Local programs serving up summer tennis lessons

Tag : Cement Shoes

Whether you played tennis as a child or you're a beginner wantingto learn the basics, summer programs and local coaches are holdingcourt to teach you the game.
Tennis classes through the Oregon City Parks and RecreationDepartment and North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District areaare available for children and adults, and many instructors alsoteach private lessons. Beginning classes are designed to teach thevarious grips, strokes and rules of the game
And you don't have to blast the backhand like Wimbledon championRoger Federer to enjoy playing the game, said Jay Kent, 60, ofPortland. Kent teaches private lessons and groups for the NorthClackamas Parks & Recreation District and coaches at MarshallHigh School.
"After a series of six to eight lessons, then a person can go outand play a medium, good level of recreational tennis and maybe evenbe competitive," Kent said. "But it's important to start with alesson to have someone telling you what's going on to keep you fromlearning bad habits. Once you learn good habits and experiencehitting the ball better, then you're going to be having fun."
The key of the game, Kent said, is positioning. Players mustanticipate where the ball will go, then learn how to approach theball off the bounce and hit it when it reaches just the rightheight between the knee and waist level, he said.
That can be one of the most frustrating aspects of the sport forbeginners, he said.
But it all becomes easier with practice, said Kim Mooney, aninstructor with the Oregon City parks department and Reed College.
"I teach it from the standpoint of being light on your feet," saidMooney, 47, of West Linn. "In order to have a good shot, footworkand timing have to be good. You want to anticipate where that ballis going to hit and step into that ball."
As skills improve so does the ability to strategize, Mooney said.
"You're not going for the point until you've created theopportunity," Mooney said. "It's better to start out learningcontrol and adding power. It requires patience from a mental side."
Because tennis requires a blend of mental and physical skills,players of all ages can continue to be competitive, the instructorssaid. It's possible to beat a faster, more-technically skilledplayer with a sound strategy, Mooney said.
And there are plenty of opportunities to play. Those who want toplay more regularly, or even compete, can join racquet clubs. Forothers, free tennis courts -- Kent said most in the area are cementpainted with a latex surface -- are plentiful in parks. And itisn't hard to find a playing partner, Kent said.
Players will need to invest in some comfortable tennis shoes, aracquet and a can of balls. Prices for a durable racquet begin ataround $35, Kent said, and some sporting good stores allow you totest out racquets before purchasing.
To learn the game, expect to pay $25 and up for an hourlong privatelesson. Recreation programs offer four to six sessions starting at$53.
Kent believes once students start hitting some tennis balls,they'll be hooked: "It's just a thrill to hit that sweet spot andhear the smack and crack of the ball."
Polly Campbell: p2campbell@comcast.net