The Countryside...
Tennis Association Competition & Camaraderie
by: Andy Brovey
Countryside has an active Tennis Association and we invite you to join us! We have players of various abilities and offer many clinics to help improve your game. We also sponsor several tennis social events in season, including pizza parties, a charity tournament and an annual banquet. You can exercise, have fun and meet new folks at the same time. The cost to join our Tennis Association is just $20 annually.
In 2017 we began play at our new tennis complex, one that rivals any in our area. The Har-Tru court surface is easy on the body and allows a more controlled game that suits both beginners and advanced players. Shaded seating, an ice machine, water fountain and convenient restrooms will keep you refreshed. All four courts are lit for evening play with each court controlled by a separate on/off switch. A bulletin board with tennis announcements is adjacent to the walkway near court one. We also have a tennis ball recycling program. The recycling container is mounted between courts two and three.
We sponsor numerous clinics for novices and those looking to improve specific skills. Our pro leads these sessions and offers private and small group lessons. We also have a ball machine you can use to improve your game.
Countryside Tennis Association supports recreational players as well as those wanting competitive league tennis. We invite you to join us for friendly doubles, tournament play or both! Our members get together in the mornings, starting at 8 am for open play. Women meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Men meet Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Sunday at 9 am we enjoy mixed doubles. We also have two men’s teams that play a 10 week schedule against other clubs in the area. The ladies also arrange matches with other nearby clubs during the season.
We sponsor several tennis social events in season including pizza parties, a charity fundraiser and an annual banquet where we dine and dance. We have a terrific time while raising funds to support a local charity.
Many of our members continue play at Countryside throughout the year. We’d love for you to join us! Have questions or want to learn more about Countryside tennis? Please contact any of your Tennis Association board members. You’ll find us in the directory or at the courts!
Andy Brovey
Sylvia Ruiz-Byrne
Diane Dick
Carolan Clague
Marilyn Power
TENNIS PRO- ELIAS ZAGHRA
Elias Zaghra is a tennis pro originally from Berlin, Germany. He has been a passionate tennis player since early childhood and loves the game of tennis. He has been teaching tennis to all age groups and skill levels for over a decade, and started his own tennis business while working as a tennis pro at the Ritz Carlton Resort in Naples.
Elias won the Berlin championship as a junior. During that time his coach was Guenter Bosch, former coach of Wimbledon Champion Boris Becker. Elias came to Florida to play college tennis and ended his final season with a record of 11-3.
Elias will lead clinics, skills sessions and other fun events on the courts Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Please check the bulletin board for weekly postings of activities beginning in January. You can sign up for all tennis/pro activities at the courts.
You may also schedule private, semi-private and small group sessions with Elias, on your own.
Phone: 239-307-8643 E-mail: [email protected]
TENNIS DRESS CODE
Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes must be worn on clubhouse courts. No other footwear is permitted. Athletic shoes not made for tennis tend to tear up the Har-Tru surface.
Tennis Attire
MEN: Tennis shorts. Collared shirts or tasteful crew-neck shirts made for tennis. Warm-ups when the weather requires.
WOMEN: Tennis shorts, tennis skirts, tennis tops or tennis dresses. Warm-ups when the weather requires.
Tennis attire may be worn in the Lakeview Lounge during lunch only.
Tennis Etiquette
Good tennis etiquette won’t give you a bigger serve or a better backhand, but it will make you a more enjoyable partner and player. Here are eight suggestions.
1. Be mindful of your volume and language. Outbursts and profanity are not good behavior. Keep chatter to a minimum while playing.
2. Announce the score when serving before each new point is played. Keep score of games played on the scoreboard.
3. If you need to cross an occupied court to access yours, cross only between points.
4. Make line calls clearly and promptly. Give your opponent the benefit of the doubt if you’re unsure.
5. While it’s fine to celebrate a good shot, it’s not polite to celebrate when your opponent makes an error.
6. Waiting for an open court or watching others? Be respectful and don't distract the players.
7. Win or lose, when you’re finished take a moment to thank your partner and opponents.
8. Please brush the court when you finish.