Image Up Advertising & Design

56 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2019 | The big news for our club is the election of officers for the coming year. Leslie Johnson performed in a worthy manner as president for 2019. Her move out of Sun Lakes necessitated a successor and this year's VP, Tony Browne, has stepped forward to fill Leslie's shoes. The devoted coordinator of afternoon and evening play, Judy Luna, has been elected to fill the Vice President position with Jim Hodgson continuing as Secretary. At the annual meeting where the election was held, one other significant change was adopted: the creation of the job of club Treasurer to which Dan Cosner was elected. Previously, the Secretary and Treasurer duties were combined and will now be separate, per a By-Laws change approved by the members. Our thanks to all who have been willing to serve! Dan will be collecting 2020 dues (just $10) as our new year gets underway. A great bargain, the small dues sum not only shows support for one of the great clubs in Sun Lakes, but also allows discounted prices to all club parties. The Fall Bash was great fun and we expect more to come next year. One other reason to join our merry band is to allow participation in tournaments. So sign up! The prowess of our players was on display again recently as our next-door neighbors in Four Seasons invited a few club members to join an informal tournament. Among those who won medals were Anna Selvaggi, Leslie Johnson, Glen Shelley and Hank Huisman. Congratulations to all! A tip for this month: The Third Shot Drop. This is considered the most important shot in pickleball. It is only executed by the serving team and, when done well, allows that side to even the playing field. A quirk of the game is what is known as the two-bounce rule. The serve must bounce before being returned and so must that return shot. This enforces a more strategic, less aggressive style of play, keeping both pairs back until at least two shots have been made. If the serving side is able to place the third shot of the match gently over the net, dropping into the opponents' "kitchen," the team can get into the desired position with both at the no-volley line. When accomplished, the other side will have to make a defensive return, preferably a "dink" just over the net and game on! Pickleball is designed to be played at close quarters, near the net. Perhaps this accounts for the unusual camaraderie of our sport. We play close and enjoy the company. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club

• Cover