A Clean Rally

I sprinted down the sidewalk straight to the community tennis court to stretch my legs. Right against the green mesh fence, I spotted a red foam practice ball and a discarded cardboard shipping tube cut down to just my size. I gripped the tube with both hands, testing my swing. Crisp, lightweight, solid reach. Setting the red ball on a raised asphalt crack, I backed up two strides, bent my knees, and swung with everything I had. Thwack! The tube made a clean hollow pop, launching the foam ball straight over the center court line. It bounced twice and settled right against the net post.