January 2026 Habersham County Pickleball Club
- John Bigelow
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
GOALS AND INTENTIONS
I know, I know. Everyone is overflowing with well-meaning intentions for the year. Most of which we quit by February. But we're going to focus on the state of our games.
A "goal" is simply a target destination. An "intention" is how we manage the journey.
Your goal may be to go from 2.0 to 3.5 by the years end. Your goal may be to simply have more fun. It's your goal no one else's. The important aspect of a "goal" is to measure not just where you end but how far did you come from where you started. You can't fail if there is improvement.
Your intention describes the means to achieve said goal. You may play more, challenge better opponents, play in PicklePals, MLP, drills and coaching lessons. Check your game and prioritize areas of improvement e.g. Getting better/deeper serves, consistent returns that allow you to gain ground, lower hard drives, etc. It is your "intention" that drives your plan, your effort and commitment. Or, you can set your intention to just have fun!
Some years ago at a pickleball camp I met two 5.0 women who played as a doubles team. When asked about their training habits, they stated they only played games on Fridays. Every other day was drilling and getting coached. They estimated that every hour they played represented 5 hours of some form of practice. Not for me, but....
On to another happy, healthy year with our community.
RULES CLUES:
4.A.7. The Volley Serve. The volley serve is made by striking the ball without bouncing the ball off the playing surface and can be made with either a forehand or backhand motion. A proper volley serve includes the following elements: 4.A.7.a. The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc at the time the ball is struck with the paddle. 4.A.7.b. The highest point of the paddle head must not be above the highest part of the wrist (where the wrist joint bends) when the paddle strikes the ball.
4.A.7.c. Contact with the ball must not be made above the waist.
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DINK YOUR HEART OUT
The ever-popular Valentine's celebration of that rare, but really fun event, dinking. Competitive DINKING will return on Wednesday, Feb 11. Our format has been intended to mix players of ALL levels into one big, dinking in the kitchen only, festive activity followed by a luncheon celebration. You don't need a partner as all are randomly chosen by folks with impeccable credentials for integrity (we are currently searching for such folks). So, watch for sign up emails which will be out soon and prep your perfect heartiest outfit.
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DECEMBER'S HOLIDAY POTLUCK
Thanks to everyone who participated. We had our largest turnout at over 80 folks in attendance. Our charitable donation of toys and food items was, simply, extraordinary. Thanks to all with a special bend of the knee to Lamar and Rudy Sr. for the preparation of the meat items.
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RETIRED COURT SHOE DONATION
Don't you hate when those expensive tennis shoes look good, feel good, but have zero tread left? Me too! I hate disposing of them but what does one do? Well, we are placing collection containers both indoors and out for them. We will arrange to donate to those who can use them. PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL SHOES ARE FASTENED TOGETHER AND LABELED UNDER THE LACES WITH THE SIZE AND GENDER .
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HCPC Board
Our next Board meeting will be Wednesday, February 18 at 12:30 in the Large Meeting Room in the Aquatic Center. There is time on the agenda for your thoughts and suggestions. As always, we welcome you to join us.
And that will be enough of that.
John Bigelow
706-499-8588
