'Tis March, famous for St. Paddy's Day, so sure 'n' begorrah, we found the "Pot of Gold" at the end of the rainbow at the Outlaw court complex.  Our lovely Pavilion will return AND with it, restrooms.  Plans have been approved by the Board of Directors and in the budget for 2023!  Let's dance a jig!
 
'Tis also time for these famous Irish tennis legends to bring you the luck of the Irish with their best tennis tips:
 
Start with the great Irish-Czech-American volley queen, Martina O'Navratilova. In Tennis magazine, she offers  tips for reliable, winning net play:
1. Posture. "Stay grounded with your bottom solidly under you so no one can push you over."
2. Elbow. "Keep your elbow tucked in after hitting as if to touch your rib cage. You won't flail and you'll stay in balance."
3. Backboard. "Backboards are more helpful for volley practice than a ball machine. Start slow, then work up to speed as consistency improves."
She concludes, "Practice your volley from all over the court, sometimes a bit behind the service line, or a little in front of it or really close. This shot is very much about movement."
 
Do you succumb to nerves when about to close a match? Former Number One Irish-American Tracy O'Austin advises, "In practice, hit extra buckets of service balls. Your serve is your only shot over which you have total control. and the only shot that can win you a point before you have time to get nervous. But since it can break down, practice your first and second serves equally.”
 
Irish-Spaniard Rafael O'Nadal is famous for his mental strength. He explains, "I focus on what I can control, so I remind myself before a tournament, 'I've been practicing the right way.' "  Self-confidence isn't the luck of the Irish, it's a step-by-step process he must constantly repeat.
 
Martina's famous rival, the Irish-Floridian Chrissie O'Evert, concludes, "Be in the moment. Don't get caught looking back (‘oh, why did I miss that shot’) or even ahead (‘I'm down a game, how will I recover’). Focus on the essentials--lots of first serves in, move your feet, value every point."
 
When March's lovely spring sunshine entices you to our gorgeous Outlaw courts, remember these tips for your very own luck of the Irish!
 
Top of the mornin' to ALTA prez Barney O'Adams, recently appointed to Alto Lakes Board of Directors. 'Tis his good fortune, sure an' all, but ALTA's loss, so we're searching under every rainbow for candidates to serve on ALTA's board.   Elaine Wedgeworth will "sub" for Barney until new officers are elected at our annual meeting this summer.  If you're energetic and interested in serving on the ALTA Board or Committees,  please contact any of the current board members by July 15.  Irish eyes will smile upon ya'!
 
Mark your calendars with these four-leaf clover reminders: 
 
Saturday, June 3, 2023. ALTA's celebration of the French Open. Champagne corks pop, petit fours tempt, and an ability-grouped mixer promise fun, the French way.
 
Monday, July 3. Introduce your favorite little leprechaun to your favorite lifetime sport at ALTA's popular First Racquet. Equipment and fun provided.
Our sister organization, Alto Lakes Pickleball Association, does First Paddle on Wednesday, July 5.
Saturday, July 15. Spiff up your crispest tennis whites for ALTA's second Grand Slam event, the ever-popular Wimbledon mixer. English-themed refreshments and fun mixer play rule Alto's tennis empire!
Saturday, September 9. Don't  fuggeddabout it--ALTA's U.S. Open Mixer. Noo Yawk City-themed refreshments and convivial mixer end a summer of Grand Slam tennis fun. 
Saturday December 2. Don your craziest jolly holiday sweater for ALTA's Christmas mixer. 
 
All times TBA; check newsletters or ALTA's web page. 
 
 
Yvonne "EV" Lanelli
Communications Director