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…
Tag: pickleball
February 2026, Front Page
APPL Teams of Quail Creek
Shireen Kolarik Social competition—that is what pickleball is about. Some people play only for fun, others only to win, but most people play for a combination of both. The Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) provides team play for all types of pickleball players. APPL is comprised of four or five state regions; 2.5 to 5.0…
January 2026, Sports
Pickleball Interim Board Members
December 2025, Sports
Pickleball Cleaning Schedule in December
The pickleball courts will be closed for cleaning on the following dates and times. Be sure to consult the online reservation system before heading down to the courts. Thursday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Courts 5-8 and 21-24 Thursday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Courts 9-12 and 25-28 Thursday, Dec. 25, No Cleaning—Christmas
November 2025, Front Page
Celebrating 12 Years of Pickleball
Shireen Kolarik Twelve years ago, a beautiful, 16-court pickleball facility was under construction in Quail Creek. Even before the courts were finished, excited residents signed up for email notifications and free pickleball instruction. A group of even more excited residents started the Quail Creek Pickleball Club (QCPC) to organize and promote open play, organized round…
Sports, October 2025
Relishing Pickleball: What to Look for in a Paddle
David Zapatka Reader Ann Howard writes, “Hi David, been reading your column in Robson Ranch Views. I’m a 3.5 player, in my 70s, and got a new paddle almost three years ago. I play regularly two to three times per week. I have been making more mistakes than usual and wondering if it’s me, the paddle,…
Sports, October 2025
Championing Active Living: Meet Quail Creek’s Pickleball and Tennis Pros
Residents of Quail Creek enjoy access to some of the finest sports instruction available. Through the support of the Quail Creek Property Owners Association (QCPOA), the community benefits from accomplished pickleball and tennis professionals who bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and teaching skill to the courts. From newcomers eager to master the fundamentals to…
July 2025, Sports
Pickleball’s Liberating Potential
Ray Hayward It began with a wiffle ball and an idea. Then it gained momentum, first among active adult developments, then high schools and college campuses and communities across the country. Now it’s often referred to as the fastest-growing sport in America. It’s pickleball! And its growth in one community in particular caught the attention…
Sports, June 2025
Relishing Pickleball: Beating the Bangers
David Zapatka From 2.0 to 5.0, we have all faced the “bangers,” those players who prefer to hit everything hard rather than play the soft game hitting dinks and drop shots. Would you like to defeat these hard hitters? Consider adopting these tips. Hit deep returns. Keep the banger at the baseline with a deep…
Sports, June 2025
New Pickleball IPTPA Rater
Shireen Kolarik The Quail Creek Pickleball Club has a new IPTPA rater, Tony Fratini. IPTPA stands for International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. The IPTPA develops teaching standards in the sport of pickleball, including covering specific strokes, strategies, and shot selections specific to pickleball. IPTPA-certified instructors pass a rigorous testing program and continue improving their teaching…