We’ll get to the improbable story of Birds Barbershop in Austin, Texas, in a moment, y’all (as its website says). But first, we’ll tell y’all about Erin Portman’s pandemic bicycle accident because, after all, Erin is the tennis player we’re spotlighting and the accident has everything to do with her spiraling tennis game…

We all love to play competitive tennis, and while doing so, the display of gratitude and sportsmanship is an invaluable component that goes beyond merely winning or losing. Whether you find yourself on the victorious side or experience the sting of defeat, showing thankfulness in a tennis match will enhance not only your own experience, but also that of your opponent.

Location: Capdepera, Mallorca, Spain

Dates: October 8-12, 2023

What does the Section do to promote adult tennis in general? How does the Section promote adult age-based tournaments—both in the Section and Nationally?

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and this article is intended to increase your awareness of the health risks posed by Diabetes Mellitus, aka diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (or blood sugar)…

Jimmy Parker, as a senior competitor, has won an astounding 160 USTA National Championships, a men’s all-time record, and has achieved the No.1 national ranking in every age group from 35 to 80. But what’s also astounding – and gratifying – is Jimmy’s commitment to the NWTO during its existence as well as to the National Senior Men’s Tennis Association, known as NSMTA...

In 2022-2023, a Task Force of the Board of the NWTO completed a 10-question survey of 16 of the 17 Sections of the USTA (all but the Caribbean). The newsletter will be publishing the results of the survey, one question at a time…

Playing on the 5 indoor courts made the event intimate and friendly, with players of all ages meeting new friends and catching up with others. The 70 and 80’s divisions were well attended and played traditional draws, while the younger ones played a round robin format. All play was 2 out of 3 sets, regular scoring, even in the consolation matches…

Red yeast rice (RYR), also called Went yeast or red koji, has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of years in East Asian countries. Research studies have reported numerous health benefits of RYR...

Kirk Anderson, co-author of 14 books on coaching and teaching tennis, says “This is the book I’ve always wanted to write.” This slim volume does not discuss technique like most tennis books, but emphasizes knowing who you are on the tennis court, maximizing your strengths and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses…

If you want to play like a champion, you have to practice like a champion. The very best players in Senior Adult tennis work on their mental fitness during their training sessions. The good news is that the techniques they use can be easily replicated by any recreational player who sets their mind to it…

Since going over to London this summer for another tennis event and only being able to practice on grass (I got injured and couldn’t play the matches), I’ve been set on making it to the Grass Court Championships at the Mission Hills Country Club. I was supposed to make it last year but ended up having to cancel. And, I am so glad I made it! …

Beneath the surface of the physical game, which we can watch on television, there lies a complex of currents invisible to the eye. Every shot that is struck by the players we’re watching is the culmination of a process that involves a veritable plethora of factors…

In 2022-2023, a Task Force of the Board of the NWTO completed a 10-question survey of 16 of the 17 Sections of the USTA (all but the Caribbean). The newsletter will be publishing the results of the survey, one question at a time…

The mission of the NWTO is to promote women’s age-level tennis, wellness and sportsmanship at the local, sectional, national and international level. In order to fulfill this goal, we need more support from the USTA…

The 2023 ITF World Team Championships for the 55 and 60 age groups took place August 13 to 18 in Oeiras and Estoril, Portugal (just west of Lisbon). Overall, over 350 male and female players competed, with competitions spread out over three red clay venues…

Walking to the court, she asked the pro, “OK, how long will it be before I can get a ranking?” His answer: “You’re nothing but a housewife. Where do you think you’re gonna go with this?” Peggy tucked away that little nugget, something to reflect on as she played in highly competitive tournaments and obtained high rankings.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a diet method of energy deprivation that alternates periods of eating and fasting. IF has been practiced since ancient times in many cultures, especially in many religions. Research has shown that IF can be a way to manage weight and improve some metabolic parameters, e.g., blood sugar, blood cholesterol, waist circumference, and blood pressure…

Carlotta Lord Brown (January 15, 1951 - August 23, 2023)

Efficient footwork is a critical part of tennis at every level. Similar to working on groundstrokes and volleys, it’s a skill that you must practice and develop…