Ann's Choice	UPDATED: Monday, February 11, 2008
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Sharing a little 'luv' this Valentine's Day

Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Individual fitness goals are undoubtedly personal. It all starts with making the choice to get off the couch and into the gym. For those who prefer the outdoors, tennis is a wonderful option for those looking not only to improve their backswing, but their physical fitness as well.

Eager to start the day swinging, members of the Greenspring tennis club serve up some “luv” for themselves and their companions each week at some of the best courts in Fairfax County, Va.

Humble beginnings
“About four years ago, Hank Morin and I started playing with another couple,” says tennis club founder Shirley Shifflett. “We were soon joined by others, and that’s how our tennis club was born.”

When the winter weather subsides, members get together and play every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. “Our time is usually flexible, based on the weather,” says Shifflett.

“We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. on hot summer days and later, up to 9:00 a.m., when the weather is more moderate. I always call interested players to let them know when we are getting together.”

Get out and get moving
Members of the tennis club travel to nearby Hooes Road Park, a Fairfax County park located minutes from the Greenspring campus. “The park is wonderful,” says Shifflett. “There are four courts, each with new nets, and we have never had a problem getting a court. It’s very easy to get to the park from Greenspring, so it is a wonderful option for tennis lovers.”

During the colder winter months, many members of the Greenspring tennis club play pickleball, a game similar to tennis played on a smaller indoor court using a wiffle ball and paddles.

“The best part about our tennis club is the ability to go and play outdoors,” says Shifflett. “We look forward to it after a winter spent indoors. The park is so pretty, and it’s great to get the fresh air. We see geese many times at the park, and the trees are really beautiful.”

Tennis luv

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Welcoming players of all levels
Because of the group’s informal nature and welcoming spirit, any member of the Greenspring community may join in on the fun. “We welcome people who play at any level,” says Shifflett. “Please don’t be afraid to come out. I think it’s fun to play with people at different skill levels, and we have a variety of different games we play to accommodate everyone.”

“The play is very casual,” agrees club member and tennis lover Marguerite Church. “Sometimes 4 players show up; other times it’s as many as 12. We rotate around and make adjustments on the spot.”

Depending on how many people play each day, members will play either doubles, mixed doubles, or other new takes on the game. “If we have five players show up, then we play a version of the game where the fifth player—the server— rotates out,” says Shifflett.

“It’s important to us that everyone is given an opportunity to play. We also play a game called ‘ghost,’ which I hadn’t heard of until I started playing with this group. The game is two players against one server. The server can hit the ball anywhere, while the [other] players have to hit back into the quadrant where the server served from. That keeps the server from running all over the court.”

Commitment to physical well-being
Greenspring’s tennis club is one of many ways members of the community stay healthy and fit. “We have an extremely active population committed to maintaining or improving their level of fitness,” says Wellness Manager Brad Hibbs.

“Greenspring really does a great job of encouraging physical activity,” says Shifflett. “There are so many different opportunities, either to go to the gym, swim, or walk. There is an excellent walking path near the creek, a [putting green], and driving range. For me, tennis is a great way to get out and have fun. The people who play are a nice group. I always look forward to playing.”