The Penticton Tennis Club attracted young blood for its free sessions in May.
Instructor Steve Hunn and an assistant worked with nearly 20 kids, the most they have had for the weekly sessions, with the largest group aged around seven to 11.
“I think it’s good to see more younger kids picking the game up,” said Hunn. “It shows that they are enjoying it and they are sticking with it.”
Members who attended lessons in previous years returned and their improvement was considerable. Hunn said the main focus is ball control and getting in the right position to make proper contact.
“We’re using a special kids ball, which doesn’t bounce as high or doesn’t go as fast,” he said. “It’s a little easier for them to control it.”
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Games were played using smaller nets to make it easy to get shots over. Over time Hunn saw the kids concentrate and their skills develop.
“They are just hitting the ball better,” he said, noting that one of the older girls developed her skills to the point they could rally together.
There were also adult sessions, which attracted just over a dozen to start. Hunn said anytime they get more people introduced to the game and playing better tennis is positive for the club.
“It introduces them to other people at the club,” he said. “They can meet others of a similar level, stick around after and play.”
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