Beat the Heat!

After weeks of enjoyable cooler weather, temperatures are on the rise! As the courts heat up, so does the risk of overheating. Stay safe and keep your game strong with these essential tips for staying cool while playing pickleball.

Be Smart About Scheduling

Timing is everything! Avoid playing during the peak afternoon heat. Instead, schedule your matches in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower, ensuring a more comfortable and safer game. At Pictona there are also 13 covered courts for shaded play - another way to beat the heat! Courts 1-8 and Courts at P2 surrounding the MetroHealth, Inc. Stadium are covered. Click HERE for a map of courts. Members can reserve courts 2-weeks in advance. Click HERE for info on Court Reservations.

Dress for Success

Your choice of clothing can make a big difference in the heat. Opt for sweat-wicking, dri-fit fabrics that help keep you cool. Light-colored attire—such as white, tan, or pastels—reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Long sleeves can also help shield your skin and keep you feeling cooler.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Proper hydration is key to peak performance and safety. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages before, during, and after your match. A good guideline is to consume half your body weight in ounces of water daily, with an additional 16-20 ounces for every hour of physical activity. The NIH cites a study that found people who do not properly hydrate are more likely to develop chronic diseases. The diseases included heart failure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and dementia.

Beat the Heat!

Ease Into the Heat

Give your body time to adapt to rising temperatures. Start with short bursts of exercise, such as a light jog or a brief pickleball session, before gradually increasing intensity. Over time, this helps condition your body for hotter days on the court. It is also important to take breaks during extreme temperatures to give your body a rest. The Conviva Cooling Cabana at Pictona is equipped with fans and misters and is available for all players.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can escalate quickly and have serious consequences. Beat the heat and watch for early symptoms, which according to the Mayo Clinic, are muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating. If you or a fellow player experience these signs, take immediate action—get out of the heat, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.

By staying mindful of these tips, you can continue to enjoy the game you love while keeping cool and safe. See you on the courts—stay hydrated and play smart!

6 Signs of Heat Stroke

Summer is just around the corner.

It's time for frozen drinks, afternoons spent at the beach, and, of course, sweaty, scorching pickleball matches.

For pickleball players – especially those who play outdoors – the summer heat adds an extra layer of risk. Heat stroke is more likely to occur after prolonged exposure to heat and is more common in the summer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heat exhaustion can occur after excessive sweating, according to the CDC.

Planning ahead can help reduce your risk. When the dog days of summer get a little too hot, it's crucial to have a few strategies to stay cool on the court.

We're sharing our best tips for protecting yourself from the summer heat, as well as a few products you'll want in your arsenal before the sweltering summer begins!

Ready to Stay Cool This Summer?

Yes, your pickleball game is on fire – and so are the summer temps. It is up to you to take the precautionary steps to beat the heat by adding these tips to your pre and post-match routine, and snagging a few stay-cool products, you'll be able to stay cool on the courts all summer long.

Please join us in helping area youth obtain a scholarship to our Pictona Youth Pickleball Day camps!

We have 4 camps this year during June and July. Our goal of $2,160 will fund 12 campers this coming summer. Each camp is $180 for a three-day experience of fun at Pictona. Anyone who sponsors 2 or more campers will have their names placed on a paddle at the Friends of Pictona Wall in the S.R. Perrott Pavillion.

Typical Day of a Youth Pickleball Camper!

After a fun morning of youth pickleball camp instruction and games there will be fun on the Pictona Recreation Courts and Putting Course. There will also be swim time at the Holly Hills YMCA (across the street from Pictona).  There will also be a lunch provided, followed by more games and instruction.

Although each child is a unique individual, we believe summer camp is beneficial for all kids. No matter what a child's interests are, camp helps children develop important social, emotional and cognitive skills. Best of all, children create memories that last a lifetime at camp.

What Is It Like to Go to Summer Camp?

As adults, many people look back fondly on the days of summer camp!

Although each camp offers a special variety of activities, all camps offer the opportunity to make friends, learn new skills and grow as a person. Why is summer camp important, and what are the benefits of summer camp for your kids? Here is our list of 15 benefits of summer camp for youth.

1. Develops Lifelong Skills

During summer camp, children participate in a variety of group activities. For example, while participating in a sport like a volleyball or bowling, a child learns how to work on a team, communicate with other children and solve problems on their own.

A child will develop leadership skills, for instance, by guiding a team of other children on a hike. Or, a child will develop stronger communication skills when dividing up chores in an overnight camp. Perhaps a child will build important decision-making skills as they face challenges and overcome obstacles while trying new and exciting activities like ziplining or archery at Camp Lakewood. All these skills are important in the real world and are nurtured in summer camp.

Of course, children learn social skills in school as well. However, camp brings children together in an environment that encourages a greater sense of community and appreciation for individual differences, whereas school focuses mainly on academic achievement.

2. Promotes Independence

At camp, a child experiences time away from a parent. This independent time is important in helping children develop a sense of identity. Kids learn to become more self-reliant as they explore their interests and discover their strengths and weaknesses. They learn to trust their inner voice instead of depending on a parent or teacher to tell them what to do. Independence is vital to becoming a self-sufficient adult.

Perhaps your child is afraid to sleep without Mom or Dad down the hall, or maybe they are too shy to go out alone. Camp will help them transition to independence as they explore the world in a new and exciting way. Independence also helps boost a child's self-esteem.

Raising an independent child means teaching responsibility, encouraging exploration and providing a safe environment for a child to make decisions independently. Summer camp nurtures all three of these elements.

3. Makes Time for Play

During the school year, children are used to the routine of making it to school on time, doing homework and then going to bed. Some may engage in extracurricular activities. Although still structured, summer camp is more relaxed than the school routine and provides time and freedom for spontaneous play.

Free play is important to a child's development because they learn to develop creative thinking skills and explore their imagination through play. Playtime creates a safe place for children to express their thoughts and emotions, creating stronger and happier kids. They also learn to interact with the world around them, resolve conflicts, build negotiating skills and relieve stress. There are countless benefits to unstructured play, and it's a fun way to make new friends.

4. Teaches Teamwork

No matter what your child's interests are, whether it be sports or arts and crafts, a camp program will engage them in activities that require teamwork. Knowing how to work in a team is a useful skill for life.

Teamwork matters because it helps develop communication skills, emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

An understanding of teamwork helps a child realize working with others is sometimes the most efficient way to get things done. They will value teamwork as a solution, rather than think they need to handle tasks on their own. As a result, children will grow up with an eagerness to be active members of their community.

5. Teaches Resiliency

Resiliency is an essential life skill because to be resilient means to get up and push forward after an inevitable setback.

Camp provides the opportunity for children to face many challenges and to practice overcoming challenges. For example, they might not win their first soccer game, but they will learn practice will make them a better player. Or, they might not be able to reach the top of the climbing tower at Camp Lakewood right away, but they will learn not to give up and to keep trying. Once they make it to the top, they will feel stronger and more resilient than they did before.

Camp teaches the value of effort and helps kids believe in themselves as they overcome challenges with determination, patience and a drive to succeed. Learning new hobbies also teaches positive outlets to cope with life struggles, and kids will build a strong support system of camping buddies to help them leap over obstacles.

6. Provides Fun Screen-Free Activities

Kids and adults are spending too much time in front of a screen. In total, children spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen, whether that be on a mobile device, in front of a TV or at a computer playing a video game. Too much media time reduces time spent sleeping and reading, and may have a negative impact on performance in school.

Camp helps children connect to the joy of life beyond the screen. In all our camp programs, children will have endless opportunities to engage their minds in ways they'll enjoy.

Regardless of what your child's interests are, they will learn and socially interact in a healthy real-world setting at summer camp. Time away from the screen is vital to a child's brain, body, spirit and future, and could benefit us all.

7. Encourages a Connection with Nature

Speaking of time away from technology, kids also need nature in their lives.

Nature stimulates all the senses. When a child is outdoors, they get to see, touch, hear, smell and sometimes even taste nature. Sensory development makes life richer, fuller and all-around more pleasurable. On the contrary, too much time indoors can dull the senses and deprive children of the simple pleasures in life.

Most importantly, outdoor time encourages movement, which is vital for physical, mental and emotional health. Outside, children are free to run, skip, jump, climb, laugh and breathe the fresh air. Plus, they get a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun.

Lastly, nature helps children experience the magic and wonder of childhood, and it gets them thinking about life's greatest mysteries.

8. Fosters Growth

One of the biggest benefits of summer camp is it takes children out of their comfort zone and pushes them to try new things, as well as explore their already established interests. They will grow as they develop their skills doing their favorite activities, and they will develop new skills as they try activities they have never tried before.

In general, they will leave camp with a stronger sense of identity and a better idea of what they love, which may help them choose a career path in the future.

9. Builds Self-Esteem

At summer camp, children have the opportunity to achieve, whether that be to catch a fish or to paint their first painting in a less competitive environment than school. Achievement is the main ingredient in self-esteem.

Self-esteem is important for children and adults because we make decisions in life based on how we see ourselves. We choose our careers, relationships and make other important decisions heavily influenced by our self-esteem. Children learn self-esteem through taking action and earning results, and by contributing to their community. They learn to value themselves as a result of hard work and achievement.

10. Supports Healthy Living

Camp programs encourage healthy eating and physical activity. At camp, kids have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of fun physical activities at any skill level. All children will have the opportunity to participate in physical activity, no matter what camp they choose.

Only one in three children is physically active every day, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity is crucial for heart health and maintaining a healthy weight, and it boosts confidence and helps manage stress. It is important to teach the necessity of physical activity when children are young so they can carry exercise habits into adulthood.

In general, kids rely on fun, activities, learning and socializing to relieve stress at camp, rather than engaging in less healthy activities.

11. Nurtures Friendships

Kids get to meet other children with similar interests in a relaxed setting at camp. They also get to meet new friends with different backgrounds. Children bond over their camp experience, the challenges they face together and the fun they have free of pressure and media distraction to build genuine friendships that last.

12. Teaches Kids to Respect Differences

In summer camp, children will learn to work with other children to accomplish common goals, whether that be to build a shelter or win a baseball game. While engaged in a variety of activities, children will gain exposure to different viewpoints and opinions. They will learn to accept not everyone has the same perspective or beliefs they do. They will also learn that to accomplish a goal with others, or to live and play in harmony, they must respect and work with differences.

Also, summer camp creates an environment that encourages respect and consideration for others. Children get praise for including others and behaving respectfully.

13. Keeps Kids Intellectually Engaged

Over the summer, kids might become sluggish without the intellectual stimulation of school, but camp provides mental stimulation in fun ways children can enjoy. Kids get the chance to participate in activities that interest them, and some programs include time for reading.

14. Promotes Growth in a Safe Environment

Although kids will enjoy the freedom to play and choose activities that interest them, camp also provides a safe, comforting and structured environment. Campers follow a schedule and routine, which provides a sense of security. This structure also teaches responsibility and self-control.

For example, overnight campers wake up in the morning and learn to start the day with a nourishing breakfast. They get into a routine that encourages a decent night of sleep and healthy eating. Children may follow these habits far into adulthood.

When a child feels safe and secure, they feel free to explore their interests, to play and to laugh. Camp gives kids a chance to express themselves and learn who they are.

15. Gives Children a Sense of Purpose

Children will feel a greater connection to their community through camp activities like singing, dancing or playing sports. As a result, kids grow up to value community and may feel more inclined to make a positive impact on the world around them. A greater sense of community teaches a child they can make a difference that matters. Also, community involvement gives children a sense of belonging. Belonging combats loneliness and improves overall well-being for us all.

Top 5 Pickleball Rules Every Beginner Needs to Know

Did you know that Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world? Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to refine your skills, understanding the basic Pickleball rules is essential. Mastering these fundamental rules will help you play with confidence and enjoy the game. Here are the five key rules that every beginner should know.

Pictona’s PB-101 class is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals, practice key skills, and get comfortable with the game in a fun, welcoming environment. Before you hit the courts, check out these five must-know rules to set yourself up for success. Ready to learn from experts? Sign up for PB-101 today!

1. The Double Bounce Rule

One of the first pickleball rules beginners must learn is the double bounce rule. This rule ensures fair play and longer rallies, making the game more enjoyable.

• At the start of each rally, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it.
• The serving team must let the return bounce before striking the ball.
• Once both bounces have occurred, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or play off the bounce.

2. The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rule

The non-volley zone, commonly known as the “kitchen,” is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. Understanding this set of pickleball rules is crucial for avoiding faults and maintaining proper court positioning during play.

• Players cannot volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing inside the kitchen.
• If a player's momentum carries them into the kitchen after a volley, it is considered a fault.
• Players can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced first.

3. Serving Rules & Faults

Proper serving technique is a fundamental part of Pickleball. For a comprehensive overview, refer to the USA Pickleball Rules Summary.

• The serve must be made underhand with the paddle below waist level.
• The ball must be hit diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box.
• To be valid, the serve must land beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen) line.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed per player (except in the case of a let, where the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box).

4. Scoring System

Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that differs from other racket sports. Here are the basics:

• Games are typically played to 11 points, but a team must win by at least two points.
• Only the serving team can score points.
• The server must announce the score before serving, stating the serving team's score first, followed by the opponent’s score, and then the server number (e.g., “5-3-1”).

5. Line Calls & Faults

This set of pickleball rules is important for maintaining fair and accurate gameplay, ensuring players follow consistent standards when making calls. Knowing when a ball is “in” or “out” is essential for fair play.

• A ball that lands on any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered in.
• The non-volley zone line on a serve is out, meaning the serve must land beyond this line.
• Players make their own line calls in recreational play, so honesty and sportsmanship are crucial.
• Common faults include stepping into the kitchen while volleying, failing to return the ball before it bounces twice, and hitting the ball out of bounds.

Growing Your Pickleball Game

Learning pickleball rules is only one step of the process! The next step is getting onto the courts and implementing pickleball rules in real-game situations, helping you develop strategy and confidence as you play.

If you’re seeking to get more involved and improve your pickleball skills, you should try Pictona’s PB-101 class! Our expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals and help you become more confident in your game in a fun and welcoming environment. The best part? It’s completely free and gives you access to the courts of Pictona at Holly Hill!