My dad had Parkinson’s disease. It was progressive, it caused weakness, imbalance, and most heart-breaking for my dad, he could not balance enough to ride horses anymore. I have had several students in the past two years who have symptoms of Parkinson’s — shaking, imbalance and trouble with orientation.
Attached are several articles describing the benefits of pickleball for Parkinson’s patients. Please read them, and perhaps think about someone in your life that might benefit from attempting pickleball instruction, even while dealing with the effects of this debilitating disease. If possible, perhaps consider donating to some of these organizations.
Coach Mary’s Tip of the Week
How to you move on from a bad shot? Sara Ansboury tackles this common challenge for competitive players in this video.
Among the key points:
** Putting a bad shot behind you. After an error, be sure to eliminate the mental mindset of avoiding trying that shot again. Just because it does not work once does not mean you should stop trying to attempt it again.
** Focus on targets and concentrate on the holes in the ball. Rather than just seeing a big put-a-way, see the open court, and see the holes to keep your eyes on the ball.
** Bump paddles with your partner, or if it is your partner that made the error, be sure to bump paddles and reassure them that it is okay to forget it and move on.
** Drill using rally scoring. This helps you realize that every error gives your opponent a point. Be more exact, more patient, more determined in your execution of your shots.
Super Bowl Pickle at Fritz Burns Park is full, but I have room in singles, skinny singles, and rotating partners. Email Mary to enter: [email protected]
This news item came from: https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/2024/02/11/for-those-with-parkinsons-pickleball-can-be-an-ideal-sport/72527351007/
