A good volley ready position is essential to executing a good volley at net. Many players think that just having the racquet out in front is enough. To hit a crisp volley it is actually better to think about having your elbows in front of your chest. This “locks” the racquet in front. You also always want to have the racquet tilted up at a forty five degree angle. This will help keep your wrist firm. Now from this position, turn your shoulders, step in and punch the ball. Placement, not power, is the key to a good volley.

Dave Dooley, USPTA

Fraser Dooley & Associates sponsor a team in the 2008 Fort Myers Tennis Pro League. Matches are played on Friday night throughout the winter season. The League features some of the best players in the area playing for thousands in prize money. Matches are hosted by some of the finest country club communities in SW Florida. Crowds of spectators often reach 300. So come out, bring a chair and check out some very entertaining tennis.

The Schedule

October 26 – The Landings CC

November 16 – Palmira CC

November 30 Lexington CC

December 14 – Fiddlesticks CC (Rain)

January 11 – Heritage Palms CC

January 25th – Bonita Bay CC

February 8 – Grandezza CC

February 22nd – Colonial CC

February 29th – Fiddlesticks CC

Standings
Ritzman Court Construction – 23 points
Rival Sports Kitchen – 22 points
Ronto Development – 16.5 points
Fraser/Dooley & Associates – 11.5 points

Jim Fraser and Associates in conjunction with Shadow Wood Country Club hosted the fourth circuit stop of 2007 Florida USPTA Grand Prix on October 19-21. The circuit is for tennis teaching pros from throughout Florida. The tournament offered $4000 in prize money and attracted many competitors who have held national and world rankings. Events were held for both men and women with age groups from open to 55 & over. The event also included a player party and Pro-Am for the tennis pros and Shadow Wood members. Jim battled hard to win the Pro-Am but alas came in second. He does vow to “get em” next year.

Tournament Results
Men’s Open Final
Julian Link, Sarasota defeated Paulo Barros, Orlando 6-1, 6-0

Men’s 35 & Over Final
Mark Palus, Tampa defeated Greg Neuhart, West Palm Beach 3-1, Ret.

Men’s 40 & Over Finals
Bogdan Badiu, Naples defeated Bruce Kurtz, Coconut Creek 4-6, 6-2 (10-7)

Men’s 45 & Over Finals
Greg Wheaton, Boca Raton defeated Thomas Ollestad, Delray Beach 6-4, 6-1

Men’s 50 & Over Finals
Ted McBeth, Vero Beach defeated Bill Marshall, Marco Island 3-2, Ret. Inj.

Men’s 55 & Over Finals
Larry Turville defeated Gewan Maharaj, Tampa 6-3, 6-3

Women’s Open Finals
Carolyn Franca, Tampa defeated Christie Bradley, Sanibel Island 5-3 Ret.

Men’s Open Doubles Finals
Scot Harrington. Fort Myers & Mike Curren, Estero Leading Franco Mata, Naples & Nestor Nunez, Naples 7-6

Men’s 40 & Over Doubles Finals
Not Played

Men’s 50 & Over Doubles Finals
Jim Katterfield, Fort Myers Beach & Frank Swope, Bonita Springs vs. Larry Turville & Gewan Maharaj, Tampa – Not Played

Pro-Am Results
Amateurs listed first

Jutta Fraser, Shadow Wood CC & Jared Kalpin, Bonita Bay CC
Ed Smoragiewicz, Shadow Wood CC & Jared Florian, Estero
Rich Vath, Shadow Wood CC & Larry Gagnon, Legends CC
Ron Bunting, Shadow Wood CC & Len Simard, Isleworth CC

The PGA Tour ACE Group Classic comes to Quail West in Naples, Florida February 15-17, 2008. Last year the tournament drew records crowds and this year promises similar attendance. Volunteer packages are available. For more information on Quail West, the host of the ACE Classic, see our Quail West community page.

The 2008 Terra Cotta Invitational will be held April 18-20, 2008 a the Naples National Golf Club. The 13th annual event will be a 54-hole stroke play tournament with 18 holes per day.

For more information about Naples National Golf Club, see our community page at http://www.fraserdooleyandassociates.com/communities/NaplesNational.htm.