THE PROGRESSIVE BALL SYSTEM

Stage 2

Stage 1 Orange Ball

RED BALL

Ages 5-7

Drills consist of coordination, movement, early stroke production, teamwork, and fun!

Ages 7-9

Players begin to advance their techniques, rallies are incorporated, and introduction to scoring, serving, and competitive play.

Stage 3

GREEN BALL

Ages 9-12

Players use a fullsize tennis court with low-pressure tennis balls. Drills consist of court coverage, rally consistency, serve and return, and introduction to point play.

Final Stage

Yellow Ball

Ages 12+

Players use standard tennis balls on a full-size court. Aspects of depth, control, power, and spin on all strokes are utilized—emphasis on match play, high school preparation, and conditioning.

Paddle Season Recap

Paddle season is now officially in the rear-view mirror. The BCC Paddle Program saw growth in the number of players, participation in lessons and clinics, and court utilization. As we look ahead to warmer weather, I wanted to share this season’s highlights. We debuted several new programs and events. This was the inaugural season for the Learn-to-Play Paddle program introducing 15 men and 30 women to paddle tennis. Our Racquets Professionals hosted BCC’s first Paddle Camp in November. 12 women participated in the first-ever Women’s Paddle Palooza team competition. Our members were split into four teams: Black, Navy, Purple, and Pink, each captained by a BCC Racquets Professional. Each team showed their team spirit by sporting their assigned team color and competing for the first-place prize.

Let’s not forget our favorite returning events like Smash & Bash or the Club Road Classic! BCC hosted its Paddle Club Championship finals in conjunction with the Squash Club Championships and the second annual Smash & Bash Racquets Banquet. This event celebrated all things racquets and recognized our members for their dedication and achievements throughout the season.

We had another active Interclub season with 101 total players across all men’s and women’s leagues. Many thanks to all of our captains who work more than they are willing to admit to run these teams. This season, we had five men’s teams (D1, D2, D3, and two D4 teams). The men’s D1 team made it to the finals, and the D3 team won the championship. Women’s Interclub had a D1 team and a D2 team, with the D1 team going on to win the championship. Seven BCC teams participated in the first men’s interclub league tournament called the Charm City Classic. We also congratulate members Steven Wieczynski and Bennett Bradley on being finalists in the Maryland State Men’s PTI 25+.

Last but certainly not least, Junior Coordinator & Senior Racquets Professional Jacob McGowan and Racquets Professional David Loveman became PPTR-certified Platform Tennis coaches.

See you on the paddle courts next season! ◆

Jody Sambrick, Jr. Head Racquets Professional

Winners: Blue Team

Winners: BCC

Winners: BCC

Winners: Pink Team