Tennis Anyone?

"Mom, I want to learn to play tennis," my fourth graderthe players themselves to call lines and follow the rules.
beamed, handing me a sheet of paper. She bouncedMany young players may start out making incorrect
from one foot to the other waiting for me to finishcalls, but the quickly learn this isn't the right thing to do.
reading --A local parks and recreations tennis instructorBut other character building traits such as
visited her school during gym class to show the kidsdetermination, commitment, sportsmanship, and
how to play tennis. The paper explained a newteamwork can all be learned through playing the game.
program offered to beginners.Family Sport- The entire family can learn to play and
Even though my daughter was excited, I haddevelop their games, thus strengthening the bonds
reservations. Tennis? Isn't that a game for rich folksbetween parent and child, between siblings and even
played at country clubs on warm Sunday afternoons?between both parents.
But my daughter's enthusiasm bolstered me into action.Individual or Team Sport - both tracks are available to
We signed up for the free clinic held before the startcompete on. I recommend participating in both. The
of the program, just to see if we liked it.camaraderie of a team effort and the individual -
During the free clinic, a coach talked to parents whilenobody to blame but yourself - are both great
the children ran through drills on court. I watched myenvironments for children (and adults) to learn different
daughter swing her racket and miss the ball. Shelessons.
threw a smile in my direction as she ran to the back ofStress Reliever - When you're out there hitting that little
the line. And there was that hop, from foot to footyellow ball, nothing else matters. Not bills, not grades, no
again while she waited for her turn.emotional turmoil one might be going through outside of
It wasn't until several days later, after a phonetennis.
conversation with one of the volunteer moms whoMaintain Physical and Mental Fitness - Once you learn
helped out with the free clinic that I finally made up myhow to stroke the ball, then you learn how to place it,
mind. Her words not only encouraged me, but sheand to anticipate where your opponent might place his
somehow, in a positive way, made me feel as thoughball. Tennis is a thinking game. Plus, you're running up
I'd be lacking as a parent if I DIDN'T sign my daughterand down, and from side to side...tennis is great for
up.mind and body.
What makes tennis such a great game? And why doSocial and Networking Outlet - Many players get
25.1 million people worldwide play it? Well, for starters,together before and after matches for activities
tennis is fun. But more than that, tennis is a universaloutside of tennis. Also, since the sport is universal, it
sport offering different opportunities to differentoffers countless networking opportunities. And, you
players, among some of the following:can be almost be guaranteed that if you travel to any
Competition - Picking up a quick friendly match at thecity, or up and move, you will find a tennis family upon
local courts, or entering into sanctioned USTA andyour arrival.
World Team Tennis events, a competitive tract existsLifelong Sport - Tennis, like few sports out there is a
on almost all levels of play, from the novie player on upgame you can play your entire life.
to the professional.Today, eight years later, my daughter still plays tennis.
Character Building - Honesty is a huge one. On theAnd now, because of her, so do both her parents as
recreational level, instant replay doesn't exist. Linewell as her boyfriend. 25.1 million people can't be wrong.
judges aren't present at most of the matches. It's up toPick up a racquet and get in the game.