Let's Learn to Play Tennis, Georgia!

Do you remember when you dreamed about being able to play tennis?  The thrill when you first picked up a racket? The sense of accomplishment when you got your first serve in the box?  The fun you had learning different strokes? Remember the moment that you actually understood which side you should  stand on based on the score? The way you felt mentally and physically the longer you played? How about the incredible friendships you built since you joined your very first team? We do!  And we are always looking for ways to add more of our friends (and yours) to the game!  Tennis Apprentice is the way for anyone to start (or restart) their tennis adventure.

Tennis Apprentice is an instructional program for beginners or those who have not picked up a racket in years!  The program includes a pathway for adults who work with a tennis instructor to learn enough basic skills to play a beginner match including basic strokes - forehand, backhand and volley, how to rally, how to play points, how scoring works and tennis etiquette.

You already know that tennis is a great sport to learn now and play for a lifetime.  The physical, mental and social benefits of playing tennis are well documented.  We talked with some real-life Tennis Apprentice graduates that agree!

Pamela Bigelow decided to get back on the court after a long absence because of how tennis used to make her feel.  Tennis Apprentice was an ideal starting point for Pamela.  "I was having health issues and having trouble playing catch with my very active son.  I knew I needed to get moving again.  Though I played tennis many years ago, I have gotten older and gained some weight.  I didn't want to be out of breath when completing simple tasks anymore.  I convinced my sister and my nieces, all with their own health issues, to join me.  The first lesson was rough.  We had to sit down every 10 minutes because we were so out of shape.  Our coach was so patient with us.  Week after week, we all saw improvement in or stamina.  Class was fun and improving together was incredible." Pamela's Tennis Apprentice class went on to form a team to play League.  Pamela was inspired to do a fund-raising stair climb for the American Lung Association.  Her step back on the court inspired her to continue her journey back to health.

Erin Hendrick enrolled in a Tennis Apprentice program at the DeKalb Tennis Center.  After completing the program in late summer 2019, Erin and her fellow graduates banded together and started a 2.5 team for the winter season with guidance from their coach.  Erin even stepped up to captain! The team went 2-4 in their first league season.  Under Erin's leadership, the team tried hard and maintained positive attitudes - enjoying the journey.  "We have come a very long way since our first match when we barely knew how to keep score!", said Erin.  The team was back in action for the recent USTA Atlanta summer season ultimately making it all the way to City Finals!  

Jordan Dean, USTA Atlanta Tennis Apprentice Coordinator commented, "It's so fun and rewarding to watch a group of shy Tennis Apprentice students develop into confident tennis players who are forming friendships and burning calories while smiling (through the sweat) on the courts."

Introduce your friends and family to the sport you love through Tennis Apprentice.  Whatever the WHY, tennis promises a lifetime adventure.