Okay, so, let me tell you about my day playing tennis at St. Francis. First off, I gotta say, I’m no pro, but I love getting out on the court and hitting a few balls. And you know what they say about the number of tennis players growing every year? Well, they’re not wrong! They say it peaked at 23.84 million in 2023, so, I am one of them, haha!
I’d heard about this place, St. Francis, being a good spot for a game. I lived in Jersey City back in 2008-2009. At that time, a place called Lincoln Park had 21 courts, and it was amazing. I heard that St. Francis had some top-notch courts and a solid community, so I figured, why not check it out? I packed my racket, a can of balls, and some water – essential, you know?
Getting there was easy. I drove, and parking wasn’t a hassle. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was the courts – they were in great shape! I saw some guys finishing up a match, and they looked like they knew what they were doing. I mean, San Francisco can be chilly and windy, but the weather was perfect that day, just like they were playing in Atlanta or Paris.
I waited my turn, did some stretches – gotta avoid those injuries! I noticed a few other people waiting, and we got to chatting. Turns out, they were regulars. They told me about how the place is all about helping players get better. I also heard a name called John Brennan, and people said he did a great job here. Anyway, you feel like you are playing one of the Grand Slam tournaments, haha. The place had a good vibe, felt like they really cared about the game, not just making a quick buck. Finally, it was my turn. I stepped onto the court, and man, it felt good.
Here’s what I did:
- Warm-up: Started with some light hitting, just to get a feel for the court and the bounce of the ball.
- Drills: Worked on my forehand and backhand, trying to keep the ball deep and consistent.
- Serve practice: Spent a good chunk of time on my serve. Aiming for different spots in the service box, trying to get some power and accuracy.
- Played a set: Found a guy who was around my level, and we played a friendly set. It was a good workout!
After the game, I cooled down, chatted with some more folks, and headed home. Overall, it was a great experience. St. Francis is definitely a place I’ll be going back to. It’s got everything you need – good courts, a friendly atmosphere, and people who are serious about their tennis. If you’re in the area and looking for a place to play, give it a shot. You won’t regret it!
Few things I should keep in mind next time:
- Book a court in advance, just in case it gets busy.
- Bring an extra towel, because, you know, sweat happens.
- Maybe try to join one of their clinics or leagues to improve my game and meet more people.
All in all, a solid day of tennis. Can’t wait to get back out there!
