickleball players are getting a higher salary than WNBA players
Pickleball is paying off for America’s best players.
The Professional Pickleball Association said on Thursday that the league is seeing growth in everything from attendance to players, and even salary.
In fact, the average pay of the more than 60 women on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball was $260,000, according to the league. That is more than the highest-paid WNBA player’s annual salary and more than double the average salary of National Women’s Soccer League athletes.
The league said pro pickleball players earned more than $30 million collectively. This is based on salary alone and does not include endorsement deals.
Pro pickleball has come a long way since its inception.
Last December, some players formed a collective to voice their concerns about the future of Major League Pickleball after they were asked to take a 40% pay cut.
In February, Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association completed their long-awaited merger, creating the United Pickleball Association. The deal also included $75 million of outside investment.
The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball retained their own distinct brands. The PPA Tour features an individual bracket-style tour, while MLP is a team-based format.
Since the creation of the United Pickleball Association, the off-court drama has died down and the league has been working to refine its product and its business, led by stars like 17-year-old Anna Leigh Water, and top players Federico Staksrud and Ben Johns.
“It’s just these immense efficiencies that came about as we were able to merge, and as a result, it was great for our business,” said Samin Odhwani, United Pickleball Association’s chief strategy officer.
Odhwani said being under one umbrella created cross-promotional opportunities for players and also opened doors with sponsors and their sales team.
As a result, the sponsorship business grew by 50% year-over-year with more than 50 sponsors across both the PPA Tour and MLP brands.
Odhwani projects that UPA revenue should top $100 million in the next few years.
Viewership and interest also remain strong. In 2024, the league said 320,000 fans attended PPA Tour and MLP events, up 40% from the year prior. It also marked the first year in which revenue from ticket sales surpassed revenue from amateur registration, the league said.
Fans tuned into 350 hours of pickleball television in 2024 across Fox, CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime, Tennis Channel and others, according to the UPA.
PickleballTV, a joint venture between the UPA and the Tennis Channel, said fans watched more than a billion minutes of the sport this season.
“2024 was the best year ever for pro pickleball,” Odhwani said. “We had 320,000 plus attendees at our events, 27,000 amateurs playing and candidly, just a unified league.”
Heading into the new year, UPA said its priorities include expanding media rights partnerships, growing the amateur business and continuing to build existing pros into household names in the world of sports.