Keeping Grounded with Simple Pleasures: Tennis Challenges!

We've been staying home in California for some time now. I do not see it as a bad thing, since we are doing our part to flatten the curve and stay safe during this difficult time. It gives the Earth a chance to reset and us as people to take a look around and see what's important to us, namely our health and well-being, as well as family and friends.

Staying active physically is a daily goal for me, but not because I have to force myself to be active, but because I'm not able to play the games I love to play: tennis and pickleball. Since I can't do those, walking fills up a good amount of my time. Lucky for me, I live in a beautiful spot in Mill Valley, CA. I've averaged 13,000 steps a day in April so far.

Here is a screen shot of my average walking distances last week: 14,894 steps a day! My iPhone health app keeps track for me and I love checking it, especially after a long walk!

As a tennis player (and teaching professional) how excited was I to see the videos that the great Roger Federer uploaded on social media? First he demonstrated some trick shots from his home in Switzerland. Notice that he has his own backboard, and that it's snowing!

Roger Federer's Trick Shots While in Quarantine

Next Roger, looking oh so cool in his white fedora hat and sweats, showed the tennis community how he practices volleys against the same wall.

Roger Federer Volley vs Wall Practice

Lots of tennis people took note and tried it themselves.

Here is my own video of the Federer Wall Volley Practice! My shot making is much slower and the video cuts off my head, but I completed the task while wearing my favorite face covering, my Ellessee scarf!

Now watch Novak Djokovic on Federer's Challenge. Djokovic is not known for his volleys, but does complete it with some humor!

Many others go in on the action including Serena Williams! She's even using a racket that Roger gave to her!

And then things really took off! Tennis great Andy Murray and his wife challenged the tennis world to 100 Volley Partner Challenge (a volley is a ball that doesn't bounce on the ground), and videos were posted all over the internet and social media.

Next up: Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena take the challenge!

Not to be outdone, my partner Kim and I needed three attempts to complete it and yes we did! Here they are: Attempt One, Attempt Two and at last, successful Attempt Three!

Whew! All this tennis is wearing me out! I better go take a nap! Also a shout out to my Wilson tennis rackets! Time for some new frames and strings!

Thanks for watching!