Club News and Activities

ON THE COURTS AT THE CLUB AT GATEWAY…

  • April 2025
  • By Gateway Lifestyle

How to play tennis or pickleball better is always the goal after you decide you like it enough to take that walk down learning & deepening your knowledge in the game. Starting down that road to play tennis (and/or pickleball) can be both thrilling and overwhelming.

You’re investing time and effort, watched countless YouTube videos, but find yourself lost in the sea of tips and tricks that promise instant improvement. Despite the misleading “for beginners” labels, that road down the YouTube rabbit hole can leave you frustrated and questioning your progress.

The coaches online seem to effortlessly execute powerful or tricky shots, while you struggle to keep the ball from hitting the frame or finding the bottom of the net. It’s time to turn the tables and transform your game.

Amidst the chaos of online tutorials, there’s a beacon of hope – tennis (or pickkeball) classes at Gateway.

My number #1 tip for beginners is to invest in structured classes. These classes aren’t just about hitting a lot of tennis or pickleballs. They provide you with the attention to detail your unique game deserves. In my four decades and vast experience of guiding adults to a become better players, I consistently see the transformation that occurs when adults commit to a structured learning environment. You’ll get feedback in a class you wouldn’t get learning on your own. Mainly because you don’t know what you look like. And that’s where a certified coach comes in. They know what to look for and correct efficiently.

Simple Tips For Overwhelming Moments 

Again, amidst the chaos of online tutorials, there’s a beacon of hope – tennis (and pickleball) classes at Gateway.

These classes become your anchor, offering simple tennis tips for beginners. When the game starts to overwhelm and paralyze, these classes with a certified professional help serve as a reminder of the basics. You’ll realize that in order to play better, it’s not all about mastering flashy tricks but understanding basic fundamentals. From proper grips to footwork, structured classes break down the complexities into manageable, actionable steps.

One thing that you will get familiar with in a fun class environment, is the layout of the court.

Understanding the intricate geography of the tennis and pickleball court is akin to navigating the landscape of life itself. It unveils a realm of strategic possibilities, transforming your on-court experience. Understanding and delving into the nuances of tennis (and pickleball) court lines not only enhances you understanding the drills you’ll begin doing in this structured on-court environment but also sharpens your discernment of high- and low-percentage shots. Mastering the fundamentals starts with a thorough grasp of the court’s layout, an essential step for any adult player seeking to elevate their game.

Pro Tip: 

Elite Gateway Racquets Director, Travis Raque, has over thirty years of tennis and pickleball experience and can help teach you the fundamentals or take your game to the next level. So, keep an eye out for beginner pickleball and tennis classes coming to the The Club at Gateway courts near you. Please call the Tennis and Pickleball pro shop at (239) 561-1422 today to schedule a lesson, learn how to join a fun tennis or pickleball league, or get enrolled in some fun tennis or pickleball classes, for all level and all ages. Lastly, if you are not a Gateway member, please reach out to me so I can let you in on the amazing membership opportunities going on today at the The Club at Gateway. See you at the Courts!