Skin & Bones paddle...

Mies van der Rohe, the famous 20th century minimalist architect, is known for his iconic saying: “less is more.” Well, after an ad hoc on court lesson the other day from our esteemed founder Peter Lauer, I am convinced the same rationale applies to paddle tennis. While other sports like “regular” tennis, racquet ball and squash seem to put a premium on court dominance and smashes, it appears that such undisciplined play can actually backfire in paddle. An overhead hit with too much relish can bound out of the court giving the point to your opponents. Too vigorous a forehand drive can harmlessly rebound off the wire giving your opponents an easy chance to keep the ball in play. Too hard a serve can end up in the net or out of the service box and, with the single fault rule, again giving your opponents a cheap point. In short, everything in paddle dictates a slowing down of the game, a chip shot, a brisk volley. Swinging wildly, unlike in the more forgiving racquet sports, only results in a lost point and eventually a lost match. What is the secret? Take your time, let the game come to you and, as Peter reminded me, “don’t make the last losing shot!” Rely more on artifice than sheer power. More on touch than crushing blows. More on teamwork than individual brilliance. Convinced? I was. Although I must admit, this old product of Wilson Kramer racquets and forehands down the line from the 1950’s does occasionally lose himself in the course of a point and go for a winner. If I didn’t, it wouldn’t be as much fun! Mies called his buildings “skin and bones” architecture … this is “skin and bones” paddle! Best regards, Phil Curtis {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252 {\fonttbl} {\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;} }