Sunday, January 16, 2022 (Court Day #455)

It was a warm 50° when I headed out the door. When I arrived at Derby Park at 8:45, Larry and his wife Jacquie were drilling. A regular named Lori helped set up and net, followed by Larry and Jacquie. Matt and Paul from Scotts Valley appeared too and Paul asked if I wanted him to set up a net . . . “Yes, please!”

Paul and Matt setting up a net in the far corner. Players stretching. Allan and Lori also helping.

I ended up warming up with Matt and Paul. After about 10 minutes, Ted B. showed up and we had a game. It was a close one.

Modesto Visitor

There was a man named Ben visiting from Modesto. When he signed up in our red box, I was concerned about this unknown person’s skill level. Well, no need to be concerned. He’s a very solid 3.5. Maybe even a 4.0 on a good day.

Newbie Kim

While I was in a game, Tom Sherwood walked up and told me a woman was waiting for a lesson, a newbie. It’s been a while since I had to exercise that site coordinator responsibility. The blonde woman’s name was Kim, I’d put her in her mid to late 50s. She introduced me to her friend Missy. Missy is not new, but I didn’t know her. I asked Kim what Tom had explained to her and then covered a few more basics of the rules. I grabbed a ball and a loaner paddle and took Kim outside the gate to the grass nearby and had her volley the ball with me. Kim has good hand-eye coordination. I signed us up in beginner black on the court board and we had a game with firefighter Matt’s wife Carolyn and their daughter Sarah—I knew they’d be patient and great to Kim and they were. When Kim broke a minor rule, I’d stop and explain. I told her, “If at any point. I get annoying, please let me know.” She replied, “No, you are being very helpful!” Her friend was waiting, so Kim left after that first learning game, but she said she’d be back.

Wei and Kit Kat

I hadn’t play a game with Wei in a long time. Maybe two years! Wei is getting really good. Sure, he makes some mistakes, but they are infrequent and he is masterful with spin. There was one volley firefight between me and him at the net. BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! Kit Kat, Wei’s partner, said she couldn’t even follow the ball. I won that particular rally, but it could have easily gone the other way. And did for some other rallies!

I felt pretty good about my play today. Lots to work on, but not bad.

I talked to tall Charles for a bit afterward about assorted things. He said there were a couple of players at Brommer who signed up in red after Charles and Leslie were already in a box and Charles and Leslie beat them 11-0. Charles was musing about the problem of players signing up above their level. Until the club grades all players, this will continue to be an issue,

What did I learn?

I still need to hug the right sideline. Wei would have gotten me on a couple sideline passing shots had he not hit them into the net in excitement.

I need work on not slamming the ball into the net on a high ball. I did it today on a forehand and a backhand shot!

Arm

My forearm is still feeling “tennis elbowy”. I’m concerned.

I told Charles I wouldn’t be playing at Brommer, but it’s possible that I might have enough staff tomorrow morning, Fingers crossed!


Number of days on a court: 455
Number of total hours: 2,199

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