Roxie Forrest
Scorching summer weather isn’t enough to keep PebbleCreek players off the tennis courts! With league play, skills and drills and board meetings in hibernation for the summer, our courts are still busy before 7:00 a.m. and all are ready to play before the scorching sun sets above them. Sunglasses – check; hat – check; sunscreen – check; water (and oh, lots of water) – check.
Hot weather can quickly zap away your regular performance levels. Your legs start feeling heavier and each one of your shots is hit with less power. Here are some tips to safely get you through the Arizona red-hot sun and 100+ degree temperatures.
1. Start out slowly and acclimate – Your body should be able to acclimate better.
2. Use ice packs – by putting ice packs against areas where important arteries are located, such as the groin and armpit, you will cool the blood and boost flow to your muscles.
3. Play in breathable clothing – this is an effective way to stay cool. Mesh panels on tops and shorts will let air flow through so you don’t overheat.
4. Cut alcohol and caffeine – both tend to put you at a higher risk of dehydration. Stick to water, drink like a camel and be well-hydrated before you play.
5. Keep your drinks cold – cold drinks are absorbed by the body faster. Always have a cooler full of ice and water when you head to the court.
6. Stay hydrated – the number one rule is to take on as much liquid as you lose through sweat – that’s about 32–85 ounces during one hour of play. Remember to drink at regular intervals whether you feel like it or not.
News around our club! Concrete work around the EN Tennis building along with paving the patio area and the addition of a new sidewalk by the patio has started. Also, a sidewalk and slab area near the TF sports building will be installed between Courts 11 and 12 for the construction of the tennis shed. Men’s drop-in tennis during the summer is now 7:00-8:30 a.m. on Eagle’s Nest courts 1–3.
New to PebbleCreek? The Welcoming Committee is waiting for you! If you are new to PebbleCreek or new or returning to tennis contact our Welcoming Committee – JoAnne Braun at 480-370-7310 or email [email protected] or our club president John Flynn, at [email protected].
Membership is $30 per year ($15 for social membership) and offers monthly socials/tournaments, intercommunity tournaments, 13 lighted courts, ball machine, league play, private and group lessons, skills and drills and fun camaraderie year ‘round! Visit our website at pebblecreektennis.org for upcoming events!