Tennis tutorial provides many lessons - for free!

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

When I found out the Gordon Hughes Tennis Club in Windsor was offering lessons to any beginner or intermediate/advanced adult interested June 10, 17 and 24 – free! - I thought it was a good community gesture. Therefore, despite a general dislike for participating in sports, I decided to take a beginner’s lesson last week.

First things first, though. Before heading over to the courts for 7 p.m., I had taken my boyfriend out for a birthday supper. There were many things on the menu to choose, but I was craving some greasy, deep-fried food.

I picked the big platter of mozza sticks, onion rings, chicken wings and battered shrimp. It was tasty, but not likely a meal for tennis champions.

When I arrived at the courts, the session began with warm-ups and introductions. It felt nice to be out enjoying an evening in the westering sun. The chance to leave my computer was refreshing, and who knew? This physical activity may be rejuvenating. And I might even be a natural.

Nope. Wishful thinking. I’ve met my match with tennis.

The folly of deep-fried food

After attempting to bounce a ball on a racket for a few minutes and trying to gain control of it with couple of slow rallies across the net, I concluded tennis would be a difficult sport for me. It requires practice, patience, stamina and hand-eye coordination, none of which I’ve ever really acquired.

Not to mention after one round of work on my forehand bending down to collect the balls for another and experiencing the folly of a deep-fried filled stomach.

I watched to see how others fared. The majority had a few years on me, in age and experience, and one might think this would give me some small advantage. Nope again. These people were aglow with energy.

Their racquets snapped as they swung and it was evident most had some practice or an athletic lifestyle.

But left feeling really good

I’ll admit I’ve slacked on my physical fitness lately. My car beckons as the tempting alternative to walking all too often and typing takes precedence over the night stroll I once did routinely. Lately all I’ve worked out are my fingers on the keyboard.

However, by the time I finished an hour session with Peter Gibson (who plans to participate in the Canada Games in Charlottetown for singles tennis this August), I left feeling really good. The exercise had me more awake and the experience was fun despite being a challenge. I’m not really good at tennis, but tennis is good for me.

Thanks to the Gordon Hughes Tennis Club (and members) for a reminder on the importance of physical fitness and for putting the offer out to the whole community.

I may not up my tennis training anytime soon, but I could start walking again.