Tennis Thanksgiving 2021

As I start my 67th orbit around the sun, I'm thankful when I look up into the blue, blue sky to track an overhead (no worries, it's way over my head). Also, I appreciate trying to track down that hard hit winner in the corner. And how about that ace in the corner of the service box that whizzes by for a clean ace? At least my vision is still good enough, to confirm the call and allow me to say: "great serve"! I'm also grateful when I track down that kicking second serve and hit my topspin BH for the occasional winner.

After playing tennis for fifty years, it still holds a fascination with its stop-and-start nature. And while I no longer play many tournaments/leagues, or hold a USTA ranking, I still have a good group of guys that know my game as well as well as I know theirs. It fills my boat and continually challenges me to be better. While that explosive first step is now only in evidence, I still keep working out to stay in shape for our weekend matches. We ask for no quarter and give none. That's why I am thankful for tennis- it keeps me young! How do YOU feel about this lifetime sport?

It’s pretty good

Do people every age out of cheating? I was shocked when some dood in his late 50s was still hooking.

heninfan99 said:

Do people every age out of cheating? I was shocked when some dood in his late 50s was still hooking.

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Depends on the person. I played guys with such big egos that they could never fathom losing a close point, so they became known as blatant cheaters. There are also guys who just flat out can't see well. They really believe they saw the ball out, even when their own partner corrects them.

I am thankful every time I am on the court, in whatever capacity.
You are always one injury away from the end your tennis journey.
I have worked hard to attain my strokes and level and just enjoy it now.
I have no care who I am playing with, or how I am playing.

FiddlerDog said:

I am thankful every time I am on the court, in whatever capacity.
You are always one injury away from the end your tennis journey.
I have worked hard to attain my strokes and level and just enjoy it now.
I have no care who I am playing with, or how I am playing.

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Agreed- I enjoy playing with all people, but it's my own level of play that I care about. Whether it's moving my own feet a bit better, setting up properly, or picking the right shot, constant improvement remains the goal. I'm thankful that tennis still motivates me to do just one more sprint, leg lift or pullup.

One more point: at my age, playing tennis is important for survival. The cardio, balance, strength and movement training are each critical in maintaining a healthy and vibrant life. Keeping your mind focused on the here and now and maintaining concentration is also critical. A little fun while doing all this can't hurt either.

I am thankful for the endorphins I get from playing tennis every day - keeps me healthy and happy. Something to look forward to during the workday knowing that I will be having a couple of hours of fun in the evening.

Oh, how I wish I could play every day! One example is playing USTA Tournament/league matches. For the weekend matches, I could play two singles matches each day if I (or my team) advanced to the finals. But nowadays, I have to take a day off to let both my knees recover after a tough doubles match!