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AGE GROUP GIRLS and BOYS 5-18
What is Tennis?
Tennis is a game played with
rackets and a light ball on a rectangular court. It can be played
with two or four players who hit the ball back and forth over a net that
divides the court. The court can be made of grass, clay, or
asphalt.
Who plays Tennis?
Tennis is for girls and boys starting at age 5. Lessons teach your
child the fundamentals and skills of tennis in a fun, instructive and supportive environment.
The types of Tennis
instruction....
Tennis instruction
comes in four types: recreational programs, group lessons, semi-private
lessons and private lessons.
Recreational programs
are run by a local recreation department or summer day camp. It
is a nice way to introduce children to the sport. It is usually very
inexpensive, less than $3 per hour, and racquets are usually available
to use. Programs emphasize fun and are informal. However, there is
little instructor time per student and it lacks individual attention.
Group
lessons
are the most common type of lessons. Groups range from three or to as
large as ten. The lessons can be taught by a pro or by a
high-school/college player. The cost is fairly low ranging from $5 to
$10 per hour. Games are fun and it is usually well organized. Children
get to socialize while learning. However, one on one attention with
instructor is limited. Drills are not always conducive to your child’s
needs.
Semi-private
lessons work best if the two players are about the same skill level.
These lessons should be taught by an experienced pro. Your child will
have a significant amount of individual attention from the instructor
and plenty of competition with their lesson partner. However, the cost
is higher ranging $12 to $40 per hour. There is a limited time with
full court hitting and your child could become frustrated if the other
child is slower at learning techniques.
Private lessons should be taught by an
experienced pro. This will usually produce the quickest improvement in
your child’s game. There are many advantages as well as disadvantages
to taking private lessons.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Undivided
attention of the Pro |
Much more
expensive than group lessons |
|
Best way to fix
a problem |
Could be
uncomfortable for child to interact with Pro alone |
|
Rapid
improvement |
Fewer “fun”
games are available |
|
Full activity
for the session |
Less
socializing |
|
Full court
hitting time |
There is no
peer to compete with |
Age Requirements...
Tennis classes are usually grouped by age and skill level. Most
organizations will have a beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups.
Beginner classes are
designed to introduce the fundamentals of the game in a fun environment.
Intermediate classes
will refine stokes and play strategies as well as begin competitive
play.
Advanced classes are for those who are ready for a higher level
competitive play in leagues and tournaments
Many children are ready by the age of five to enroll in a group tennis
lesson, and almost all are ready by seven. As a parent you should seek a
clinic that will emphasize fun while teaching the basic skills of
tennis. At this age private lessons are not recommended and knowing left
from right is very helpful for group lessons.
By
the age of 7 or 8 years old you can introduce your child to semi-private
lessons. Semi-private lessons will allow your child to develop good
skills, learn how to rally and score. It would be beneficial if you
could orchestrate lessons with some of their friends. At this age you
can start to encourage free play and having a friend to play/practice
with would be great. You should still continue with group lessons since
it will allow for additional play.
You
could begin private lessons at the age of 9 or 10 to complement group or
semi-private lessons.
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