Welcome New Members!
Ted Buerger, Teresa Clark Powell, Kathy Darsow, Suzanne Deife, Mary-Lynn Dubray, Donald Geoffroy, Gerry Heiling, Berni Huggett, Barb Hunsinger, Kristi Jeffryes, Scott Jeffryes, Ed Lisle, Wanda McKenzie, So Sae Meister, Jeff Omodt, Michele Rupp, Don Schultz, Joan Schultz, Amy Solfisburg, Eric Swiech
2025 Memberships
Have you signed up for a 2025 Membership?
Keep in mind all the benefits the club provides:
Court reservation system
Balls on all the courts
Lessons
Drills
Scheduled Play Events
Socials
Future facility enhancements (shade sails, benches, bike racks, sound systems, windsocks, etc.)
Please purchase a Full Membership for 2025 prior to the end of 2024.
Log into your CourtReserve account and choose the button for 2025 Renewing Member if you were a Full Member in 2024. Choose the button for 2025 First-Time Member if you were not a Full Member in 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Bobbi Jo Blythe at MembershipQCPC@gmail.com
Monday Night Football and Open Play Pickleball
December 16, 2024
QCPC invites members (significant others also welcome) to the new ramada and lower courts for a fun night of pickleball and Monday Night Football. The game between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings will be shown on the big TV.
Courts will be reserved for Open Play pickleball (Women, Men, and Mixed) from 5:30-8:30 PM. The football game starts at 6:00 PM.
Whether you want to play, socialize with friends, or both, come on down and cheer for your favorite team. Bring your favorite beverages and snacks and perhaps a lawn chair to ensure seating for all.
No signup needed.
Just come and have fun!
QCPC is going to the PPA Tucson Open Pickleball Tournament
Join other club members on Sunday, February 9th
See the best of the best play: Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, Collin Johns, Catherine Parenteau, Tyson McGuffin, and many more.
Tickets
QCPC has secured a 20% discount for our members.
Championship Court $50.00
Discount 20% (10.00)
Member Cost $40.00
Go online to PPA Tucson Pickleball Tournament Tickets and use the discount code QUAILCREEK20.
QCPC CPR/AED TRAINING
QCPC is sponsoring “Hands Only CPR/AED” training for members on January 16th. Are you prepared with the current CPR and AED procedures? I CERTAINLY WAS NOT last summer in Show Low when a fellow pickleball player fell to the ground with a HEART ATTACK. Thank goodness another player started CPR immediately and helped save his life. Those that receive quick CPR have a 95% better chance of surviving without brain damage. ARE YOU PREPARED? This training is for people who want to know how to perform CPR effectively but don't need a CPR certificate. No exam.
-Frank Baker, QCPC Vice President
JANUARY 16TH , Ocotillo Room at Kino Center
Maximum 10 people per class
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Training provided by Greater Green Valley
Community Emergency Response Team
Register on CourtReserve starting on December 1st at 9 PM. If the first class is full, add your name to the waitlist. A second session from 1:15 - 2:15 PM will be added if needed.
(Click here to learn more about 6-player pickleball)
Changes to Open Play Beginning December 16th
Beginning December 16, 2024, daily Open Play (except Wednesday Open Play 6-Game Round Robin) will have three levels, each with a paddle saddle and separate courts:
Novice (2.5): Courts 5-6
Intermediate (3.0-3.5): Courts 9-12
Advanced (3.5+-4.0+): Courts 7-8
The addition of a third level is to provide a less intimidating Open Play experience for novices and less experienced players.
Ratings are not required for Open Play. Skill numbers are provided to assist players in determining their proper level. The 3.5+ level corresponds to the skill level likely to earn a medal in a tournament or a regional championship in the Arizona Pickleball Players League at the 3.5 level. Additional skill level descriptions are posted on the bulletin board by Court 11.
For December through March, Open Play is from 9:00-11:00 AM. No signup is required.
What You Need to Know About Open Play
Open Play is “drop-in” social play - a terrific way to meet others.
Held during Prime Time on courts 5-12.
Regular Open Play:
Every day except Wednesday.
Stay for all or part of - play as many games as you want and take breaks when needed.
Waiting players rotate onto courts using Paddle Saddles (instructions are at the courts).
In general, play on courts matching your skill level (self-assessed).
You are free to occasionally pIay at a higher level, but try not to overstay.
You are welcome to play at a lower level to meet or help newer players, but you must moderate your game accordingly, especially on Novice courts.
Wednesday Open Play 6-game Round Robin:
This is still drop-in play but structured as a Round Robin.
Arrive and check in at least 15 minutes prior to start time – you must check in so your name is added to the round robin chart.
You need to be able to play all 6 games in the round robin.
No Open Play Round Robin or Ladder Play on Dec 25th
New QCPC Scheduled Play Events!
Weekly 3.5 and 4.0 Ladder Play
QCPC Ladder Play
QCPC is starting two weekly “ladder” events beginning December 18th.
3.5 (Advanced Intermediate) Ladder at 11 AM
4.0 (Advanced) Ladder at 11 AM
The first session will be a “soft opening.” We’ll describe how the ladders work, answer questions, and begin play (partners not required on 12/18). Come check it out!
What is ladder play? It's simple.
Win and you move up a court.
Lose and you move down a court.
Two ladder formats, alternating weekly
Members sign up for themselves and will change partners every game. Winning players move up a court and split; losing players move down a court and split.
Members sign up with a partner. Play all games with the same partner.
You’ll have fun and challenging games both ways.
Eligibility
3.5 (Advanced Intermediate) Ladder – You must have a 3.5 rating, 3.5 tournament experience (listed on Pickleballtournaments.com), or 3.5 APPL team experience. For the partner format, eligible members may sign up with any other member of comparable skill even if he or she would not otherwise be eligible.
4.0 (Advanced) Ladder – You must have a 4.0 rating, 4.0 tournament experience (listed on Pickleballtournaments.com), or 4.0 APPL team experience. For the partner format, eligible members may sign up with any other member of comparable skill even if he or she would not otherwise be eligible.
How Do I Move Up or Down Between the Two Ladders?
Win the last game on the top court two of three consecutive times and you can move up.
Lose the last game on the bottom court two of three consecutive times and you move down.
Sign Up on CourtReserve
Go to CourtReserve, Events/List or Calendar
Look for 3.5 (Advanced Intermediate) Ladder or 4.0 (Advanced) Ladder
Register (for fixed partner weeks include name of your partner)
Reserved courts will be shown on CourtReserve
If you enjoyed the Paddle Battle last winter, you’ll enjoy these ladders.
If you’ve never played in a ladder, try it. You’ll like it.
Questions: Contact Dave Mungo djmungo@hotmail.com
2025 Winter Leagues
Registration Dec 15 – Jan 10
Are you looking for another play event? Interested in meeting new players with a similar skill level? Looking for fun & spirited competition? QCPC Winter Leagues are for you!
We are trying something new for this upcoming season. We are going to offer 3 different skill levels. If you do not have a formal rating, you may self-rate. If you are not sure how you
should be rated, ask people you play with or the club coaches for advice.
2.5 League – this is a great way to continue your pickleball journey; think of it as the next step after Assisted Play. We are offering separate Men’s and Women’s division; however, we may need to combine to make it Mixed based on registration numbers.
3.0 League – intermediate; more experience and a few more skills developed. We are offering separate Men’s and Women’s division; however, we may need to combine to make it Mixed based on registration numbers.
3.5 League – advanced intermediate skills; this league will be Mixed.
Select the league that best fits your skill set. For fun, competitive play, don’t aim too high or too low. Matches will be played during February and March on Saturday afternoons. The season will be approximately 4-6 weeks. Due to a shorter season, please only sign up if you are available for the majority of the season.
If you are interested, please register on CourtReserve (go to Events/List/Categories/League) between December 15 and January 10, 2025.
Details to be worked out based on registration:
League configuration (Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed)
Number of teams in each league
Formation of teams (blind draw most likely)
Time of play for each of the leagues
Committee Members: Frank Baker, Roxanne Housley, Shireen Kolarik, John Lehman, Rachael Cusick, John Gothard, Dave Mungo & Madelyn Witt
Any questions can be directed to either Dave Mungo (djmungo@hotmail.com) or Madelyn Witt (scheduledplayqcpc@gmail.com).
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Already mastered the third shot drop? Or not? Regardless, think about adding the third shot drive to your repertoire.
Check out the video above for some drills to help with that and to get you to the net.
Safety first. Always practice and play within your capabilities.
Skinny Singles
Skinny singles is the BEST game-like drill for pickleball. In fact, many top pros swear by this format! It’s a great option if you have only 2 players, but don’t want to utilize the entire pickleball court during your match. Skinny singles pickleball is similar to regular pickleball singles — but with a few dramatic differences: Each player will use only one side of the court (left or right) in pickleball skinny singles, but that side will be continually changing, all based on your current score (and whether you are the server or receiver). Learn the rules of skinny singles, player positioning, court dimensions, and how to score your game.
Lenny Friedman, USA Pickleball Ambassador, Arizona Pickleball Education Ambassador
GQ PICKLEBALL DECEMBER 2024 SCHEDULE
REGULAR DRILL CLASSES
Students sign up on Court Reserve (first come/first serve on a weekly basis). Maximum 8 students per drill classes.
2.5 LEVEL REGULAR CLASSES (Courts TBA)
Monday, Dec. 2 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Monday, Dec. 9 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Monday, Dec. 16 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Monday, Dec. 23 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
Monday, Dec. 30 – 10am to 11:30am or 12noon to 1:30pm
2.0 LEVEL REGULAR CLASSES (Courts TBA)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Tuesday, Dec. 10 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Tuesday, Dec. 17 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
Tuesday, Dec. 31 – NEW YEAR’ BREAK
3.0 LEVEL REGULAR CLASSES (Courts TBA)
Wednesday, Dec. 4 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Friday, Dec. 13 – 11am to 12:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 18 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 25 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
3.5 LEVEL REGULAR CLASSES (Courts TBA)
Thursday, Dec. 5 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Thursday, Dec. 12 – 11am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 2:30pm
Friday, Dec. 20 – 11am to 1pm
Thursday, Dec. 26 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
GQ PICKLEBALL DECEMBER PRIVATE LESSONS
To book a private lesson (max 4 students), you must contact Gary directly at GQPickleball@gmail.com or (206) 948-4457 for weekly availability and times. Choice of 60- or 90-minute lesson times.
Cost – 60-minutes = 1 student/$20, 2 /$30, 3/$45, 4/$60
Cost – 90-minutes = 1 student/$25, 2 /$40, 3/$60, 4/$80
Monday through Fridays are subject to weekly availability dependent on Regular Lesson signups. No classes Dec. 23-27 due to CHRISTMAS BREAK
DECEMBER “KLINICS WITH KATHY” SCHEDULE
Kathy Palese (SNAP PICKLEBALL) will co-teach several clinics with GQ PICKLEBALL during the month of December (and in 2025).
Wed., Dec. 11 – 3.0 Level “Klinics with Kathy” 11am to 12:30pm
Wed., Dec. 11 – 3.0 Level “Klinics with Kathy” 1pm to 2:30pm
Thur., Dec. 19 – 3.5 Level “Klinics with Kathy” 11am to 12:30pm
Thur., Dec. 19 – 3.0 Level “Klinics with Kathy” 1pm to 2:30pm
The Great Ball Mystery
By now you know that a very large number of the new Selkirk winter balls disappeared within a handful of days. The cause is still a mystery. The rate of loss has since slowed but not stopped, so please continue your care and watchfulness. As always, QCPC pickleballs should be returned to the ball tubes after play. Our Court Maintenance team will continue to monitor this situation.
Pickleball Gift Ideas
Quail Creek Artists
Lisa Johnson - Pickleball Jewelry
You might recognize Lisa from the Quail Creek Coffee Bar or sales center. Did you know she is also a jewelry artist? Her colorful one-of-a-kind creations are showcased at galleries and boutiques in Sedona and Tubac, and here at Quail Creek. One of Lisa’s specialties is making pickleball jewelry. They are often available for sale at the Quail Creek Lapidary Studio, and Lisa also keeps an inventory for sale at her home.
Come by the Lapidary open house Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2–5pm to view the entire collection. Lisa can be contacted at 520-979-4942 or LJDesigns022@gmail.com.
Sharon Brule - Embroidered Gifts
Click on image to enlarge. Etsy site http://larkembroidery.etsy.com
Protect Our Courts
Our beautiful courts are durable, but they are not impervious to damage. We don’t know exactly how it happened, but one of our new courts already had two gouges all the way through the top layer. Fortunately, the POA was quick to hire the company that built the courts to come down from Phoenix to patch it up. They did a good job, but it will never be the same again. So, please be careful with metal ball baskets and training aids, and intervene or call Patrol if you see someone abusing the courts.
No Shows
It’s happening again. More members are reporting that reserved courts are remaining empty. “No shows” are always a problem, but especially during Prime Time when there may not be any other courts for members to use.
Please be courteous to others and always cancel court reservations and registrations for events you can’t attend. Cancellations should be made as soon as possible but can be made as late as the day of the reservation, if necessary. Other members are eager to play. Cancelling your reservation or event registration gives others a chance. Cancel court reservations and event registrations by going to “My Reservations” or “My Events” in CourtReserve.
The QCPC does have penalties in place for Repeated “No Shows”. See QCPC Policy & Procedures, p. 8. Members who fail to promptly delete their court reservations when they no longer intend to use them may be sanctioned. Please don’t let it get to that.
Any videos or links provided are for informational purposes only. QCPC does not endorse any products or services displayed or promoted.