In This Issue:

La Costa Trip - May 29-31 Block Party Friday Night Socials - May 21 and June 18 Mountaingate Recap Welcome New Members Members Page Member-Guest Mixed Doubles - June 13

Mixed Doubles Round Robin SCTA honors SMTC USTA Team Report - Men's Team USTA Team Report - Women's Team SMTC defeats Marina City Club The Loop - by Lou Bock Club Financial Report - 2009

La Costa Trip: What are you waiting for?

Our room block is almost full - sign up soon or you'll miss out on all the fun!

Enjoy your play at this premier tennis resort destination on 17 courts, with clay and hard court surfaces. Relax beneath the glow of warm Southern California sunshine in the spa courtyard. Steal a moment of quiet solitude curled up on a hammock in a garden alcove.

Nestled among 400 lush garden acres near the beach in Carlsbad, CA - but miles away from the pressures of the world - this delightful coastal California hotel is a haven of rejuvenation, comfort and escape where you can do it all or, if preferred, nothing at all.

For more information, please contact our trip director Elsa Atayan at elsaatayan@gmail.com.

Click here for the entry form.

NEW: At this time, a pending interclub with a San Diego group is being finalized.






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BLOCK PARTY - May 16 - FREE TO EVERYONE

The Fourth Annual event is almost upon us - it is sponsored by the city of Santa Monica Community Recreation Department and Santa Monica Tennis Club is the host. Quite a few of you remember this event from previous years, however we have almost fifty new members (or more) since the last Block Party. We furnish the water, set up the booths, arrange for the events, such as demonstrations by Prince, Head/Penn and Wilson; there is Cardio tennis demonstrations, usually a doubles clinic, fastest serve (men, women and youth); special doubles events, etc. The USTA has a booth and people receive a T-shirt by registering. We are also combining the Youth Rally night with this event.

We need volunteers to help man the Membership Booth where people sign up, blow up balloons, put up banners, give directions, pass out water

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FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIALS

Next dates: May 21 and June 18

Attention all you Friday night socialites.

Congratulations!!!!...and please stay off the blacklist!

We definitely had some superstars with their game on Friday night. For the ladies a big applause goes out to my lovely wife, Carrel Hoffman who got first place with a score of 29 wins. Sandy Zhong came in a close second with 28 wins, and Lynsea Arnold came in 3rd at 28 wins. For the men, with a score of 34, Jim Castagnola won it again! (Who is that man's coach?), Andy Hasan got a respectable 27, and Paul Suchecki came in a close 3rd with 26 points. Not too shabby. Well done to everybody who participated. We all had a lot of fun despite a few mishaps at the start.

I want to thank Carol Reston for saving the day. She jumped in at a moment's notice to balance things out and cover our no-show. Carol, we all appreciate your quick response. You are almost as quick getting there as you are at the net.

These Friday night social events are becoming more popular, especially as the weather is warming up. Unfortunately, I had to turn some people away due to the fact they had sent their checks in too late. For these events it is very important to get your checks in early to insure your spot. It is on a 1st receive, 1st in basis. Received checks will always take priority over promises. Unfortunately, we only have 24 openings: 12 for the men and 12 for the ladies. Please post-date your calendars for the very next two Friday night socials on Friday May 21st, and Friday June 18th, so you will have a heads up.

Also very important: If you register please show up, because 23 other people are counting on it in order for it to work for everybody. One bad apple ruins the whole bunch, which almost happened Friday night. If a real emergency happens, please call us immediately prior to the event and let us know. We strongly suggest, in this event, to provide us with a paying replacement. If you can, the club will refund your check. If you cannot, in most cases, your check will be non-refundable.

Lastly, avoid the blacklist, unless you like the fringe benefits, like: Your renewal application getting lost in the mail or the club conveniently forgetting to invite you to club activities or other club members all of a sudden forgetting your name and not recognizing you…… The only way to get on the infamous Friday night blacklist (which is kept in a secret vault) is to register and lead the club on….. that you are going to join us, and then ditch us at the last minute without a phone call, letter, E-mail, Telegram, appearance by uncle Louie, not even a simple, 'Deal with it, Sa la vie'….. and let us languish in doom with 23 miserable tennis addicts at each other's throats, because they can't play without interruption, the very game they live for….. All because of you……You will never live down that wrath. Your name will go on this secret blacklist and from that point on, it may be very hard to redeem yourself amongst the Friday night socialites.…… So let's not go there.

In all seriousness, let's continue respecting our fellow members and most of all, let's always remember…. we are all there to have fun!

Thanks sincerely,
Joel Hoffman

Click here for the entry forms.

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MOUNTAIN GATE INTERCLUB RECAP

On March 28th, we marched "up the hill" for the fourth annual interclub at their venue. This is the largest interclub event that we have - 24 players were needed. The weather was perfect so were our teams! The following people competed against very strong competitors:

In the upper divisions, Chris Costache/Mike Schmidt; Nora Whitt (new member recruited by Phoebe Neil)Phoebe Neil; Harry Weiss/Jim Castagnola; Ron Elmer/Keiji Okita; Katherine Spetner/Gillian Cook; Linda Chan/Carol Katz; and in the lower division: Michael Pulford/Eric Rabinowitz; David King/Chuck Crump; Sandy Zong/Amanda Cunningham; Dina Crump/Diane Brooks; Ian Point/Bruce Schelden; Patti Kingston/Marguerite Jorgensen.

While the tennis was very competitive, something strange happened - the total scores were 191 to 154 - in favor of Santa Monica Tennis Club!!! Kris Jordan, Mountain Gate's Activity Director totaled the scores, so it was very accurate.

We were also served a delicious lunch to make the day complete - and we are invited back for next year, so practice up!

- Marguerite for Ron Elmer

SAVE THE DATE: Malibu Interclub is in August and Warner Center Club will be in September or October (both of these are at their facilities).

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Welcome New Members (Since 1/1/10)

• Dandamudi, Raj   M   4.5;    310 -383-2660
• Hart, Kristine   F   3.0;    310- 430-0118
• Holliman, Tyrone   M   3.5    818-481-7870
• Ikeda, Yoko   F   3.0   310-365-5677
• Lane, Brandon   M   4.0    310-525-6790
• Latsko, Jamie   F   4.0   818-823-8983
• Visosky, Kate   F   3.5   310-975-9136
• Waldstein, Ari   M   3.5   818-486-2846
• Whitt, Nora   F   4.5   323-823-1833
• Zapiec, Sydney   F   3.5   714-925-5856

This makes 17 new members since 1/1/2010

New phone #: Chan, Linda - 323-304-1100

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MEMBERS PAGE

Sometimes time just speeds away, so I was remiss in not mentioning that Gwendolyn Coleman was away from tennis for three months due to a broken wrist - she had a plate put in, along with screws, etc. Anyway, she is back almost strong as ever!

Kathy Reilly is still among the missing tennis players due to injuries, along with Gisel Nachtigal, Mara Zaslove and Claudia Tossolini. Heal fast so you can return to play with us. (Correction: Kathy Reilly will reappear at La Costa - yeh!)

By the way, it would be a matter of courtesy if you would bring tennis balls when you come to play at Sunday's open play…instead of the usual refrain "I don't have anything but a couple of practice balls." They really are not a high expense item!

Linda Chan has officially retired from the Senior Citizen's agency, so she will be available for more tennis. Her new cell phone is listed under the new members' listing.

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MEMBER/GUEST MIXED DOUBLES TOURNAMENT - JUNE 13TH

One of the most popular tournaments in previous years was not held last year due to lack of entries. You get to play with your own partner every match...you can play with a club member...or you can bring your guest and play with them. We will try to have two divisions - 3.5 and 4.0.

Trophies will be awarded in each division. The price is $40 per team or $20 each. Bill Nissley is the Tournament Director, so please send in your entries to Santa Monica Tennis Club, c/o Bill Nissley, 1122 Chelsea Avenue, Santa Monica, 90403.

Click here for the entry form.

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2010 MIXED DOUBLES ROUND ROBIN

May 1 - September 1

General Rules

1. Each team will contact every other team to arrange a time and place to play their match.
2. Each team will bring a new can of balls, spin a racquet, and the winner will open their can of balls and chooses to serve or receive first.
3. Play the best 2 out of 3 sets with regular scoring.
4. Warm-up is limited to 15 minutes.
5. Any team member late more than 15 minutes constitutes a default. Please use discretion.
6. Each team should record their match record immediately upon completion of the match and keep track of their scores.
7. Final match scores are due by September 7th. Email to jim90291@yahoo.com.
8. Top 4 teams in each division will be eligible for playoffs. Trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams. You will need to play 8 total matches to be eligible for playoffs.
9. Should your partner become ill, incapacitated, or abducted by aliens, contact the Tournament Director who will attempt to find a suitable replacement for you.
10. The Round Robin affords the opportunity to play with new members in the spirit of friendship and good sportsmanship in the traditions of the Santa Monica Tennis Club. Good luck in your matches.

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: JIM CASTAGNOLA (310) 827-6734
EMAIL: jim90291@yahoo.com

Jim needs a couple of more teams, so if you are interested, please contact as soon as possible. A list of the teams entered will be sent out, along with phone numbers and email addresses.

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SCTA HONORS SMTC AGAIN

Melainie Bischoff and the SCTA has again granted Santa Monica Tennis Club two grants, one for use for the Block Party promotion in the amount of $250 and the other one for $1,000 for the purpose of another clinic and upgrading our web page. We feel highly honored to receive this $1,000 for the third year as there are a number of clubs competing for this grant.

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USTA Men's Team Report

Report on the Men's Santa Monica Tennis Club section of the USTA League 3.5 for spring season, 2010, Captain David King leads the way, fielding 14 SMTC club members competing in a field against five other West Los Angeles teams.

So far, we've had two matches with area teams, both of which we've won.... Both matches have been nail-biters...

Our first match with Mountain Gate came down to a three-setter in the doubles arena, after Kyle Shapero and (new SMTC member) Richard Flisher easily took out their top singles players. Credit is due to Hal Holzman and Hua Li (also a new member), for holding their own against an impatient and petulant opponent.

Last week we took on the Hollywood team and once again were victorious, this time credit Charles Crump and Joel Hoffman. Kyle Shapero also shined.

- David King, Captain

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Women's USTA 3.5 Team Hold Their Own

Captain Jane DuBovy with Lynsea Arnold decided early on to "GO FOR THE WIN"!

Seeing that SMTC players mainly play mixed doubles at Sunday's "Open Play", determining what players should team together is no easy task. And, working with 16 team members schedule makes it all the harder!

A ton of time went into Captains organizing and conducting team "Try-outs" with Sirsa, USPTA Teaching Pro, before the season started. Partners attend team practices and weekly work-outs, often times drilling with Sirsa as well. ONE WIN & TWO LOSSES so far with 5 out of 8 matches yet to play.

Let's go team!

SMTC Women's 3.5 competitors include: Jane DuBovy, Captain; Lynsea Arnold, Co-Captain Team members: Alex Lawson; Sydney Zapiec; Elsa Ayatan; Nancy Greep; Carol Reston; Susan Walker; Amanda Cunningham; Joanie Rippner; Carrie Gold; Sue Moore; Diane Brooks (and last but certainly not least)Marguerite Jorgensen

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SMTC Defeats Marina City Club

The Marina City Club, under the direction of Head Teaching Pro, Rick Grant, is asking; "Ok, you win this time (3 wins & 1 loss) but when's the re-match?" Well, you're on! Especially since all players from the Marina City Club could not have been more pleasant, more fun and great hosts, too. The best part for many was looking forward to the wonderful food and live entertainment served afterwards in their lovely dining room.

We definitely look forward to returning the invitation to host a re-match at SMTC in the near future.

Playing for the SMTC were: Mike Schmidt and Cassie Fisbeck; Harry Weiss and Sydney Zapiec; Jim Castagnola and Carol Reston; Michael Pulford and Diane Brooks

- Diane Brooks

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The Loop

In May 2009 members page my article on the forehand emphasized the reason for the “loop”...

The one handed backhand also has a candy cane loop that starts slowly before the bounce. The hand moves across the front of the body on the backswing. Moving your hand behind your hip and around your body will not add power but will create a circular stroke towards the ball.

If you were hitting down the line, your shoulders should face the fence completely through the shot. Head down to the spot where you struck the ball because if you look up too soon your right shoulder will open up.

Under spin (continental grip) is necessary if you re not in perfect balance. Most players hit near the bottom of the ball, which will create a lot of spin but is not near as effective as aiming for the middle of the ball. The angle of the racquet will provide the under spin and striking the middle of the ball will add more power and direction.

Starting the swing before the bounce will enable you to include a forward body movement through your hips and knees; the front foot is planted as you transfer your weight. The forward movement of the body takes up about 12 inches of space so you have to begin the swing early ---slowly at the top of the loop before the bounce.

Topspin: Drive through 4 balls on a straight line with eastern backhand grip.—aim just below the middle of the ball--fist keeps moving towards the target—remember to face the fence and aim with a 2 by 4 across your shoulders to the target--finish high.

Underspin: Same candy cane loop pulled back with left hand—come down on line with the middle of the ball and the secret word is PARALLEL. Hit a dozen balls on one straight line ending shoulder high or slightly above.

Other Problems:

• Right foot steps towards the fence and across left foot disallowing body movement to aim cross court.
• A low backswing which is ineffective on a high bouncing ball.
• Not enough extra steps in the middle of the swing to get behind the ball and aim a tough shot.
• Weight distributed on the right foot too soon caused by stepping with that right foot towards the bounce to reach the ball before the swing. Extra steps needed to push your weight back over your left foot as you swing then transferring weight to the front foot.

Good Hitting!

- Lou Bock

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Club Financial Report - 2009

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