Pickleball in Florida in March — I Love it!

These posts were written about our time playing pickleball with family in Florida.

April 2018: It was March – time to flip the calendar page of the shortest (but seemingly, longest) month of the year — and once again visit the in-laws. With the in-laws now residing in sunny, Florida, the visit no longer requires such excessive arm-twisting — just a bit more patience for a longer ride down I-75. Luckily, that car ride is now south!

Mom, Dad, and Last Minute Planning

We always enjoy visiting Florida this time of year and this year was no different. This was the first year in many that my own parents were not planning to sojourn south for part of the winter/spring. However, with absolute last-minute planning – and an assist from airbnb.com – it was arranged that they, too, could get an approximate 10-day reprieve from the cold that is Michigan.

So on a cold Wednesday afternoon, they made the approximate 5-hour trek to our house – and two days later we were all piling in their car for the 14-hour drive south on I-75. Because of imminent weather concerns, we delayed our trip one day. That, however, ended up being a blessing as my Dad and I were able to play pickleball at our local community center where I work — and get in a bit of practice before we had to step up our game in Florida.

My parents stayed at two different places in The Villages during the trip — while the wife and I stayed with her parents. With such last-minute planning, finding appropriate accommodations for Mom and Dad was challenging. But we did it! And they were just a short, 15-minute drive from where we were staying. On one of the mornings, I went over to play pickleball with Dad in The Villages. With Dad and I (and  Mom soaking up the rays) lined up outside the court (because that is what you do in The Villages), we patiently waited our turn (about 10-15 minutes of waiting). When it was our turn to play, we partnered together. It was so much fun. Dad and I dominated!  ;-)

Coach Matty and Mei Shen — Great Friends

In our previous visit to the in-laws, we made new friends – Coach Matty and Mei Shen. During our first couple of days, we met up with them several times — for dinner on Friday as well as a competitive session of men’s doubles with Coach Matty on Saturday and mixed doubles with Mei Shen on Sunday. It was tons of fun! What a great couple!  And they can play a mean game of pickleball as well!

A Coach Mo and Coach Matty Clinic — So Fun!

On Monday, I was graciously invited to attend a Coach Mo and Coach Matty Pickleball Clinic they host at one of the Recreation Centers in The Villages. It was so much fun and incredibly valuable. Both Coach Mo and Coach Matty were so generous with their time — even pulling me aside for about 30-minutes to give me some private tutelage. What great instructors! And better people!

IPTPA Certification — I Passed!

On Tuesday, I was scheduled for my IPTPA certification with Robert Elliott. Using one of the two pickleball courts at his house, I took the skills test and had my lesson observed. With 80%+ proficiency executing all the required shots and with the wife being an excellent subject for the pickleball lesson, I passed and am now IPTPA certified. Yay!

Del Webb, Rekindling Old Rivalries, Dominating with Dad and More

During the final week of our visit, I played lots of pickleball at Del Webb. It’s really a great group! One of my very first pickleball friends from Michigan recently moved there and it was a blast rekindling our old “rivalry.” I was also able to play once again with a good friend, Jeremy, whom I met last year — and a couple of hot shots from Ocala.

My dad and I were also able to join forces on our final morning there. With his sweet, well-practiced serve we dominated here as well. Well, maybe not dominated! ;-)  I also played with and against the person who reintroduced me to pickleball — my mother-in-law.  And, of course, the wife was able to play a bit as well. She has a mean dinking game!

Pickleball in Florida in March. I love it. See you on the courts!

The In-Laws Move to Central Florida – Yay!!! You know, for them!!! ;-)

December 2017: I previously shared with you about how the mother-in-law reintroduced me to the sport of pickleball at our local church (Woodside Bible Church) in Metro Detroit several years ago after first playing it in physical education class in 7th or 8th grade. I was groomed on these indoor, church courts before making the move to southwest, Ohio. Now I play the majority of the time outdoors – that is, until the weather dictates a move to a climate-controlled venue. That usually happens as the temperatures dip in late October or early November. How I wish that I could play outdoors during the winter…

They’re Moving to a 55+ Community! Please, Someplace Warm!

In October of last year – after 30+ years in the same house – the in-laws announced that they were moving from their home in Metro Detroit to a 55+ community. Mind you, my wife and I had, in prior years, shared with them information about The Villages in central, Florida. As they were announcing their move, I hoped that we had somehow wielded the necessary influence on their decision so they would make the move there – to “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.” Friendliest hometown – sounds great, right?

We wanted them to enjoy the camaraderie and friendships of others in similar stages of life. It had nothing to do with the fact that the temperatures in October and November in central Florida hover around 80 degrees – and, evidently, the area is known for its pickleball! ;-) They didn’t make the move to the Villages, but they may as well have. They opted, instead, for a Del Webb community – also friendly – situated just 10 minutes from Spanish Springs – one of the three town squares in The Villages. And they have 10-12 pickleball courts. And it’s active. Sounds of pickleballs against the paddles can be heard from 7:30AM all the way to evening hours under the lights!

Thanksgiving Visit

Over Thanksgiving my wife and I visited the in-laws in central Florida. This was our third time there since they had moved in the previous October. During our visit, I would religiously set the alarm for 7AM, put the key in the golf-cart – the preferred mode of transportation to the courts – and make my way over to the park for early morning pickleball by 7:30AM. The courts are absolutely stunning – a beautiful color contrast of blue, red and green. And the people are exceptionally welcoming. Many remember my name from prior visits and welcome me back. And the play is pretty darn good too.

A Surprise Visit from Coach Matty!

On our final day, a new-found friend of mine, Jeremy, set up a competitive match with four others – me, Jeremy, Bill and a husband/wife team. I had played the previous couple of days with both Jeremy and Bill, but I was curious who this husband/wife team was that was invited to play. As we were practicing – before they arrived – Jeremy mentioned the husband’s name was “Matty.”

Because of my voracious consumption of all things pickleball, I knew of a “Coach Matty” and wondered if that’s who the mystery guest was going to be. Sure enough, we played with Coach Matty and his wife, Mei Shen, during the afternoon. They are both incredibly skilled, gracious, kind and down-to-earth. The legendary, Coach Matty and Mei Shen — having coached/instructed over 6,000 students — live in The Villages and teach pickleball there. They made the 10-minute commute to the Del Webb courts and we had a ton of fun! Thanks, Jeremy, for organizing!

Back to Reality

Sadly, we returned to the colder weather in Ohio just a day later. We are so thankful that we can visit the in-laws from time-to-time. And it has nothing to do with the fact that there’s beautiful weather and pickleball at Del Webb… well maybe, a little. ;-)