Edgeless Pickleball Paddle

To be completely honest, I had low expectations for Frank Wu’s highly touted new Edgeless pickleball paddle. I have been playing with an Apike for three years now and I truly believed it was impossible to improve upon what I considered to be the best paddle in the world. But there is no question in my mind (now) that Frank has done the impossible.

Fans of Apike, hold onto your hats. Believe it or not, the new Edgeless paddle is even better than its predecessor.

For those of you who don’t know, the Edgless paddle is identical to the Apike in every way except one. While the Apike was banned by the USA Pickleball Association for being too soft, the Edgeless has been welcomed with open arms. In fact, it is the first pickleball paddle produced by pickleball innovator Frank Wu to be accepted as “legal” in USAPA tournaments.

The new Edgeless paddle is 50 grams heavier than the Apike, which makes it a better paddle both for beginners and for players with tennis elbow issues. Amongst the four of us who tested the Edgeless last night, the additional weight was considered to be one of the paddle’s best features. While the superlight Apike has a tendency to turn in your hand when balls are hit off center, the additional weight of the Edgeless counters that and covers up minor off-center misshits.

Meanwhile all of the comfortable features that Apike users have come to love over the past few years remain intact in the Edgeless. For that reason alone, this paddle is a winner and is sure to become a best seller north AND south of the Canada-US border.

Human Network

Tip 1 – Player Profile

There are seven pages in your player profile that help you communicate who you are, what you play and how you like to play it. Make these pages work for you. Be clear about the sports you play and the level you play at. Remember that everybody is here for the same reason. We want to play. Some of us want to play a lot. If you are clear about who you are and what you expect, you will make it easier for people to friend you.

Tip 2 – Profile Photo

Players tell us that the most important thing in a player profile is the photo. They want to be able to look into the player’s eyes. They also want to get important clues from player photos about age and general fitness. Posting a closeup of your smiling face is the best way we know to connect with other players and start making friends.

Tip 3 – Joining Groups

Social Ladders and other groups are now at the center of Racquet Network. In early 2012, Racquet Network moved from our old website to the new CLUBHOUSE so that players could begin sorting themselves into groups. Every group with the words BOX LEAGUE or SOCIAL LADDER now has scorekeeping features.

Finding friends who play your sport in your city starts with joining groups. EXAMPLE: If you live in HOUSTON, type the word HOUSTON into the search box at the top right corner of the screen. Then change the dropdown menu to GROUPS and click SEARCH. This will create a list of groups for Houston. Pick groups that interest you and join them.

Racquet Network is here to help. Our staff are creating new groups every day. If we don’t have a group for your city/sport yet, please let us know. We will create one.

Tip 4 – Start Friending People

Once your profile is complete and you have joined some groups, you are ready to start friending other players. Go to the MEMBERS page to search player profiles. Or go to your groups and click on the MEMBERS tab. Don’t be shy. Friending people is the first step to getting to know them. Once you are friends, you can start communicating via Private Messages.

If you are like most players, you will ignore accounts with incomplete profiles. That’s probably a good idea since many of these accounts are spam. Focus instead on profiles that look real. Remember that you don’t need 100 active friends to play racquet sports. Start with one or two and grow your personal player network from there. Most people don’t have time to maintain an active player network of more than a dozen people anyway. So think quality, not quantity.

If you can find two or three active new friends at your level in your sport and start playing with them regularly, you should consider your time spent here a success.

Tennis Elbow Illustration

Tennis Elbow Treatment Devices

Racquet Network does not treat tennis elbow nor do we claim have a cure for it. We do, however, carry a variety of treatment tools in our Calgary store that our members have recommended to us over the years. At the top of this list are hard-to-find, quality gel packs that are specifically designed for icing elbows. We also carry a variety of exercise devices that are designed to strengthen weak muscles in order to reduce the likelihood of tennis elbow recurrence.

Tennis Elbow Supports

Depending on the current state of your injury, your physiotherapist may recommend rest or continued exercise. Racquet Network carries a line of supports that are designed to reduce some of the pressure that causes tennis elbow pain.

Tennis Elbow Prevention – Racquets

Whether you shop online or come into our Calgary store, you will find that we carry a number of tennis frames and pickleball paddles that are specially designed to reduced the number of harmful vibrations reaching your elbow. Many players with recurring tennis elbow issues carry at least one such racquet in their bags at all times. Some who live with frequent tennis elbow issues choose to play only with low vibration racquets.

Tennis Elbow Prevention – Strings

In addition to low vibration racquets, Racquet Network carries Calgary’s largest selection of soft, elbow-friendly tennis and squash strings. For many players with tennis elbow, soft strings are not simply a luxury; they are a necessary investment in their health and well being.

Tennis Elbow Prevention – Dampeners

Players with a favorite racquet and/or a favorite string are often unwilling to make changes to either, even when their racquet/string choices are at the root of their tennis elbow problems. Fortunately, Racquet Network carries a variety of dampeners that can be added to any racquet to reduce the intensity of harmful vibrations.

Come into our Calgary store for a consultation or check out the TENNIS ELBOW section of our online Pro Shop. While we do not endorse any specific treatments for tennis elbow, we can provide you with many tools that our members have found to be helpful to them.

Social Ladders make it easy to find active players

Social Ladders are where players go to

• connect with each other
• play games
• report scores
• earn rewards

Choosing a Social Ladder

Which Social Ladder should you join? Start by identifying where you live and what you want to play.

For example, if you live in TORONTO, ON, and you play SQUASH then you will want to join the TORONTO ON SQUASH NETWORK & SOCIAL LADDER.

If you live in HOUSTON, TX, and you want to play TENNIS, you should join the HOUSTON TX TENNIS NETWORK & SOCIAL LADDER.

We have dozens of Social Ladders. Our staff are creating new Social Ladders every day.

In fact, Racquet Network is prepared to create a SOCIAL LADDER for every city/sport combination in the world. If we haven’t created one for your city/sport yet, just ask us. We’ll do it within 72 hours.

Features of Social Ladders

Every Social Ladder in our system has the same five basic features:

1. A list of members through which players can find and contact each other
2. A reporting page through which scores are reported to our database
3. A standings page which ranks players according to their sociability
4. An activity stream that updates players on what other members are doing and saying
5. An image gallery through which players can share images

Social Ladders make it easy to sort out the players from the wannabes. The MEMBERS page will show you everybody who has joined the ladder. But if you want to find out who is actually playing, check the STANDINGS page.

Social Ladder Ranking System

Racquet Network Social Ladders feature a unique ranking system that ranks players according to sociability. The more social players are, the higher they are ranked on our Social Ladders. By putting these members at the top of the ladder where everybody can see them, we make it easier for new players to find other active players who are willing to play.

How to Join a Social Ladder

1. Locate the SEARCH tool near the top right corner of the screen.
2. Change the drop down menu to GROUPS.
3. Type in the name of your city.
4. Press the SEARCH button.

This will create a list of all of the groups we have created for your city. Simply open up the group you want and press the JOIN GROUP button.

Tip 1 – Be Genuine

Our most successful players are genuine about who they are. They use a real name, they post a photo of their smiling face and they complete all six pages of their player profile. If they are part of a ladder or a league, most even post a phone number so that other players can reach them. On the other hand, players who look like they are hiding something don’t do well in our network. Player profiles without photos are usually ignored. So are profiles in which the user has filled out only the basic information required at registration.

It is up to every player in our network to decide how much information they want to post about themselves. But we can tell you from experience that players who hide behind usernames and pet photos are not taken very seriously by other frequent players. As a result, they end up playing very few games and meeting nobody new.

Tip 2 – Smile

The photo that each player chooses for their profile is important. Over the years we’ve seen players post action shots, formal business portraits, cartoon figures, cute little animals, hot cars, girls in bikinis and many more variations on similar themes. Nothing in our experience – NOTHING – is more effective than a closeup of your smiling face. More than anything else, players want to see your eyes. So avoid long shots, hats, sunglasses or anything else that prevents people from seeing your eyes. And SMILE. Players who have changed their avatars from serious faces to smiling faces tell us that the response from other players is often immediate.

Tip 3 – Report Scores

It is a HUGE mistake to join this network and then sit back and wait for people to contact you. If you want to play frequently, you need to break in and start friending and messaging other players immediately. Once you start playing and reporting scores through our Social Ladders, other players will start to take you seriously. In fact, most active players in our network don’t bother extending their searches beyond the names of active players on the Social Ladders. So if your name isn’t on a scoreboard, most active players may not even notice that you exist.

Tip 4 – Join Groups

Recently, Racquet Network underwent a significant move from our old website to our brand new website called the CLUBHOUSE. The main reason for this was that the Clubhouse would allow our players to divide themselves up into groups. Under this new system, tennis players from Houston, TX, can now join the HOUSTON TX TENNIS NETWORK & SOCIAL LADDER, squash players from Toronto can now join the TORONTO ON SQUASH NETWORK & SOCIAL LADDER and so on.

Free Public Groups with the words SOCIAL LADDER in their title have free scorekeeping features. If you want to play games, report scores and start earning Pro Shop Credits, you will have to join the Social Ladders for your sport in your city. Once you do that, you can start reporting scores immediately. (Note: if a group does not exist for your sport/city yet, please let us know. We will create one for you.)

Tip 5 – Be Social

Active players on our SOCIAL LADDERS rise to the top by having played with three or more opponents over the past 30 days. The more they play, the higher they rank. Internal studies of Racquet Network players show a clear correlation between rankings and invitations to play. The higher players are ranked on our Social Ladders, the more often they are invited to play.

So, to summarize. Be genuine about who you are and don’t be shy about contacting other players. Everybody is here for the same reason: we all want to play. Most of us want to play a lot.

Start by completing your profile. Then join a group that interests you. If you are lucky, an active group will be waiting for you. If not, you and your friends may be the first players in your city/sport to start reporting scores. No worries, though. That will put you all at the top of the ladder and make you the first successful players in our network from your city. Your success will inspire others and soon you will have a thriving, active nucleus of players growing around you.

Join the only network that pays you to play racquet sports. Register – Play Games – Report Scores – Get Free Stuff

Calgary Tennis League

Adult Recreational Tennis League
Oakridge Community Centre,
9504 Oakfield Dr SW, Calgary, AB
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:00-9:00pm
June 25-August 31, 2012 EXCEPT HOLIDAYS
Register Here

Calgary Tennis League – Summary

Our most popular outdoor tennis league is back for 2012. 10 weeks of outdoor tennis. 30 sessions in all. $150.00 for the whole summer. That’s just $5.00 per session!!

Space is limited so register early. Join us Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings this summer for co-ed tennis on the amazing new tennis courts at the Oakridge Racquet Club in southwest Calgary.

This social/recreational tennis league for adults is open to intermediate players who are capable of both serving and sustaining a rally. A professional grade ball machine is available for players to practice with.

Drop-in numbers may vary with the weather. The supervising pro will determine the format of each session based on attendance. Players should expect to play both doubles and/or singles depending on turnout, court space and weather.

This is a social/recreational league, not a competitive league. Although games are played and scores are kept, they are not stored and the players are not ranked. The purpose of this league is to give adult recreational players an opportunity play organized tennis without forcing them to join a tennis club.

Calgary Tennis League – Skill Level Requirements

This is a STEP 5 program. Players must be able to serve and sustain a rally of six balls on both forehand and backhand sides. Players who are unable to do this will be given the opportunity to transfer into our LEARN TO RALLY program.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is NOT mandatory. Players may attend as often as they please. Most players come twice a week. Some players come every day.

Notices

Tennis activities are cancelled when rain is falling from the sky, the temperature is below 10 degrees and/or wind gusts become dangerous.

When tennis lessons are cancelled, we post the information on our website, our Facebook page and our Twitter page. Players are responsible for checking these places for cancellation announcements. We do not notify players individually.

BONUS – Dog Walking and Babysitting Services Available

Babysitting and dog walking services are available on site for an additional fee. Kids can play with our sitters in the community centre or at one of the nearby playgrounds. Calgary Dog Walk is making staff available to take dogs to a nearby off-leash area during regularly scheduled tennis activities. Please contact Lauren at Calgary Dog Walk (403-803-2036) to inquire about fees and to make arrangements for your dog’s play date.

Squash Instructor

Most lessons are scheduled for the Oakridge Community Centre and the Acadia Recreation Complex in southwest Calgary, but instructors and assistants are needed for other facilities as well. Instructors who teach private, semi-private and group lessons at locations other than Oakridge and Acadia are paid a travel bonus.

Please apply in person to our store in southwest Calgary – 4 10015 Oakfield Dr SW. We do not accept resumes by mail or email.

Applicants should expect to teach on weekends and weekday evenings. Additional hours are available to suitable candidates in our full service Pro Shop where we string racquets and provide equipment and apparel to Calgary racquet sports players.

As always, preference is given to instructors who are active, contributing members of our online community of racquet sports players. Candidates who are genuinely interested in working for us are encouraged to become active participants in our ladders and leagues.

Join the only network that pays you to play racquet sports. Register – Play Games – Report Scores – Get Free Stuff

Calgary Racquetball Store

Our new Calgary store is located at 4 10015 Oakfield Dr. We are open from 10:00am until 7:00pm Monday to Saturday. Our online Pro Shop is open for browsing 24/7. While our online Pro Shop does not list everything we sell, it will certainly give you a sense what we carry and what we have to offer to Calgary racquetball players.

Racquetball Racquets

Racquet Network carries a full range of racquetball racquets. Recreational racquets start at about $30.00 while elite competitive racquets run to just under $200.00. Availability varies with season, of course. So plan to come in at the start of the season if you want the best selection.

Racquetball Balls

In addition to blue and green Penn recreational balls, Racquet Network carries the official black tournament ball of Racquetball Canada.

Racquetball Gloves and Glasses

Our southwest Calgary store normally carries a full size run of racquetball gloves and glasses. However, stocks can vary with the season. So come in early if you want something in your size.

Free Racquet/Shoe Fittings

Racquet Network carries an excellent selection of indoor court shoes suitable for racquetball, squash, badminton, volleyball, pickleball and other indoor court sports. We even do our best to keep a decent selection of unusual sizes in stock for our regular customers.

Private/Group Lessons

Racquet Network offers racquetball lessons at the Acadia Recreation Centre in southeast Calgary. Call or book your lessons online today.

Join the only network that pays you to play racquet sports. Register – Play Games – Report Scores – Get Free Stuff

Tennis Instructors Needed in Calgary

Most lessons are scheduled for the Oakridge Community Centre in southwest Calgary, but instructors and assistants are needed for other areas of the city as well. Instructors who teach private, semi-private and group lessons at locations other than Oakridge are paid a travel bonus.

Please apply in person to our store in southwest Calgary – 4 10015 Oakfield Dr SW. We do not accept resumes by mail or email.

Applicants should expect to teach on weekends and weekday evenings. Additional hours are available to suitable candidates in our full service Pro Shop where we string racquets and provide equipment and apparel to Calgary racquet sports players.

As always, preference is given to instructors who are active, contributing members of our online community of racquet sports players. Candidates who are genuinely interested in working for us are encouraged to become active participants in our ladders and leagues.

Join the only network that pays you to play racquet sports. Register – Play Games – Report Scores – Get Free Stuff

Children's Tennis Calgary

Our new Calgary store is located at 4 10015 Oakfield Dr. We are open from 10:00am until 7:00pm Monday to Saturday. Our online Pro Shop is open for browsing 24/7. While our online Pro Shop does not list everything we sell, it will certainly give you a sense what we carry and what we have to offer to Calgary children.

Children’s Tennis Racquets

Free children’s tennis racquets are included in all Racquet Network children’s tennis group lessons registration fees. However, children who are not enrolled in our lessons progams can also purchase racquets from our store at the corner of Southland Dr and Oakfield Dr in southwest Calgary.

Children’s Tennis Balls

Racquet Network is also proud to carry the full graduated line of tennis balls, nets and racquets approved for children’s tennis by Tennis Canada, the USTA and the International Tennis Federation. Our product line up includes foam starter balls for small children, red and orange balls for players who are learning to rally and starter game balls for new players who are starting to play full three-quarter court tennis matches.

Children`s Tennis Racquets in Calgary

Children’s Tennis Nets

Every Calgary cul-de-sac needs a children’s tennis net. Racquet Network carries highly portable and completely affordable children’s tennis nets that are perfect for street tennis or tennis at the lake. Simply set it up in your driveway or other safe location and kids can use foam balls and child-sized racquets to get some exercise and improve their basic rallying skills. (Parents should not underestimate the value of this unstructured play time. As with street hockey and ice hockey, street tennis is an essential step in every child’s development.)

Free Racquet/Shoe Fittings

Starting with a correctly-sized racquet is essential to early success for young tennis players. Racquet Network offers free consultation as well as racquet and shoe sizing for children of all ages. We also stay on top of developments regarding tennis lessons programs in the city of Calgary and can help guide you toward a program that is right for your child.

Private/Group Lessons

In addition to our group lessons which are offered at the Oakridge Community Centre, Racquet Network can arrange for private, semi-private and group lessons on City of Calgary Tennis Courts. If you have a group of four to six children of similar ages and are willing to commit to at least six one-hour lessons, we can book a tennis court and have an instructor come to your neighbourhood. Please call us at 403-238-0687 for more information.

Join the only network that pays you to play racquet sports. Register – Play Games – Report Scores – Get Free Stuff