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58 58 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2022 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2022 | As anyone who has raised a child can attest, there is a time to tighten one's grip and a time to loosen it. So it is with our grand game. When you are at the kitchen and expecting a hard volley, be ready by having a firm grip on your paddle. The force of the shot can easily deflect off a paddle held loosely. But in the many cases when you want to add some oomph to your drives, remember that tight ain't right. In fact, the more you clutch your handle, the less power you will have. Ironically, when we think we are readying ourselves to deliver a mighty blow that will hit that unreturnable, down-the- middle slam, our forearm will be locked up if our hand grip is too forceful. The result? No power. Tennis players have long been taught to hold their racquet as though holding a small bird, keeping it snug without harm. If you are new to court sports, try this approach and you'll gain speed on your serves and returns. Speaking of those pesky returns, newer players should pay attention to that important second shot. As the one receiving serve, you have the chance to get into competitive position ahead of the opponents who must play defense on your return. By consistently returning service deep, you gain a terrific advantage. The servers must await your shot. Make it deep near the baseline and they must wait a long way from the kitchen area. While they wait, you charge. To the kitchen where, ideally, your partner is waiting for you. All this takes practice. One type of drill to help develop your service return is to use Frisbees or small cones to mark the baseline area you want to target. If you have a practice partner, she or he can trade shots with the goal of gaining accuracy and confidence in this part of the game. As always, don't "practice" mindlessly, just hitting back and forth. Practice with a purpose! As June bursts upon us we will soon bid farewell to spring and Sun Lakes lives up to its name. With the sunshine will come more evening play. This has traditionally been a time for more casual games following languorous days of summer. No matter the daytime temps, whenever picklers gather the good times roll. Judy Luna, our faithful Club Vice-President, can help you learn the best times to come out. Call her at (949) 929-2390. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club As I am writing this article, we have three weeks, plus playoffs, left in the Spring Tournament. As you are reading this, the Summer Tournament is about to begin. If you and your team plan to play this summer, get a move on! Your entry must be in by June 4. Play begins the week of June 13 and the Tournament runs for 11 weeks, ending with playoffs on Aug. 29 and 30. Summer playing times are altered to adjust for our summer heat. We will play at 5, 6, 7 and 8 pm, if necessary. As always, entry cards are on the top shelf in the bocce cabinet. Or, if you struggle to get the cabinet open, pick one up from me, Dutch, at 588 Twin Hills. If you and your team have played this year (2022), your dues are paid for the year. However, you'll each need to ante up the usual $3 team fee, which monies come back to the winners in the form of gift cards to the restaurant. If you are new to bocce ball, the dues to join our club are $12 per year, plus team fees mentioned above. The entries can be turned in at 1288 Pleasant Valley. She has a box on her door for them. We have a new Bocce Board member, Dennis Field. He has had a lot of experience working with groups and should prove to be very helpful. Welcome aboard, Dennis! And kudos to John Jones, who served our club faithfully for many years. Well done! If you want to be on the alternate list for the summer, call Dutch and let her know, but do it by the 8th of June. After that, the list will have gone out on the back of the team schedules. Any questions, call Dutch at (951) 845-0392. Friends of Bocce

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