Tennis Newsletter | May 2014 | VBgov.com/Parks

Great Weather for Beach Blast!

It was a perfect spring day for the Wayne D. McCoy Beach Blast at Owl Creek Tennis Center. An all-time high of 38 Special Olympic athletes from all across Virginia participated, and over 50 volunteers joined in on the fun as well.

Using a "Unified" format, Special Olympic athletes paired with volunteers in super set, round robin style matches. In addition to the on-court doubles play, Virginia Tennis provided games and music to make the entire event festive for everyone! Participants and volunteers also received event t-shirts courtesy of Area 2 Special Olympics and a luncheon courtesy of Virginia Beach Tennis Patrons Association.

Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who came out to make this tournament a success, including: the local tennis community, local naval personnel, Coastal Riverine Squadron 4, Virginia Beach Tennis Patrons Association and Area 2 Special Olympics.

View photos from this year's event on Virginia Tennis' Facebook page.

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Cardio Tennis (all levels) | $15

Tue & Fri | 9-10 am

Men's & Ladies Night Out (3.5 & up) | $21

Tue & Thur | 7:30-9 pm

As some of these clinics fill, please call (757) 385-2695 the day before to reserve your place.

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Pro Tip: Hit with Depth

By Owl Creek Staff

Hitting your shots short allows your opponent to attack and take control of the point. One way to avoid this is to add depth to your shots. There are two easy ways to increase the depth of your shots:

1. Extend out on your follow through in the direction of your target. You should feel as though you are swinging out towards the net as you complete your swing.

2. Aim higher above the net as you hit. This extra height (4 - 6 feet) will give your shots more depth and create a safer shot since it will have extra net clearance.

There is no need to drastically change your technique to add extra depth to your shots; just follow these two suggestions, and you will find that your opponents are not able to attack as easily.

Kids Stay Active and Learn New Skills at Tennis Camp

Tennis Campers Thirty campers enjoyed a week-long introduction to tennis during Spring Break Camp last month at Owl Creek Tennis Center. And, it all wrapped up with a pizza party on the last day!

This summer we are offering Indoor Tennis Camp at Owl Creek Tennis Center, as well as Outdoor Tennis Camps at Kempsville Recreation Center, Bayville Farms Park, Lynnhaven Middle and Owl Creek Tennis Center. Camps begin the week of June 16th and are a fantastic way for your child to get introduced to the sport of tennis. It generally caters to those with little or no experience. Instruction of basic strokes, the structure of the court, and scoring are touched on during the week and exercised through fun drills and games. Get an inside look at our Indoor Tennis Camp with this video.

This year we will also be offering a Specialty Tennis Camp for those players with more experience. This camp will be more live ball oriented with an emphasis on play and strategy.

May is Military Appreciation Month

We want to say THANKS to those who have served, are currently serving, and their families with these special offers:

Thank You Thursdays | Free admission to all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers each Thursday in May

Free Fishin' Fridays | Free admission to the Little Island Fishing Pier every Friday in May. In addition, receive free parking at Little Island Park on May 23 & 30. (Parking fees are not charged prior to May 23.)

Free 2-hour kayak/canoe rentals at Munden Point Park during the entire month of May (subject to equipment availability; first come, first served)

A military ID (active duty, retiree, or dependent) must be shown in order to receive these offers. Veterans can show their detachment papers as proof of service. Virginia Beach residency not required.

Questions? Please contact Tracey Gauthier at TGauthie@VBgov.com or (757) 385-0445.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closure

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center and administrative offices

will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. City parks will be open!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center

Location: 928 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach | Phone: (757) 385-2695

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 5pm

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@VBgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.