By: Elliott Datlow, Tennis Director

We are ecstatic to be offering outdoor courts to our members as we get back into the “swing of things!” Usually we have the luxury of weaning ourselves back into outdoor play. If it’s a bit chilly we can change it to an indoor court. Or, maybe the wind gusts are driving us crazy— I’ll stay inside, thank you! But not now! BOOM! You are playing outside.

You’re right! Outdoor tennis is a lot different. What can we do to adjust to outdoor play? Here are a couple of key adjustments you can make as you hit the outdoor courts at the Aspen Hill Club!

• Know that it’s not going to feel good! Outdoor tennis is an adjustment. You will feel much better the second time you play outdoors, I promise!
• Have a hat or sunglasses! We aren’t giving our eyes time to “toughen up” to the sunshine. Be kind to those eyes and give them some protection!
• Know which way the wind is blowing! You want to hit HARDER if you are playing into the wind, and use more spin if you are hitting WITH the wind.
• Take a long warm-up Your body and mind aren’t use to playing outside, try and work into it. Make sure you start the warm-up with short court rallies and start slow from the baseline.
• USE EXTRA SPIN! Topspin and slice are going to keep the ball in the court and helps to keep your consistency up… Use your spin.
• Move those feet! The ball isn’t going to bounce how you expect. Instead of taking 3 big steps to the ball you need many many small little steps (especially as you approach the ball). With little steps your body will be able to make those adjustments that are necessary in fractions of a second.
• SPLIT STEP! As your opponent get’s ready to make contact, take a “split step.” This is like a little “bunny hop” that can be critical to getting your timing and ball anticipation correct.
• HAVE FUN! I think we can all agree that a bad day on the tennis court is better than being stuck inside at home— we can ALL relate to that.