Non-Resident Membership to LPA for Competitive and Advance Players

The Litchfield Pickleball Association is looking for players that are Non Residents of Litchfield to join our outdoor Sawmill play group.

Note: Residents of Litchfield of all levels from beginner to advance players are welcome to join the LPA at any time. See the membership application link below.

Specifically we are seeking Competitive and Advance players of skill levels 3.0 to 4.5 to join our outdoor Sawmill play group.

If you consider yourself with these skill levels you are welcome to join the LPA. Please download and fill out the application below. Complete the application and return it and the annual fee of $35 to the PO Box identified in the application.  BE SURE to submit the waiver form. Note non-residents will be joining our SAWMILL group.

LPA Application Form

To assist with determining if you are an competitive or advance player, below is the definition of the LPA play groups.

  • Sessions of Play are grouped by the following categories
    • Recreational play is intended for players seeking exercise, fun and social interaction.  Overly aggressive play, including overhead smash shots, is restricted from this group. New players should plan to begin playing in this group and join Competitive or Advanced groups as improvement of their skills warrant. Be patient with new players as we all have to start sometime. If you are a more experienced player playing with someone who is just starting out, use the session as an opportunity to help the new player and also practice your shot placement and skills. While not encouraged, players capable of playing in the Competitive or Advanced groups may play in the Recreational group but must play in a manner that respects and is consistent with the overall level of the Recreational players.
    • Competitive sessions are for individuals who have increased in the skill levels. This group is focused more on playing to win. It is intended to include players that have acquired a good knowledge of the rules, can use both forehand and backhand strokes, can move effectively on the court, are able to play well at the kitchen line, and can use drop shots with some consistency.
    • Advanced sessions are intended for those players who are able to: execute accurate drive, third shot drop, and dink shots; effectively initiate and maintain dinking sequences; take pace off the ball to reset to dinking; run down lob shots; and sustain fast kitchen line rallies.  Advanced players will have a full knowledge of rules. Aggressive play is to be expected as Advanced players play to win. Members are requested to not sign up for Advanced sessions unless they feel they meet the criteria. If players are uncertain if they should play in the Advanced group it is suggested that they observe an Advance group to determine if they feel confident in signing up to play with the Advanced group.

As added information the following chart is provided to further clarify the tradition ranking number system such 3.0 to 4.5 referenced above.

Pickleball_Rating_System

Thanks for considering joining the LPA

Pizza Party Great Fun & Future Plans

The LPA hosted a Pizza Party for members and guests on January 27. We had over 60 folks enjoy the free pizza and treats. The objective was to facilitate a session for all play levels to get together to meet and greet new and old friends.

As you can see there were many conversations happening. We expected that folks would soon finish up after partaking of the victuals, but we were pleased that everyone stayed and chatted for a long time – we even had to tell folks it was time to clean-up.

Future Plans

Many have said they enjoyed the fall cookout at Sawmill Park. We are planning a spring version – look for upcoming details.

 

 

 

Sawmill Park Ribbon Cutting

 

 

Thanks to many who showed up for a great ribbon cutting day for the new Sawmill Courts. It was a marvelous start to many years ahead of wonderful play.

Cheryl Lang and I were honored to share the ribbon cutting with Judy Brennan and Chris Burns from the Recreation Commission.  Both Judy and Chris have put in countless hours to make today a reality. In their comments they noted that many folks and companies had contributed to make this happen. Specifically:

  • The Litchfield Board of Selectman – for approving the use of the impact fees and the land for the project.
  • The Recreation Commission for supporting the project from start to finish.
  • Gregg Jeffery – Jeffery Land Surveying (Donated all work to town)
  • BAG Land Consulting – Surveying and staking off the wetlands
  • Continental Paving – Donated all site, pad work and paving to town

As a Litchfield resident I am amazed and appreciative of the efforts and generosity of all involved to not only made it happen, but to have created as one person remarked. “The best pickleball courts in NH!!”

And to LPA members, thanks for all the kind words today. The Board appreciates hearing from you all.

See you on the Courts!!

Ron O’Blenis                                                                                                                                                for the LPA Board