Watching the kids aged 3 and up carry that racket and line up in the court makes me think what a process and commitment the kids and their parents make for Tennis.
This is a nation where sports and physical activities have been planned and brought into every one's life so that it stays that way for a very long time and become their life style.
No other sport has enjoyed the commitment that has been made by the schools, universities, cities and various government agencies like tennis.
In addition various Tennis organizations and clubs have made this sport an attractive activity by providing organizational structure and activities making this a sports and social event.
Unlike other sports tennis facilities are available in almost every nook and corner - most of them free.Tennis is also a challenging sport which takes proper coaching to learn it correct and a few years of frustrations to really get the technique before a person can play a decent game.
From footsteps to shoulder movements, contact points to eye movements, strategy to angle of approach - it is a carefully thought out game which needs a continuous open mind with disciplined practice!
Having said this I was amazed at the commitment made by kids and parents for a structured training program-
Looking at raw numbers:- 3-6 hours / week paid training at $15-20/hr for group classes- 
personal private classes range from $25 and can go all the way upwards of $100/hr.
- assuming they start at age 5 they spend atleast 10 years of coaching either in group lessons or private lessons before they are in school teams!
Most of the programs are available through city centres and community schools/colleges.
For serious interests there are private clinics and clubs which provide competitive tennis coaching at even higher rates!
That's about $200-$300 per month for at least 10 months a year for 10 years.
Now that's a big commitment when we do not take into account the tournament fees, travel expenses and the actual tennis gears!
Of course the advantages are amazing!The least talked about traits that shape the kids to be a well rounded person in their day to day in addition to preparing them for any profession that they choose!
- discipline
- coordination
- strategy
- structure
- competitiveness
- organization
- planning
- focus and
- clarity
Now looking at the immediate and more visible rewards:
- school team and its inherent advantages
- admissions to some of the best universities
- most of the schools and universities provide assistance and scholarships.
If the candidate is moderately successful the added advantages of tournament victories and corporate sponsorships!
Not to mention the life long advantages:
- good health
- a great family outdoor sports
- life long sport
- a great social activity And a wonderful organizational structure to co-ordinate, manage and promote all the activities.
There is no age that is too young or old for this sport!
No comments:
Post a Comment