THE PICKLE POST
PRESCOTT PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2026
UPDATES
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!!
Since we have basically jumped from fall into spring with higher than normal temperatures, it is important to stay hydrated! Be sure to bring plenty of fluids with you. The city will be turning on the water starting April 1 so that will also be available to you. While temps outside might be in the mid-70's, court temps are much higher so drink up.
SUMMER HOURS
The PPA calendar has been updated with the new summer hours for all play activities. April 20th the new hours will be in effect. Please be sure to check hours before you come to the courts starting April 20th.
Welcome to the PPA Board
A big welcome to Karen Eads to the PPA Board. Karen will be serving as a Member-at-Large. Karen comes with a wealth of business experience and has been instrumental in the new strategic plan and a crucial member of the committee. Karen currently serves the board through directing our marketing and communications activities, as well as our liaison to our new members through the New Member Orientation.
We are excited to have Karen aboard!
NEW NEWS
Volunteer of the Month
Our volunteers are the life-blood of our organization and PPA wants to take the opportunity to celebrate them! Each month we will highlight someone from our amazing pool of volunteers we are privileged to have make PPA a great Pickleball destination. This month we highlight Ann Steiner!
We are proud to recognize Ann Steiner as our Volunteer of the Month!
Ann has been an integral part of the Prescott Pickleball Association board for over four years, serving in key roles as both Secretary and Vice President. Her dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on our organization.
In addition to her board service, Ann has played a vital role in PPA’s play activities. She has served as a valuable liaison between our round robin captains and the board, helping ensure communication, coordination, and consistency across programs.
Ann is known for being thorough, resourceful, and highly organized—qualities that have greatly strengthened the board and supported the success of our initiatives. Beyond her leadership roles, she is always willing to step in and help with events and volunteer efforts wherever needed.
Ann is truly a tremendous asset to PPA, and we are incredibly grateful for her continued commitment, time, and hard work.
Thank you, Ann, for everything you do for our pickleball community!
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Our next new member orientation will be held on April 4 at Pioneer Park Pavilion starting at 9:00 am. This is a great time to learn more about PPA, how we work, and all the programs that are open to you. Don't forget to bring your paddle as some Pickleball play will be part of the time spent together.
Any questions, please email prescottpickleball@gmail.com.
EVENTS
Let it Bloom
Pickleball Fest
It's blooming Pickleballs! Join us for another fun-filled Saturday of PPA Pickleball with all our PPA friends. This is such a popular event that we have opened it up to another 8 players so that we will be taking 10 courts. Registration will begin April 6th at 6:00 pm and all fees will be collected online. There will be no refunds. We look forward to spending a beautiful Spring day with you playing Pickleball!
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Place: Pioneer Park
Click here to register April 6th @ 6:00 pm
Training Up Clinic for 2.5+
If you are a 2.5+ player and looking to improve your game this is the clinic for you! Many techniques will be presented by certified instructors. Register for a sure improvement to your game! Looking forward to seeing you. Register Here
Date: April 18-19, 2026
Place: Pioneer Park
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Pickle for the Pets - 2026
We are excited to announce that as part of our community outreach PPA will be sponsoring this tournament in order to support our community partners at the Yavapai Humane Society. The tournament will be held at Pioneer Park on June 5-7 and will include doubles, mixed and skinny singles. Don't miss out on this special event!
THE
COACHES
CORNER
by Rick Bothell
To win more points, stop dinking the ball into the no volley zone (NVZ).
Say whaaatt?
My coach says to aim low to the net and dink short into the NVZ. That way my opponent must bend low, hit the ball up from below the ball. My opponent then cannot hit hard, offensive shots! I disagree. Drop a ball from 4 inches above the height of the net.
How high does the ball bounce. Maybe 12 inches high. Plenty high enough to hit a fairly aggressive, medium paced ball down the middle (the gap) between two players. This is setting up the opponent to hit a winner.
Think the baseball shortstop short bounce catch. Think the tennis half volley. This is a low, quick catch or hit near the feet. Not an easy catch or shot to hit. Think pickleball. If you can make your opponent hit a half volley or short bounce ball, then they cannot hit that aggressive gap shot. So how do you make your opponent hit that half volley or short bounce shot? Come on… think? What part of your body is near the ground? Your feet… that’s right.
Think shoes. Start aiming at your opponent’s shoes so the ball can’t bounce up that 12 inches. When are your opponent’s shoes in the NVZ. Very seldom. Hit their shoes, not the NVZ. Make them get low and hit up and slow so maybe you can be the aggressor. I know several players who will approach the net but will stop 1 or 2 yards before the NVZ so the 3rd shot drop will hit the NVZ and bounce up waist high to them making an easy shot. A shot at their feet would be a much more difficult shot. Do you remember Coaches Corner #3
by me. Hit the ball, see your opponents and partner. Find the ball, hit the ball. After hitting a ball, find your opponents, find their feet, aim at their feet, hit their feet. Stop dinking in the NVZ.
Easy as the date March 14, 1592. First person to solve the riddle wins a free PB lesson at
Pioneer Park. Email me if you have the answer!
See you at the courts.
Rick B
Tennis (USLTA), Volleyball(USVBA), Badminton (USBA), Pickleball (IPTPA), instructor
starting in 1968.
For you tennis players, USLTA is United States Lawn Tennis Association. Before your time.
For individual or group lessons, you can contact Rick at 928-308-1861
