In an era of western forehands and American topspin serves, where do seniors fit in and still make the game fun for us? Men and women from their 50’s upward can still find tennis a very rewarding and chanllenging exercise with proper preparation and common sense.
Tennis can be like a dance contest if played without power and terminal velocity. The long flashy strokes aren’t necessary, nor are they feasible in many cases. Limbs that no longer move with fluidity or muscles that have diminished in flexibility don’t necessarily diminish success or enjoyment of the game. Often time shorter strokes, compact swings and just plain returning the ball over the net offer enjoyment and prolong our love of the game for years to come.
What was once our reliable second sever is now our first serve, but a spin serve with location is just as dangerous as one that zips into the court. Actually, the older we get the more doubles we seem to play and our American topspin serve then becomes an asset and a permanent fixture in our role as a doubles partner.
The shots we rarely practiced in the prime of our youth, we now love; the topspin lob, a short slice that makes our opponent move, or even a high deep lob, because a senior is more than likely to give you one right back. Bobby Riggs might have lost to Billie Jean King, but he set a tempo for all advanced players–advanced in age that is.
Let youth have their ripping forehands and cross-court backhands. They’ll discover, as we have, how fleeting they really are. The silver set has a sophisticated game that is fundamentally sound and keeps our physical limitations in check. If here is something the senior set can do better, it’s having the common sense to warm up properly and cool down with stretches and the assorted medical aides that will assist our recuperation so we can play again… the day after tomorrow.
Alan T. Rigby, Ceritified Tennis Coach
