Just back from a week's tennis in the Algarve and, yes you're right, we got lots of the wet stuff. First indication was when we landed at (or aquaplaned into) Faro Airport, then the taxi man said "I'll try to get you there", referring to my destination at Praia Da Luz. That was a bit disconcerting but he got me there, average speed around 80 mph, then I had to 'wade' to my apartment with my suitcase floating behind me.
So it set the scene for most of the week but being British we played on - and by Friday the sun was splitting the skies, as it was on Saturday when I had to come home.
I managed to hide my coaching credentials for most of the week - the benefit being that I could play bad shots without people thinking "good gawd how did he become a coach."
We had 5 Portuguese coaches, all equally good looking, and I wonder if I would have turned out good looking if I'd spent my life in the Mediterranean. There's a thought!
Anyhow I learnt a lot which hopefully I can pass on to my adult pupils, and perhaps improve my own tennis as well.
There's a belief amongst many players as they get older that they can't improve. Well I don't subscribe to that and so often I see 'mature' people outplaying people half their age. Apart from technical skills and experience, it's all about anticipation and being in the right place on the court - so you don't have to scurry around like a madman.
Anyhow, on retrospect, I really enjoyed my week and met some lovely people, which makes it all worthwhile.
Next thing on the horizon - the Aussi Open in January. No rain there I bet - famous last words!!
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