Q: What is Community Tennis?
A: This is fun match play doubles during the summer in the absence of our regular tennis programming. Meet new people and play more low-stakes matches. There is no league, there is no reporting of scores, you don't need to coordinate a foursome, and there are no teaching pros. You just play a match for the joy of tennis and building skill. Above all - its an easy vibe. We run during June, July, and August - but will have a late start this year due to court renovations. (see below)

Q: Do I have to register ahead of time?
A: Realistically, yes. Doubles takes a multiple of 4 players so registering ahead of time is how we make that happen. You register for each game individually, register for as many as you like through the summer! You register here, but you pay the YMCA directly for court time (more on that below).

Q: When is game time?
A: The aim is for a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. The most popular time is mid morning but individual game times will move around to accomodate other demands for court time such as tennis camps. The Y may or may not offer evening "purpleball" as it has in the past on a drop in basis, but that will be scheduled separately from Community Tennis.

Q: Will the new ceiling impact this summer's Community Tennis?
A: Yes. The Y tennis courts will be closed for about the first 3 weeks in June, so we will get a late start while we move toward new lighting.

Q: What does it cost?
A: Y members have two options. One is to simply pay for court time at the front desk when you play. 90 minutes of doubles court time is $15 (free for juniors). The other option is the season pass "member special". For a discounted $99 this year Y members get unlimited use of the Y courts for the summer. That includes any of this community tennis but also other court time you book. That very special price reflects the late June start because of the ceiling work.

Q: Is this the right level of tennis for me?
A: Yes. This is social tennis - everybody is welcome and in the past wide levels of players and ages have joined in the fun. I do my best to schedule competitive courts while balancing the desire to play different people.

Q: What is the format?
A: It is social match play over 90 minutes. Before game day you will receive a text confirmation and information on your partner and opponents. Then you play 2 normal sets to 6 games (7 point tiebreakers) and if a 3rd set is necessary you play a 10 point tiebreaker to decide things. This is not a league - your score does not go anywhere like UTR or USTA - but you do get to practice the managing the ebbs and flows of a real match.

Q: Is it mixed doubles?
A: I love mixed and try and schedule it whenever the selection of players is right. That can't always work - so sometimes its mixed, sometimes it is 1:3, sometimes it is all one gender. Balancing a competitive court comes first.

Q: Do I need to find a partner?
A: You can register with or without a partner. If you are looking for practice with a regular partner, this is a great way to do that. But if you're just looking to get into the pool of players that's fine too. When you go to register it asks you your partner's name - that's optional.

Q: So is it an official Y Program?
A: Yes and no. I run it as a volunteer and we can (and do) get bumped off the courts sometimes for camps and other events. Everyone is welcome. Because we do fill a lot of courts I make sure Georgia is aware and on board with it, and you'll find Y staff playing in from time to time too. It is all very casual - as summer tennis should be. If you call the front desk they won't know much about it - your best resource is this website.

Q: How many people play?
A: Last year, 2025, we had over 50 different people play in about 75 matches! Come on out and meet some new players and old friends.

Q: I'm having a hard time making the website work.
A: If you want to register interest in a game but don't want to use the website you can always email me (patrick.ducksong@gmail.com) or text me (207 208 9906) and I'm happy to do it for you. But the website does make my life easier.

Q: How does the scheduling work?
A: Once a week I'll send out an email, reminding you of the website at https://purpleball26.xyz/ -- on that site you can register your interest for any/all of the next games. Around a day before the game I'll send out confirmations letting people know if they are playing or not. We'll make it a multiple of 4 people, and try and balance playing time, and we might be limited by the number of courts we can get - so there are reasons you will register interest but might not be able to play in a particular game. When that happens I prioritize getting you into the next one!

Q: Can we do it outside?
A: Please invite me to your outside game! I love that too. But these games are at the Y - no sun, no bugs, no rain, no wind and when you get a confirmation you don't need to worry about waiting for a court.

Q: Can I get off the weekly email?
A: Absolutely, just reply and let me know.

Q: Can a friend sign up for this weekly email?
A: Absolutely, just have them get in touch with me at patrick.ducksong@gmail.com or text 207-208-9906 you can also give them the website at https://purpleball26.xyz/ and if they register for a game I'll add them to the list.

Q: Anything I can do to help?
A: Thanks for asking! It would be great if people could bring fresh balls to the games - it really helps the game quality! You are worth fresh balls for a match! (You can also buy them at the desk for $5) Oh and spread the word because more players means more tennis for everyone.

Q: Are you (Patrick) really going to play all those games?
A: No. I have summer plans for some weeks too. But, I can easily keyboard jockey to coordinate them and reserve the court time when I'm not playing. I do look forward to a lot of tennis and getting to see (and make) many old and new friends - that's my motivation.

Q: I have more questions..
A: Email or text me and I'll figure it out! patrick.ducksong@gmail.com or 207 208 9906

Let's 🎾.

Click HERE to register for tennis!