Rally for the Cure on April 26

G.T.C. is hosting a pro-am on Saturday, April 26. Play tennis, spread the message, and be a part of Rally for the Cure.

Rally offers a unique and easy opportunity to play tennis and make a difference. Since 1996, Rally for the Cure has proudly spread the life-saving message of early detection of Breast Cancer to more than 1.2 million participants through our sporting events. In addition to our primary goal of raising awareness, Rally volunteers and participants have raised over $30 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Join the effort. Get out on the courts and rally. For more information, go to www.rallyforthecure.com.

The minimum of $20 is made to Rally For The Cure. An additional $5 is included to cover expenses from the club. Green Tennis Club Teaching Pros will be participating in this event. Money needs to be collected before the event. If interested, please contact Keith at keithgreentennis@sbcglobal.net or 330-699-5028.

G.T.C. sweatshirts now 35 percent off

We are reducing our prices on our sweatshirts. Hooded sweatshirts are now $ 15 plus tax, and zip up sweatshirts are now $18 plus tax. We also have T-shirts for $ 10. Hurry while supplies last.

See OSU vs. Michigan

G.T.C. is collaborating with Hall of Fame Racquet Club to watch the Ohio State tennis team play Michigan on Sunday, April 20. If interested, please contact Keith.

UTA NEO tournaments in April

April 10-13
Paramount Tennis Club -Medina
NMW(3.0-4.0)s,FMLC; NMW(3.0-4.0)d,FMLC; Combo MX(8.0)d

April 11-13
Towpath Racquet Club
BG(14-12)sd

April 18-20, 2008
Five Seasons Sports Country Club
G(18-10)s,FMLC; G(18)d,SE
Surface Type: Hard Indoor
Deadline is Monday, April 14th

April 25-27, 2008
Chagrin Valley Athl Club
G(18-10)s
Friday, April 18th

April 25-27, 2008
Springside Racquet Club
NMW(3.0-4.0)s,SE; CMW(6.0,7.0,8.0)d,SE
Monday, April 21st

2008 USTA Summer Leagues

It’s that time again. USTA leagues are forming at the Green Tennis Club. We are going to have the following leagues at G.T.C.:

• Women 3.0
• Women/Men 3.5
• Women/Men 4.0
• Men 5.0
• Mixed 8.0

If interested, please call the office: 330-699-5028.

Men’s open drills on alternating Sundays

G.T.C will offer men’s open drills every other Sunday. The next session will be Sunday, April 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.. The cost is $17. All men rated 3.5 and 4.0 and 5.0 are welcome.

Dave Forman Corner: The value of versatility

Tournaments are wonderful opportunities for tennis players to test their talents, experience quality play and learn how to improve their skills. Some lessons to be learned from tournaments are included below.

Lesson 4- Need to be Versatile

To improve, players need to learn to hit a greater variety of shots and not rely only on one style of play to win matches.

In tournaments, you will see players with a variety of styles. Successful strategies against some players may not be successful against all. Winning players have the ability to adjust during a match. They practice new shots such as the lob, drop shot, slice, and moon ball and incorporate them into their match play to keep their opponents off balance.

Summer camps brochures are here!

For a 20th year, the Green Tennis Club will host tennis camps for kids this summer. Camps start June 9 and continue through Aug. 1.

Here are the camp dates:

Please call Keith at 330-699-5028 or send an e-mail to keithgreentennis@sbcglobal.net

Keith’s 'Meet the Topspins'

A lot of people are one-dimensional. They hit the same way in different situations. I believe tennis is a question-and-answer game. The ball you are receiving is the question and what shot you hit is the answer. By incorporating the seven different topspins in your game, you will have more opportunities. Every shot is situational, and having more options will allow you to succeed on and off the court.

For most tennis players, topspin is one-dimensional. Topspin is topspin. You might be surprised to know that there are seven different types of topspin used in today’s modern game. Each month, I will write about one of the topspins (drive, arc, loop, lob, angle, dip drive, and finally the bender). This month, I will write about the drive topspin.

When is the drive most effective? The drive is sometimes used in a baseline rally. It’s most effective when your opponent gives you a short ball. The drive also is used for a passing shot. When your opponent comes into the net, it forces you to keep the ball about one foot above the net. It’s also a great doubles return. If you opponents like to poach, it keeps them from poaching. Remember the saying, “Hit the feet to defeat, or hit high to die.”

Here's another tip: You want to be careful not to overuse the drive topspin in your game.

So when the ball you receive (question) is short, a passing shot, or a doubles return, you can answer back by hitting a drive. Next month, I will explain the arc topspin.

Quote of the month

“First serve is about the technique, second serve is about confidence.
-Paul Sanchez