In this episode of The Dink Tank, we speak with Kevin Turain, Treasurer of the Middletown Pickleball Association (MPA), about the remarkable growth of their organization from humble beginnings to a thriving community with 27 courts and 600+ members. Kevin shares insights on tournament organization, ladder leagues, beginner programming, and the social dynamics that make pickleball so addictive.

Key Topics Covered

• [00:01:30] Kevin's pickleball origin story and how his wife Ike introduced him to the sport
• [00:04:15] The history of MPA - from Stanley and Marsha Volkins' DIY courts to 27 professional courts
• [00:07:45] MPA's unique partnership with the city of Middletown for court maintenance and programming
• [00:09:30] The "Learn to Play" program - free beginner lessons with 10 different skills stations
• [00:12:40] Tournament organization - managing 400-450 players in a single day
• [00:15:20] The different ladder league formats (novice, intermediate, advanced, women's, seniors)
• [00:18:45] How DUPR rating integration works with league play for accurate skill matching
• [00:22:10] Court access, the webcam system, and 24/7 playing opportunities
• [00:24:35] MPA membership benefits ($75 annually) and discounted equipment
• [00:27:50] Tournament advice for beginners and understanding rating systems
• [00:30:15] Breaking through skill plateaus with professional instruction
• [00:33:40] The psychology of pickleball's addictive nature and social dynamics
• [00:36:20] Traveling and finding pickleball courts anywhere with the Pickle Play app

Notable Quotes

"The courts are lit until 11 p.m., and our lights turn on at 5 a.m... so if the weather's right, you can go out and play." - Kevin Turain on MPA's accessibility

"I found that I'd get better, feel good about some skills, and then plateau. The only way I was able to get out of that plateau was to get some lessons from a professional instructor." - Kevin Turain on skill development

"Most games last less than 15 minutes. You have a relationship with three other people for 15 minutes... Usually in that time, you decide 'I'd like to play with them again' or 'I wouldn't like to play with them again.'" - Kevin Turain on pickleball's social dynamics

Resources Mentioned

• Middletown Pickleball Association: MiddletownPickleball.com
• Pickle Play app for finding courts nationwide
• DUPR rating system for accurate skill assessment
• Pickleball Central for discounted equipment (available through MPA membership)
• Professional instructors mentioned: Todd Jungling (Pickleball Max) and Cammie Stoner

Connect With Us

• Email questions: [email protected]

Sponsors

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