Summer Camp! What an Impact!!

Six weeks ago we began our Summer Camp at The Shaquille O'Neal Boys and Girls Club. We limited participation to 12 kids ages 8 to 10. USTA had provided complete uniforms to the kids including tshirts, hats, towels, water bottles, backpack, and socks. In addition, they provided equipment including rackets, balls, mininets, and throw down markers.

On day one of 12 the kids were a little nervous...not knowing what to expect.... first time holding a racket..... a complete new experience. Some of the twelve kids had never played sports before....others were seasoned football,baseball, and basketball players. The boys wanted to stick together....and that seemed perfectly fine to the girls as well.

The three coaches gradually progressed the class from tapping the ball into circles to hitting the ball across the mininets to catching the ball to trapping the ball to hitting the ball back for a rally with another player or coach. The last stage for camp was playing on the regular net on the full tennis court with teams of four or five. There was competition throughout the six weeks starting out by setting various targets that they needed to hit each day as a collective team..... and then we divided them into two teams in which they picked their name and color to compete against each other! It was amazing to see the progression!! While our focus wasn't on the perfect stroke or topspin or any other technical aspects (for the most part....), the kids were able to naturally do some pretty awesome hitting. We, as their coaching team,were thoroughly impressed. We also saw the progression from uncertainty and a bit of timidness to confidence and pride in their abilities, growth, and accomplishments.

All in all,congrats to the summer camp attendees for a job well done and hope that the experience sparked the interest in continuing the tennis journey.....not just for the sport, but for college scholarships, life skills, and strengthening the community.

Ready to start your tennis journey? Check out our programs at www.abovethenettennis.org