David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, we will now learn from two professional Hall of Fame players Ms. Littlewood quotes in her book regarding doubles strategies. Alex Hamner and Jennifer Lucore were the national women’s doubles champions in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and continue to…
Tag: pickleball
August 2023, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Shot Selection
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals: Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, we will now learn about the selection for the third and fourth shots of a rally. Third Shot: Serving Team “The third shot of any rally—a shot hit by the serving team—determines which doubles team will gain the…
Sports, May 2023
Relishing Pickleball: The Backhand Smash
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, this month we will focus on the backhand smash. Last month we introduced the overhead smash. Most overhead smashes are hit with a forehand. What should we do with that ball that is high over our head on…
Sports, October 2022
Relishing Pickleball: Pickleball News
David Zapatka If you’re an enthusiastic pickleball player and haven’t yet discovered the Arizona Pickleball Players League, APPL, you may want to go to the website arizonapickleballplayersleague.org and read about the opportunities for competitive team play. There are five regions across the state of Arizona, all offering women’s, men’s, and mixed divisions. This season there…
Sports, August 2022
Relishing Pickleball: The Lob
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals: Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, “The lob is a lofted shot hit off a bounce that can be either offensive or defensive in nature. The object of lobbing is to force your opponents, who are in a strong position at the non-volley line,…
Sports, July 2022
Relishing Pickleball: The Dink
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals: Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, “to properly execute a dink, stand just behind the non-volley zone line in a good ready position—well balanced, with your body weight over your feet and the knees slightly bent. Hold the paddle in front of your…
Sports, June 2022
Relishing Pickleball: The Half Volley and the Drop Volley
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals: Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, “As opposed to the volley, which is a shot taken when the ball is still in the air, the half volley is hit just after the ball has bounced. It is a reaction shot taken most often as…
Sports, May 2022
Robson Ranch Pickleball Players Rocked the 2022 Arizona Pickleball Players League!
As some of you may know, the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) started a few years ago and provides players a chance to experience competitive play without the expense of tournament fees and lengthy travel to far off venues. Our Robson Ranch Pickleball Club has participated in the APPL since 2020. This year was no…
Sports, May 2022
Relishing Pickleball: The Volley—Part 2
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals: Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, “Your entire demeanor at the net should be confident and strong. Let your attitude convey that you want the ball to come right at you because you’re willing and able to return it! Face the net with flexed…
Sports, March 2022
Pickleball Club Members Tournament—Fun in the Sun!
Jim Uhrich After a one-year hiatus, the 8th Annual Robson Ranch Members-Only Pickleball Tournament was held Feb. 7 through 9. More than 150 players participated in the three-day tournament. The Robson Ranch Pickleball Club has more than 500 members, and the club was well represented both on and off the court with players and volunteers.…