2014 Margaret Rida Clinic

Margaret Rida Clinic is a Huge Success!

The Arizona Soft Game, otherwise known as the dink game, has arrived in Sun Lakes!

On Friday, January 10, 2014, 68 pickleball fanatics turned out at the Cottonwood Pickleball Courts in full force for an Arizona soft game clinic with world-renowned pickleball champion Vicki Foster, aka Margaret Rida.

Vicki Foster, two-time US Open Women’s Singles Champion, taught our group the philosophy behind one of the most important pickleball strategies, the soft shot. The soft shot is a very specialized and strategic shot used at the highest levels of play. This shot is strategically hit into the kitchen from the baseline on the third shot of a rally for the purpose of getting the serving team on even terms with the receiving team. It is also used throughout the match in an effort to get the opponents to hit a ball high enough to kill.

After teaching the mechanics of the soft shot and explaining the strategies behind its use, Vicki had our excited players practice many skill-building drills. With the help of her able-bodied facilitators Greg Mather, David Novikoff, Pete Macksam and David Zapatka, Vicki spent one-on-one time with our players helping them build their skill as she circulated around the courts.

Immediately following the clinic, everyone was invited to compete in a friendly soft-shot-only doubles tournament. As players were eliminated, they gladly retired to the veranda for margaritas, chips, salsa, bean and cheese dip where they robustly cheered for their friends still on court.

The final match saw Mary Park and Sheila Parkinson defeat Christine and Barry Schultz. A formal and fun presentation was made at center court where Greg Mather, creator of the Margaret Rida clinic, awarded each of the winners with a very special prize – a large, soft (nerf) pickleball on a beautiful blue ribbon in the spirit of a USAPA national gold medal.

Special thanks to Michelle Mather, Andy Hughes and everyone who assisted with the margaritas and snacks. Our players loved the atmosphere and had a terrific time. Special thanks also to Bob Michael for coordinating the event at the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club.

Thank you, Vicki, for spending your valuable time with us. You are a special person!

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