CROSS COURT PICKLEBALL NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 17, 2026
- Steve Skinner
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN AT CROSS COURT
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through August!
As summer schedules start to settle down and September gets closer, we’re getting excited for a busy fall at Cross Court Bedford and Dartmouth.
Whether you’ve been playing all summer or haven’t picked up your paddle in a few weeks, now is a great time to get back on the courts. Book a court with friends, join a drop-in, work on your game at Skills & Drills or keep an eye out for our upcoming fall programming.
There’s lots happening over the next several weeks, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone back on the courts!
2ND ANNUAL CHARITY TEAM TOURNAMENT
September 25–27 | Cross Court Dartmouth
Our 2nd Annual Cross Court Charity Team Tournament is coming up in support of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation!
This is an MILP-style team event with teams of four players. One player registers the entire team, and we’ll contact you afterward to confirm your roster and division.
Want your team to play for FREE?
Raise $300 or more for the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation and your registration fee is covered!
We’ll connect your team with the Foundation to set up your fundraising page. Use discount code TEAMFUND2026 at checkout so your registration total is $0.
If your team raises less than $300 by September 9, the remaining balance will be due as your registration fee.
Teams that prefer to pay individually can email us and we’ll arrange individual payments.
We’ll also have door prizes, tournament prizes and a special prize for the team that raises the most money!
Divisions
DUPR 12 Max
DUPR 14 Max
DUPR 16 Max
DUPR 18 Max
DUPR 18 Min
For example, DUPR 12 Max means the combined DUPR of all four players cannot exceed 12, which is an average rating of 3.0 per player.
Ratings are based on the date of registration and will not change if a player’s rating fluctuates afterward.
Divisions may be combined or expanded depending on registration.
Registration closes September 9. The tournament schedule will be released after registration closes.
SHOULD THE TEAM TOURNAMENT BE DUPR RATED?
We want to hear from the players who are planning to participate!
We’re currently asking whether you would prefer the September Charity Team Tournament to be DUPR rated or non-rated.
We’ll be posting a poll on our Facebook page, so if you’re planning to attend, please cast your vote.
Please only vote if you are planning to participate in the tournament.
Your feedback will help us decide how the event will be run.
FALL PROGRAMMING IS COMING
September is almost here, which means our fall schedule is right around the corner!
We’re working on programming for both Bedford and Dartmouth, including leagues at a variety of levels, drop-ins, Skills & Drills, lessons and more opportunities to play.
Fall is traditionally one of our busiest seasons, so keep an eye on your email and our Facebook page as registration information is released.
If summer has kept you away from the courts, fall is the perfect time to jump back in!
WE’RE STILL LOOKING FOR A DARTMOUTH AMBASSADOR
We’re still looking for the right person to join us as a Cross Court Ambassador at our Dartmouth location.
Our Ambassador helps keep the facility tidy, organized and ready for everyone to enjoy. This is not a client-facing position. We’re simply looking for someone reliable who spends time around Cross Court and takes pride in helping keep the facility looking its best.
In exchange, our Dartmouth Ambassador receives a FREE Pro Membership!
Interested? Email info@crosscourtpickleball.ca for more information.
WEEKLY DROP-INS
Looking for some pickleball without committing to a full league? Our weekly drop-ins are an easy way to get some games in and meet other players around your level.
Bedford
Tuesdays 6:00 PM | Youth
Tuesdays 7:00 PM | 3.0–3.5
Wednesdays 6:00 PM | Rec/Novice
Thursdays 10:00 AM | 3.0–3.5
Fridays 1:00 PM | 3.0+
Saturdays 10:00 AM | 3.0–3.5
Sundays 5:00 PM | 3.5+
Dartmouth
Thursdays 6:00 PM | Rec/Novice
Saturdays 9:00 AM | 3.0+
Please register through Mindbody before attending to reserve your spot.
BOOK A COURT WITH FRIENDS
Sometimes you don’t need a league or organized program. You just want a court and a few friends!
Private court rentals are available at both Bedford and Dartmouth.
With a Casual Membership, court rentals are just $23.50 per court, per hour before tax. Split between four players, that works out to less than $6 per person before tax.
Our Casual Membership is only $27 per year and gives you access to court rentals, leagues, drop-ins and other Cross Court programming.
Players who are on the courts more frequently can save even more with our Serious and Pro memberships.
INTRO TO PICKLEBALL
Know someone who keeps saying they want to try pickleball?
Send them our way!
Intro to Pickleball is designed specifically for complete beginners. We provide the equipment and teach the fundamentals in a fun and welcoming environment.
Bedford
Mondays | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Dartmouth
Thursdays | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Bi-weekly
No experience or equipment is required.
Intro to Pickleball is also the only Cross Court program that does not require a membership, so it’s an easy way for someone to try the sport before deciding whether they want to join.
SKILLS & DRILLS
Want to improve your game instead of simply playing more games?
Skills & Drills gives you dedicated time to work on technique, consistency, positioning, shot selection and strategy.
Bedford
Tuesdays | 5:00 PM
Dartmouth
Wednesdays | 9:00 AM
Register through Mindbody to reserve your spot.
PRIVATE LESSONS
If there’s a specific part of your game you’d like to improve, private coaching gives you the opportunity to work directly with a coach.
Whether you’re trying to improve your serves, resets, dinks, positioning, consistency or overall confidence, a private lesson can be tailored to what you need.
Rates
1 player | $60/hour
2 players | $40/hour each
3–4 players | $30/hour each
Email info@crosscourtpickleball.ca to arrange a lesson.
A QUICK LEAGUE REMINDER
If you’re registered for a league and know you can’t make one of your scheduled weeks, please do your best to find a substitute.
Having a sub helps keep courts balanced and ensures the other players still receive the amount and quality of play they registered for.
You can post in the Cross Court Facebook group if you’re looking for someone to fill your spot. If you’re having trouble finding a sub, you can also reach out to us.
Thank you for helping keep our leagues running smoothly!
TIP OF THE WEEK
Reset before you attack.
When you’re under pressure, you don’t always need to hit the ball harder.
Sometimes the best shot is a soft reset into the kitchen that gives you and your partner time to regain position.
Once you’re balanced and back in control of the point, then look for the right ball to attack.
Good pickleball isn’t just about hitting winners. It’s about knowing when to be aggressive and when to stay patient.
DID YOU KNOW?
Communication with your partner can make a huge difference in doubles.
Simple calls like “mine,” “yours,” “out” and “switch” can prevent confusion and help both players move together.
Try communicating early and clearly rather than waiting until the ball is already between you.
A team that communicates well is much harder to break down!
STAY CONNECTED WITH CROSS COURT
Make sure you’re following our Facebook page!
We regularly post new leagues, drop-ins, DUPR events, Skills & Drills, tournament information, last-minute openings and facility updates.
With fall programming coming soon, Facebook is one of the easiest ways to stay up to date and grab a spot when something catches your eye.
SEE YOU ON THE COURTS!
Thank you for continuing to make Cross Court such a great pickleball community.
Whether you play once in a while or practically live on the courts, we appreciate having you as part of Cross Court.
Enjoy the rest of August, and get ready for a great fall season!
Cross Court Pickleball
Bedford & Dartmouth
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