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| LIFE IN SOLERA | JUNE 2022 | 37 Old School: A syllabus on senior tennis Rallies: There are few extended hits in high-level senior tennis. Since both players are well inside the baseline, points end quickly via drops, re-drops, passing shots, and some volleys and overheads. You don't see too many aces or serve-and-volley drop-volleys. Who can get to the net that fast? Again, you don't want to be defensive. Kill or be killed. Keep the ball deep, and then solve your foe's weakness and strike. If you play with a weapon — your forehand — do so. Move to hit that banger as often as possible. In your ground game, mix up going wide with hitting more down the middle. Since you'll be inside the court, hit the ball on the rise and look to hurt your opponent by making him move for a retrieval, and taking time away from any response. Always, though, beware the cross-court approach to your opponent's forehand. It's usually not a good shot, especially if he can return it cross-court. If you hit a drop shot, which you should, expect to retrieve one. You're inside the court and in position to do that. What could go wrong? You're three feet (yes) inside the baseline, controlling play, and then, all of a sudden, your opponent starts to… moon ball. All the low, paced shots you've been facing change. Try to hit this ball on the rise — almost half-hop it. It's not always easy. Some of the time you have to retreat near or behind the baseline — back up. Let the ball drop, maybe hit a moon ball yourself. But be sure to eventually return to in front of the baseline. Perhaps use a heavy topspin shot. Sixty-five-and-over tennis is for shot makers. You must have way more of a purpose with each ball or pattern than when you were a kid. The pressure mounts, especially on the passing shots. Recall, these guys can volley. But knowing you need to go for it — mentally and physically — frees you. Your concentration will improve. Be sure to get in good shape. Remember you're running — exploding — forward now. Dart some sprints. And knock off playing too many "youngsters." Since they truly hit the ball hard, setting up three feet inside baseline is tough, if not impossible. To win against these fellows you probably need to recoil your senior court position. When you play old-timers, don't revert to conventional court locations. Leave that for all those western-grip, poly-wielding, 50-somethings. ~ Shirley Ferguson (Source: Tennis.com, by Ed Paige, March/April 2022, Volume 58, No. 2) TENNIS TITANS Photo by Beverly Crowe: Top left to bottom left: Emile Pinaud, Diane Gell, Richard Ferguson, and Carol Mee

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