From the Courts

Joe Mattingly, Director of Tennis

Tennis Tip: Returning a Doubles Serve

The

Proper Mindset

Whether your opponent serves and stays back or serves and runs to the net, the mindset must be the same. In both cases, avoid trying to play, what I call, the “Hit-Winners” mindset. This is where the player thinks everything they hit has to win the point. Players like this try to do too much with the ball and make too many unforced errors due to faulty thinking. Instead, adopt something more consistent. Think about getting the ball back and neutralizing your opponent’s serve.

A Word from The Pros

As we bid farewell to the winter months and look forward to a beautiful spring, we have an exciting schedule of tennis and pickleball events planned for you. The Doubles Club Championship will be held in April, along with a destination clinic trip to the Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, South Carolina. Our junior after-school and adult inter-club programs are in full swing and remain very active. To see all Junior Clinics, Tennis and Pickleball Clinics, and Drop-In Round Robins, please view the full schedule on the Club website.

Additionally, please let us know if we can do anything to make your experience on the courts more enjoyable.

When Your Opponent Stays Back

If your opponent serves and stays back, you must master a deep cross-court return of serve. The key is depth, which forces your opponent to stay back and gives you more time to react to the next shot. Hitting deep tilts the percentages in your favor. You’re attempting to create pressure, not win the point outright through this method.

When Your Opponent Charges the Net

If your opponent is serving and running to the net, you must also hit the ball crosscourt, but this time you should keep the ball low at their feet. This method will make your opponent hit up at the ball, giving you a pop-up, which you can then put away. Remember, you are trying to create pressure, not hit a winner!

Conclusion

To summarize, you should return cross-court and deep when your opponent serves and stays back. When your opponent serves and runs to the net, you should return cross-court and low at their feet. Finally, in both cases, ensure you stay in a consistent mindset and not a “Hit-Winners” mindset.

Big “Dill” Pickleball Clinics

Pickleball 101

Tuesdays, 8:30–9:30 am

Pickleball 101 is a clinic for beginner players interested in learning the basic skills of pickleball. Each clinic focuses on court position, technique, scoring, and the rules that will have you ready to hit the courts!

Third Shot Drop Clinic

Wednesdays, 1:00–2:00 pm

This fast-paced pickleball clinic is for intermediate to advanced-level players. Players learn about point construction, strategy, and winning patterns of play.

Cost: $20 per clinic. Spots are limited and advance registration is requested. To register, visit CourtReserve or contact the Tennis Center at 904.389.4332.

Pickleball Round Robins

Mixed Drop-In

Wednesdays, 5:30–7 pm

Men’s Night Drop-In Thursdays, 6:30–8 pm

Ladies’ Morning Drop-In Fridays, 8:30–10 am

Round Robins are complimentary. Spots are limited and advance registration is encouraged. To register, visit CourtReserve or contact the Tennis Center at 904.389.4332.

Junior Clinics

Spring Session: March 13–May 4

Red Ball: Ages 4–6

Mini Spring Session: May 8–June 1

Green Ball: Ages 10–12

2023 Doubles Club Championship

Friday, April 14 • 5–9 pm Saturday, April 15 • 8 am–5 pm Sunday, April 16 • 8 am–5 pm

Monday–Thursday • 3:30–4:15 pm

Orange Ball: Ages 7–9

Tuesday & Thursday • 4:30–5:30 pm

Tuesday & Thursday • 4:30–5:30 pm

Yellow Ball: Ages 13 & up

Monday & Wednesday • 4:30–5:30 pm

Limited space is available for each program; early bookings are encouraged. All bookings must be via e-mail or in person. For pricing and more information, contact Shaun Zemanek at szemanek@timuquana.net.

Men’s & Ladies’ Clinics

Men’s Doubles Clinics

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm

Working Ladies’ C Team Practice

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm

Cardio Tennis

Wednesdays at 7:00 am

Saturdays at 7:00 am

Live Ball

Wednesdays at 8:00 am

Saturdays at 8:00 am

Beginner Ladies’ Clinics

Thursdays at 5:30 pm

Men’s Clinics (3.0, 3.5, 4.0)

Saturdays at 9:00 am

Ladies’ Clinics

(2.5, 3.0, 3.5) Saturdays at 10:00 am

Cost: $20 per clinic. Spots are limited and advance registration is requested. To register, visit CourtReserve or contact the Tennis Center at 904.389.4332.

Join us for the second major tennis event of the year! Members will team up and compete against other members for the title of Doubles Club Champion. The 2023 Doubles Club Championship will feature men and women, doubles levels 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and above.

This weekend promises great tennis, food, and camaraderie. Beer and wine included. Cocktails by signature.

Cost: $160 per person.

Registration closes Friday, April 7. On Monday, April 10, 50% of the registration fee will be billed and is non-refundable. The remaining 50% will be billed on Friday, April 14.

To register, contact the Tennis Center at 904.389.4332.