Youngsters learn tennis the fun way

Timia Jackson returns a serve.

By By Lee Luther Jr.
Published: June 24, 2009

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In February, Emily Harper, Nelson County’s recreation director, went to Charlottesville to learn a new way of teaching tennis.

Harper, along with Rick Hanchey, attended classes by the Charlottesville Area Tennis Association.

On June 15 the Quick Start Tennis program came to Nelson County via Harper, and area kids were treated to a fun way of learning the game of tennis.

The first stop was the Tye River Elementary School gym, where they taught more than 50 youngsters ranging from 5 to 12.

To start, animal sounds and movements are used to coax the kids to stretch. “It’s a fun way for the little ones to get loose,” Harper said.

After everyone is loose, then the old-fashioned big red gym ball is tossed to each player to help to get them to learn how to move their feet and to position their body. After this, the instructors teach the proper way to hold the racket and they practice how to return hand-tossed serves.

At the Tye River gym, nets were set up and the students used a larger-style tennis ball and smaller rackets.

The program is also taught at Rockfish Elementary on the outdoor basketball courts.

According to Harper, 11 showed up for the lessons, which end June 25. The Tye River morning program has a few more weeks remaining.

Harper said she was pleased with the first two tennis camps and hoped to offer the program again this fall.

Hanchey helps instruct the kids at Rockfish while D.J. Johnston aids Harper at the Tye River classes.

The Nelson County Recreation Department has three nets along with a good supply of balls and rackets. All of the equipment was funded through grants.