Hip and knee replacements, hunched backs, and shuffling gaits were no impediment for the 18 seniors who hit nearly every tennis ball that came their way, laughing heartily if a ball did land out of their reach.
“I don’t hold back because I know they are capable of executing these shots,” said their instructor, Terry Hampton, who was running the seniors through drills to practice their forehand, backhand, and short-court volleys on the west side of Central Park.
This is Hampton’s third year teaching the tennis lessons to seniors as part of a free exercise program offered in the spring and fall by the City Parks Foundation. Located in parks throughout the five boroughs, the program also includes yoga and walking classes for seniors 60 years and older.
