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56 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2026 | Table Tennis/Ping Pong Our regular play times are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 6 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. Because of scheduling conf licts for the Ballroom, we sometimes get bumped into special play times that are updated on the SLCC website, and printed copies are available on play days in the Ballroom. There is also a touch-screen monitor in the Main Clubhouse Lobby where the schedule can be brought up. If there are any questions or concerns, contact Gary Lile at (805) 722-7427, 4lile@yahoo.com, or leave a message with John Williams at (951) 489-9737, jgwms.williams@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome, the only requirements are laced tennis shoes and a desire to have fun, play with friends, and get some excellent health benefits from a low risk activity. e "Center Line" Challenge In doubles play, one of the most frequent points of contention is the serve. According to official rules, the ball must land on the server's right-hand box and cross into the receiver's right-hand box. But as we all know, a "painted" serve — one that kisses that center white line — is a work of art. The problem? From the server's perspective, the ball might look like it caught the edge of the white paint. From the receivers perspective, it might look like a hair's breadth to the left. Neither player is "lying" — they are simply viewing a high-speed object from different angles with different eyes. In short, an optical illusion. In the heat of the moment, a dispute over a center line serve can sour a perfectly good play time. Proposing "e Gentleman's and Polite Ladies Let" To preserve the harmony of our matches and keep the focus on play rather than persuasion, we are adopting the following rule: If a serve lands so close to the center line that the server and the receiver cannot agree on its validity within three seconds, the point is automatically declared a "Let." No arguments, no "I saw it clearly," and no hard feelings. Why This Works: 1. Acknowledging a "Let" is an admission that human sight is imperfect, not that your opponent is wrong. 2. Wasted time. Re-serving takes five seconds, arguing takes five minutes. 3. It ensures that the winner of the match is determined by skill, not by who has the loudest voice or the most stubborn personality. We play clean, focused, and hard. And whether we go home a winner or loser, we thank our lucky stars and celebrate the athleticism of our peers. POP Tennis POP Tennis, formerly known as Paddle Tennis, is a fun, fast sport that can be enjoyed by people at all fitness levels. Though played on a smaller court, with a different paddle, and 20 percent deflated tennis balls, POP Tennis is otherwise scored and regulated like traditional tennis. POP Tennis is played on the courts to the left of the Main Clubhouse usually on Thursday mornings from 8 to 10 am (fall/winter hours). Additionally, there is a group that plays Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 pm. People are free to come and go as their schedules permit. Hours are subject to change, so it is best to check the bulletin board located at the courts for current play times. All are welcome and there are always friendly folks to teach beginners the game! Paddles and balls are provided too. For more information or to express a desire to be on a decision-making committee, contact Carl Miller at (951) 512-3131. Hope you'll POP in!