David Zapatka The dink is pickleball’s most nuanced shot, deceptively simple to learn, endlessly deep to master. While beginners treat it as a stopgap between rallies, advanced players weaponize it. Here’s how to transform your dinking game from passive to dominant. Elite dinks share three qualities. They land in the kitchen, stay low over the…
Tag: pickleball
July 2026, Sports
DINKO de Mayo Tournament Brings Excitement and Community Spirit
Pam Steube The annual DINKO de Mayo Pickleball Tournament returned to SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club May 7–9, bringing three days of spirited competition, laughter, and community connection to the courts. This year’s tournament featured several new additions that added to both the excitement and social atmosphere of the event. A Round Robin day gave players…
June 2026, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Resetting the Rally
David Zapatka Momentum can shift in an instant. One moment you’re in control, dictating pace and placement; the next, your opponents are driving balls at your feet and forcing you into defensive scrambles. That’s where the art of resetting the rally becomes essential. A well executed reset doesn’t just keep you in the point, it…
June 2026, Sports
Pickleball for All
Deborah Witten Adaptive pickleball includes rule and equipment modifications to make pickleball inclusive and competitive for players using wheelchairs or with disabilities. Kirsty Digger has been playing pickleball for over 10 years. She and her wife, Linda Siegrist, were guests at SaddleBrooke Ranch and played pickleball. Kirsty has a wheelchair designed for playing on the…
Sports, April 2026
What Is Pickleball?
Come join the fun and find out! Learn about pickleball on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early at the Ramada for paperwork. Space is limited to 24 people. Registration closes at 3 p.m. the day before the session! Visit our website at www.sbrpickleball.club to register, then click on “Click to…
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…
March 2026, Front Page
Sunrise Pickleball Players
Deborah Witten Good morning to the sunrise pickleball players! Even when the temperature drops below 40 degrees these ladies will play pickleball. They start the day right before sunrise.
February 2026, Sports
What Is Pickleball?
Come join the fun and find out! Learn about pickleball on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. Space is limited to 24 people. Registration closes at 3 p.m. the day before the session! Please arrive 15 minutes early at the Ramada for paperwork. Visit our website at.sbrpickleball.club to register, then click on “Click to reserve…
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…