Free tennis lessons for veterans and first responders

(Nov. 16, 2020) Ocean Pines Racquet Sports will give back to local veterans and first responders with a pair of free clinics, this weekend.  

Greg Gunther, the junior development specialist for Ocean Pines tennis, will lead a free “Doubles Centric” clinic for Worcester County first responders, this Saturday, Nov. 21 beginning at 1 p.m. There is no need to register, but the clinic is open to first responders only.  

Additionally, Ocean Pines Tennis Pro Terry Underkoffler will host a free tennis instruction program for local veterans, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. To take part, RSVP by Friday morning by emailing Underkoffler at [email protected].  

First responders, of course, have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic for the better part of a year now. Underkoffler said racquet sports staff have been discussing ways to show their gratitude.  

“This is really our way of saying thanks for everything that’s been going on,” he said.  

Along with the programs on Saturday, Underkoffler said both individual and group lessons are available throughout the season, for children and adults, weather permitting. Additionally, video analysis is available to help local players improve their game. 

Underkoffler and Gunther each lead instructional programs for tennis players, and Linda Horst offers pickleball instruction. Platform tennis members host free introductory lessons every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.  

The racquet center also offers a “stroke of the day” clinic every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., free for racquet sports members. 

Underkoffler said the renewed focus on instructional classes for all ages and skill levels has helped to increase play at the racquet center, for all three sports.  

“We’ve been doing about six-to-eight lessons a week, so we’ve been maintaining our schedule, which is nice,” Underkoffler said. “As long as the weather is good, we’re going to continue to do it.” 

The Ocean Pines Racquet Center, on 11443 Manklin Creek Road, is the only facility on the Eastern Shore to offer tennis, platform tennis and pickleball in one location. The complex includes eight HAR-TRU (clay) tennis courts, eight permanent pickleball courts, six platform tennis courts, and two hard-surface tennis courts. 

For more information, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/racquet-sports. 

For more information on classes, call Underkoffler at 215-808-6457 or email [email protected].