Media Trades Microphones for Racquets at Baha Mar

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Members of the media are used to chasing stories, but at Baha Mar, they were chasing balls, talking a little smack and trying very hard not to embarrass themselves.

Baha Mar invited members of the media to try “Racquet Hoppin’,” an experience that takes players through three racquet sports, one after the other.

And according to Derron Donaldson, Director of Racquets at the John McEnroe Tennis Center, that’s exactly the point — to give people a little taste of each sport.

Derron Donaldson – Director Of Racquets, John McEnroe Tennis Center
“Racquet Hoppin’ is basically three sports, or three racquet sports, all at one spot, and you move from one to the next all within, say, about 60 to 90 minutes. And we’re offering that to, of course, hotel guests and our locals.”

And they wasted no time getting started. First up, padel.

Now, if you’ve never played before, here’s the first thing they learned: that glass around the court isn’t just there for decoration. It’s part of the game.

They got a quick lesson on how to play the ball off the glass, and then it was time to put that lesson to the test.

Some of them got the hang of it.

Others… well, they were still warming up.

And that’s where things really started to heat up.

Next up, pickleball.

They learned about “dinking” — those softer shots just over the net — and “the kitchen,” the area closest to the net where you have to watch your step.

But once they got the basics down, the lesson quickly turned into competition.

And yes… there was plenty of smack talk.

Over on the tennis court, everyone had gotten a little more comfortable with a racquet.

Maybe a little too comfortable.

Because the competition was getting serious… and apparently, so were the accusations.

As you could see, they learned a little trick along the way…

But were they ready for the Grand Slams? Not quite.

To wrap up the day, they put it all to the test with a little team competition.

And whether anyone actually cheated is still up for debate.

But Donaldson says Racquet Hoppin’ isn’t really about who wins.

It’s about giving beginners and experienced players alike a chance to try something different… and have a little fun while they’re at it.

Derron Donaldson – Director Of Racquets, John McEnroe Tennis Center
“We have 30% off, 30% off private lessons next month starting October 1st. We have 30% off clinics, and we have monthly fees that will actually be really good. So instead of going to the gym, come hit a tennis ball, pickleball or paddle ball with us, so you get a workout and you learn a sport.”

And after padel, pickleball and tennis… a few missed shots, some questionable calls and a whole lot of trash talk… they made it through.

And everyone walked away with a certificate to prove it.