COACH Russel ‘Rusty’ Power said the junior and future junior players at Broken Hill Tennis Club have seen an increase from zero players to 30 in the last 12 months, and Power has plans to see this number double in the next year.
“The goal is, we’re looking to get 60 kids in the next year, to get family participation, to get mums and dads and carers and grandparents on the courts with them,” he said.
Power became junior coordinator and coach when returning to town after moving away, only to find there was no junior club at all due to there being no coordinator.
He said not only did he see the benefit socially of offering junior tennis, but kids were also able to gain important life skills through team sports.
“The most important thing I teach them is that we’re here to have fun but also to try our hardest,” he said.
“These skills apply on the court but they’re also important life skills.”
Power said the kids are sorted into two categories: juniors and future juniors.
“This is based on ability,” he said.
“We watch and assess. Future juniors is more about returning the ball, and juniors we are able to pair them on the court and teach them scoring,” he said.
“It’s a whole different ballgame to teach how to score, where to move, the intricacies of the game. So it’s more than just hitting a ball, we teach them how to play tennis.”
Power said most of the kids who’ve joined are beginners who want to give the sport a try.
“We have a program that they respond well to, and three pillars are to have fun, try their hardest and show respect, which we believe kick starts everything,” he said.
“To level up to the juniors is a privilege, not just a right. They have to do the work so that when they do they feel like they’ve achieved something.”
Junior players meet on Saturday mornings to play, and Power also offers coaching for juniors and seniors at the Outback Tennis Academy.
Power said he’s also now offering Adaptive Tennis Programs, which are one-hour sessions for anyone living with a disability and wanting to play tennis.
