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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2017 49 Paddle Tennis I started playing paddle tennis about five years ago after I officially retired. I had been playing recreational tennis most of my life, so it was not hard to jump in. The scoring is identical and the only difference, besides the smaller court, is you only get one serve and it must be underhanded. The balls look just like tennis balls, but are under-inflated so they are softer and don't go as fast as traditional tennis balls. The paddles are not stringed racquets, but composite material, hard surfaced with holes in them and smaller than tennis racquets. Play times are twice on Fridays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, once on Saturday and Monday (see activities calendar). This has turned out to be a real enjoyable sport. We have all levels of players and we always welcome new players and sort of take it easy on them to help them learn the game. One of the things I've noticed through the years of playing all kinds of sports, is you can see the different personalities of people by their different styles of playing. Some people are quiet and timid, some are aggressive and loud. Some ridicule themselves for faulty play. Others tease their opponents with good natured ribbing. As far as paddle tennis goes, all are friendly and sociable. No one takes the game too seriously. I really look forward to the days when we can play. Everyone likes to win, but winning is secondary to just having fun and socializing. Laughter is abundantly present during our play. We have tournaments throughout the year; both singles and doubles. Sometimes we choose a partner to play with, other times we do a random draw. Even though there is no money involved with these tournaments, they do have a nervous energy about them because you are under the scrutiny of your fellow players on the sideline when it is your turn to compete. Most of the time we have open play. Depending on how many are present, we sometimes let the winning team stay in while two more opponents challenge. We have a standing rule that after three wins the team should split. This keeps dominant players from hogging the court. When we don't have enough for two in, two out, we rotate waiting players into the game. Beginning players are treated the same as seasoned players. We are all out there to have fun and everybody is welcome. We have a mix of male and female players and I must say, the females are not the weaker sex in this sport. It is more a sport of dexterity and finesse, than power. So if you want to have some fun, get exercise, and socialize with your fellow Four Seasons residents, come out and join us. Show us your sports personality. We usually have extra paddles for those who would like to try it, or you can borrow one from one of the waiting participants. ~ Terry Miller Terry Miller… happy player Club member ready to serve!