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…
Tag: pickleball
December 2025, Features
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?…
September 2025, Features
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.
July 2025, Sports
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…
July 2025, Sports
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…
June 2025, Generals
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…
May 2025, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Keys to Successful Net Play
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…
May 2025, Features
2 Your Health: Pickleball Injuries: Understanding Risks and How to Prevent Them
AzOPT, AzOPT.net Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years, with an estimated 13.6 million players in the U.S. in 2023. This sport’s popularity is largely due to its inclusivity, making it accessible to nearly all ages and athletic abilities. However, like any sport, pickleball comes with the risk of injuries—especially among…
April 2025, Sports
Ninth Annual PebbleCreek Pickleball Tournament!
Pam McWhorter The Ninth Annual PebbleCreek Pickleball Tournament was an enormous success! Despite a weather hiccup of wind on Thursday, the tournament went off without a hitch. Club member Lisa Kellis posted that there were over 550 participants from multiple states and Canada. This large-scale competition gave players the opportunity to compete in 17 various…