麻豆社区

Tennis is quickly winding down before the summer ends. On Friday, the adults finished their Yukon Championships and on Monday the court was turned over to the U10 and U12 players for them to showcase their skills.

The tennis on Monday was not competitive but it gave the youth participating a chance to showcase their abilities.

鈥淭hey have been taking lessons all season,鈥� said Stacy Lewis who was on the courts coaching and encouraging the players. 鈥淚t was a chance to give them real games and keep track of points.鈥�

The games on Monday allowed the young tennis players to learn the nuances of the game.

鈥淭hey would serve out a set,鈥� said Lewis.

As well it taught the players where to be positioned on the court, like which side to be on depending on the point when serving or receiving.

The U10 players played on a modified court, half the size as the normal playing surface. At that age Lewis said, it is still about teaching them the basics of the game.

鈥淲hen they are younger it is teaching them how to track the ball,鈥� said Lewis. 鈥淭he younger kids are slower but once they hit, nine, 10, 11 they are getting to know their physical literacy, like how far their arms extend.鈥�

It was a nice, hot, sunny afternoon on Monday and the court was surrounded by parents, who got to watch the skills that have developed over the summer.

鈥淲hen the kids are in lessons they are looking for something that the kids can enjoy,鈥� said Lewis.

鈥淭his was an opportunity to show what they can do now but also to show and introduce all the friendships they have made throughout the summer.鈥�

Having coached the young players once a week during the summer months Lewis said the coaching staff has seen some nice progress made when compared to the start of the lessons.

Although no formal awards were given out, U12 player Anna Johnson was recognized as she won both of her two matches showing off a solid serve and return game.

The Yukon Championships will continue on Discovery Day with the U14 and U16 matches starting at noon.

Lewis believes it will be some high-quality tennis being played.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e been playing for four or five years now and they have been involved in other sports as well,鈥� said Lewis. 鈥淚t should be competitive.鈥�