David Zapatka Two months ago, we wrote an article on being the best partner. This month is about being the best you on the court by focusing on your skills to strengthen your side of the partnership. Open space—The best players I’ve played against in my pickleball-playing career have been the ones who could create…
Tag: pickleball
October 2024, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Lobs and Angles
David Zapatka The lob is alive and well. Watch any of the stronger players and you’ll see they all use the lob as a weapon. Why do lobs work? They catch the opponents off guard. Many opponents don’t deal well with the unexpected lob. They sometimes panic or don’t use proper footwork to get to…
June 2024, Sports
Sun Lakes Pickleball Cottonwood Club Raises Money for Phoenix Dream Center
It is with great pride and generosity from our Sun Lakes Pickleball Cottonwood Club (SLPCC) that we presented a check for $2,365 to the Phoenix Dream Center. They are located in Phoenix at 3210 NW Grand Avenue. We were able to learn first-hand the amazing work that they do. The center occupies a former Embassy…
May 2024, Sports
Success! And Loads of Fun!
On March 11-13, 225 pickleball players participated in the IronOaks 2nd Annual Picklebarrel Classic. Each morning at 8 a.m. the courts filled with players ready to compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medal in each of the levels of play. Hot coffee, muffins, donuts, and welcoming greeters started the mornings off. Our talented announcers…
May 2024, Front Page
Pickleball Team Wins State!
Lorri Morgan, Communications Stevie’s Wonders 65+ 4.0 pickleball team was crowned Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) State Champions at the Pueblo El Mirage pickleball complex on April 7. League play began in February, and the team finished the season by winning the East Valley Region where they earned the right to face off against the…
Sports, April 2024
Relishing Pickleball: Blocking Shots
David Zapatka Would you like to neutralize the hard shots being hit in your direction? Consider a blocking strategy. Blocking a shot properly requires technique, positioning, timing and strategy. Follow this advice to improve your blocking skills: * Stand with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. The lower you can get down, the better.…
April 2024, Sports
Cottonwood Pickleball Team Undefeated in East Valley Division
Lorri Morgan, Communications The Regional Season for the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) is finished, and not one, but two of our teams were victorious in the East Valley Region. APPL has four regions in the Phoenix area: Southern, Casa Grande, Western, and Eastern (us). There is also a White Mountain region, but that is…
Generals, April 2024
Neighbors Who Care – April 2024
Neighbors Who Care: ‘Keeping Company’—Respite Care Is Simply Visiting with a Neighbor Remember the days when the crickets were chirping outside and the kids were scrambling to collect fireflies in jars and sitting on the porch keeping company with the neighbors? Shooting the breeze was the way we kept in touch before we scrolled through…
March 2024, Front Page
Paddle Up for Pickleball
Lorri Morgan, Communications Busy, busy—that’s the only way to describe the pickleball corner of the racquet facility at Cottonwood. Monday through Friday is club time until 2:30 p.m., and courts are assigned according to the schedule for different levels. There have also been a lot of training sessions, round robins to facilitate ratings move-ups, and…
March 2024, Generals
IronOaks Pickleball Club’s Second Annual Pickle Barrel Classic March 13-16
Well, here it is, our Second Annual (expanded) Pickleball Classic. Yes, expanded to include something for everyone! The tournament starts at 8 a.m. each day, and there will be much to explore. Come cheer on the players! Early risers may enjoy coffee and pastries. Enjoy our daily BBQ with burgers and dogs (Monday), taco bar…