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…
Tag: pickleball
Sports, April 2025
Cottonwood Palo Verde Intro to Pickleball Clinics
Jim Carlson The Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood has provided an Introduction to Pickleball clinic one Saturday a month from October through March. We have had more than 70 Cottonwood Palo Verde individuals participate in this free clinic. I wish to thank the volunteers who shared their knowledge and time for the benefit of our…
Sports, April 2025
Cottonwood Palo Verde Weekly Pickleball DUPR Round Robin
Jim Carlson The Cottonwood Palo Verde pickleball courts host a Thursday Night DUPR Pickleball Round Robin. The weekly events started in July and have been a popular, fun event for all levels of pickleball. One hundred forty-two pickleball players have participated in the weekly round robins. We max out at 35 players per week due…
April 2025, Sports
Tennis Participation Grows to More Than 25,000
Dannette Hunnel Even as pickleball’s popularity surges, tennis participation in the United States rose to 25.7 million players in 2024, the sport’s fifth consecutive year of growth, says the U.S. Tennis Association, citing an analysis of numbers drawn from two studies not yet fully released. The jump of 1.9 million players from 2023’s total of…
April 2025, Front Page
Pickleball Team Competes at State’s Top Level
Jeff Dunn The 2025 Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) is made up of more than 3,000 players across the State of Arizona and is played at a variety of skill levels, from 2.5 through 4.5. Our very own Stevie’s Wonders team, which includes nine players from Sun Lakes, earned the right to compete at the…
March 2025, Sports
Cottonwood Palo Verde Free Intro to Pickleball
Jim Carlson There are more than 36,500,000 active pickleball players in the United States and growing at all age levels, making pickleball the fastest growing sport in the world. 33.7% are over the age of 65. Your Cottonwood Palo Verde Pickleball Club is inviting HOA2 homeowners or renters to attend our free Pickleball Clinic on…
Generals, March 2025
The Power of Play: How Pickleball, Golf, and Fitness Enrich the Lives of Robson Reserve Residents
Lance Williams, Executive Director Residents of Sun Lakes, As the Executive Director of a senior living community, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how recreational activities like pickleball, golf, and structured fitness programs transform the lives of our residents. While senior living communities are often associated with comfort and care, they are equally places…
Sports, March 2025
Cottonwood Palo Verde Women’s APPL 3.5 65+ Pickleball Team
Jim Carlson We want to congratulate the Cottonwood Palo Verde Women’s 3.5 65+ pickleball team, Team TNT, for competing in the APPL league. They have entertained us with pickleball prowess on the Cottonwood courts. Come watch the remaining home games on courts 5-7 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, and March 15. These matches…
Generals, March 2025
Pickleball Tournament or Vintage Car Show?
Pam Wortman First Baptist Church Sun Lakes will host two community events in March. What’s your preference? A Pickleball Tournament? How about a Vintage Car Show with its carnival-like atmosphere? Why not do both? First Baptist Church is hosting its first annual pickleball tournament, a MUD (mixed-up doubles) Pickleball Tournament. This event is scheduled for…
March 2025, Front Page
It’s Here! IronOaks Pickleball Classic March 10-12
Jodi Sornsin Join us at the IronOaks pickleball courts as we cheer on more than 280 tournament players from Sun Lakes Country Club, Cottonwood, Palo Verde, and IronOaks. The tournament starts at 8 a.m. each day, and there will be much to explore. Early risers can enjoy coffee and pastries! Our daily BBQ will have…