The ‘C’ s entertained the’E’ s ( ‘E’ for eclipsed) on Wednesday 7th Nov. and regaled them with first class refreshments and chocolates. That was were the hospitality ended however as they ran out comprehensive winners by 9 sets to 1.

Some good games and rallies ensued and Norah chalked up a praiseworthy but solitary win for the ‘E’ team. Ken enjoyed a close set against Tom Taylor and he & Charles made Toms Taylor & Banton work hard for their 3 games to 1 victory in the doubles.

Dennis Walton made his debut and Sue Nutting who was elevated to the ‘C’ team celebrated the occasion by with a victory in the 4 v 4 singles event.

The most basic stroke, and the most frequently used one, is the push. Whether your best winning shot is a vicious forehand smash or a super-spin loop or a swerving spin serve that hits the edge, you still need a bread-and-butter shot in your armoury. For most people, this should be the solid foundation of your game because without a dependable push shot, you’ll never get enough chances to hit your special winner anyway!

The push isn’t just for getting the ball back over the net - though that’s no bad thing in itself. It is also the basis of the heavy chop return, and, if used with subtle variations, is a useful way to create an opening for a winning attack.

Greg Letts has written an article about the merits of Pushing Long versus Pushing Short and it is well worth a read

Alan