What’s the Racquet?

Serve up a new sport this summer. Tennis is not only accessible and affordable, it’s an ace with the playground set, especially following a few lessons designed for mini-racqueteers (yes, we coined that term) aptly nicknamed mini tennis (otherwise known as Progressive Tennis).

It’s the norm across the pond, and Tennis Canada began endorsing the new teaching methods a couple of years ago. Progressive tennis is now bouncing its way from club to club in Canada, with camps and lessons designed for kids starting at age four.

Richard Danielson, longtime Calgary tennis pro, took the time to instruct us on why mini tennis is such a smash hit.

Essentially, the goal is to get kids in touch with the ball (as in 300 to 500 times in one hour). Kids juggle, dribble and pass the ball back and forth in a non-competitive fashion (with no net). Later, Danielson adds a net and children hone their volleys and serves on a half or three-quarter sized court, depending on their age.

Also, think big balls and short racquets. Kids from the four to seven age group use large foam balls and racquets designed to make contact, while older children graduate to smaller equipment. Even young children rally (for positive reinforcement) and the result is accelerated skill progression in a fun, relaxed environment.

A summer membership is required (junior memberships available) at the Elbow Park Tennis Club and group junior lessons of four to six kids run Monday evenings (minimum age six).

The Calgary Tennis Club (located at the west end of the Beltline district) also teaches mini tennis with no membership required. Kids as young as four can register for summer camps which run for one to two hours (depending on the age of your child) daily for a week.

The Tennis Academy located in central SW goes all out with full day camps (9 am–4 pm, including lunch), starting at age five, throughout the summer. They also offer private and semi-private lessons directly with coaches.

There are other programs available in the city, including those offered by FirstServe Tennis and camps at the Oakridge Community Centre.

Court their enthusiasm and net some new sports skills this summer. You know they’ll have a ball.

Comments