Deb Binder, Author at Newburyport Area

Summer IS Special at the Club

By Deb Binder, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Deb brings dozens of years of marketing expertise and thousands of tennis balls hit to her position as Communications Ace for the Newburyport Tennis Club.
Newburyport Tennis Club

Why play indoors in the summer? In New England there is a long-running debate as to whether tennis is an indoor or an outdoor sport. Playing tennis outdoors on a beautiful day is fabulous, no doubt about it. But, there is a lot of tennis to be had indoors, too. Why?

First, there is the rain. You can’t play tennis in the rain so indoors you go. Then there are 90 degree temperatures and blistering sun. Great on the beach, not so much on the tennis court. Add in some humidity, a little sun-stroke and an errant wind-storm and it’s time to think about going indoors. And lastly, many players use the summer to really work on their game. Taking lessons outside can be challenging when there is wind taking your great forehand off course and sun in your eyes totally ruining your serve. Taking lessons inside allows you to really work on your game. So, in the summer, there is some great indoor tennis to be had.

But another reason to go indoors is Newburyport Tennis Club’s Summer Special. From June through August, the Club has special rates monthly or for the 3 months: Adults ($100/month or just $250 for the entire summer), Juniors ($80/month or just $200 for the entire summer) and non-members ($150/month). You can sign up for one, two or all 3 months. To sign up for the Summer Special, contact the Club at 978 462 3121.

Fall Means Tennis!

Racquet Club of Newburyport, Newburyport MA

Fall means tennis! It’s September and summer is officially over for most people. While no one wishes summer to end, there is a silver lining: the new season of tennis now kicks off! Whether you took the summer off from tennis or took the opportunity to work on your game and are ready to show off your new forehand or backhand slice, and whether you like to play in leagues or ‘just for fun’ NOW is the time to buy a new can of balls and hit the court.

The Newburyport Tennis Club has a full schedule of new programs for both Juniors and adults. There are many programs specifically for kids including beginner programs and the Tournament Training Academy (TTA). These TTA clinics are designed for the more serious junior – for the player who needs to be challenged more and is dedicated to becoming a better player. Adult leagues are also in full swing. Between the USTA and North Shore Tennis leagues, there is a team for everyone whether you want to play on a daytime women’s tennis league or a league for men, women and mixed doubles.

If you are new to tennis or want to improve your game, the Club’s coaching staff can help. They have added a new coach to their already strong bench and offer clinics as well as private and semi-private lessons.

Regardless of what type of tennis player you are and what kind of tennis you’d like, there is a coach for you and there is a tennis program for you. If you’d like more information about any of the programs, contact The Racquet Club of Newburyport at 978.462.3121 or email them.

COURTSIDE 2015: It’s April so it must be LAGO BOWL TIME!

Rqcquet Club of Newburyport, Newburyport MA

April is the Club’s favorite time of the year. Or maybe it’s my favorite time of the year at the Club. Either way, it’s a great time of year at the Club!

First, what is the Lago Bowl? The Lago Bowl just the most fun ever tennis tournament. It is the Newburyport Tennis Club week-long, mixed doubles, end of the season Club Tournament. This tournament has been going on for over 22 years and is steeped in history. Players of all ages and abilities square off for the thrill of becoming THE BEST OF THE CLUB.

Here are my top 3 reasons that Lago Bowl rocks (and do note that the order of these reasons changes depending upon how hungry I am):

Competitive tennis to play and exciting tennis to watch
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat
Ice cream. Or rather FREE ice cream. ALL WEEK LONG! And, even better, you don’t have to play to eat it! (Thank you Lago Ice Cream)

The excitement kicks off April 30^th and runs through May 8. It’s fun to watch teams of all types – friends, couples, mothers and sons and fathers and daughters team up and square off. There are multiple divisions of play so that play is competitive even and trust me, this tennis gets GOOD. Here are the key dates to remember: Thursday night, May 7 is the Semi-Finals and the big social event night and Friday night, May 8 is the Championship Finals.

I’d be remiss without a quick plug to Lago’s Ice Cream, a local institution and the reason the Lago Bowl still exists. Mike and Carole Lago were instrumental in supporting the Lago Bowl and have sponsored it for most of its 22 years and they are the reason the tournament still exists. Mike is a testament to tennis – he didn’t start playing tennis until he was 58 when his wife finally convinced him to pick up a racquet. He’s now 84 and counting, plays almost every day and sports a mean serve. And, a portion of the Lago Bowl proceeds is donated to the Spectrum Adult Day Health Program, caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

If you’ve ever wanted to watch tennis, the Lago Bowl is the time to do it. Come on by, grab a spoon and cheer on the players.

See you Courtside!

Join the Club!

Join the Club! Tennis, whether for sport or fitness, involves high levels of strength, power, coordination, speed and endurance. Tired yet? I don’t mean to wear you out with words. Instead I’m giving kudos to all the Newburyporters who perform these difficult tasks simultaneously when playing tennis.

To help set you off on the right foot, the Newburyport Tennis Club offers stellar group and private tennis lessons.

Led by a team of professional coaches, The Club is a family oriented tennis facility with six indoor courts and a variety of services, including tennis lessons, round robins, leagues, social events and NEW junior programs, making this facility hands down the best place to learn, play and enjoy tennis on the North Shore.

The Newburyport Tennis Club also host the Lago Bowl, which raises money for the Spectrum Adult Day Health Program in memory of Carol Lago, a long-time tennis fan and supporter of The Club. Divided into two divisions of 50-60 teams, the tournament runs from April 30 to May 8, ending with a large party featuring great matches, food and spirits.

We highly recommend you join the club! The Newburyport Tennis Club is high on the list of fun things to do in Newburyport all year round! Come tour and meet the tennis pros at Newburyport Tennis Club.