Pickleball – Skeleton Style

This is a “Before and After Post”

Before – suburban yard; After – Skeleton Pickle Ball Court

It is also a “Skeleton Sports” Post

Coming to you by popular demand and with the help of the “picklers” in our neighborhood

How This Skeleton Scene Began

In the fall of 2022, one of our neighbors and friends (and the owner of the kayaks we use often in our skeleton scenes) asked if it would be possible for us to do a skeleton scene where the skeletons are playing pickleball. This neighbor is one of the main coordinators of the pickleball teams in our neighborhood, and also one of the main instructors – leading beginners thru experienced players as they learn their pickleball skills.

I told her I would love to do it, but really didn’t have the equipment or the athletic shoes and clothes (pickleball is not a good sport for barefoot skeletons or for barefoot humans). She offered to loan me clothes, shoes and pickleball paddles and balls, and sh explained the basics of the sport. After that we were “off and running”.

Setting Up the Pickleball Court

I did some additional research to find the dimensions of the court and the basic rules. I also decided I wanted lines in the yard to mark the court. I originally thought of using the marking paint that is used to mark the gas lines and other utility lines in the yard. This paint eventually goes away, but as I thought about it I realized it wouldn’t go away for a few weeks and it would be really distracting in the Astros baseball scene that was set to go up the next week. Then I thought about using the tape that marks construction areas, similar to “crime scene” tape. However, even better was the “marking or flagging tape” I found at our neighborhood “Tractor Supply” .

This tape has no “sticky” side, which made it perfect for this project. It comes in solid colors, as well as patterns, and you can purchase about 300 feet of it, for only about $5. White was not in stock, so I ordered it online.

In order to attach the “tape” to the ground I used pins made for landscaping cloth.

The above pins are from Home Depot, but similar ones are available at Lowe’s also. I used ones leftover from our landscaping project. I decided to place them about every 6-12″ to keep the “lines” from moving around on a windy day. Note: These pins can damage a mower so it is important to remove them, before removing the “flagging tape” as they are easier to see when they are pinned thru the flagging tape. They are very hard to find in the grass once the flagging tape has been lifted up.

My friend Susan – the sewing genius on the Astros uniforms, the custom Mickey and Minnie costumes and many other things – volunteered to help me set up the court and the rest of the scene. Just so you know – setting up the court lines is about a million times easier if you have at least 2 people doing it.

Adjusting the Size of the Court Based on the Size of Your Yard

Our first step in setup was measuring the yard, and it quickly became apparent that our yard was not big enough to hold a full size Pickleball court. We got out a calculator and quickly figured out how much space we would need for a 3/4 size court and for a 2/3 size court. I believe we ended up choosing the 3/4 size court.

To calculate for your yard, start with the 44 foot length. To get the 3/4 adjusted length:

enter “44” which is the full size court length

multiply by 3 divided by 4

you will get 33. So if you are going for a 3/4 size court, it will need a 33′ length.

Use the calculator to figure out the other dimensions of the 3/4 size court. If that does not fit your yard – pick another fraction of the court to calculate until you find dimensions that work.

If you have a small yard, and the court dimensions end up very small – you may want to use skeletons that are smaller than my 5′ ones. For my baseball field in the Astros Skeletons Baseball skeleton posts, I chose 36″ skeletons from Target to get the field – to – player size ratio as good as possible.

After the calculations, Susan and I used the “flagging tape” and laid out the court. We also added the net, which is actually a volleyball net that was used at one time for a skeleton beach volleyball game. We did not use all the sections in the posts on the volleyball net, so that the net would end up much shorter and more suitable for pickleball.

Then we used what we’d learned about the game to position the players, some of which had waited “patiently” as the court was set up.

Players eventually were placed as below – shown clockwise starting with the server.

With the players in position, we decided to add some additional neighborhood details.

At the sidelines- fans, pickleball players for the next match, and children of players, cheer for the current match. While the neighborhood dogs keep their eyes on the ball…

and the dog in the picture below was happy to get his mouth on the ball.

The Game Got So Interesting that the Neighborhood Wildlife Stopped by to Watch

Mama and Papa Duck and their Ducklings stopped by. A kind police officer helped them cross the road. (Based on the Children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey – what can I say – once a teacher – always a teacher!)

The birds nearby stopped eating their supper to watch the game!

Mr. Squirrel stopped by for a snack, and stayed for the match!

At the end of the first game, the frogs stopped by to “croak” for the winners.

There was a brief intermission so everyone could watch tonight’s beautiful sunset at the lake.

After sunset, the games continued.

Thanks For Stopping by for our Lakeside Skeleton Pickleball Match!!! I Hope You Can Stop by Again!!!

Pickleball Skeleton Style – Scene Details and Origins

Lights – I used Philips LED lights from Home Depot to have bulbs that stay cooler, and used Bell fixtures from Lowes – check voltage of your bulbs and compatibility with this fixture before using, and also that it says LED use, and Outdoor use as well.

Zip ties 14″ Lowes

Zip ties 18″ Lowes

60″ Hyde and Eek Posable skeletons ‘ skeletons – Target online – these are the larger skeletons that I usually order between July and September and have delivered (they often are available in the stores at a certain point too) but I find it much easier to buy online, as they are often sold out in stores well before Halloween.

36″ Hyde and Eek Posable Skeletons – Target online – these are the smaller skeletons that I usually order between July and September and have delivered (they often are available in the stores at a certain point too) but I find it much easier to buy online, as they are often sold out in stores well before Halloween.

Smallest Skeletons – used as babies – I use the 12″, 18″ or 24″ poseable skeletons from Amazon.

Clothes for 36″ Skeletons – I usually use 0-3 months 3-6 month sizes, but have used up to 1 years sizes with good results. I occasionally use 18 month sizes with safety pins to take them in. I purchase outfits occasionally – such as the Astros onesies for jerseys, and Hobby Lobby craft t-shirts and onesies. Occasionally I shop the end of season sales at other stores. I also check out flea markets and other sales for used items.

Clothes for adults- 5′ skeletons – most often we use our old clothes, and other used apparrel, especially from garage sales, and flea markets. Occasionally Susan and I will make some hard to find items, or items that are hard to “fit” such as the men’s shorts in the Aggie tailgate. (however, I was thankful to be able to borrow the adult clothes in this post.)

Shoes for Adults – 5′ skeletons – most often I use my discarded shoes. For Flip Flops I usually use ones from Dollar Tree. (however, I was thankful to be able to borrow the adult shoes in this post.)

Clothes for baby skeletons – occasionally I use clothes from 18″ dolls although I don’t do this often, as the arms and legs aren’t right. Most baby clothes are made by Susan and I.

C.H. Hanson 1-3/16 in. X 300 ft. Standard Flagging Tape, White – Tractor Supply

Landscape Pins – Home Depot or similar item from Lowe’s

Pickleball paddles, balls – mine were borrowed, but they are also available at Amazon, and at most sporting goods stores

Bird Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Baby Bird Skeletons in nest – Target or Amazon

Adult Duck Skeletons – Target or Amazon

Duckling Skeletons – Target or Amazon

Large Dog Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Dachshund Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Unknown Dog Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Frog Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Squirrel Skeleton – Target or Amazon

Camp Chairs – Walmart

Police Hat, Whistle, Stop Sign, and White Dress Shirt – Amazon

Posts I Hope You Will Like

Halloween Posts

“Haunted Hound” Home Depot Hack

Choosing a World for your Skeletons – “Hair-Raising” or “Happy”?

Astros Skeleton Team has a “Thrilling and Chilling” Start

The Astros Skeleton Baseball Game – Held Over By Popular Demand

Three of My Favorite Halloween Tablescapes

Comments

I treasure your comments! Please know that I will never share your email address. If you have time I’d love it if your would comment on this post! I would also love it if your could share any comments about your own Halloween style – such as – do you use Skeletons in your Halloween decor? Are they friendly or fearsome? Have you done posable skeletons in your outdoor decor? If you would like to comment, please scroll down to the very bottom of this post to the comment section. Thanks so much!

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 
You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 
Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 
Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!
The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!
Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 
April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday
Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  
Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  
Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 
The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!
Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!
Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 
Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 
Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 
Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 
Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 
Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 
Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 
My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday
Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 
French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 
Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!
Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 
Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 
Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 
Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!
Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursday
I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 
Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 
Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 
Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!
Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 
Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 
Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday
Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 
Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 
Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 
Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 
Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 
At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 
Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday
Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!
Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!

From Our Home to Yours – Wishing You a Happy Halloween and a Fantastic Fall!!!!!!!!!