David Zapatka Summer is coming and the sun is out. The sun is beautiful, but it’s also a genuine challenge on the pickleball court. We love playing in it and we occasionally curse it while squinting into a lob we’ve completely lost. Playing pickleball in the sun is a complicated relationship. You need a strategy.…
Tag: pickleball
May 2026, Sports
Pickleball Team “Underdogs” Achieve Undefeated Season, Secure State Pickleball Championship!
Bob Rasins The men’s pickleball team the “Underdogs” completed the spring 2026 Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) season undefeated. The Dawgs went on to win the Men’s 50+ 3.0 State Championship! During the playoffs, the Dawgs were down four regular players due to injury. In true PebbleCreek spirit, the remaining eight members rose to the…
April 2026, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Playing in the Wind
David Zapatka Wind is the great equalizer on the pickleball court. It doesn’t matter how polished your dink game is or how powerful your drive is; a stiff breeze can turn your best shots into unforced errors in a hurry. The good news is that with a few smart adjustments, you can use the wind…
March 2026, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Hitting an Overhead
David Zapatka Have you noticed how often people are hitting lobs these days or is it just me? Think SMASH! The overhead smash is one of the most satisfying and effective shots in pickleball. When executed well, it can end a rally immediately or put your opponents on the defensive. However, many players struggle with…
February 2026, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Mastering the Spin Game
David Zapatka Spin is one of the most underrated game-changing skills. While beginners often focus on simply getting the ball over the net, intermediate and advanced players know that adding spin can create awkward bounces, force errors, and open up the court. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your offensive tools or add finesse to your…
February 2026, Sports
Who Wakes Up Very Early to Play Pickleball at 6 a.m.?
Spike Razem For the past three years whether it be summer heat or winter cold, the same group gets to the North courts early (i.e., 5:50 a.m.) to start the day whacking that yellow plastic ball. The PC Pickleball AM Group includes 48 people and is organized using the Spond App by Bob Funkhouser, Mark…
February 2026, Sports
Celebrating PebbleCreek Pickleball!
Barbara Wellington In 2004, Grover Lumbard started PebbleCreek Pickleball with four courts on the Eagle’s Nest side. We can thank him and many others for bringing the sport to our community, bringing joy to thousands. Beth Kelly, PebbleCreek Pickleball’s club historian, can tell you a lot about the club’s early days. Her chronicling of the…
Sports, January 2026
Relishing Pickleball: Aggressive Dinking
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…
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…
Sports, January 2026
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…