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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2023 | 67 Can an older athlete restore lost skills, and also learn new skills? When it comes to a sport like tennis, especially the playing of doubles, the answer is a resounding "Yes." Given available time, first- class court facilities, the desire to restore or refine one's skills, and the availability of lessons led by qualified instructors, yes, 55 plus players in Sun Lakes are able to find both restored and new capabilities on our courts. Given this "Yes," our Executive Board has made a concerted effort this year to offer regular sessions where skills are taught, often at no cost, or at other times for the nominal cost of tennis balls. Each first Saturday of the month a 30-minute session is offered. On other scheduled evenings Intermediate & Advanced Skills & Mixer sessions are offered. On Aug. 14, despite the heat, members of the Tennis Club gathered to work on their skills with Phil Hazelton and Pat Carter instructing. The Tennis Club members who gathered that warm evening are pictured. Thank you, Pat Carter and Phil Hazelton, for your valuable instruction. You are much appreciated. Further sessions will take place as we move toward the balance of this year. Our October Calendar for Club activities and events look like this: Sat., Oct. 7 - 8 am Skills / 8:30 am Mixer (Open to all in Sun Lakes) Mon., Oct. 9 – Intermediate & Advanced Clinic & Mixer ($2) Thurs., Oct. 19 – Octoberfest & Mixer (South Clubhouse) Fri., Oct. 20-23 – Men's Doubles Tournament Weekend Friday, Oct. 27-30 - Women's Doubles Tournament Phil Hazelton has helped many of us improve our skills through his Tennis Tips. Once again, a tip, this time about rules of play titled "Tennis Wisdom; Early Knockdown." Phil sets up the situation by saying, "I hit my forehand with a lot of topspin and the ball appeared to go long, BUT, before the ball could bounce my opponent knocked it down with their racquet and called it OUT. I protested, but my opponent disagreed. I conceded the point because I thought, perhaps, the ball would have landed out." RULING: Who is right? Your opponent cannot call the ball out before it bounces on the ground, and call it out at the same time! They cannot call a ball out that hasn't yet hit the ground, or a permanent fixture. And, as always, remember to keep your eye on the ball and the fun in your game. Tennis Back Row: Phil Hazelton, Michelle Carter, Al Acosta, Mark Vanderpool, and Cheryl Vanderpool. Front Row: David Garner, Kim Jensen, Pat Carter, and Don Zelmer

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