David Zapatka The ESPY Awards, or Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, are an annual American awards show produced by ESPN that recognizes individual and team athletic achievements and other sports-related performances. The awards are presented for achievements during the calendar year preceding the ceremony. Has pickleball ever been recognized in the ESPY Awards ceremony?…
Tag: pickleball
September 2025, Sports
Pickleball on August’s Hottest Day Ever!
Jim Carlson Pickleball must be an addiction if 30 people show up to play pickleball at the Cottonwood pickleball courts on the hottest day in August, ever! That’s right, the temperature on Aug. 7 set the all-time highest temperature in August! It did not deter the die-hard pickleballers from showing their skills, endurance, and savvy…
August 2025, Front Page
Firebird Pickleball Ladder League
Jim Carlson Pickleball does not stop at the Sun Lakes Cottonwood Palo Verde pickleball courts during the summer months. Starting in May, the courts have been home to the Firebird Ladder League with 25 to 30 players each Thursday evening. Each week, the courts have been equally attended by men and women showcasing their skills.…
Sports, August 2025
It All Started …
David Douglas … when five Sun Lakes Pickleball Club at Cottonwood Palo Verde (SLPCC) members were sitting on the Saguaro Room’s south porch relaxing and enjoying each other after a vigorous afternoon of pickleball play. Of course, all the courts were full of players, with many waiting in reload position as the club clock was…
August 2025, Sports
Cottonwood’s Pickleball Training Program Paying Dividends
Owen D’Net The Cottonwood Pickleball Club continues to elevate its commitment to player development with two complimentary training programs that have made a significant impact. The Top Performance classes, designed to refine technique and optimize game play, welcomed 273 students, each benefiting from one and a half hour of focused instruction. Meanwhile, the Strategy classes,…
Sports, July 2025
Relishing Pickleball: The Art of Blocking
David Zapatka Last month we discussed how to beat the bangers. Blocking at the kitchen line was a key strategy. This article will pick up with that focus. Consider these strategies to improve your blocking skills. 1. You know the hard shot is coming. Be prepared, knees bent, relaxed, eyes on the ball, paddle out…
July 2025, Sports
SLPCC Firebirds
David Douglas Sun Lakes Pickleball Club at Cottonwood (SLPCC), one of the largest clubs in Sun Lakes with 467 members this past year, continues to thrive in the midst of the record-breaking summer heat that our Valley is known for this time of year. Like all of Sun Lakes, SLPCC experiences the same membership exodus…
Sports, June 2025
Relishing Pickleball: Beating the Bangers
David Zapatka From 2.0 to 5.0, we have all faced the “bangers,” those players who prefer to hit everything hard rather than play the soft game hitting dinks and drop shots. Would you like to defeat these hard hitters? Consider adopting these tips. Hit deep returns. Keep the banger at the baseline with a deep…
May 2025, Sports
2025 Norris Invitational Pickleball Tournament Revived, Raises Funds for Charity
Keith Ori After initially facing cancellation, the 2025 Norris Invitational Pickleball Tournament made a triumphant return thanks to the dedication of a small group of club members who brought the beloved event back to life. Held from March 3-5, the tournament was a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic players and spectators alike. Pickleball Is Great, a…
May 2025, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Keys to Successful Net Play
David Zapatka We’ve all heard the saying, “Pickleball is won at the net.” What does this mean? Honing your skills around the non-volley zone (kitchen) can improve your play and results. Here are a few key points: 1. It all starts with hitting a deep serve, putting the opponents in a position where it’s tougher…