Steelwood

SPOTLIGHT: STEELWOOD TENNIS

Randy Speas, a new member, brings his tennis

coaching and clinic experience from the

University of Alabama, the University of South

Alabama, Heron Lakes and Mobile Country Club

to the courts at Steelwood

WHAT TYPE OF COURTS DOES STEELWOOD HAVE?

The Hydro Courts are soft surfaced and have sub-surface

irrigation that pull and displace water. They are gentle on the

joints and reduce downtime after rain. There are lights on the

courts for evening play.

FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING TENNIS?

I've been playing tennis for more than 40 years.

FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?

I started teaching 30 years ago at the University of Alabama.

Since then I have taught at the University of South Alabama,

the Country Club of Mobile and Heron Lakes Country Club. I

coached a State Championship team at UMS/Wright.

DO YOU HAVE A PHILOSOPHY OF TENNIS?

My philosophy on tennis is that tennis can be enjoyed by

anyone who can hold a racquet and is a game for the ages.

HOW DO YOU TAILOR INSTRUCTION TO YOUR STUDENTS' NEEDS?

I try and determine a player's ability by recognizing their

strengths and weaknesses. Using that strategy to enhance the

players own strength and exploiting their opponent's

weaknesses to their advantage will lead to winning more points

and games.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE MYTHS ABOUT PLAYING TENNIS?

There are not a lot of myths in tennis. There have been very few

changes in hundreds of year of tennis. You do not have to wear

all white anymore and both feet can leave the ground during a

serve - a feat easier said than done. I would encourage

everyone to find out if they are a baseliner, a volleyer or an all

court player and hone their skills accordingly.

CAN YOU SHARE A TIP?

The secret to power tennis is in the "toe". Curious?