Story By Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Coach Sharin giving out instructions to the participants. The programme adopts a fun and yet disciplined approach to teach tennis fundamentals. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Yio Chu Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 — A group of 20 children aged 4 to 11 years got the chance to learn tennis in a fun way at an ActiveSG March Holiday Tennis Camp.
ActiveSG is one of the recommendations of Vision 2030, an initiative to encourage Singaporeans to live better through sport.
“I think it is an important program for kids to start developing their tennis in a positive way,” said Sharin Jamal, the coach leading the programme.
Two of the children enjoyed a December tennis programme enough to return for this one during the March school holidays. The programme draws upon the under-10s tennis concept, where the balls are smaller, bounce less and the court sizes are reduced. This makes it easier for children to learn the basics of tennis, before progressing to higher levels.
“It is about teamwork and helping each other, improving their interaction skills with each other. I think it is crucial for the kids at this age, as being in a group allows them to develop these skills,” added coach Sharin.
As part of the programme, the children were first put through a few warm-up drills. They first played a modified game of tag to help their on-court movements. They then practiced stroke fundamentals before starting the camp proper. The children, who were divided according to their ability, enjoyed themselves, even when the drills were more technical.
Famela, 35, signed up her children, Adil, 8, and Ana, 4, for the holiday camp. “I was just looking for something fun for them to do over the holidays, something to keep them active instead of watching TV at home,” she said. “They get active and I like the fact that they are doing something healthy and fun for the holidays. In fact, they woke up early this morning telling me that they couldn’t wait to continue with the camp, even though they did mostly technical work yesterday!” added Famela.
Adil, 8, said, “I find the programme really fun and I enjoy learning tennis.”
Another tennis camp is slated for the June school holidays.
For more details, go to: myactivesg.com
More photos next page
Leave A Comment