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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2022 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2022 | 59 59 We kicked off spring in fine fashion thanks to President Tony Browne and his helpers on your Board of officers. Chef Tony led the culinary parade of this potluck, preparing delicious grilled chicken to complement the burgers and dogs the club provided for a fun evening on the courts. Many others set up tables in the shade to accommodate the goodies provided by the members and guests. This turned out to be a time of relaxed fun with corn hole and baseball-toss games for those who weren't playing pickleball. Well over 50 folks came out, offering all a chance to socialize with spouses who don't usually play and to get better acquainted with each other. Weekly club play has evolved into at least three groups who play at different times of the day. The party gave us a venue to bring all these people together for what turned out to be a pleasant, casual affair. Rather than stage a tournament, this event offered all who attended a chance to play in pick-up matches after the meal. Even though it was the warmest of the mid-May evenings, there was ample shade for leisurely conversation. We look forward to similar opportunities for this kind of mixer. This month's "coaching" comes from the latest national magazine. The editors concentrate on "high-percentage" shots. There are general rules all of us can apply. Hit down the middle (there's a lot of court to use, the opponents may contend for the shot and the net is lower in the middle). But, if a shot comes at you on an angle, usually try to return it on the same angle. Your paddle will be square and you don't have to "break," or change, the angle which requires finesse. Should you serve cross-court or down the middle? Depends. You have more room for long shots on the angle but serving to your opponent's forehand gives her an advantage. Trying to thread the middle can remove that advantage but requires you to be more accurate. Position has as much to do with "high-percentage" as shot selection. If you aren't in a good position, you have even more reason to take the "safe" shot. We all tend to overestimate our chances at tricky angles. Just because we felt a rush at making a wicked slam last week, we need to remember how many times we missed it since. Your partner will thank you. Looking for the best time to play? Call Judy Luna at (949) 929- 2390. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club

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