APTA Exhibition jump-starts new Florida facility

On March 30th, the growth of Platform Tennis continued its seemingly inexorable journey south. Thanks to the vision and efforts of Joe Russo, The Villages in Florida decided to install six grade-level courts. The Villages, located 60 miles northwest of Orlando, is a retirement community of almost 80,000 people.

Coming on the heels of APTA-assisted projects in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia, The Villages is a privately- funded project masterminded by Joe Russo. Joe previously had been responsible for the installation of four courts in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Preliminary plans for the addition of twelve more courts are being discussed as the initial project is evaluated.

The Grand Opening at The Villages featured an exhibition and clinic hosted by APTA Board member Juan Pablo Arraya Martinez. Juan heads up the APTA Exhibition tour, having succeeded Todd Ward in May of 2010. Joining Juan were Mark Parsons, Anton Mavrin and Mark Fischl. After an initial demonstration of the game, Juan divided the players up into four courts focused on the following skills: One to learn (1) wire play, (2) volleys, (3) lobs and overheads and (4) serve and return of serve.

After completing the clinic, it was time for the spectators to enjoy an excellent exhibition. As the four players were warming up, the crowd continued to build, growing to approximately 350 people by the time play began. Several spectators were leaning on the wires. Mark Parsons quickly provided an education as to why this was a bad idea by knocking down an elderly woman as he slammed into the side wire for his patented two-handed backhand! There were numerous gasps as Juan began to destroy the myth that you can’t spin the ball on concrete surfaces.

Displaying an amazing array of volleys at the net, Juan had both Marks scrambling for his shots.

After the exhibition was done, open play commenced for all the residents. The four pros circulated through the courts playing points and giving advice. Several locals wanted to know how Mark Parsons was able to hit his backhand. Other asked why Juan was always jumping in front of Anton to volley.

Given the success of the day, one can only imagine how many courts The Villages will have in five years. Can the first tournament in the state of Florida be far away? Kudos to Joe Russo, Joe Bouthillette and the rest of the staff at The Villages for all their hard work organizing this spectacular event.

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 12, Issue 1, September, 2010