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Racquet-wielders radiate energy

Coaches fervently hope that action in tennis courts prolong beyond summer camps, says J.R. Sridharan

PHOTO: RAJU. V

TINY WONDERS Youngsters learn the basics of lawn tennis at the summer coaching camp PHOTO: RAJU. V

The clay courts at the lawn tennis complex in Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation stadium are abuzz with action, as the much-awaited month-long summer coaching camp has commenced under the supervision of coaches Tirumal and Srinivas. Organised by Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh and Krishna District Lawn Tennis Association (KDLTA), the camp witnesses nearly 40 youngsters of all age groups, wielding their racquets in gay abandon. Thanks to the exploits of tennis sensation Sania Mirza in the world circuit, more parents are evincing interest in training their children in the game. But what irks the game's administrators is the lack of commitment on the part of the players to continue the game even after the camp. "This problem is perennial. After spending good amount of time in spotting and nurturing raw talent, a majority of the children abandon the game once the schools and colleges re-open," mourns Tirumal.

Divided they play

For the convenience of coaching, the players are divided into two groups. "Players below 10 years are imparted the basics in the morning session while those above 10 years, slug it out in the evenings. As the game requires more staying power, we are laying emphasis on fitness regime," says Varaprasad, secretary of KDLTA.

To enable the players to get the feel of their strokes, the coaches initiate them into ball tapping and shadow practicing for 20 minutes. "Later on, we drop the balls towards the players to be slammed across the court. Serves, forehand and backhand strokes are imparted in a phased manner," explains Srinivas.

Coaching blues

Lack of permanent coach either from SAAP or from SAI, is preventing the game from flourishing in Vijayawada. "Six years ago, we had a SAI coach Sunnybabu Dora. After his transfer to Bangalore, the city has not been given a coach. We are managing the show with the help of private coaches," says Varaprasad.

Apart from IGMC stadium, many private clubs like the Vijayawada Club are also organising tennis camps for their members. "Tennis is a costly game. A quality imported graphite racquet costs between Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000. A dozen Slazenger balls cost Rs 650. Despite the cost factor, the enthusiasm of the parents is overwhelming. If only the players could continue for one year, we can get quality players," feels Tirumal.

Driving home the message loud and clear, Mayor Tadi Sakuntala and District Sports Development Officer B. Sudhakar have exhorted players and parents to pursue the game with passion. "We have all the facilities. The need of the hour is to groom committed players," says Sudhakar.

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