David Zapatka Dinking is often misunderstood as purely defensive play—a soft, patient exchange while you wait for your opponent to make a mistake. The most effective pickleball players know that dinking can be a powerful offensive weapon. Aggressive dinking transforms you from a passive participant into the player dictating the pace and creating opportunities to…
Tag: pickleball
January 2026, Generals
Serve, Rally, Rescue: Healthcare Volunteers Needed for First Aid Crew
Barbara Wellington Have you ever considered serving at a pickleball tournament without a paddle? Well, you can, opportunities are available Feb. 25, 26, and 27 this year. The PebbleCreek 10th Anniversary Tournament is looking for medical professionals to staff our first aid tent in the upcoming tournament. We are fortunate to have Pat Chernow, former…
January 2026, Sports
Lions, Tigers, and Pickleball, Oh My!
Barbara Wellington PebbleCreek’s 10th Annual Pickleball Tournament will be held Feb. 25–27. The club will once again host a silent auction featuring an exceptional African photo safari package. The prize is a seven-day, six-night African photo safari for two. The package includes six nights’ lodging, all meals, and six open-vehicle game drives on a private…
Sports, December 2025
Relishing Pickleball: No Man’s Land
David Zapatka No man’s land, sometimes referred to as the transition area, aka the kitchen, is the area of the pickleball court between the non-volley zone line and the baseline. Think of it as a space 11 feet long and 20 feet wide; two feet behind the non-volley zone line and two feet inside the…
Features, December 2025
PebbleCreek Resident’s Artistic Touch Celebrates 10 Years of Pickleball
Barbara Wellington PebbleCreek resident Karen Long has a long list of lifetime accomplishments, which now includes the top designer for the PebbleCreek Pickleball Club’s 10th Anniversary Award Medal. When the call went out for a special design for a special event, designed by a resident, Karen decided she’d give it a try. Karen’s a very…
September 2025, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: The ESPY Awards Recognize Pickleball!
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?…
Features, September 2025
Chance Encounter with Fellow PebbleCreek Pickleball Player!
Joe Lorino While escaping the Arizona heat in mid July, fellow Creekers and beer enthusiasts ran into each other at the Breckenridge Beer Festival in Colorado. Attendees sampled beers from local area breweries while listening to live music and visiting vendors.
Sports, July 2025
Captain Kathy’s Pickleball for Beginners
Spike Razem Teaching pickleball to PebbleCreekers needs to be educational and fun. “Captain” Kathy Aalto, along with her various instructors and student partners, performs this excellent role for the PebbleCreek (PC) Pickleball Club on a weekly basis. As most active adults agree, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America and proves to be important…
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…
Generals, June 2025
PebbleCreek’s Popular Band “Happy Hour” Entertains at Robson Reserve!
Joe Volstromer On a Wednesday afternoon in April, Robson Reserve’s Happy Hour came alive with the sound of drums, guitars, and rock ‘n’ roll. The culprits? A five-piece band of retirees who call themselves Happy Hour—and they’re proving that music knows no age limit. Formed five years ago, Happy Hour is a popular band in…