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, Sports
Analogy of a Beloved Community (of Pickleball Players)
Shared by Robson Ranch pickleball player, Charlie Hunt, with permission from author, Carol Madsen Something beautiful has happened this year for me. I took up pickleball. Now that may not seem very significant, but it has become like a part–time job. When I come home, I let people know how my day at work was.…
January 2026, Sports
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…
December 2025, Sports
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…
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?…
Generals, September 2025
From the Fitness Corner: Benefits of SMARTfit!
Lois Moncel, Director of Fitness & Wellness Have you familiarized yourself with using SMARTfit yet? This is a great piece of exercise equipment that addresses a vast array of different needs for your physical and cognitive skills. Workouts are offered for those that are seeing a decline in cognitive skills as well as those who…
May 2025, Clubs & Classes
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, Generals
Enjoy an Active Lifestyle at Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes
Lance Williams, Executive Director Experience actively independent living at its finest at Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes! Imagine enjoying a low-maintenance residence and a fulfilling lifestyle with luxury amenities, fun events, and engaging activities. Plus, as a Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes resident, you can have access to golf, pickleball, tennis, and more at IronOaks…
March 2025
March at the Ranch
Tamara Weaver March is a wonderful month in Arizona, with reported average daytime temps ranging between the mid 70s and low 80s. Who wouldn’t be up for a round of golf, a hike up a mountain, a game of pickleball, a nice bicycle ride about town? No one could blame you for wanting to be…
December 2024, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Be Courteous on the Pickleball Court—Make It Fun!
David Zapatka I play pickleball for fun. Do you? If it wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t play it. I like to play with fun people. Don’t you? Are these things important to you? If they are, this article is for you and your friends. Being courteous and having fun means finding enjoyment in the sport and…