Capital Area Pickleball Association
Serving Dane County Wisconsin

Wondering where to play pickleball once the weather turns colder? Be sure to check out the Indoor Courts section of the CAPA website to find a list of local indoor pickleball facilities. One thing to note is that of all the courts that are listed there, only Pickle Pro Courts and Hitters offer dedicated pickleball courts. All the other facilities have multi-marked courts. And, not all of the courts at Hitters are dedicated pickleball courts. Some of their courts are multi-marked (with tennis lines).

Also, once you decide at which indoor facility you would like to play, you will want to visit their website as well as call them. It is possible that their website may not have the most updated information about current pricing for this fall/winter. Also, by calling, you can ask how it works to do open play or to reserve a court at the facility. At some locations, it is more cost effective to buy a membership, while at others, it is more advantageous to just purchase a punch card. You will also want to confirm the exact hours that pickleball is available this fall/winter, as hours may have changed since last year. Note also that some locations advertise their pickleball open play on playtimescheduler.com, while others just post the hours on their website. Some facilities are offering special promotions through the end of September before the cold weather sets in, so planning ahead for your fall and winter pickleball activities could quite literally pay off!

Happy pickling!

Pickleball's fast-paced nature and the intensity of play can cause players to work up a sweat, making proper hydration essential for maintaining peak performance. But how can you tell if you're becoming dehydrated, and what are the best ways to stay replenished on the court? Let's dive into the importance of hydration, learning how to recognize the signs of dehydration as well as the most effective methods to keep your body fueled during those action-packed matches.

Identifying Dehydration

Common symptoms of dehydration include thirst and dry mouth, but as it progresses, you may begin to experience a rapid heartbeat and feel dizzy, fatigued, and experience overall decreased athletic performance. These symptoms can indicate that your body needs more fluids. Be mindful of these signs during your pickleball sessions to ensure you're staying properly hydrated.

Avoiding Dehydration on the Court

1) Drink up: Aim to consume 6-8 ounces of fluids every 15-20 minutes during play. This can help replace fluids lost through sweat and maintain optimal hydration levels. You can kick-start your pickleball sessions by boosting your hydration before hitting the court. Aim to drink 16-20 ounces of water or an electrolyte beverage 1-2 hours prior to play.

2) What you drink matters: Avoid consuming sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages when playing, as these all tend to have a diuretic effect. On the other hand, beverages like water, electrolyte drinks and coconut water help quench your thirst and can replenish essential nutrients, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which may be lost during physical activity or in hot weather. Keeping your drinks cold by using insulated water bottles or adding ice cubes can help lower body temperature and provide a refreshing boost during intense matches.

3) Listen to your body: If you're feeling thirsty, fatigued, or experiencing other signs of dehydration, take a break and rehydrate during or in-between games. Everyone's hydration needs vary based on factors like body size, sweat rate, and intensity of play. Even taking certain medications can impact how quickly or easily you may experience dehydration. Experiment with different beverages and drinking schedules to find what works best for you. If you are someone who experiences dehydration relatively easily, it might be a good idea to bring a chair to sit on when taking breaks. You can also buy a suction cup to put at the end of your paddle handle to use to help pick up pickleballs to avoid having to bend over if doing so exacerbates dizziness and light-headedness until your game ends and you can take a much-needed rest.

Conclusion

Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining peak performance on the pickleball court. By recognizing the signs of dehydration, fueling your body with the right fluids, and listening to your body's needs, you'll be ready to enjoy countless hours of fun and competitive play. Happy pickling!

The two tennis courts at Verona's Veteran's Park have now been successfully transitioned into six new pickleball courts! The work began in late July 2024 and appears to now be complete (except that there were two orange cones like little dunce hats atop the end posts on the fences as you enter, so the City may not technically consider the courts to be officially open quite yet). All the nets are up, and there are fences in between all the courts, as well as around the perimeter of the courts. Parking is within a very short walking distance from the courts, and restrooms are in a park shelter that is about a 1-2 minute stroll from the courts. There are no overhead lights for these courts, unfortunately. Also, no windscreens have been installed. It is not clear if some will be installed at a future time. The courts are surrounded by prairie, so windscreens would be welcome. The courts themselves are beautiful! I have yet to hear back from the Verona Parks and Urban Forestry Department regarding when the official opening will be, but the courts appeared to be playable now. Veteran's Park is located at 113 Lincoln Street in Verona, WI, 53593.

Beyond the joy of friendly competition, pickleball offers an impressive array of health benefits. So, grab your paddle, and let's explore how pickleball can serve up a healthier, happier you.

Physical Activity and Weight Management

Pickleball offers an excellent cardiovascular workout, keeping your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Regular play can strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Pickleball is a relatively low-impact activity that is generally easy on the joints, making it an ideal choice for players of all ages and fitness levels.

A typical game of pickleball, lasting around 30 minutes, can help players burn between 250 to 350 calories, depending on the intensity of play and the individual's weight and fitness level. The continuous movements, quick bursts of energy, and agility required during a game all contribute to this impressive calorie-burning potential. Because of its fast-paced nature and sustained physical activity, pickleball can help torch calories and support weight management goals. Regular participation can boost metabolism and promote the development of lean muscle mass, assisting in maintaining a healthy body composition.

Muscle Strength and Balance Improvement

The dynamic movements required in pickleball engage numerous muscle groups, helping to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. From swift sprints to powerful swings, this sport challenges the body in a variety of ways, promoting overall muscular health.

Pickleball can also promote better balance, as the game involves a multitude of dynamic movements and quick changes in direction. Players must constantly adjust their body positioning to react to the ball and their opponent's shots, engaging various muscles and enhancing proprioception – the body's ability to perceive its position in space. Over time, this can lead to improved balance and overall stability.

Bone Health

Weight-bearing exercises like pickleball play a vital role in promoting bone density, reducing the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. By engaging in this dynamic sport, you can give your skeletal system a helping hand while having a great time on the court.

Better Mental Health, Focus, and Less Stress

As a form of physical exercise, pickleball also encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. These neurotransmitters interact with receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of happiness and well-being. Regular physical activity also helps regulate stress hormones, such as cortisol, lowering overall stress levels.

In addition, because pickleball is inherently social, it fosters connections, friendships, and camaraderie among players. The supportive atmosphere and shared experiences can help build a sense of community and belonging, which contributes to improved mental health and stress reduction. Laughing, bonding, and forming friendships through the game can provide an emotional outlet, alleviating stress, loneliness, and improving overall well-being.

Pickleball's strategic elements offer a stimulating workout for the brain. Pickleball requires focus, quick decision-making, and tactical planning. Engaging in this mental aspect of the game can provide a break from daily worries, offering a form of escapism and mental relaxation. As players become immersed in the game, they may experience a state of flow – a deep concentration that promotes a sense of control and enjoyment, further reducing stress. Playing pickleball may help to keep the mind sharp and promote better cognitive function.

Sleep Enhancement

Participating in regular physical activity like pickleball can contribute to better sleep quality. Exercise helps to regulate circadian rhythms, promoting the release of melatonin and lowering the core body temperature – both essential factors in initiating and maintaining sleep. Furthermore, engaging in a fun and social activity like pickleball can reduce stress and anxiety, allowing players to relax and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pickleball is more than just a fun and engaging sport – it's a pathway to improved physical and mental well-being. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the court, pickleball offers a wide variety of physical and mental health benefits. Happy pickling!

If you play pickleball outdoors, you know that on hot, sunny days, it can be hard to stay cool and perform at your best. One innovative solution gaining popularity is the use of cooling towels, a simple yet effective method to keep your body temperature in check during those intense pickleball sessions on sizzling summer days.

How to Use Cooling Towels

To activate a cooling towel, simply wet it with cool water, wring it out, and give it a few shakes. The result is a refreshingly cool towel that can provide instant relief on a hot day.

How do Cooling Towels Work?

Cooling towels function through the principle of evaporative cooling, whereby water evaporates from the towel's surface, drawing heat away from your body and creating a cooling sensation. The difference in temperature between your body and the towel helps transfer heat from your body to the towel, which is then lost through evaporation.

Choosing the Right Cooling Towel

When selecting a cooling towel, consider factors such as material, size, and durability. Opt for high-quality, absorbent fabrics like microfiber, which efficiently wick away moisture and retain their cooling properties for extended periods. Some towels even offer UPF protection, providing an additional barrier against the sun's harmful rays.

Maximizing the Benefits of Cooling Towels on the Court

To get the most out of your cooling towel during a pickleball match, follow these simple tips:

1) Rotate the towel: Re-expose sections pressed against your skin to the air every few minutes for maximum cooling.

2) Reactivate as needed: If the towel loses its coolness, simply re-wet and wring it out for a refreshing recharge.

3) Protect your neck and head: Drape the towel over these areas to regulate body temperature effectively and shield yourself from the sun. You can try putting a cap on over the towel to hold it in place.

Where to Buy Cooling Towels

You can buy cooling towels at most sporting goods stores as well as big-box retailers, like Walmart and Target.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooling towels offer a convenient and efficient way to beat the heat during intense pickleball matches. By harnessing the power of evaporative cooling and choosing the right towel for your needs, you can maintain your performance on the court and enjoy a comfortable playing experience, even on the hottest days.  

Happy pickling!

Pickleball is known not only for its engaging gameplay but also for the tight-knit community that has formed around it. As more fans flock to pickleball tournaments, it's essential to understand and adhere to proper fan etiquette. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of being a courteous and supportive pickleball spectator.

Respect the game: While it's natural to feel passionate about your favorite players and teams, it's crucial to maintain respect for all players on the court. Refrain from booing, taunting, or engaging in any behavior that could be perceived as unsportsmanlike.

Know when to cheer: Pickleball matches can be intense, and it's essential to understand when it's appropriate to cheer. Cheering between points is generally encouraged, but try to avoid cheering during a point, as it may distract the players.

Observe the players' personal space: Players need their space to perform at their best. When seated near the court, avoid encroaching on their personal space, and refrain from touching or interacting with the players during the match. In fact, as per the 2024 Official Pickleball Rulebook, spectators should not provide assistance with line calls, and even a player’s coach is only allowed to provide coaching during official time-outs and in-between games (see Rules 6.C.4. and 13.G.1.j.).

Practice good sportsmanship: Pickleball is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, so make sure to be a positive force at tournaments. Congratulate players on a game well played and show support to both the winners and the losers.

Be aware of your surroundings: As a fan, you have a responsibility to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that your actions do not hinder other spectators' enjoyment of the match. Avoid blocking the view of other fans, and be mindful of your personal belongings, so they don't obstruct walkways or seating areas.

Follow venue-specific guidelines: Each pickleball venue may have its own set of rules and guidelines, including where you can sit and what you can bring into the facility. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines before attending a tournament to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

In conclusion, being a pickleball fan is an exciting and rewarding experience, and adhering to proper fan etiquette will help maintain the sport's welcoming atmosphere. By respecting the game, the players, and your fellow fans, you can contribute to the vibrant and growing world of pickleball.

The 2024 Baird CAPA Cup was featured this morning on the News 3 / Channel 3000’s 'In the 608' news segment which ran during the 6 am – 7 am morning newscast. There were two separate segments that ran for about 4 minutes each. Here is the link that features both video segments. Be sure to click on each video:

https://www.channel3000.com/features/in-the-608-capital-area-pickleball-association-tournament-for-a-good-cause-this-weekend/article_d7e3ec1c-59a0-11ef-9ac1-a7dbf33b59b5.html

There is also an article about the tournament below the videos at the link above.

When watching the videos, you may see some pickleballers you recognize, including current CAPA President Kevin McPherson, former CAPA President Rico Goedjen, USA Pickleball Ambassador Stephanie Gander, and CAPA members Ivie Tharpe, Denzel Bibbs, Michelle Hebert, Richard S. Russell and Abigail Darwin. The News 3 reporter was Josh Spreiter.

Pickleball has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity over the past few years. The 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Topline Participation Report announced that pickleball continued to be America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row (out of 124 tracked). In the report, the SFIA also announced that pickleball had grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and an incredible 223.5% since 2020. This exciting and accessible sport has attracted thousands of new players of all ages and skill levels in a fairly short period of time, making it a true phenomenon. Let's delve into some more eye-catching statistics that showcase the impressive growth of pickleball.

Player Participation

While exact numbers vary depending on the source, there is no denying how quickly pickleball has grown in popularity. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), as of March 2023, 48.3 million adult Americans – almost 1/5th of the total adult population in the U.S. – had tried playing pickleball at least once in the past 12 months! That number represented a 35% increase over the APP’s prior research conducted in August 2022, when it had found that adult participation had reached 36.5 million!

Regional Participation and Growth

According to the SFIA 2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, pickleball participation has been growing in every region in the U.S., with the South Atlantic region (including DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA) boasting the largest population of pickleball players with 1.9 million players. The Pacific and East North Central regions had the second and third highest populations, with 1.5 million and 1.4 million players, respectively. Interestingly, the East South Central U.S., which covers states like Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee, had the lowest population of pickleball players, with 0.9% of the total pickleball population.

According to the SFIA Pickleball Single Sport Report (2022), when it comes to where the sport is growing fastest, however, that would be in the West North Central Region of the US, in states like Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. They have been showing the fastest growth in new pickleball players, with about 30% year-over-year growth.

Interestingly, The Single Sport Report points out that the Middle Atlantic Region, including states like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, have been showing the slowest growth in new pickleball players in recent years, with only 5.8% year-over-year growth.

Demographics

Contrary to popular belief, pickleball is not just a sport for retirees. In fact, the March 2023 research from the APP finds that the average age of avid pickleball players (those playing at least once a month) is now about 35, with approximately 72% of such players being between the ages of 18 and 44. Pickleball is truly a multi-generational sport, fostering connections and friendly competition among people of all ages.

The report also found that most pickleball players are men. When it comes to avid pickleball players, 62% identify as male, and when it comes to casual players, 57% identify as male.

Pickleball Facilities

As the number of players continues to grow, so does the demand for courts and facilities. In its 2024 Annual Growth Report, the USA Pickleball Association reported that there were 50,003 known pickleball courts in 2023. On a statewide basis, California had the most pickleball courts (3,589), followed by Florida (2,854) and Texas (2,081).

Competitive Play

Competitive pickleball has also experienced substantial growth, with 195 official tournaments sanctioned by USA Pickleball in 2023, according to the 2024 Annual Growth Report. There is a growing interest in tournament play, showcasing pickleball's potential as a competitive sport on both the national and international stage.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, pickleball's meteoric rise in popularity is nothing short of astonishing. With millions of players across the United States, this once-niche sport played primarily in high school physical education classes has firmly established itself as a mainstream favorite. As more people discover the joy and camaraderie that pickleball offers, we can expect this paddle-wielding sensation to continue its rapid growth and evolution in the years to come.

This past weekend, the largest pickleball court complex opened in Wisconsin, and you may be surprised to find out where it is located – in small town Lake Hallie, population 7,287 (as of 2022). Lake Hallie is a 15-minute drive northeast of Eau Claire and is located about 3 hours from Madison. The courts are located in Gower Park. Construction took about 7 months, and the courts cost around $300,000 to build. Interestingly, only about $110,000 of that came from the Village of Lake Hallie; the rest of the funding came from private donors. The Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club will manage and maintain the complex. The courts are free for any members of the public to use. More information is available here.

Mark your calendars now for a road trip, because the complex will be hosting a professional PPA tournament in July 2025! 

Pickleball is a sport that offers a fun, unique, and engaging way to stay active and social, while also allowing those with a competitive side to embrace that aspect of their personality as well. As the game has evolved, so too has the importance of finding the right partner to complement your skills, style, and demeanor on the court. Here are some key factors to consider when searching for your perfect pickleball partner.

1. Skill Level: An ideal partner should possess a skill level similar to yours, ensuring a balanced and competitive team. This is particularly important for couples to keep in mind, because tournaments prohibit “sandbagging.” Sandbagging occurs when someone plays in a skill category that is significantly below their level (e.g., a husband is rated as a 3.75 and signs up to play with his wife who is rated as a 3.25 in the 3.0-3.5 mixed doubles bracket). Sometimes, this happens because couples are unevenly skilled but want to play together. It’s important to remember, though, that in a tournament setting, especially one which will be DUPR-rated, it’s crucial that partners try to pair up with others who are relatively close to their own skill level. This may mean that you have to break out of your comfort zone and pair up with someone you don’t know as well to preserve the fairness and integrity of the bracket for the other players.

2. Style of Play: It's also essential to consider your and your potential partner’s playstyles – are you both aggressive at the kitchen line (e.g., hitting hard volleys, accelerating dinks), or do you prefer a more defensive approach (e.g., hitting soft volleys and maintaining long dink rallies)? Do you prefer to hit third shot drops or third shot drives? Do you prefer to hit setup shots or put-aways? Finding someone whose playstyle matches or complements your own will create a formidable team.

3. Communication: A successful pickleball partnership relies heavily on effective communication. Look for a partner who can clearly express their thoughts and intentions on the court, enabling seamless coordination and strategic planning.

4. Temperament: Pickleball is not only about skill but also about sportsmanship and camaraderie. Choose a partner who shares your values, handles pressure well, and maintains a positive attitude, win or lose.

5. Commitment: Finding a partner who shares your dedication to the sport is crucial for long-term success. Ensure that you both have similar goals and expectations, whether you're aiming for recreational fun or competitive play.

6. Personal Compatibility: A strong pickleball partnership extends beyond the court. Look for someone with whom you share common interests, values, and a sense of humor, as this will foster a sense of unity and trust between you.

7. Handedness: Are you both right- or left-handed, or is one of you right-handed and the other left-handed? If one of you is right-handed and the other is left-handed, do you both want to stack or play in original positioning? If stacking, do you want to do full stacking or half stacking? Discussing this ahead of time could save lots of headaches down the road.

8. Quickness: Are you equally fast runners? Do you each want to run down your own lobs, or would you prefer to run down each other’s lobs? What about running down short shots? Is one of you better equipped to do that? Be sure to investigate and discuss this before deciding on a partner, because speed and nimbleness may seem trivial now, but it will matter when you are playing in a tournament.

9. Bracket Preference: What bracket would you sign up for if you were to partner up for a tournament? If your skill level is on the cusp of the next level (e.g., 3.4), one of you might want a challenge and want to sign up for a higher bracket (e.g., 3.5-4.0), while one of you may prefer to be more conservative and stay in your current skill bracket (in this example 3.0-3.5). And then there is the question of age. If one of you is younger than the other, most tournaments will require that teams play in the age bracket of the youngest person on the team. If one partner is 49 and the other is 61, for example, this may mean that the team would have to play in the 18+ bracket, whereas if the 61-year-old had partnered with someone of a more similar age, he/she could play in the 60+ age bracket.

So, now the question arises of once you find that special person who you think you might like to partner up with for a tournament, which tournament should you register for? If you are looking for a fun tournament to register for this summer, I would recommend the 2024 Baird CAPA Cup. It will be held at the McFarland Park courts Aug. 16-18. Here’s how to register:

(1) Go to PickleballBrackets.com and look for the search icon at the left:

(2) Click on it and, under “Keyword”, enter “CAPA”, then click on “Search”.

(3) Click on the Wisconsin one.

(4) Click on “Events” to see what brackets are available.

(5) When you find one you want to play in, click on “Back to Tourney” (top left of page) to register for it.

(6) You can register for up to 3 different events.

Happy partner-hunting, and I’ll see you at the Baird CAPA Cup!