FROM THE USAPA
Plan Before You Build
BY ROBERT NIBARGER / USAPA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
hear from many of my colleagues that they are working at
I a fever pitch to develop new pickleball courts. Before you recommend new courts, you may wish to take a step back and do some preliminary planning. Some planning points include:
1. Is there a site coordinator to schedule matches at the new facility?
2. Is there a mechanism in place to notify players of match game times?
3. How will newcomers be trained and welcomed into the fold?
4. Will the new courts have exclusive usage or will they be available on a first-come basis? 5. Will Pickleball 101 clinics be offered? 6. Are the courts actually needed or will you simply carve up the available pool of players?
Like the housing market, it is important that we don’ t overbuild or we will have courts sitting empty. Do your homework and be prepared before you turn the first shovel. • resistance, while the indoor ball is a little lighter with larger holes.
How does the price compare with competitors’?
The Pure 2 ball is priced at the high end of the market; however, considering the playability and durability, we believe it is still an excellent value for pickleball players. In testing the durability of Pure balls in tournament play, we only see a fraction of broken balls compared to the roto-molded balls that are traditionally used. The marginal price difference you pay up front for the Pure 2 will definitely pay off in the end with the longevity of the balls.
Aside from tournament feedback, what methods have been used to test the durability?
Our quality assurance testing for durability includes two primary methods: First, we periodically conduct play tests on samples to evaluate durability. Thus far, the Pure 2 ball has exceeded 60 games without cracking or loss of roundness. Additionally, every Pure 2 ball that leaves the factory is visually inspected and passes
“ Thus far, the Pure 2 ball has exceeded 60 games without cracking or loss of roundness.”
through a“ squeeze tube” to ensure seam integrity.
Ask USAPA
The USA Pickleball Association( USAPA) is pleased to add a new informational service in Pickleball Magazine similar to“ Ask The Experts” seen in other media. A new email address has been established to enable both members and non-members to ask questions directly to the USAPA. The questions and replies will be featured the following month in Pickleball Magazine. The new email address is live now to accept your pickleball questions on rules, ambassadors, tournaments, membership, grants, training, equipment and a host of other subjects. The link is live now at askusapa. org. •
Who has play-tested the ball?
As part of our validation process, we have tried to get the Pure 2 ball into the hands and courts of as many pickleball players as possible, including Team Onix pro players, our own Onix employees, several key pickleball retailers, and the general pickleball community.
We’ ve had great feedback from a variety of players. One of our favorites is from Chris Allen, host of“ The Pickleball Show” podcast:“ Three qualities make a great pickleball— playability, visibility, durability. The Onix Pure 2 dominates all three.”
Is the ball currently on the market?
The Pure 2 indoor and outdoor balls will be available on Aug. 1 in yellow, and the orange versions will be available in September.
Where are the balls manufactured?
The Pure 2 ball is produced overseas under the intense scrutiny of our on-site product engineers who ensure that our processes are delivering only the highest quality products available. •
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