Thoughts on Tennis Balls:an Australian Perspective

[Bartelby]

Unfortunately this club structure (which is probably council subsidized as a community activity) has not survived in other parts and you pay a full commercial fee.

[Pozza]

Clubs across Melbourne are run under a variety of models and obviously some work much better than others.

There are many clubs on my side of town (Western Suburbs) that really struggle to stay afloat as tennis at a junior level struggles against other sports and clubs haven't really embraced change the way they could have to keep numbers up.

[ramos77]

I'm also in melbournes west pozza!

I've found that many of the clubs aren't run as efficiently as they should be.

A lot more could be done to attract members, it seems they are content to just plod along...

Where are the flyers? Where's the advertising? Where's the involvement with schools?

[Pozza]

Originally Posted by ramos77

I'm also in melbournes west pozza!

I've found that many of the clubs aren't run as efficiently as they should be.

A lot more could be done to attract members, it seems they are content to just plod along...

Where are the flyers? Where's the advertising? Where's the involvement with schools?

Whereabouts are you from Ramos?

One of the problems everywhere is that these clubs are run by volunteers and there's often not enough of them.

I suggested to one of the clubs I'm involved in that they could start up social tennis for anyone in the community on Sunday afternoons. Maybe charge a small fee for non-members but if actively pursued it could result in new memberships. No-one on the committee was willing to be there on a Sunday to run it.

To me that's the reason you go on a committee. Whilst everyone's different, if you don't have the time or energy then you probably shouldn't be putting your hand up.

Sadly, the lack of volunteers will eventually see smaller clubs die.

[ramos77]

I live near Footscray mate, you?

Good point about the volunteers, I know it's easier said than done..

p.s found some of those Penns on **** for slightly more than Costco, might give them a try, cheers.

[Pozza]

I'm in Melton but I play my local tennis in the Gisborne area as I'm president of the local tennis association. I play over 35's pennant these days so I can avoid singles.

How about you?

[willkho]

Greetings from Melbourne South Eastern Suburb.

I reckon tennis balls are too expensive. I'm originally from Indonesia, where tennis is consider "rich people" sport and not too popular. However, the decent tennis balls such as Slazenger, Dunlop (Forte&Volley) cost roughly about $5-7 /can.

Let alone the tennis balls, Strings & tennis rackets (genuine from the authorized dealer) are also much cheaper there. For instance the Pro staff six one tour 90 cost only $170 (they might throw in free luxilon string for you if you are a good negotiator).
I just email my bro to get me Head Extreme Pro 2.0 but they only have the MP 2.0
It cost around $160-170, the same as in tennis warehouse USA.

by the way, I just bought Wilson tour tennis ball from target for about $8/can.

[clarky]

I get the Wilson us open extra heavy duty from big w can of 4 $7. Best of the lot. Slazenger used to be good and I grew up playing them but they don't seem to be the same anymore so I prefer the Wilson.

[Pozza]

I bought a can of Wilson Davis Cup balls yesterday. Never seen them before so thought I'd give them a go.

Opened the can this morning and they play very similar to the US Open balls. Think I'll stick to the Aussie Opens.

[ramos77]

Originally Posted by clarky

I get the Wilson us open extra heavy duty from big w can of 4 $7. Best of the lot. Slazenger used to be good and I grew up playing them but they don't seem to be the same anymore so I prefer the Wilson.

you can get 3 cans for $15 at big w (wilson AO and US Opens) (3 balls in each can)

BUT... some of them will be flat, squeeze the cans and pick the hardest ones..