This summer, youngsters are busy keeping tennis balls and bodies in motion five days a week at D.C. Canegata Ballpark, learning the fundamentals of tennis in a six-week camp.
They are having fun while staying fit, learning sportsmanship, functioning in a group, and recognizing and expressing emotions at the “Tennis in the Summer” day camp.
“This is a great opportunity for kids to get exposed to the fundamentals of tennis in a fun way,” said Greg James, tennis coach at the camp. “Our goal is to make it fun. If it is too serious they get discouraged.”
The tennis camp is one of 13 different camps sponsored, for the first time, by the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation. The camp began June 29 and runs through August 7 from 8 a.m. to 3p.m. The cost for each child registered was $75 which included lunch, insurance coverage, a T-shirt and two field trips.
James and Karisma Elein, a professional and a collegiate tennis player respectively, are instructing 40 children ages 7 to 17 on the basics of tennis.
James, who is also a private coach, says they are using the U.S. Tennis Association sanctioned Quick Start program, setting the foundation for a solid player.
The youngsters are broken down into skill levels and age groups. The little ones use a portable mini net that is set up at half court making it easier for them to serve and get the ball over the net. They also have little rackets with a shorter grip.
“They have smaller rackets so they don’t strain their arms,” James says. “The right size racket allows them to learn the proper grip and swing.”
The students do drills on eye hand coordination and proper footwork. They are learning to control the ball using forehand, backhand and overhand shots and keeping the ball in play volleying. Once they have learned those basics they learn to serve, keep score and play actual matches.
“It has been a lot of fun doing the drills,” said Chaliyah Soto, age 10. “I have learned a lot and I’m getting a lot of exercise.”
For safety and proper instruction the camp has a ratio of one staff member to 10 youngsters.
Hannah Schuck, a 13 -year- old student at Good Hope School is on the staff at the camp.
“I really enjoy stepping in and teaching the kids," Schuck said. “I like to watch the ones with talent.”
Schuck said she was lucky to have the opportunity to get lessons in an after school program at Canegata. She began playing tennis at 5 and is now playing in the St. Croix Junior Tennis League. She fell in love with tennis and began to play competitively when she was 10. She said she hopes to become the top USVI women’s tennis player and maybe play professionally.
Elien is also a product of after-school and similar summer tennis programs.
“These lessons are an excellent way to develop young minds,” Elien says. “Kids get the right attitude – getting interested in something early in life.” She said every day the youngsters have an objective and goal to reach before leaving camp for the day.
“I love tennis,” said 8 year-old Na-Chee Williams. “I want to keep playing tennis even when I am grown up.”
