Pro Talk

By Vic Covey
Special to the Coastal Point

Active participation in sports activities ranks high on the list of leisure pursuits for many Americans. Tennis, which is a perennial favorite and your specialty, endures as one of the most popular games being played by both young and old alike. What specific advice can you give to both re-emerging and new players interested in acquiring the skills and physical conditioning necessary to enjoy the game while minimizing potential for injury; also, considering age factors, is tennis a game which seniors should consider playing versus just being spectators?

“Although growth in the game peaked in the ’70s, we have maintained a strong base of dedicated players over the past 30 years or so,” said Hipps. “Tennis actually experiences a waxing and waning of about 5 million players a year, according to statistics derived by manufacturers of racquets and balls.

“What has changed somewhat is the demographic of players. We are seeing an increase in players over age 50, as that group now comprises a larger portion of the population. Players between 25 and 40 remain the most fluid age group, since family and career responsibilities weigh heavily on available leisure time. Interestingly, in tennis, you are a ‘senior’ at age 30. To give you an idea of the universal appeal of playing the game, regardless of age, there are national tournaments for men up to age 90, and women to age 80.”

In that competition, Hipps noted, there is a male player, King VonNonstran, ranked No. 1 in the world at age 70, playing on two artificial knees, and Gene Scott became national outdoor clay court champion at age 60, playing singles despite having two artificial hips.

Sea Colony has about 200 players over 55 years old. Sea Colony sponsors indoor and outdoor winter programs that include some players ages 80 to 85. According to Hipps, this proves that tennis is truly a game for all ages. Also, having a system that rates players in five-year increments enables players to enjoy a suitable “pace of play” with like-kind players.

Playing the game and avoiding injury requires a combination of physical fitness and strong technical skills. However, playing the game well requires both good tactical and technical skills. One may certainly play tennis with only technical skills, but to be a winner you need to understand and execute a good tactical game plan.

Hipps pointed out that 80 percent of points are won or lost on serve and return, but only 20 percent on rally. “Being able to just master the footwork needed to get into any one of the infinite positions to hit the ball looms large in the skills required,” he continued. “Keep in mind that Andy Roddick, a top-ranked professional, can serve at speeds up to 155 mph and good senior amateurs, even at age 55, can serve at 70 to 90 mph.”

Here are Hipps’ recommendations to lessen the chances of injury: “Avoiding injury starts with three training routines: aerobic, strength, and flexibility, followed by lessons in the proper bio-mechanical technique to achieve a sound stroke.”

Your level of fitness, and whether or not you are physically active, determines what should be done in preparation to play the game. Hipps recommends that inactive people, (and, of course, those with identified physical issues) consult with their physician before embarking on a training routine. They should also consider wearing a heart monitor when training.

Conditioning routines should include using a treadmill and stationary bike for about 25 minutes daily, working gradually up to 4.5 mph, if possible. And Hipps considers weight training to be very important.

“I emphasize working the upper body —shoulders and rotators in particular — and don’t forget the legs and abdominal muscles,” he said.

A good stretching routine prior to and post-play must be part of your routine. Maintain muscle warmth in cooler weather to avoid strains and pulls; dress appropriately. Generally, three weeks of training will get you into decent shape to begin playing the game.

Warming up on the court begins at the service lines, not the base lines. Hipps recommends playing “mini-tennis” at the service lines — serve and return, serve and return. When you have warmed up, move to the base lines and hit full strokes.

I questioned Hipps about two of the most common tennis injuries: tennis elbow, and back problems. The answers were revealing.

“Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the tendon portion of the muscles that extend the wrist, and is generally caused by improper stroke technique — especially on the backhand. In our tennis clinics, and personal training lessons, we emphasize adopting the proper grip and stroke technique to avoid this all-too-common injury.”

Sea Colony instructors recommend using an elbow counterforce brace if you begin to develop symptoms.

Addressing the main cause of back injuries, Hipps identified the “kick serve” as a real back-buster.

“Players like to use the ‘kick serve’ because it looks great and develops real velocity, but a pulled back will sideline you for weeks.”

Hipps coaches players to always serve flat or slice. He claims both serves are effective if executed properly.

We concluded by the end of the interview that tennis is a great game for young and old alike. Not unlike other sports, preparation is the key to your being able to play well while avoiding injury. Hipps’ rule is: “Remember, it takes both technical and tactical skills to be a consistent winner, but first do the three training routines: aerobic, strength and flexibility.”

“As always, be a polite and gracious partner,” he concluded.

Note: Sea Colony offers a winter tennis clinic each weekend. The clinic starts on Friday evenings and finishes on Sunday. They provide 10 hours of intense training. To really benefit from the clinic, it is recommended that you come physically prepared. The clinic is open to non-Sea Colony residents. All instruction is to USPTA/PTR standards.

Harry Hipps — at a glance

Harry Hipps attended Mt. St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, and the University of Maryland.

After playing tennis competitively for many years, Hipps dropped out of the game for 17 years. Returning at age 35, he was amazed to find that “muscle memory” was still there, despite the time that had elapsed. Hipps played nationally, was ranked No. 10 for 45-year-olds and reached the semi-finals at the National 50 Grass Courts Championships. Prior to becoming head pro at the Ocean Pines resort, Hipps achieved rating from the Professional Tennis Registry, and has held that rating for 10 years as a Professional. His current position is senior staff pro at Sea Colony resort.

Hipps and his gracious wife, Jean, reside at Cripple Creek Golf Course and Country Club.

Hipps’ favorites:

Racquet — Wilson N-code six-one 95

Balls — Wilson Championship

Club — Marion Cricket Club, Philadelphia, Pa.

Surface — Grass

Harry Hipps may be contacted via e-mail, at prohipps@aol.com.