Do you play tennis? On a league - or just a fun social game? Then you'll want to watch my new TV Series called "Seeing Doubles". Here's a synopsis:
“Seeing Doubles” is like nothing else on television today - an instructional series that focuses on doubles tennis. Doubles may get little air time during tournament coverage, but it’s the most popular form of tennis played by adult recreational players, and is a specialty all its own. Doubles vs singles tennis is often referred to as “chess vs checkers” because of the intricacy of strategy required. It’s more a mental and reflex game, than a purely physical encounter. If tennis is truly a “sport for a lifetime” then doubles provides that life in our later years.
I personally know a group of 80 to 85-year-old men that play six days a week at my local tennis park in Hollywood, Florida. They may not move as fast as the youngsters, but they have learned to compensate with excellent ball control, strategy and shot selection. They are true gentlemen, great sports, and are in incredible physical shape. Most of the ladies in my doubles league are over 50, and didn’t start playing tennis regularly until they were in their 40s. The adult population is an area of tennis growth that has been somewhat over-looked in the industry’s zeal to bring players in at age 5-10. Both are admirable pursuits – but one undeniable fact is that people age 35 – 55 are the most desirable demographic for advertisers (they’re also parents, and if they love tennis they are likely to transmit that enthusiasm to their children).
Teaching adults to enjoy tennis helps them live longer, healthier lives – and encourages them to have fun and be competitive in a sport that makes them feel like real athletes, as they approach middle age and beyond. As singles can be too physically demanding for some older people, doubles is clearly the key to involving them long-term in the thrilling sport of tennis.
--JC Summerford, Producer
I have conducted informal polls on several message boards, provoking these comments, and many more:
“I'd certainly watch. I'd like to know rules, personalities (including backgrounds of players), where the teams are from, standing in their league, how serious each of the players take it,.......oh jeez, there is so much I would like to see about it. I'd rather watch it over Top 5 of anything on TC anyday.”
“I would watch a good instructional show if I thought it could help improve my actual play.”
“I would watch such a show if I thought it would help my play. I think the challenge would be to have enough content in there that would apply across a broad range of levels (say 2.5 - 5.0, which covers most recreational tennis players).”
“What channel would it be on? I play doubles all the time and I suck at it and hate it with a passion. Maybe your show could help.”
*87% of those polled said they would “definitely watch a show like this”.
