USSP MEMBER

NEWSLETTER
SEPT. 2025 / Vol. 011

A Note From Our President

How do you take your pickleball game to a whole new level?

You’ve spent hours working on the technical aspects of your pickleball game. You’ve watched oodles of Youtube videos, read books, and played hours of rec play. You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on paddles, balls, special shoes, and you are rapidly closing in on the coveted DUPR rating you’ve always dreamed of achieving. You’re standing ready to hit the first serve that will propel you to victory, and you are one step closer to winning the gold. This is where it all falls apart. You woof your serve into the net, and you are hitting everything else out. What is happening; are you in a dreaded pickleball slump?  

The mental aspect of playing pickleball is 80% of the battle. Conquer this aspect of the game, and you can beat technical superior players on the court.  I recently read a book that fundamentally improved my thinking and the quality of my pickleball game. “The Pickleball Mindset” by Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin is a blueprint for achieving peak performance on the court. It definitely  caused me to rethink a lot of old baggage I had been carrying around that had been hurting my game. By the way, according to Dayne, there is no such thing as a slump - that's something your opponent wants you to think you're in while they are stealing that gold medal from your grasp.

If you want to learn more, I invite you to Pictona on Dec. 3rd and 4th to attend a Pro Demonstration event hosted by Dayne and Jill. At this special event you will enjoy several hours of enlightening conversation on Wednesday evening and observe a Pro Demonstration on Center Court Thursday morning.

Because of our incredible sponsors and great support from the Pictona Sports complex, you get all of that for only $25, and USSP Ambassadors can register for free. It's open to all, so bring a friend! Learn more and register here.

USSP & Humana Will Partner at ICAA Conference to Educate Senior Communities on Pickleball Programming

Join Us in Anaheim!
USSP and Humana are  proud to participate in the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) Conference, Oct. 13–15 in Anaheim, CA. This annual event brings together leaders, wellness directors, fitness professionals, and organizations dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults. Thanks to our partnership with conference sponsor Humana, we’ll showcase senior pickleball programming on a national stage. 

USSP will lead a panel discussion “What to Consider When Implementing a Successful Pickleball Program” and a “How to Dink” session for those who want to learn.  

Panel: "What to Consider When Implementing a Successful Pickleball Program"

Tues. Oct. 14 | 8:15-9:15 AM

USSP President Tony Schneider and USSP Brand Ambassador Kathy Morrissey will join industry experts to discuss building effective pickleball programs in senior communities

Mon. & Tues. Oct. 13-14 | 11:45am & 1:20 PM

Brand Ambassador Kathy Morrissey will lead hands-on "How to Dink" sessions. These interactive, 30-minute clinics focus on teaching the essential skill of dinking in pickleball.

We would love to see more USSP ambassadors and members at the ICAA Conference this year. ICAA members are eligible for an exclusive 10% discount on their registration. Simply fill out this form and email it to julie@icaa.ccsend.com to redeem your savings. If you prefer to register without the discount, you can do so directly at icaaconference.icaa.cc. We look forward to your participation at this exciting event!

Current USSP Player Rankings

Wondering where you or other USSP members stand in the USSP rankings? Click here to find out.

Grassroots Program - Recent Events

LADIES LEGENDS

In response to our Mid-Atlantic Ladies Legends (age 70+, 4.0+) group out east, the ladies on the west coast decided they also wanted to form a similar group!  

They had their first fun round-robin followed by a social dinner last weekend. They played at Barnes tennis center in San Diego and had a wonderful time. They are already planning their next round-robin event for January!  

VETERANS IN PICKLEBALL

Our wonderful USSP Ambassadors Scott Farish and Richard Kenner, directors of the non-profit organization Veterans in Pickleball (VIP) hosted a small senior-friendly pickleball event commemorating 9-11 at Down The Line Pickleball in Annandale, VA. 

Championship Series - Recent Events

The USSP East Coast Regional Championship at The Hub in Jacksonville, FL just concluded with some great pickleball action! Thanks to all who participated and volunteered!

Top 10 States

Curious where your fellow USSP members reside? These are the top 10 states where our members comes from.

2025 Championship Series Tournaments Remaining

Registration for the USSP National Championship presented by Humana has Re-Opened and the cost will go up 10/1, so don't delay!

USSP West Regional Championship presented by Humana

Nov. 13-15

Palm Creek Resort

32 outdoor hard courts

Casa Grande, AZ

Registration ends 10/31

USSP National Championship presented by Humana

Dec. 5-8

Pictona at Holly Hill

25 outdoor courts

Holly Hill, FL

Registration is NOW RE-OPEN!

Over 770 players already registered!

Visit our Nationals website

Remember, as a USSP member you save $10 on registration fees for all USSP tournaments! View our tournament calendar to see all of our USSP certified and USSP Championship Series tournaments.

Thank You to our Sponsors of the 2025 USSP National Championship presented by Humana:

Picklebalm is offering FREE SHIPPING with no minimum for a limited time.

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