PPR Certified Instructor Paul Nichol teaches Lois Merik the backhand roll volley.
Charlotte Nichol
At the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood (SLPCC), pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a community. Serving 350+ resident members across Cottonwood and Palo Verde, the club has built a reputation not only for its active court time, but for fostering deep camaraderie on and off the courts. From lively pool parties, potluck dinners, and chili cook-offs to the Veterans Day Round Robins tournament and goofy games played with pots and pans instead of paddles, social connection is always at the center of the action.
Yet, beyond the vibrant social calendar, one of the most valued benefits of an SLPCC membership comes right on the courts: comprehensive training offered completely free of charge.
During the 2025–26 season alone, members logged an impressive 651 hours of training. Offered weekly from October through April, these session-based classes cater to players of all levels looking to refine their skills, sharpen their tactics, or learn the game from scratch.
This immense educational effort is made possible by a dedicated team of eight volunteer trainers. SLPCC is particularly fortunate to have four instructors who hold prestigious USA Pickleball and PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) certifications, bringing elite-level coaching to the community courts.
The training curriculum is divided into two core pillars:
* Strategy: Instructors Jeff Dunn, Jerry Strom, and Steve Jensen focus on court awareness, positioning, shot selection, and tactical play to help members outsmart their opponents.
* Technique: Instructors Bob Heilshorn, Janie Blake-Zunino, Kim Layher, Amy Teeple, and Paul Nichol work hands-on with players of every skill level to teach, develop, and perfect stroke mechanics, dinking precision, and serve consistency.
The club extends special recognition to its USA Pickleball and PPR Certified Instructors—Jerry Strom, Kim Layher, Amy Teeple, and Paul Nichol—whose expertise ensures high-caliber instruction without the commercial price tag.
Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or aiming to dominate the next club tournament, SLPCC’s volunteer coaching team proves that staying active, improving your game, and having fun go hand-in-hand in Sun Lakes.
To learn more visit their website: www.SLPCC.net.