This season’s seniors serve their way into this season by carrying the tennis team with their knowledge and skill of doubles and singles play.

Contrary to what many people may think, tennis isn’t just hitting a neon ball back and forth with another person. The game requires skill and attention that can take years to master.

“I like to call it tennis IQ,” varsity boys’ tennis captain Morgan Ringwood said, who has been playing for close to ten years.

A key part of tennis IQ is watching the opponent. Especially during warmups.

“I focus on warmups,” Ringwood said. “You start by practicing with them, so when you do that you test them.”

Tennis is all about angles and movement, alongside watching the opponent. Ringwood outlines the key components of anticipating the opponent’s next move.

“If I notice my opponent has a weak backhand, I’ll hit it so they struggle to receive it,” Ringwood said.

While tennis IQ is necessary for both singles and doubles, there is a key difference in strategy.

“Doubles is actually less athleticism, more communication, and mentally knowing where to be and what to do,” Ringwood said.

When playing with another person, not only do players think about themselves and their opponents but their teammates as well.

“Stay positive, and stay in the right headspace,” senior Brayden Lupkes said.