By: Kathryne Davis
Conner Thompson is opening the gate of the tennis courts. Thompson was there to get some extra practice in before he begins hosting tennis lessons to a few middle school aged kids at the end of July.
The rules for the tennis courts at the Screven County Recreation Department are hanging on the fence. These courts were built four years ago.
Thompson is doing some arm stretches. In high school, he played tennis and baseball, but now in college he helps kids from Screven with both sports.
Thompson is doing leg stretches. In the past, he only played second singles during matches, but he always loved practices where he got try doubles.
Thompson is hitting the tennis balls to the back of the court. "I always start out hitting at the baseline and then I'll move closer to the net and practice at the service line," says Thompson.
Thompson is boucing the ball up and down to warm up his grip on the racket before starting. Players will usually bounce the ball a few times before setting up a to serve.
Thompson is tossing the ball up for a serve. If a toss is not where the player wants it, then they can catch it and try again with no penalty, as long as they do not drop it on the ground.
Thompson hits his serve and makes the ball fly to the other side of the court. When serving, the player gets a first and second serve, but if neither goes in, that is called a double fault.
Thompson is watching the ball and in the process of hitting it. The swing he is doing is called a forehand, which only uses your dominate hand.
Thompson hits his forehand to the opposing side. Players always aim for the side of the court diagonal to them to make their opponent run and get tired out.
A few of the tennis ball are sitting at the net. These balls were the ones that Thompson failed to get over the net.
Thompson is practicing more of his serves. Players start out being taught to serve in two motions, but as you get more experienced it becomes one fluid motion.
Thompson hits his serve diagonally. During a serve, the player must stay behind the white base line or they will receive a foot fault.
Thompson is taking a water break to cool down. Usually, he likes to practice just before the evening because the courts become packed with pickleball players when it gets dark.
Both of Thompson's rackets are propped up against the net. The orange racket is his main, while the white racket is a backup in case any strings pop while he is playing.
Thompson is stepping up to the net with a ball. At the net is where players will volley the ball with powerful swings.
Thompson is hitting a forehand volley. The three main types of volleys are forehand, backhand and overhead.
Thompson is picking up the balls that he hit into the net. "Picking up the balls at the end of a practice has always been my least favorite part," says Thompson.
Thompson is walking to get a ball he hit over the fence. When a ball is hit outside of the lines or the court, then the opposing player can yell "out" or hold up one finger.
Thompson has grabbed his stuff and is walking out of the gate. His practice took just under 45 minutes.
