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Tips on introducing your child to the game of tennis from the experts at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort in Florida.

Tennis peaked as the sport populi in the mid-1970s, when teens were emulating the likes of Billie Jean King and Rod Laver and even the smallest towns were building their own year-round tennis court complex.

In the 80's fitness boom of aerobics, rollerblading, snowboarding and dozens of other new sporting choices, tennis lost some of its bounce. Now, a generation later, it is our children who are fueling a renewed interest in this classic, fun and very healthy sport.

According to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), almost 9% or 2.3 million Americans aged 6-11 years played tennis in 1997. The pros say credit for this late-nineties rebound was due to the Play Tennis America initiative designed by the TIA, US Tennis Association, National Recreation and Parks Association and several other organizations. Their "USA Tennis 1-2-3" programs offered a free beginner lesson, plus a low-cost, six-session group introduction to basic skills in over 80 regions. Contact the national USTA headquarters (914/696-7000 or visit www.usta.com) to ask the USTA office nearest you where "USA Tennis 1-2-3" or another current program is being held, as tennis continues it popularity through the first decade of the twenty-first century.

Grooming a Future Partner

When FTF examined the top adult tennis resorts with youth tennis clinics, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, Florida took the lead. Besides their own excellent facilities and world-class coaching, The Colony is minutes away from Sarasota, one of the busiest areas in America for tennis training. Here is a family resort that is committed to finding the best ways for children to learn the game of tennis.

During a recent stay, my son and I had a chance to experience The Colony's programs for ourselves. We studied with several of the full-time teaching staff and found them remarkably kid-friendly with children, patient with adults, and quick to offer performance-enhancing tips to advanced players. We asked the resort's tennis co-directors Karim Balagh and Andrea Bonfigli for their tips on introducing tennis to children.

What kind of tennis instruction is available for children and families at the Colony?

KB&AB: The Colony offers a comprehensive tennis program that addresses all needs of tennis-playing families. Parents may enjoy one of three tennis clinics daily, 7 days a week. They may select one, two or participate in all three each day.  The clinics are 90 minutes in duration.  Tiny tots (ages 4 – 6) may attend a complimentary 30-minute session every morning as an introduction to basic tennis fundamentals in a fun, enthusiastic environment.  Kids aged 7 thru 12 may attend an afternoon clinic for 60 minutes, daily.  Teens participate in an afternoon clinic for 90 minutes.  For more advanced children with competitive experience, there is a Tennis Academy available 5 days a week.  Our world class staff is experienced to answer all tennis needs, at all levels. We really love seeing kids of all ages get out on the court to play because we know this is a sport they can carry with them for life.

When is a child ready to begin taking tennis lessons?

KB&AB: It is essential that the child shows interest and willing to learn the fundamentals of tennis.  It is also important that a fun rapport be established between the kids and the instructor – that is something we take special note of at The Colony. A non-threatening environment is key. At The Colony, we focus on basic motor skills required to play tennis.  This involves drills and interactive games with the children to introduce the concept of racquet, ball and discovery of the court. 

What makes a good children's tennis program?

KB&AB: Excitement! Kids need and are clear about wanting a tennis program that includes enthusiasm, a high level of energy and lots of fun. For us, we pay such close attention to the individual and we have the ability to focus on each child’s personality and skill level.

Are tennis clinics and group lessons the best way for a child to learn?

KB&AB: Social interaction is very important for a child’s development; therefore, a group learning environment is essential. Children feel more comfortable in a group setting and have more fun.  The introduction to tennis should be in a group environment. As the child develops, matures and shows more interest to further learn the sport, the introduction to private instruction becomes more important.

If a child is an advanced player, is a resort like The Colony a good place to practice?

KB&AB: Absolutely.  With the introduction of our junior academy, the world class tennis professionals at The Colony are able to address the needs of competitive, advanced juniors with either regional, national or ITF rankings.  The Academy operates 5 days a week with tournaments on weekends.  The pros are available for individual attention 7 days a week.

How does a parent know when to push a child?

KB&AB: There is a gentle way of inspiring a child towards an activity or sport such as tennis.  You need to show personal participation and genuine interest.  Tennis instruction has to be fun and not taken too seriously. Once the child has been introduced and exposed to tennis on a consistent basis, it will naturally become part of their lifestyle and they will ask to play.

What is The Colony's goal for its young students?

KB&AB: Our goal at The Colony is to make tennis a healthy, fun, lifelong habit that will provide young people with some of their most treasured memories.  Tennis is a lifetime sport that can positively impact who you are and who you will become.