All courts at Argonaut High School see action last Saturday as the Junior Team Tennis League wrapped up its initial season. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch Meghan Daly, right, prepares to serve while her sister and doubles partner, Sarah waits for the point to begin during the last day of Junior Team Tennis League play last Saturday in Jackson. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch Maya Neville-Segura, foreground, keeps her eye on the ball while coach Benita Asher gives instruction in the background during the last day of Junior Team Tennis League play last Saturday at Argonaut High. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch

The Amador Tennis Club is teaming up with two professional tennis groups to bring two tennis block parties to Amador County.

"Pick up a racquet and join the parties in Jackson on June 23 and July 21," said Rosalie Pryor Escamilla, a member of the Amador Tennis Club and the local representative of the U.S. Tennis Association.

The parties, set for 6 p.m. are part of USTA and U.S. Professional Tennis Association's "Tennis Block Parties" in Amador County.

Local tennis enthusiasts from the Amador Tennis Club, along with the USPTA and the USTA are serving up a couple of Summer-Fun tennis events in Amador County.

"The Tennis Block Parties will bring new ways to involve and expose new and existing players to the unparalleled health and social benefits of tennis," Pryor Escamilla said.

The USPTA "Tennis Across America" Party will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at the Argonaut High School tennis courts. The block party is free to new and returning tennis players, ages 12-112. The USTA Welcome(Back) to Tennis will take place on July 21.

"Come join us for games, prizes and a hotdog barbeque," Pryor Escamilla said.. Donations will be accepted to help defray costs.

Under the direction of USPTA professional, Derek Galli, the Tennis Block Parties will feature three hours of tennis instruction, interactive games, food and prizes, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience and enjoy the benefits of the game - from fun and competition to lifestyle and fitness. Competition and fun for all levels of ability.

The event includes:

- Foam Ball Fun Zone - Everyone learns and plays on shortened courts with EZ balls.

- Test Your Serve Court -Attendees can practice and test the speed of their serve for fun and prizes.

- Tennis 101 - Designed with the new player in mind, Tennis 101 provides a quick way to start rallying with a partner, using transition (low-compression) balls and games.

- Team Tennis Challenges - Players enjoy the team experience of the sport beyond doubles.

- Champions of the Court - Competitors can strut their stuff and remain on the court until defeated by challengers in abbreviated tennis matches.

- Hotdogs, chips, soft drinks and sociability

"Summertime brings a new attention to family and fitness, and tennis offers unparalleled ways to have fun and get into shape," said Galli, when asked about the reason for the events.

"We just finished our first season of junior team tennis. It was so much fun, we want to celebrate the sport and provide a new way for parents and kids to get out and play," he said. For more information, contact: Galli or Pryor Escamilla at 257.1545, or visit the local Web site: www.AmadorTennisClub.org for more information.