David Zapatka Are you getting tired of playing the bangers? They have one strategy, hit the ball as hard as they can. They rarely hit third shot drop shots. What can you do? There are two options. The first is the punch volley, a volley hit hard and deep. The second is the soft volley,…
Tag: pickleball
Sports, September 2020
SBRPA Ladies Day on Court 1
Alastair Stone On July 21, there was another test. This time, Chris Logan was the referee, and with the help of testers Kathy Becker, Sheila Davidson, and Doreen Reynolds, Lori Page successfully tested up to 3.0. Wow, a lot of colorful attire on display!
Front Page, July 2020
SBRPA Training Is in Full Swing—for All Levels!
Alastair Stone Even with our 24 courts being used so much, the SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Association (SBRPA) has still found time for training sessions. On Monday mornings, Marti Gasser and Bill Reynolds, and Corine and Keith Sturdivant coach for 1.5 hours; on Thursday evenings, Corine and Keith do it again. Thank you to all of…
Sports, July 2020
Relishing In Pickleball
The Third Shot Drop. Why Is It So Important? David Zapatka The third shot drop is a shot performed near the baseline that lands softly in the opponents’ kitchen. The shot is designed with one thing in mind—get your team to the net. The mechanics of the third shot drop are simple. The ball sails…
Sports, July 2020
The SBRPA Leaders are Back on the Courts!
Alastair Stone Can you believe it, the SBRPA has over 360 active members, and most mornings, at least in the first week of June, our 24 courts are full with 96 players (of all levels from 2.0 to 4,5) enjoying themselves. Your communications person apologizes for the quality of some or all of the pictures,…
Sports, July 2020
The SBRPA Leaders Are Back On The Courts
Sports, May 2020
SBRPA Had Enough Time for More Medals Before Closure
Alastaire Stone At the “Fun in the Sun” tournament in Sun City, four members of our SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club came away with medals. Gold was won by Brian Baker and Pat Hawkins, and Silver by Tim Chamberlin and Joe Campion. At the Desert Slam tournament in Robson Ranch, members of the club did really well.…
Front Page, March 2020
Senior Olympics from the Ranch
Alastair Stone SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club sent 41 players down the road to participate in this tournament at the end of January. And SBR came away with 20 medals—a fantastic achievement! Our new president, Rick Heine, partnered by Angela Jerman, took home gold in the 3.5 70+ category, and Norbert Weisbeck and Deb Lawson, won…
Sports, January 2020
Pickleball Club Players Shine at Margaritaville
Beth Chamberlin In November, more than 2,000 pickleball players travelled to Indian Wells, CA to complete in the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. This is pickleball’s premier event with more than 4,000 matches being played. Many players from the SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Club competed in singles and doubles events, and three brought home medals for their efforts!…
Sports, November 2019
SBR pickleball players party at their annual dinner and dance
Lorraine Smith “Diner en Blanc” is a worldwide event, spanning six continents, in which people gather in a public space and set up a chic dining area. Guests come dressed in white to enjoy quality food and wine. The event was founded in 1988 by Frenchman Francois Pasquier. On Oct. 10, a simpler “Diner en…