Playing with the big girls

First match in the 4.5 tennis league. Playing with the big girls. I love the challenge. I love the pace. I love to hit the ball hard. Alli and I had great time today. She is a leftie and when I return serve from the deuce site, deep in the court, more times than not, I set her up for a put-a-way shot. Its makes my day, every time that happens.

We have the normal chatter "Come on, we can do it" and "this one's ours". I love it when I look at her and say "be the ball, Alli, be the ball" Today, to help the mojo, I was blowing kisses on the tennis balls, stroking my racquet as if it was a puppy dog. I will do anything to make the shot better. If I could just move my feet a little more, then it would take care of alot of my mistakes.

Alli came back from a wonderful tennis camp run by gorgeous guys. I saw the pictures. They were gorgeous. At one point, when she was struggling with her serve, she said something about all the money she spent from the pro improving her serve. I walked up to her slowly and said "Forget the pro, think about the gorgeous guy from New Zealand." I believe in visualizing. This prompt from me definitely relax her and she got most of her serves in after that.

I have realized playing tennis, that when I start to "try and get the ball in" while serving, usually ends in a double fault. Changing the rhythm in a panic helps noone, and doesn't put points on the board.

Tomorrow I play again, not with Alli but Carla. I will resort to kissing tennis balls if I need to.