Dressed in colourful t-shirts and shorts, the enthusiastic bunch of boys and girls line up on the synthetic tennis court at the NTR Municipal Stadium on Sunday to indulge in wall practice. After a session of warm up, they are a picture of concentration listening to the basics imparted by coach G. Siva Prasad.
The coach teaches them the forehand drive and then the backhand and gradually the youngsters begin to get into the groove. He teaches them the importance of wrist and front knee positions, the balance and swirl of the body leading to unleashing of the strokes.
“The summer camp began on May 1 and it will last for a month. The enthusiasm among children is exciting. Many players like Lipika Reddy and Santhi learnt the rudiments here are now playing in AITA tennis tourneys at under-14 circuit,” says Siva Prasad.
The Guntur Municipal Corporation has been holding summer camps in tennis, shuttle badminton, basketball, athletics and swimming for children. Those willing to register in the camp will have to pay Rs.700. Children would be provided breakfast and snacks in the evening.
The tennis courts are being frequented by 70 members and are open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. “The coaching facilities here are good and on a par with any bigger cities. I want to continue my child’s training even after the summer camp is over,” says Saidaiah, a parent.
