Hello to our wonderful Vermont racquet and paddle sports community! We are right in the thick of a classic New England summer, and the energy on the courts from Burlington to Brattleboro is absolutely electric. Whether you’re waking up early to catch the action across the pond or staying late under the lights at your local club, there is no better time to be a fan of the game.
At Drop the Racquet, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the thermometer and the tournament draws. Between the humidity spikes and the major championship showdowns, there is plenty to talk about. This week’s "Vermont Court Report" is packed with community news, technical tips to keep your gear in top shape, and a few reminders about big events happening right here in our backyard.
Before we dive into the details, a quick logistical reminder: our shop in South Burlington is open and ready to help you prep for your weekend matches. If you need a last-minute restring or a fresh pair of court shoes, stop by and see us!
Shop Location: 142 W Twin Oaks Terrace, South Burlington, VT 05403
Shop Phone: 802-951-2344
Hours: Come visit us for personalized service and expert gear advice!
🍓 The Main Event: Wimbledon Finals Weekend
The grass is cut, the whites are pressed, and the strawberries and cream are ready. It’s Wimbledon Finals Weekend!
For many of us, Wimbledon represents the pinnacle of the sport. There is something truly special about the tradition of the grass-court season that makes us all want to pick up a racquet and head to the nearest park.
- The Ladies’ Final: Saturday, July 11
- The Gentlemen’s Final: Sunday, July 12
Who are you rooting for? Whether you are pulling for the seasoned veterans or hoping for a new face to lift the trophy, the finals are bound to be legendary. Watching the pros navigate the slick grass and low bounces always serves as a great reminder of how much "feel" and "touch" matter in tennis. If those drop volleys and delicate slices inspire you to work on your own game, we are here to make sure your equipment is up to the task.
🏓 Local Spotlight: "Aces & Dinks" at The EDGE
Looking for some local competition? We are thrilled to highlight a unique event hitting The EDGE Sports & Fitness next week. The "Aces & Dinks" tournament is scheduled for July 16–17, and it’s one of the coolest formats we’ve seen lately.
This is a hybrid tournament that blends the power of tennis with the strategy of pickleball. If you’ve been on the fence about which sport to prioritize this summer, why not do both? They are currently looking for players in the 3.5 and 4.0 divisions. It’s a fantastic way to meet other players in the South Burlington area and test your versatility across different court surfaces and speeds.
If you’re planning on entering the "Aces & Dinks" event, you’ll want to make sure your paddle or racquet is performing at its peak. Pickleball technology is moving fast: much like the game itself: and having the right core material can make a massive difference in your dinking consistency. We carry a wide selection of JOOLA and Gearbox paddles that are perfect for this kind of high-level competition.
🏆 Last Call: Vermont Senior Games in Middlebury
Attention all senior athletes! This is the final countdown for the Vermont Senior Games Tennis event. The tournament will be held at the beautiful, newly built 12-court complex at Middlebury College on July 18–19.
The registration deadline is July 14, which is just around the corner. This is a qualifying year for many divisions, and the atmosphere in Middlebury is always supportive, competitive, and incredibly fun. Don't miss your chance to represent your town and compete against some of the best players in the state.
You can find more information and sign up through the Vermont Senior Games Association. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic drive to Middlebury and spend a weekend immersed in the sport we love.
📖 Blog Highlights: Elevate Your Game
We’ve been busy updating our blog with deep dives into the gear and maintenance questions we hear most often in the shop. Here are three must-reads for this week:
1. 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Tennis Shoes
Are you still wearing those "cross-trainers" from three years ago on the tennis court? Don't let a bad sole ruin your summer season. In this post, we break down why proper lateral support and outsole durability are non-negotiable for Vermont’s hard courts. Choosing the right footwear isn't just about comfort: it's about injury prevention. Check it out here: 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Tennis Shoes
2. Why Professional Racquet Restringing Matters
Watching the pros at Wimbledon makes us all crave that "fresh pop" when the ball hits the sweet spot. But did you know that humidity and heat can cause your tension to drop significantly? We discuss why tension matters and how often you should really be restringing to keep your game consistent. Read more: Professional Services at Drop the Racquet
3. Foam Core vs. Honeycomb: The Pickleball Debate
Inspired by the "Aces & Dinks" news? If you’re looking to upgrade your paddle, you need to understand what's inside. We compare foam core and honeycomb technologies so you can decide which offers the power and control you need for your specific style of play. Explore the tech: Pickleball Gear Guide
☀️ Weekend Gear Tip: Beating the Vermont Humidity
July in Vermont is gorgeous, but let’s be honest: it’s humid. If you’ve found yourself mid-match feeling like your racquet is about to fly out of your hand, you aren't alone. Sweaty palms can cause your grip to slip, leading to "twisting" on impact and poor shot control.
Our top tip for this weekend? Switch to a dry-feel overgrip. While many players love the "tacky" feel of a brand-new grip, those can actually become slippery when wet with sweat. A dry-feel overgrip (like the classic Tourna Grip) is specifically designed to absorb moisture and actually gets grippier as it gets damp. It’s a literal lifesaver in 85-degree heat.
If you aren't sure how to wrap your own, or if your base grip needs a total replacement, bring it in! We can show you how to do it or handle the replacement for you in just a few minutes. Check out our video on how to apply an overgrip for a quick DIY tutorial.
🛠️ Trust the Expert: Last-Minute Stringing with Twitch
We know how it goes: you’re hitting on Thursday night, you feel a string snap, and you have a big match on Saturday morning. Don't panic!
Our owner, Tom "Twitch" Twitchell, is a Certified Racquet Technician and a member of the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association. He’s the heart of our professional stringing service, and he treats every racquet like it belongs to a pro. Whether you play tennis, racquetball, or squash, Tom can help you select the right string color and tension to match your game perfectly.
We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times and deep product knowledge. We aren't just a retail shop; we are a community hub where we want to see every player in Vermont succeed. If you have a question about your gear or need a quick tune-up before the "Aces & Dinks" tournament, get in touch with us!
Stay Connected & See You on the Court!
We love being part of this vibrant community. Whether you are a casual player looking to stay active or a competitive athlete aiming for the Senior Games, we are here to support your journey.
Have a great Wimbledon weekend, enjoy the strawberries, and we hope to see you at the shop soon!
Drop the Racquet
Full-Service Retail & Professional Stringing
Address: 142 W Twin Oaks Terrace, South Burlington, Vermont 05403
Shop Phone: 802-951-2344
Tom's Cell: 802-310-1660
Website: droptheracquet.com