John Schlenker and Brenda Kullick
Kenny Nelson
Hello tennis fans:
Things are still moving here at the SunBird Tennis Club, not fast, and if you blink, you might still miss something. Moving right along, we have had some winds to kick up lately, and our skills (or lack thereof) have been tested. With a windy condition, most of us who are challenged in the sight department often look kind of crazy, as we begin to swing there and the wind takes the ball and moves it over there. Watch the ball and do what you can. It will be challenging.
We played an impromptu club tournament the past weekend, and we enjoyed it. Dr. George and Gil Guililand and Brenda Kullick got a chance to display their games, and a good time was had by all. The Red Team came out on top. We want to thank JD and Sue for all they did to make it successful. Sue is recovering from being a little under the doctor’s care, and she looked good on the court this week. Welcome back!
The board is proposing the tennis summer play schedule will start Friday, April 2, 2021, at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., as a mixed group! There are only a few full-time men playing during the summer with all snowbirds going home. We would like our women tennis players to combine with the men, making the group larger, using two courts during the summer. We are also going to change our starting time to 7 a.m. during the high heat.
This is what the schedule would look like for the summer, starting April 2, 2021:
Monday: 8 to 10 a.m., mixed
Wednesday: 1 to 10 a.m., mixed
Friday: 8 to 10 a.m., mixed
Please email John at [email protected] if you are interested in summer play. I think that would help both men and women. All we have to do is get rid of or ride out the elephant in the room—COVID-19—to get back on track.
Tip for the Month:
If you are having trouble with your serve, check your toss! Ideally, you want to toss the ball in a manner that is more like placing it just inside the baseline, in an area that you have to at least reach as best you can, so that you are not hitting down on the ball, but up toward the net. If you are hitting the bottom of the net, your placement of the ball for play is not high enough, or is too far from your body—take a deep breath and try it again. Practice does not make you perfect, but it will improve your game.
Once more, I want to thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts in this time of sorrow for my family. This is one of those numb but hurting times in our lives.
May God bless and keep each and every one of you out there! Mask up a while longer, wash your hands often, and keep your distance. Stay safe!