Greetings to all Parkview tennis players in the first month of the official Chinese Year of the Dragon! February is looking to be a fun month of tennis on the courts with two planned social events. Please check out the details below.

TENNIS DIARY – Friday Ladies Social Morning Friday, 17 February 9:30am – 12:00noon
The second ladies social event of the year! This is a fun, social morning of doubles and all standards are invited to play. Coaches Matt and Johnny will also be playing and giving useful tactical and technical tips. Complimentary coffee and cookies will be provided. See notice board for further details and sign up at Spa & Resort Reception.

ADULT MIXED SOCIAL DOUBLES AFTERNOON – Saturday, 25 February 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Meet some new tennis friends and bring some of your own regular partners for this fun afternoon of social doubles with complimentary refreshments. Coach Matt will be rotating partners throughout the afternoon, so you can come with a partner or even on your own. See the tennis notice board for further details and sign up at Spa & Resort Reception.

PRO’S TIP OF THE MONTH - BETWEEN KNEE AND HIP
I am often surprised when working with clients as to the great number of technical elements that coaches throw at them. Many problematic elements of over-strokes can be corrected by simply changing the point at which one contacts the ball.

When hitting your ground strokes, initially focus on hitting the ball at some points between your knees and hips, not too much higher. Also, try not to hit the ball too far in front of you--this can throw you off balance and disconnect your hip from the stroke.

How does this help? If you hit the ball at a lower point, you will automatically hit from low to high and will pronate more readily, imparting topspin. This is one example of the benefit of correct contact point with the ball.

As you get more comfortable with your strokes from this height, you can start to work on taking the ball a little higher on the bounce and be a little more dominating in the rally.