CROSS COURT PICKLEBALLWEEKLY NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 12, 2026
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM CROSS COURT!
Happy Thanksgiving to our incredible Cross Court community!
As we head into another busy week of pickleball, we want to take a moment to say how thankful we are for all of you.
Whether you’ve been playing with us since the beginning, recently joined our community or are still working up the courage to step onto the court for the first time, we’re grateful you’re here.
One of the best things about pickleball is the people it brings together. We’ve watched strangers become teammates, teammates become friends and friendships grow both on and off the courts.
That’s what makes Cross Court so special.
Thank you for continuing to support our facilities, participate in our programs and help us build such a welcoming pickleball community.
We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family, friends and maybe even a little pickleball!
NEW LEAGUES ARE HERE!
Looking for more consistent games, new people to play with or a little friendly competition?
We’ve got some great leagues starting over the next couple of weeks at both Bedford and Dartmouth!
Whether you’re a recreational player looking to build confidence or someone who enjoys competitive matches, there’s something for you.
BEDFORD
Women’s 3.0+ Ladder League
Tuesdays, October 13 – November 3
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
All courts
Our ladder leagues are a great way to challenge yourself against different opponents, meet other players and enjoy competitive games.
Women’s 2.6–3.2 League (NON-RATED)
Mondays, October 19 – November 9 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Courts 2 & 3
Looking for competitive but relaxed games without worrying about your DUPR rating?
This league is perfect for players who want consistent weekly games, opportunities to improve and a fun environment without the pressure of rated matches.
DARTMOUTH
Men’s NR–3.0 League
Tuesdays, October 27 – November 17
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Courts 1, 2 & 5
Calling all novice and developing male players!
This league is designed for players who want to build their confidence, gain match experience and enjoy some friendly competition against others at a similar skill level.
ALL LEAGUES RUN FOR FOUR WEEKS!
Registration is available through Mindbody.
A Cross Court membership is required to participate in leagues.
League Pricing:
Casual Members: $53
Serious Members: $43
Pro Members: $35
Don’t wait until the last minute to register. Spaces are limited! Signup HERE!
HELP US PLAN YOUR NEXT LEAGUE!
We want to hear from YOU!
We’re currently collecting feedback from our players to help us decide which leagues to offer next.
We know everyone has different schedules, skill levels and preferences, and our goal is to create leagues that our members actually want to play in.
Our League Interest Form gives you the opportunity to tell us:
Your preferred skill level
The days and times that work best for you
Whether you prefer women’s, men’s or mixed leagues
How you’d like DUPR incorporated into your games
Your feedback helps us create better programming, fill leagues and offer more opportunities for everyone to get on the courts.
Please take a few minutes to complete our League Interest Form HERE!
Even if you’re currently playing in a league, we’d still love your input.
BRAND NEW TO PICKLEBALL? WE’VE GOT YOU!
Have a friend, family member or coworker who keeps talking about trying pickleball?
Now is the perfect time to get them started!
Our two-hour Intro to Pickleball sessions are designed specifically for people who have never played before.
We’ll teach you everything you need to get started, including the rules, scoring, court positioning, serving and basic shots.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of the game and the confidence to start playing recreationally.
No experience needed. No paddle needed. No membership required.
UPCOMING INTRO SESSIONS
BEDFORD
Monday, October 19
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Courts 2 & 3
DARTMOUTH
Thursday, October 22
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Courts 4 & 5
These sessions are a fantastic way to introduce someone to the sport in a fun, supportive environment.
Registration is available through Mindbody or HERE
And if you’re already a pickleball player, do us a favour and share this with someone who hasn’t tried it yet!
DROP-IN PICKLEBALL: JUST SHOW UP AND PLAY!
Don’t have a regular group to play with?
Can’t commit to a four-week league?
Or maybe you just want to squeeze in a few extra games this week?
That’s exactly why we offer drop-ins!
Our drop-in sessions are a great way to meet new players, enjoy organized games and get more court time without having to coordinate your own group.
BEDFORD DROP-INS
Tuesdays
6:00 PM | Youth
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 | 3.0+
DARTMOUTH DROP-INS
Wednesdays
5:00 PM | Any Gender Novice
7:00 PM | Any Gender 3.0+
Thursdays
7:00 PM | 3.0+
Saturdays
9:00 AM | 3.0+
Please remember that all drop-ins require advance registration through Mindbody or HERE
We encourage players to register early, as popular sessions can fill quickly!
WANT TO TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Sometimes playing more games isn’t necessarily the answer.
If you find yourself making the same mistakes, struggling with certain shots or feeling stuck at your current level, it might be time to focus on developing your skills.
That’s where our Skills & Drills sessions come in!
These coached sessions focus on improving different aspects of your game, including:
Dinking and kitchen play
Third-shot drops and drives
Resets and transition-zone play
Court positioning and movement
Shot selection and strategy
Consistency and control
WEEKLY SKILLS & DRILLS
BEDFORD
Tuesdays | 5:00 PM
DARTMOUTH
Wednesdays | 9:00 AM
Whether you’re working toward your next DUPR milestone or simply want to feel more confident on the court, structured practice can make a huge difference.
Register through Mindbody!
PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS
Want a little more individual attention?
Our private and semi-private lessons allow you to work directly with a coach on the specific areas of your game that need improvement.
Maybe you’re struggling with your backhand, having trouble transitioning to the kitchen or simply want someone to help identify what you could be doing better.
Whatever your goals, we can help!
Lesson Pricing:
1 Player: $60/hour
2 Players: $40/person/hour
3–4 Players: $30/person/hour
Lessons are available for players of all levels.
Email info@crosscourtpickleball.ca to arrange a lesson.
A REMINDER ABOUT DUPR AND FAIR PLAY
As our pickleball community continues to grow, we’re seeing more players become interested in DUPR ratings and competitive play.
And we love that!
Having a rating can be a great way to track your progress, find appropriate competition and challenge yourself.
But we also want to remind everyone that your DUPR rating doesn’t define you as a player.
Everyone improves at different rates, and everyone has good days and bad days.
If you’re participating in a rated league or match, remember that the goal is to compete fairly, play within the appropriate skill division and enjoy the experience.
We also ask players to be mindful when finding substitutes for rated leagues.
Please make sure your substitute falls within the advertised skill range so that everyone has a fair and enjoyable experience.
Competitive pickleball is exciting, but maintaining a respectful and supportive environment is just as important.
COURT ETIQUETTE: A LITTLE CONSIDERATION GOES A LONG WAY
With our facilities getting busier, we want to remind everyone that our courts are shared spaces.
We love seeing groups having fun, cheering each other on and enjoying their time at Cross Court.
But it’s important to remember that other players may be enjoying their own games nearby.
A few friendly reminders:
Keep music at a reasonable volume.
Please check with players on neighbouring courts before playing music
Avoid walking through or behind another court during active play.
Return stray balls safely.
Respect other players’ court time.
Clean up your area before leaving.
We want Cross Court to be a place where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re enjoying a casual game with friends or playing a competitive match.
A little consideration goes a long way!
TIP OF THE WEEK: STOP TRYING TO WIN EVERY POINT WITH ONE SHOT!
We’ve all been there.
You get a ball that looks attackable, you swing as hard as you can, and suddenly it’s flying three feet past the baseline.
Sound familiar?
One of the biggest differences between developing players and more advanced players is knowing when to attack and when to be patient.
Not every ball needs to be a winner.
Sometimes the smartest shot is a controlled dink.
Sometimes it’s a reset into the kitchen.
And sometimes it’s simply keeping the ball in play and waiting for your opponents to make the mistake.
The next time you’re playing, challenge yourself to focus on constructing the point instead of trying to finish it immediately.
Good pickleball isn’t always about hitting harder. It’s about making better decisions.
DID YOU KNOW? YOUR POSITIONING MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK!
One of the most common mistakes we see players make is focusing entirely on the ball and forgetting about their court positioning.
In doubles pickleball, you and your partner should generally move together.
If your partner moves left, you should usually shift left with them.
If your partner moves right, you should shift right.
Why?
Because moving together helps reduce gaps between you and your partner and makes it more difficult for opponents to find open spaces.
Think of yourselves as being connected by an invisible rope.
You don’t need to stand shoulder to shoulder, but you should be moving as a team.
It’s a simple adjustment that can make a big difference in your doubles game!
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR COURTS THIS WEEK?
Fall is officially here, and indoor pickleball season is getting busier!
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to get your regular group back together, this is your sign.
Whether it’s a weekly doubles game, some practice time with a partner or a fun afternoon with friends, there’s nothing better than getting together for a little pickleball.
Remember, you don’t need to participate in an organized program to enjoy Cross Court.
Our courts are available for private bookings, and members can reserve their preferred times through Mindbody.
A friendly reminder: Members can book up to two hours of court time per day, subject to their membership benefits and booking policies.
Book ahead to secure your favourite times!
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR COMMUNITY! ❤️
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to finish this week’s newsletter with one more thank you.
Cross Court is so much more than a place to play pickleball.
It’s a community of people who encourage each other, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, welcome new players and share a genuine love for the game.
We’ve watched so many friendships develop on our courts, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of.
Whether you’re a beginner learning how to serve or an experienced player chasing your next tournament medal, there’s a place for you here.
Thank you for supporting Cross Court, for spreading the word and for helping us continue to grow.
We have lots of exciting things planned for the coming months, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! See you on the courts!
Cross Court Pickleball
Bedford & Dartmouth
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