"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May."
Edwin Way Teale
Edwin Way Teale, prominent American naturalist, photographer and writer, must’ve been a tennis player.
May stimulates us tennis players to forget April rain, March winds, and winter snow as we burst onto the court clad in our favorite tennis shirts, skirts, and shorts. New tennis shoes bounce happily as we toss new balls high and swing with either a familiar racquet feeling new in our hands or perhaps a new racquet, waiting to be tried out.
It’s May! Alto tennis players, rejoice!
We revel in the nearly completed Outlaw Pavilion that was destroyed by high winds over two years ago. The Outlaw Pavilion has risen like the mythical phoenix bird: bigger, stronger, providing restrooms, shelter, and space for outdoor group gatherings. Thank you Board of Directors, Construction Commission, and especially Scott Dickerson for all the many hours he has spent on this project. A gas grill at the pavilion is being provided by the generous folks at ALPOA for all ALGCC members to enjoy. Alto Lakes tennis gets better and better as we now have two locations to enjoy. Kokopelli’s two courts, plus Outlaw’s two, promise as much fun as last summer. Reservations can be made HERE on the new Jonas system.
Let’s get ready for fun! Start your tennis summer off right with these tips from fellow ALTA players.
It all begins with your serve, so Brent Kriegel advises, “When serving, leave your tossing hand high, then hit the ball.” Great advice, Brent. Do you drop your tossing arm as soon as you release the ball? Ask your buddy to watch. Then follow Brent’s tip.
Paul Braun, Joyce Hansen and Belinda ____all agree, “Watch the ball!” This sounds like a no-brainer, but many of us actually do look elsewhere for a tiny moment as the ball approaches the
racquet. “Follow the ball as it strikes your racquet, then follow it across the net.”
Elaine Wedgeworth strives for “Rhythm. Think to yourself, Bounce, Hit, Bounce, Hit.”
Bubbly Judi Von Collenburg, not surprisingly, advocates a positive attitude. “Don’t get down on yourself. Every negative thought–a mishit, lost serve, whatever–gets you down on yourself. Let it go. Focus on the next shot.”
Ready, set, let’s play tennis! Our first Grand Slam Mixer celebrating the French Open is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 9 am. Sign ups begin last week in May on “Jonas” so we can plan for enough French treats to delight you.
ALTA welcomes players of all abilities for scheduled play, weather permitting, and to
social mixers and club play during Grand Slam weeks, as well as other social events
during the year. We sponsor First Racquet, an introduction to tennis for children, during the summer. For dates and further information, go to the ALTA page on the Club’s website HERE.
It may be only May, but July will be here before we know it. Sign up now for Professional Tennis clinics that begin July 22. Check out ALTA’s web page above for details.
Tennis, anyone? Tennis, everyone !
Yvonne Lanelli, ALTA Publicity