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…
Tag: pickleball
March 2026, Front Page
Welcome Back to The Courts
Carol Gourlay, Pickleball Club Coordinator We’re thrilled to welcome all of our snowbirds back to the courts. It’s great to see everyone playing again! Welcome New Members Please help us welcome our newest club members Stacey Peters, Alison Beaton, and Robyn Bagby. Be sure to say hello when you see them! Club Events & Announcements…
February 2026, Front Page
Pickleball Kicks Off 2026
Welcome Please welcome Steve and Alison Davis, Glenn Wells, and Richard Cooke to the SunBird Pickleball Club! Drills Are Underway Pickleball drills are kicking off for those interested in improving their game. If you are not drilling, improvement is slow. Contact Tony Burkhart on the courts for details. The club meeting is on Feb. 9…
Card Games & 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, Front Page
January Pickleball News
Welcome to the club, Linda Brown! Welcome Back Party on Nov. 8 We had more than 25 players who played and socialized. The food was great, and the camaraderie was even better! Community Days Community Days was awesome! Kathy and Brian Long hosted the pickleball table and gave out loads of information. TeamReach Reminder Remember…
Card Games & Sports, November 2025
Pickleball November Update
Carol Gourlay Let’s start with the Warm-Up of the Month: 1. Jumping Jacks: 2 sets of 15 to get the heart rate up; 2. Arm Circles: 20 seconds each direction to loosen the shoulders; 3. Leg Swings: 10 per leg, front-to-back and side-to-side, to loosen the hips; 4. Dynamic Stretches: Walking lunges with a twist…
Card Games & Sports, October 2025
News from the Pickleball Courts
Summer players are still enjoying the warm pickleball play, but cooler temps are right around the corner, and so are our fall hours! Beginning in October, regular play will be Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m., along with evening sessions on Wednesday and Saturday nights. If you’d like to join in, please remember…
Card Games & Sports, September 2025
SunBird Pickleball Welcomes Summer Visitors!
MaryBeth and Bob DeMatteo! The SunBird Pickleball Club was delighted to welcome our snowbirds MaryBeth and Bob DeMatteo during their recent stop in our community! The couple joined players on the courts to enjoy a few games and take in the beautiful Arizona weather. Their visit was a wonderful reminder of how pickleball brings people…
Card Games & Sports, August 2025
Relishing Pickleball: Don’t Hit Out Balls!
David Zapatka Let the bad ones go bad. This is a skill we all need to learn to improve our game. How can we become more aware of balls that are traveling out of bounds? Any shot by the opponent that lands out of bounds ends in a winning rally for your side. Don’t give…
Card Games & Sports, May 2025
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…